History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 113

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 113

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

LOUIS K. MYERS, Assistant Postmaster, Bucyrus ; is a son of George W. and Mary (Hart) Myers, and was born in Galion Feb. 9, 1852. His father's family removed to Bucyrus in 1856, where our subject went to school until his 17th year. Afterward, he was clerk for his father until 1869 ; he was then appointed Dep uty Postmaster under J. P. Rader, and, the office changing hands. he remained one year under John Hopley, afterward becoming a clerk and book-keeper in the produce business until 1873; he then became an engineer on the At- lantic & Lake Erie R. R. ; he was on the en- gineering corps until 1874, when he became chief clerk for C. W. Timanus, remaining one year ; he was next book-keeper for A. M. Jones, in the Buckeye Shops. In the fall of 1876, he was bill and shipping clerk for Tracy & Avery, of Mansfield. In the fall of 1877, himself and brother entered into the grocery business. In

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1878, he entered the post office again, under Mr. Hopley, and has since then remained the deputy clerk. He was Captain of the Bucyrus Light Guards until his departure for Mansfield, and has been a steadfast Republican and good worker in the cause ; he is also a member of the M. E. Church. In discharging his duties as clerk in the post office, he has given satisfae- tory evidence of his ability in that department of the public service.

WILLIAM MAGEE, farmer ; P. O. Bucy- rns ; son of James and Ann (Moderwell) Ma- gee, was born Sept. 9, 1828, in Sandusky Town- ship, this county, where the family were among the earliest settlers. His youth was spent there on a farm, attending, in the meantime, the dis- trict school, until 21 years of age, and worked at home for the family until he was 24 years old. On Oct. 10, 1850, he married Miss Mar- garet J. Cleland, of Vernon Township; two children are the fruits of this marriage-Ra- chel A., now the wife of Charles McCuen, a blacksmith at Wyandot, Ohio, and William W., at home. He has also raised a nephew and a niece-Fenton G. Magee and Rachel E. A. Cle- land. After marriage, he farmed the homestead for one year, then went to North Robinson, where he built a saw-mill with Baxter Mayers, in which business he remained for about two years, and afterward farmed for two or three years on rented land. He moved on to his present place in 1857, it being owned at the time by his unele, John Moderwell. In 1859, he bought 80 acres of the farm, and added 18 acres to it in 1862. It has good buildings, a fine orchard of his own planting, and is located one mile from Bucyrus. He began life with but little except good health and energy, and has acquired all he has by his own labor and industry. In early times, he bore his share of the hardships incident to life in a new country, being obliged to plow when he was so small that he could not pull the plow loose when it caught under a root, but had to hitch his team to his end of it for that purpose ; and has also plowed barefoot, when his plow would freeze fast in the ground at night. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church ; his wife also was raised in that faith. He is a Republican in polities. The father of Mr. Magee was born in Washington Co., Penn., about 1788, and was a teamster in early life, but afterward learned cabinet-making. He was married about 1811 ;

was in the war of 1812, and marched to Fort Meigs, when the war ended. In the spring of 1824, they drove through to Ohio in a wagon, cutting their way from Mansfield, and arrived at their destination, after a long journey from Washington Co., Penn. Hecame out on horse- back in the fall of 1822, and entered 160 acres of land for himself, and 160 also, for John Mayers, his brother-in-law, in Sandusky Town- ship. Knisely and Ridgely were the only set- tlers in that vicinity, which was densely wooded, and the Indians lived within forty rods of his house. They moved into a cabin which had nothing to recommend it but the roof and logs. They drove a cow and two calves through with them, which died shortly after their arri- val ; he lost many cattle after his settlement here from murrain and in the swamps. He raised a small crop of potatoes the first year in his new home; food was very scarce ; they had to pound corn, and sift it through a rag. He was a hard-working man, but met with many misfortunes, which kept him in debt until just before his death. He had considerable mechanical genius, and with tools could do many different kinds of handiwork, as well as building houses. He died April 14, 1850, and his faithful wife Oct. 15, 1851. They had nine children-Eliza, wife of Samuel Parsons, of Galion ; Mary A., died in her 18th year ; Rob- ert, died at the age of 55 ; Belle, is the wife of Peter Wert, of Johnson Co., Mo. ; John, died at the age of 55; William, the subject of this sketch ; Margaret E. and Sarah J., both died young, one 15, the other 18 years of age, and Ethelinda died in her 18th year ; all died rather suddenly. Mr. Magee, Sr., was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a Whig in poli- tics.

