History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 120

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 120

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825

BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP.

86th O. V. I. He served about three years ; coming to Bneyrus at the close of the war, he accepted a clerkship in the store of George Myers, where he remained until about 1868. He then formed a partnership with Joseph Kimmel. They bought out Bowers & Kefer, grocers. and for two years did a prosperous business both in groceries and fruits, which they shipped South. In 1872, Mr. Timanns purchased the interest of Mr. Kimmel, and in- augurated the "cash system," being the first merchant of Bncyrus who adopted it. The measure proved a success. He built up a large trade in the grocery and dry goods business, continuing until 1874, when he sold out to J. J. Fisher & Bro. His next venture was buy- ing and shipping hay, which was attended with snch inconveniences that he abandoned it. In about 1875, he bought a tract of timber land west of Bucyrus, and removed the timber, which his industry converted into Inumber. In two winters he had the timber removed, and sold the land and bought another larger traet. on the Nevada road, realizing a handsome profit from the timber. In February, 1879, Mr. Timanus, in company with Elias Blair, of Bucyrus, purchased 835 acres of heavy timber land, near Inwood, Marshall Co., Ind. During the winter he took two large saw-mills there, and put the heavy machinery in order. He built boarding-houses for his men, and was al- most ready for sawing. While drawing a large stump which obstructed one of the passage- ways, Mr. Timanus was aiding and directing his men, when the main bolt which fastened three large upright pieces together, broke, and these pieces fell, crushing Mr. Timanus to the earth, and when they were removed he was found to be paralyzed from the waist down. This sad event occurred March 24, 1879. IIe showed remarkable courage and fortitude dur- ing this trying ordeal, and while lying on his bed gave directions to his men at work. On the 28th of April. he was brought to Bucyrus, where he died May 8, 1879. He was a man of great activity and energy, and had a host of friends. In 1874, he purchased 27 acres of land in South Bucyrus, and after selling the residence now occupied by D. C. Cahill, laid out seventy-six town lots. which is known as Timanns' Addition to Bucyrus. By his own efforts in after life he acquired a good educa- tion, and although starting in life without

capital, he was successful and aided in the support of his father's family for several years. March 21, 1872, he united in marriage with Miss Lila Plants, daughter of the late Jeremiah Plants, of Bneyrns. One child was born of this marriage, named Claudie, who died in in- fancy. He was a member of the Knights of Honor.

WILLIAM VOLLRATH was born Aug. 2, 1842, in Stadtilm, Germany, and came to America in his 6th year. He attended school until he was 13, and assisted in the planing- mill until he became partner, making a visit to his native land in 1866. He worked in the planing-mill until he purchased the interest of his father and became a partner. He was mar- ried Jan. 18. 1877, to Miss Louisa M. Hine, of Wooster, Ohio ; they have one child, Gertrude. He is a member of Bncyrus Lodge, No. 139, F. & A. M., and of Ivanhoe Chapter, No. 17, of Royal Arch Masons; he is also a member of La Salle Lodge, No. 51, and of the Royal Ar- canum, Council, No. 15. The father, Gottleib L. Vollrath, whose sons are prominently men- tioned in this work, was born in Stadtilm Sept. 29, 1804, and received a good education. He learned the trade of cabinet-making, and, at the age of 23, married Frederike Meissner, of the same town; of this marriage there were twelve children, six of whom are living in Bu- cyrns-Albert, Charles, Helma (wife of Christian Renkert). Theresa Blicke (wife of Frank Blicke), Frederick A. and William. Mr. Vollrath was a very skillful workman and was active in busi- ness until 1875. The mother died Aug. 24, 1875. Mr. Vollrath built a house when he first came to this town, and has lived in it ever since. The family is one of intelligence and enterprise, and they are valnable citizens, of whom Bucyrus should be proud.

CHARLES VOLLRATH, manufacturer, Bn- cyrus ; was born May 16, 1835, in Saxony. Ger- many, and is the son of Gottleib and Fredericke (Meissner) Vollrath. He attended school seven years, and came to this country with his father's family. They came to Rochester, N. Y., where they lived one year, and, in May, 1849, came to Bucyrus, and were at the time in moderate cirenmstances. Our subject began learning the carpenter's trade upon his arrival with his father and brother, and followed the business until 1855. He then received an interest in the plan- ing mills which were established in that year.