W. F. MORRISON, merchant, Bucyrus ; was born Oct. 23, 1849, in this county, and is the son of John and Mary (Brokaw) Morrison. He received a common-school education, living on a farm until his 19th year. He then became a fireman on the A. & G. W. R. R .. running from Galion to Dayton. He was also a brake- man, for some time after, on the B. & I. Div. He then retired to the farm. He remained on the farm with his brother for one year, and then rented a farm for three years, with good success. In 1875. he began in the mercantile business, running a general store at North Robinson, in company with J. P. Robinson, for

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about thirteen months. Robinson retiring, our subject continued one year, at the end of which time his brother, R. Morrison, became an equal partner, and together they continned in busi- ness until the fall of 1879. Sept. 1, he formed a partnership with Geo. W. Fisher under the firm name of Morrison & Fisher. They are now doing an extensive business in merchant tailoring and gents' furnishing goods, occupy- ing Room 4, Quinby Block. They have con- stantly in their employ over twenty experienced workmen. Mr. Morrison was married, March 21, 1872, to Miss Lizzie Chambers, of Crest- line, Ohio. They have three children-Oney O., Bertha E. and Mabel E.

JAMES H. MALCOLM, Bucyrus ; was born Oct. 18, 1827, in Marlborough, Ulster Co., N. Y., and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Hayne) Malcolm. He lived on a farm and attended district school. His father dying and leaving him to fight the battle of life alone, he worked in a mill morning and evening to pay his board, while he attended school during the day. In the summer he worked on a farm. At the age of 16, he commenced buying cattle for his brother, and was thus employed for about three years, his brother being one of the first to slaughter and send quartered beef down the Hudson to the New York markets. He next went to Washington and engaged in selling beef by the quarter, and followed this five years. During this time he formed the ac- quaintance of some of the leading stock-dealers of the Sandusky Plains, among whom were the Monnetts. In 1851, he went to California, taking the water route, the voyage occupying thirty-six days. He purchased a tract of land in the Santa Clara Valley, and kept a ranche for one year, and then sold it at a fair profit. He then located on the river twenty miles be- low Sacramento City, on the great Vine ranche, and here turned his attention to the raising of vegetables. The river overflowing, however, ruined a large portion of his crops. He re- turned to New York in the winter of 1854, and resumed the handling of cattle. In June, 1856, he came to Bucyrus and engaged in buying and feeding cattle, in partnership with George Roberts. They rode five miles each day and fed 400 cattle. This business union lasted three years and was productive of fair success. He then continued in the stock business alone, and rented the Abraham Monnett " Mud Run'

farm for one year, when he bought the home- stead portion, consisting of 360 acres, living here nine years and adding 300 acres in 1868. He lived here until May, 1878, when he came to Bucyrus to educate his children. The Mal- colm race, of which the subject of our sketch is a descendant, are of Scotch origin and of hon- ored ancestry. His grandfather, James Mal- colm, was an aide to Gen. Scott and fell in the battle of Lundy's Lane, on which bloody field he was buried, and where now rest his remains. The father of Mr. Malcolm was an only son, and was born in New York State and followed farming. He was in the war of 1812, and raised four sons and seven daughters, eight of whom are living-Abigail J., Elizabeth, Eve- line, Mary, Julia, Eleonora, James and Angus- tus. Mr. Malcolm was married, Nov. 4, 1862, to Miss Alcy Monnett, daughter of A. Mon- nett. This union has been blessed with three children-Katie E., Gilbert F. and Ella M. Mr. Malcolm has always been a Republican in politics. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is now Steward and Trustee.