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The firm name was, at first, G., A. & C. Voll- rath, consisting of the father and two sons ; but, in 1867, William Vollrath purchased the share of the father, and the firm is now Vollrath Bros .. the brothers being Albert, Charles and William. In 1868, they erected the present brick building of three stories, and are doing an extensive business in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, flooring and siding ; also dealing in lumber, shingles and laths. Their vards occupy over an acre of land, and they employ about twenty hands. March 23, 1858, Mr. Vollrath was married to Elizabeth Hocker, of Bucyrus. She is a native of Baden, and was born in June, 1831. Five children of this mar- riage are living-Edward C., Lydia, Eva E., Marly M. and Elly C. Louis Otto and Alex- ander A. are deceased. The wife and family are members of the English Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of La Salle Lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F .; also a Knight of Honor, and a member of the Royal Arcanum.

ALBERT VOLLRATH, manufacturer, Bu- cyrus ; was born Jan. 31, 1830, in Stadtilm, Germany, and attended school from his 6th to his 14th year. He was apprenticed to his father for three years, learning the trade of cabinet- making. and was a journeyman three years longer, when he came to Bucyrus and worked for Stoll & Knecht for one year, and then com- menced building by contract until 1855, when he became a partner in the planing mill. He was married. May 27, 1856, to Miss Catharine Mader, of Bucyrus. She was born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, March 17, 1835, and came with her parents to this country in 1852. They have four children living-Theresa, Louisa, Melinka and Caroline. William is deceased. Mr. Voll- rath is a Democrat in politics, and was a mem- ber of the Council in 1863. His family are all members of the Lutheran Church. He is one of the oldest members of La Salle Lodge. No. 139, [. O. O. F., and of the Royal Arcanum.

WILLIAM S. WILLIAMS, retired, Bucy- rus ; a son of Mordecai and Sarah (Smart) Will- iams, was born February 26. 1802. in Fairfield Co., Ohio, where he was brought up on a farm until he was twelve years old, when his parents removed to Richland Co. Only three or four families then lived in Monroe Township ; in the fall of 1814 there were but a few roads and trails through the county. There he grew to

manhood, farming, clearing land and improving it. Went to school but little, as there were no schools for a number of years, but studied at home. He was married Sept. 2, 1824, to Martha Cunningham, who was born at Beaver, Penn., Dec. 15, 1802 ; nine children were the result of this union, five of whom are living-Sarah, died in infancy , Jane, now wife of Elbert Racy, of Henry Co .; Nancy died April 5, 1873, was the wife of Norman Tucker, a lawyer of Lima, Ohio ; Margaret, wife of Josiah Galbraith of Henry Co .; James, now of Bucyrus ; Joseph, a farmer of Putnam Co .; William N., fell at the battle of Gettysburg, and is buried in the National Cemetery there ; Thomas J., a farmer of this township ; Isaac was wounded at Mur- freesboro, and thrown into Libby Prison, and by an accident caused by the breaking of a bridge near there he was disabled and died at the National Home at Dayton, where he lies buried. ITis wife died March 12, 1868, and he married a second time, June 29, 1871, to Mrs. Mary J. Hight, of Bucyrus. Mr. Williams farmed in Richland Co., where he owned eighty acres of land, until 1854, handling timber in the meantime extensively. In September of this year, he moved his family to this township, where he bought thirty-seven acres with a saw- mill on it ; he now owns sixty-eight acres ; he ran the saw-mill twelve years, during which time he sawed large lots of lumber. He retired from active life in January, 1879, and came to Bucyrus ; although nearly 79 years old, he is very active and industrious, has always been a hard working man. At the age of 24 years, he nnited with the Presbyterian Church, of which he has ever since been a faithful member ; has been an Elder of the church, and a member of the session, and has always taken an active in- terest in Sabbath schools. He was an Old- Line Whig, and, after the organization of the Republican party. has acted with it.

CHRISTIAN WISMAN, Bucyrus ; was

born in Waynesboro, Franklin Co., Penn., Sept. 15, 1827. He is the son of Fredrick and Eliza- beth (Heinlen) Wisman, both natives of Wur- temberg, Germany, from which country they came when children. They were married in Pennsylvania, and resided there until their re- moval to Crawford Co., in 1828. The father was a wagon-maker, but after he came to this county devoted his time to farming. He was an industrious man and much loved by his

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BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP.

neighbors and acquaintances. His wife died some fifteen years after their coming to the county, and he Feb. 18, 1867. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are yet living. Christian's youth and early manhood were passed in assisting his father upon the farm. His education was obtained in the log schoolhouses of that early day. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Conkle Oct. 17, 1850. She was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Sept. 30, 1830. Three children have been born to them, viz., Adam J., living, and Eliza- beth and Amanda, deceased. Mr. Wisman owns a well-improved farm of 171 acres nicely situated on the west bank of the Sandusky River. He started in life with nothing but a stout heart and willing hands, and by frugality and industry has placed himself in good cir- cumstances. He is a Democrat and a gentle- man, whose integrity has won for him the con- fidence and esteem of his neighbors and friends.