C. M. MATTHEW, cabinet-maker, Bucy- rus ; son of Frederick and Mary (Kuntz) Mat- thews ; was born April 25, 1825, in Prussia. He attended school until his 14th year. At 16 he commenced learning cabinet-making, serving an apprenticeship of three years under Philip Heifner, in the village of Thalsang, and was compelled to work early and late. He after- ward worked as journeyman in several places in Prussia. In the early part of 1851, he sailed from Antwerp, and, after a tempestnous voyage of fifty-five days, landed at New York, in May, 1851. He went to Milwaukee, Wis., at a time when stumps were in the midst of the town. He worked on a farm for one year, and then went to Detroit, Mich., where he worked at his trade for several years. In the same year, he went to the copper-mines of Northern Michigan, and worked there in company with a party of sixty carpenters, nearly all of whom died of the cholera. He remained there a year, and then went to Sandusky City, working at his trade there for about two years. He next worked at Republic, Seneca Co. Here he lived three years and then removed to Leipsic, Putnam Co., resid- ing there two years. In October, 1860, he came to Bucyrus, where he worked in the sash fac- tory. The next year he helped build the Bu-

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cyrus Machine Works, and was employed in the wood-work department as pattern-maker and foreman, which position he held ten years. In 1872, he opened a cabinet-shop and furniture store in partnership with Conrad Strieb, which union lasted until February, 1880, when -the firm name was changed to C. M. Matthew & Co. His establishment is on Sandusky avenue, where he has a large stock of furniture, and is at all times prepared to do undertaking on short notice. He received a majority of the premiums at the last Crawford County Fair for displays of furniture. He is substantially a self-made man, and by his careful management has placed himself in easy circumstances. His father died when he was but 2 years old. He has one brother, John P., Superintendent of Schools at Ludwiller. He was married Aug. 22, 1853, to Miss Margaret Shaak, of Republic. Her parents were born in Bavaria. and came to Seneca Co. in 1849. Her father is still living, aged 78. There were nine children, of whom Louisa, Elizabeth. Mary. Jacob, Adam and John are living. Margaret and Catharine are dead, and one died in the old country. Of Mr. Matthew's marriage there are seven children- Charles F., Louisa, Mary A., Henry J., John F., William E. and George.

L. MANTEL, boot and shoe dealer, Bucyrus ; was born in Bavaria March 9. 1839. He re- ceived a limited education, having completed it at the age of 12. He then learned weaving in the town of Mellerichstadt, serving two years, and passing a thorough examination when his trade was completed. He then, although very young, traveled through the principal cities of Europe, working at his trade for short periods in each place, altogether thus occupying three years. He then went to England, visiting Liverpool and London, traveling on foot. He finally settled at Manchester, where he worked in a rubber goods manufactory for two years. He then sailed from Liverpool to New York. the voyage occupying thirteen weeks. He landed at New York in March, 1861, and, the war breaking out soon after, he sold cigars up and down the Hudson to soldiers and others, and stopped at Albany two months. From that time until 1863, he was a sutler in the Union army ; was taken sick in that year and went to Cincinnati ; after recovering somewhat, he trav- eled throughout the Eastern cities ; arrived in the fall of 1863 at Cleveland, his health still be-

ing somewhat impaired. On March 24, 1864, he married Miss Henrietta Rothschild, of Alle- gheny City, and came at once to Bucyrus, where he engaged in buying and shipping produce for one year. Values being at a downward tend- ency, he lost all that he had earned by hard work and economy. In 1865, he bought a horse and wagon and a stock of notions and dry goods, and followed peddling for about ten years ; in the meantime changing his home to Cleveland, coming again, however, to Bueyrus. In 1874, he went to Allegheny City, where he dealt in stock, and afterward run a feed store for about nine months. He then returned to Bucyrus and started a shoe-store, in which business he has been engaged ever since. He is now located opposite the First National Bank, having a large stock of boots and shoes and an extensive, well-appointed establishment. He does considerable business in hides, leather and shoe findings. Mr. Mantel has three children living-Betty, Emanuel and Nathan.