W. S. WELSH, proprietor of Western House, Bucyrus; a son of Mannington and Annie (Comstock) Welsh, was born June 15, 1851, in Wyandot Co., Ohio. He lived on a farm until 1870, receiving a common-school education. In the fall of that year (in September), he en- tered the Freshman Class at Bethany College, where he remained two years, then returned to Wyandot County and engaged in mercantile pursuits for three years, when he removed to Little Sandusky, and was employed there one and a half years. In 1873, he crossed the Alle- ghanies with stock, visiting Eastern cities. The latter part of 1873 and 1874 was spent in Indiana, handling, feeding and shipping stock. In May, 1880, he leased the Western House, at Bucyrus, which has been newly refitted and re- furnished. It is two stories high, has thirty- five large and commodious rooms for guests ; fine sample rooms on first floor ; large, cheerful dining-room, and a table that is first-class in every respect. The famous sulphur pump is just in front of the house, the water of which is well known far and wide. Every attention is given to the care and comfort of guests. August 28, 1874, he was married to Miss Ida Burks, of Nevada, Ohio, by which union he has two children-Frankie and Tressie. He has always been a Democrat. His father was born in Virginia, in 1816, and his mother in New York State, and about the year 1817, they came to Wyandot County, being one of the

very first white families who settled in that county, and were familiar with all the shades of Indian life. They settled on the banks of Sandusky Creek, at the point where Little Wyandot now stands, being the first white set- tlers in that vicinity. Our subject's father was a farmer and stock-raiser. He had a family of four sons and one daughter-William, a farmer of Wyandot Co .; W. S., our subject ; Charles, a farmer ; Frederick and Alice.

CHRISTOPHER WALTHER, contractor and builder, Bucyrus, oldest son of Christo- pher and Elizabeth (Doll) Walther, was born June 16, 1833, in Baden, county of Durlach, Germany, where he went to school until 12 years old, when his parents came to the United States, landing at New York July 1, 1845. They came at once to Sandusky City, where an uncle of our subject lived, and here they re- mained until September, when they came to Crawford County, settling on the Broken Sword, in Liberty Township, where the father bought 50 acres of land and engaged in farming with good success. Until 18, young Christopher aided his father on the farm, when he was ap- prenticed to learn the carpenter's trade with Michael Lutz. He worked over three years, only receiving $160. Dec. 4, 1859, he married Margaret Schuler, of Bucyrus, Ohio. Of their union five children are living-Annette C., Frank A., Frederick E., Lena C. and Lizzie E. Two children died in infancy. Mrs. Walther is a daughter of Frederick and Eve (Stoll) Schuler. Her father was a native of Baden, Germany, who came to New York, 1832, where he married Miss Eve Stoll, August, 1837. In September, 1838, he came to Bucyrus, where he, for many years, followed the trade of shoe- maker. Her parents are still living in Bucyrus, and are among the few who still live to recall the struggles of pioneer times. After complet- ing his trade, our subject went to Fayette Co., Iowa, in 1856, where he worked as journeyman and contractor until 1859, when he made a trip to Bucyrus, returning with his wife in the same year. They lived in Iowa until 1861, when he returned to Bucyrus and located permanently. In the same year, he began taking contracts and has since employed from six to eight men. He has gained an enviable reputation as a first-class workman, having put up some of the largest public buildings and private residences in the city, among which may be mentioned the Union

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School building, which he erected in 1867-68. Mr. Walther began life without capital, and has, by hard work and close attention to busi- ness, raised himself and family into comforta- ble circumstances. He and family are mem- bers of the German Lutheran Church, in which he has served as Trustee and other offices. He is a Democrat. His parents were both natives of Baden, where they were married, about 1830, and settled in Liberty Township of this county in 1845. They raised five children-whose names were Christopher. Magdalena, Philip J., Caroline and Henry. The father died Aug. 14. 1879, and the mother died Sept. 9, 1873.

LUDWIG WEBER, grocer and express agent, Bucyrus ; is the son of Jonathan and Annie (Fritt) Weber, and was born Aug. 18, 1821, in Cumberland Co., Penn. He was raised on a farm until his 16th year, when he went to Lexington, Ohio, to learn tailoring, and was there four years. He next went to Ontario, Richland Co., and there lived until 1850, hav- ing worked at his trade until two years previous to this date, and also carried on the Ontario Honse. He went to California by the overland route, the trip occupying ninety-two days. He met with varying success, and returned in 1852. The following year, he removed his family to Crestline. and there he embarked in the grocery business, continuing for eight years with good success. He then removed to a farm near there, and. for eight years following, he tilled the soil. In 1872, he sold his farm and came to Bucyrus, where he opened a grocery and became agent for the Adams Express Co. His business is flourishing, and he is one of the first grocers in the town in point of business. During Pierce's administration, Mr. Weber was Postmaster of Ontario. He was also for three terms Trustee of Jackson Township. He was married May 30, 1844, to Jerusha J. Martin. of Martin's Mills, Ohio; of this union, eight children are living, two having died when young. Those liv- ing are Aveline A., wife of A. M. Pinney. of Chicago ; Ellen V., wife of Engineer Fitzsim- mons, of Allegheny, Penn .; Flora G., wife of C. D. Sheffler, conductor, Chicago ; Cora, wife of F. D. Mann, of Kansas City, Mo., formerly of Pittsburgh ; Harry L., County Surveyor ; Madge B., Mettie and Jennie at home.

HARRY L. WEBER, County Surveyor, Bu- cyrus ; is the son of Ludwig and Jennie (Mar- tin) Weber, and was born July 16, 1856, in

Crestline, Ohio. Until his 8th year he lived on a farm. He attended school in Bucyrus in 1871 ; he came to Bucyrus and attended school here. After leaving school he went into the employ of Adams Express Co., as assistant agent. April 8, 1879, he was appointed Sur- veyor to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Frank L. Plants. In October follow- ing, he was elected to fill the office and ran ahead of his ticket handsomely. He entered upon the discharge of his duties Jan. 5, 1880, being but 23 years of age. On April 8, 1880, he was married to Flora Hoover, of Bucyrus. Mr. Weber is a young man of considerable talent, and is, indeed, a rising young man, of whom much will yet be expected should life be spared him.

ANSON WICKHAM. attorney at law. Bucy- rus ; is the son of Williard and Phoebe (Penning- ton) Wickham, and was born in Lykens Town- ship June 19, 1850. He spent the first 16 years of his existence on a farm and in attend- ance upon district school, when he entered the union schools of Bucyrus. He taught seven terms during the time he was receiving his ed- ucation. He entered Otterbein University, at Westerville, in the spring of 1867, and gradu- ated in May, 1873. In August of that year he came to Bucyrus and commenced the study of law, with Scott & Harris. and was admitted to the bar Sept. 17. 1875. Since that time he has become noted as a rising young lawyer, be- ing especially successful in criminal cases. He was appointed School Examiner in 1874. and held the office two years.

WILLIAM WISE, furniture dealer and un- dertaker. Bucyrus ; is the son of George and Charlotte (Moore) Wise, and was born in Fair- field Co., Penn., Sept. 1, 1824. The first eight- een years of his life were spent on a farm, va- ried with a short season of schooling in the win- ters. His parents removed here when he was aged 10 years. When 18 years of age, he commenced to learn the cabinet-maker's trade with C. How- enstine, his apprenticeship lasting three years. He afterward spent one year working at his trade, in Valparaiso, Ind. Returning from thence he formed a partnership with Howen- stine, which lasted some twelve years. At this time the subject of our sketch commenced in business for himself at his present place on Main street, and has been there since 1866. He has now a large stock of furniture, and

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BUCYRUS TOWNSHIP.

makes a specialty of undertaking, in which department he has had twenty-five years' expe- rience. He was married, July 4, 1850, to Eliza J. Deardorf, of Bucyrus. Of this marriage nine children are living-Mattie, wife of Rev. George Heindle, of Belleville, Ohio; Rebecca, at home ; Elizabeth, John Pressley, William R., Millie R., George L., Frederick A. and Joseph D. Mr. Wise was a Free-Soiler and is now a stanch Republican in politics. He is a mem- ber of St. Paul's English Lutheran Church, and for thirty years has led the choir of that Church, serving also as one of its Deacons. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a blacksmith by trade, but in later years followed farming. He came here in 1833, and for one year was a resident on Bro- ken Sword. He then removed south of town some three miles, and lived there till 1853, dy- ing ten years later, his wife having died in 1858. They reared eight children to man- hood, and were conscientious Christians and members of the Lutheran Church.