S. B. MILLS, blacksmith ; is the son of Sam- ucl and Mary (Tussing) Mills, and was born in Rockingham Co., Va., March 21, 1847. At the age of 18, he commenced learning the trade of blacksmith at New Market, Shenandoah Co., and served two and a half years' apprentice- ship, afterward working two and a half years as a journeyman. In 1870, he came to Bucy- rus and entered his present shop as a workman ; but, in 1876, he purchased the establishment, and is doing a general business in blacksmith- ing, wagon-making and horse-shoeing, employ- ing four hands. He has an enviable reputation for turning out first-class work, it being invar- iably satisfactory. He was married, Oct. 1, 1872, to Miss Mary Barth, of this county. They have two children-Homer O., born in July, 1873, and an infant daughter, born in February, 1880. He is a member of the En- glish Lutheran Church, and also belongs to the Knights of Honor and the Royal Arcanum. He is a Republican in politics.

JAMES MCCRACKEN, deceased ; was born July 16, 1800, (probably) in Westmoreland Co., Penn. At the age of seven years, he came with his parents to Ohio, and settled in Wayne Co. Here he received a common-school edu- cation, and, while yet a young man, began lay- ing the foundation for a competency. Accord- ingly, he came to this county in 1825, and learned the trade of a wheelwright, with his

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cousin, Hugh McCracken, having, however, prior to this, been a tiller of the soil. Until the year 1834, he worked here and made spin- ning-wheels for a livelihood. During this year, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and held this office, discharging its duties faithfully, for several years. He was also in early days, Postmaster of the village of Bucyrus. In 1848, he removed to a farm south of town, and occu- pied it three years, when he removed to a farm west of town, which he partly cleared and greatly improved, and here lived until his death, which occurred Dec. 24, 1875, in the 76th year of his age. He died a highly esteemed citizen, an upright, conscientious Christian, and a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. He was mar- ried to Ruth Marquis, of Bucyrus Township, Dec. 4, 1832. She still survives him, and is living in Bucyrus, occupying a handsome resi dence on East Rensselaer street. She was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, May 26, 1813. Her father removed to this county in 1829, and set- tled three and one-half miles south of town, at a time when the country was sparsely settled, and the Indians were constantly seen. Her father was a native of Manchester, Va., and lived for awhile after his first marriage in Washing- ton Co. of the same State. About the year 1800, he was re-married, and moved to Bel- mont Co., where Mrs. McCracken was born. He died in this county, in November, 1834. His wife survived him till 1855, when she also died, aged 81. There were ten children of this marriage, six of whom only survive-David, William, Susan, Mrs. McCracken, Cynthia and George. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Cracken there were eight children, all of whom are living. Portia, formerly a teacher in the Bucyrus Union Schools, now living at home ; William V., of Columbus ; James K., agent at Ft. Wayne for the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. ; Alex- ander M., clerk in railroad office ; Augusta M., at home, and a successful teacher in public schools ; Harvey M., ticket agent at Ft. Wayne ; Charles W., at Cincinnati ; Harriet E., at home, formerly a teacher in the city schools.