R. K. WARNER, farmer ; P. O. Bucyrus ; was born April 8, 1825, in Lycoming Co., Penn., and is the son of Benjamin and Mary (Walton) Warner. He was about 2 years old when his parents removed to Whetstone Township, this county, being among the first settlers. Here he was raised among the Wyandot Indians, and played with the " .Johnny Cake " boys many a day, and learned their language. When he was 8 years old, his father removed to this town- ship, and settled on the pike. It was in 1836 that the subject of our sketch attended his first school, taught in Dallas Township. by Miss Susan Bovee. He attended school until he was abont 20 years of age, in a log schoolhouse near the residence of Thomas J. Monnett. In 1847. he rented a farm for two years, and afterward purchased 120 acres, where he now lives. He now owns 440 acres of fine farming land. He has dealt extensively in sheep, cattle and hogs, and has been very successful. He was raised a Quaker, but is not a member of any church. In politics, he was formerly a Whig, and later, a Republican. He was married in December, 1846, to Miss Martha Monnett, daughter of Jeremiah Monnett, who was born in Pickaway Co. Jan. 22, 1827. He has raised four chil- dren-Ellen, born Aug. 30, 1849, now the wife of Thomas Mckinstry ; Mary, born Jan. 1, 1856, married Albert Yaker, and died in January,

1874 ; Harriet, born Dec. 27, 1861; Louisa, born June 25, 1871. In 1875. Mr. Warner erected a fine frame dwelling of sixteen rooms, which is an evidence of his good taste, and an ornament to the vicinity. His father, Benja- min, was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., about 1801, and was married in 1822, coming to Ohio in 1827, driving here in a four-horse wagon. Four miles from Galion their wagon sunk in the mud, and they walked four miles to a rela- tive, leaving the wagon behind. He lived in the county all the rest of his life, and died May 8, 1872, in Kankakee, Ill., where he had gone on a visit. His wife survived him until March 7, 1877, when she. too, closed her earthly labors, and went to her rest. Harriet Welsh, of Mis- souri, and Louisa Everett, of Bucyrus, are still living. Five died young. He was a Quaker in belief, the family for several generations back holding to that faith.

GEORGE HENRY WRIGHT, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Bucyrus ; son of George and La Vendee (Woodard) Wright, was born Aug. 16, 1828, in Jackson, Washington Co., N. Y., and spent his boyhood on a farm. He at- tended common school, and at the age of 16 years entered Argyle Academy, under the in- struction of his brother, Prof. D. W. Wright. He began teaching at the age of 20, and taught nine terms, six of which he taught while yet living in New York. In 1853, he came to this county, teaching during the winter, and dealing in stock during the summer ; finally abandoned teaching and devoted his time wholly to the stock business, packing beef with his brother, T. H. Wright, of Huron, Erie Co. In 1856, be bought 480 acres of land in Wood Co., Ohio, which he improved. Dec. 29, 1857, he was married to Miss Martha E. Monnett, a daugh- ter of Abraham Monnett, and in March, 1858, he removed to his land in Wood Co. Nine children were born of this marriage, eight of whom are living-Earl P., Helen A., Gertrude M., Oda M., Libbie B., Charles H., Carrie and Clark W. ; Mattie died in infancy. His wife made a visit to her father in October, 1859, and, returning home, reached Findlay, when a snow two feet deep fell on October mud, which was then extraordinarily deep. She was twen- ty-two miles from her destination, and almost gave up going ; after trying other means, she hired a horse and set out alone on horseback, determined to reach home, if possible. Shortly

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after starting, she overtook a man, who ex- claimed, " My God ! lady, I shall expect to find your head sticking out of the mud." She reached home at 11 o'clock at night, crossing the " Black Swamp " (fourteen miles wide), in safety ; there were very few people living on the route. Mr. Wright built substantial houses on his farm and improved it well, remaining on it until the spring of 1861, when he removed to his present farm of 225 acres, on the pike, four miles south of Bucyrus, where he is en- gaged in farming and stock-raising ; he makes a specialty of sheep and cattle. He has erected large and handsome buildings, and has one of the most attractive places on the road. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyte- rian Church. He was formerly connected with the M. E. Church, and was Superintendent of Sunday school at Monnett Chapel ; he was raised in the Associate Presbyterian Church. His wife was born in Scott Township, Marion Co., Ohio. He is a Republican in politics, and has acted with that party since its organization, but was previously a Democrat. He held vari- ous offices in his native State; is of Scotch descent ; his early ancestors lived in Connecti- cut. His father was born in Cambridge, N. Y., about the year 1790, and was a soldier of 1812, and served on Lake Champlain. He raised twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, named respectively-Daniel W., Franklin H., Earl P., Olive M., Delana P., Mary Y., La Ven- dee, Sophronia J., George H. (subject), Eliza- beth V., Sarah S., Edwin W .- all of whom are living at this date, except the oldest and the youngest. The oldest, D. W., was Principal of Argyle Academy for many years, and died Oct. 29, 1847.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 120

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