JAMES S. McCARRELL, dentist, Bucyrus ; was born Feb. 16, 1836, and is a son of James and Nancy (Shearer) McCarrell. He first saw the light in Armstrong Co., Penn., and was raised on a farm, attending the common schools until 14 years of age, when he entered an academy at Hookstown, Penn., studying there for about

three years, after which he taught school for six years. At 24 years, he entered a dental office at New Brighton, Penn., where he was a student three years. He remained in Brighton some two years longer, when he came to Bucy- rus, Ohio, June 26, 1866, locating in Picking's Block, where he has since practiced mechanical and operative dentistry with fair success. He married Mary Matthews, of Sandusky City, Ohio, Jan. 16, 1867. Two children have been born of this union, viz., Mand and Susan. He is at present a member of the Town Council.

GEORGE McDONALD, Bucyrus ; was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., Oct. 20, 1828, and is the son of Reuben McDonald. When he was but 4 years old, his father removed to Liberty Town- ship. Here he lived on a farm until he. was 18 years of age, receiving, in the meanwhile, a common-school education. He then commenced learning the trade of wagon and carriage mak- ing, with Moses Mitchell, of Greenwich Center, Huron Co., Ohio. He worked with him but twelve months, finishing his apprenticeship with Mr. Shonehiter, of Attica, Seneca Co., Ohio. In 1849, he returned to his home in Liberty Township, and, building a shop, commenced working at his trade, and followed it there for five years. He then removed to Wingert's Cor- ners, where he remained three years. He then sold his shop, and, buying a stock of merchan- dise, kept a store for four years. During Bu- chanan's administration, he was Postmaster at Broken Sword. He continued in his store until 1864, when he sold out, and engaged at his trade at Benton, in this county. Five years later, he sold this shop and removed to Lykens Township, where he bought a farm, and was for four years a farmer. In September, 1873, he sold the farm, and purchased two lots on the Plymouth Road, and built thereon the hand- some Gothic residence now occupied by James Gloyd, and which he occupied for three years, and then built his present residence and shop. Since his residence in Bucyrus, he has been en- gaged at painting, glazing and finishing, also paying considerable attention to house building. He started in life with nothing, but, by in- dustry and good management, has succeeded in placing himself in easy, comfortable circum- stances. He was married Sept. 15, 1850, to Miss Lydia Seitz, of Holmes Township. They have two children living-Silas F. and Cyrus F.

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THOMAS McCREARY, farmer ; P. O. Bu- cyrus ; the oldest son of Thomas and Polly McCreary, who were of Scotch-Irish descent. The subject of this sketch was born in York Co., Penn., July 15, 1826, and in 1837 his par- ents removed to Crawford County with their family, and settled on land in Bucyrus Town- ship now owned by David Marshall. McCreary worked for Judge Andrew Taylor for some ten years, until he became of age, and then worked for D. C. Boyer for some two years. He was married to Miss Eliza, daughter of John Boyer, of Whetstone Township, Dec. 28, 1849. They were the parents of the following five children : J. F. McCreary, now a resident of Nebraska, and married to Maria McMichael; Elizabeth McCreary, now Mrs. James Gamble, of Bucy- rus Township ; Joseph Reuben, Anna K. and Elida B. His first wife died in 1867, and Sept. 3, 1868, he married Miss Catherine Cobb, and the result of this marriage is the following children : Sadie M., Charles H. and Edith N. McCreary. About Jan. 1, 1850, McCreary pur- chased of his father-in-law, John Boyer, the 160 acres in Whetstone Township now owned by Samuel H. Heinlen. He resided on this farm for about five years, until he bought, in 1856, the land now owned by William Holmes, when he removed to this farm, which he occu- pied until 1872, when he sold it to the present proprietor. McCreary then occupied his first farm for some twelve months and then pur- chased his present farm in Bucyrus Township, containing 240 acres, of the Shaeffer heirs. This land is now occupied by McCreary's son-in-law, James Gamble. When he sold one of his farms to William Holmes, he received as part pay 220 acres in Vernon Township, which he held for three years and then sold to Peter Weaver. McCreary lived on his farm in Bucyrus Town- ship from 1873 to 1876, and then removed to Bucyrus, and, after occupying for some months the houses now owned by Martin Streib and Benjamin R. Boyer, removed in the spring of 1878, to his present residence, on the land now owned by Martin P. Wright. Mr. McCreary united with the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Bucyrus about the year 1851, and has served as Trustee and Deacon in the congregation sev- eral different terms. In 1860, his brother, who was agent for the South Bend plows at the city in which they are manufactured, shipped six to Mr. McCreary, which were the first South

Bend plows introduced into Crawford County. In 1867, Mr. McCreary purchased the first Cli- max Reaper and Mower of Corry. Pennsylvania, introduced into the county. He sold several of these machines and also the South Bend plows, but aside from this his occupation has always been a farmer.

WILLIAM MCCUTCHEN, book-keeper, Bu- cyrus ; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Oct. 6, 1841. He is a son of James and Louisa (Pike) Mccutchen, of Pennsylvania. At 11 years of age he began learning the tailor's trade in Green Castle, Penn., and after serving three years mastered his trade. For four years he worked at his trade in different places in Penn- sylvania, and in April, 1861, came to Tiffin, Ohio. He remained at this point a short time, and then removed to Bloomville, Ohio, where he opened a tailor-shop, for custom work. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Co. G, 49th O. V. I., and was discharged at Louisville, Ky., Nov. 20, 1865. Mr. Mccutchen was in the cam- paign of the Army of the Cumberland, and was an active participant in all the engagements of that memorable campaign. On the same day he was discharged, he married Miss Elizabeth C. Williams, of Louisville, Ky. She was born in Indiana. To this union were born two children-George and Mary L., both of whom died in childhood. After his marriage, Mr. Mccutchen came back to Bloomville, where he recommenced the tailoring business. Since that time he has been in different localities in Ohio, working at his trade and selling sewing ma- chines. In 1871, he came to Bucyrus, where he engaged in selling sewing machines until Feb. 1, 1878, when his services were engaged by the Franz & Pope Knitting Machine Co., as book-keeper and Treasurer, and with whom he has continued ever since. Mr. Mccutchen is a member of F. & A. M., Lodge, No. 443, of which he is Secretary. He is a Republican in politics, and an intelligent, wide-awake gentle- man.

W. H. McCORMICK, dealer in stoves and tinware, Bucyrus ; is the son of Thomas and Margaret (Martin) McCormick, and was born in Franklin Co. Penn., May 10, 1840. His par- ents removed to Mansfield, Ohio, on May 10. 1843 ; here he went to school until he was 14. He worked at gas-fitting in Mansfield and Woos- ter for one and a half years. He then learned the tin trade with Mr. Blendmyer, serving four

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years, at the end of that time becoming fore- man of the shop ; he, however, soon retired on account of his health, and some time after he came to Bucyrus, and worked two years in the tin-shop of D. Picking. In the fall of 1861, he opened a tin and stove store at Annapolis, this county, but remained there only a year. He removed to Waterloo, Ind., in the fall of 1863, and opened a hardware and tin store, doing a large business for three years ; he then returned to Bucyrus, and became agent for the sale of agricultural implements. In 1867, he entered the employ of M. Emrich, operating a branch store at Upper Sandusky. After remaining there some three years; he returned to Mansfield and entered the employ of Blendmyer, and be- came foreman for the year. He next became foreman of Cuykendall & Freeman's tin and hardware store at Plymouth, Ohio, for two years. In March, 1876, he returned to Bucy- rus, and has since been engaged in the stove and tinware business, and also in the sale of agricultural implements. He entered his pres- ent storeroom in the Gormley building, in November, 1879, and here he has a full stock of stoves, tin and glass ware, and is prepared to do all kinds of roofing and spouting. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of Waterloo Lodge, 303, Waterloo Ind. He is a Democrat in politics ; he was Government Inspector in the Fifth District dur- ing Johnson's administration. He was married May 15, 1862, to Miss Rosanna Boyer, of Bu- cyrus ; they have two children-Alvertie and Anna K.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 113

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