History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 124

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 124

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J. P. REISINGER, Notary Public, Galion; was born in Galion, in 1849; is a son of the late Dr. Reisinger. He had the advantage of a high-school education, and, at the age of 16 he began the tinner's trade, serving an appren- ticeship of three years, and working at his trade for two years, and, during this time, studying book-keeping in the evening. In 1869, he went to Tiffin, and engaged as book- keeper for William Sullivan, a hardware mer- chant; also, was clerk at the Shawhan House, remaining in Tiffin until 1871, when he re- turned to Galion, and was clerk at the Central Hotel for a short time. He then engaged with H. D. Lee, in the knitting-machine busi- ness, as business agent, having his headquar- ters at York, Penn. Mr. Reisinger traveled over several States in the interest of Mr. Lee. In 1871, he came to Ashland, Ohio, and mar- ried Miss Cynthia McIlvaine, she returning with him to Pennsylvania, and traveled with him, assisting him by operating the machines at fairs, etc. Mr. Reisinger remained with Mr. Lee until 1874, when he removed to Ash- land, Ohio, and ran the St. Nicholas restaur- ant for two seasons. He then purchased, with H. Tucker, the Ohio Publishing Company,

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which proved a bad investment. He then re- turned to Galion, in 1876, and is now engaged in the real estate business, and is a Notary Public. Politically, Mr. Reisinger is a Demo- crat, and takes an active interest in the work- ings of the party, and is now the Secretary of the Central and Executive Committees of that party in the county. Mr. Reisinger is also Secretary of the Pioneer Association, and was the first Land Appraiser elected by the city.

WILLIAM E. RIBLET, County Treasurer; was born in Sandusky Township, Richland Co., in 1835. He attended the common schools of those times. In 1851, he came to Galion, and worked at the tinner's trade for eight years. He then went to Mansfield, and clerked in the post office until he secured a situation as route agent from Crestline to In- dianapolis, on the " Bee Line:" served in this capacity during 1859 and 1860. In 1861, he went into the shoe business in Galion, and from that to the hardware business in 1862, remaining in that line until 1874, when he sold out and went into real estate. In 1866, he laid a farm out in town lots; it is now called " William Riblet's Addition to Galion." Mr. Riblet served as Corporation Treasurer for three terms, as Township Treasurer two terms, and was elected County Treasurer in 1879. He was married, in 1861, to Caroline H. Edson. They have three children-Ella E., Clement W. and Richard E. He is a Democrat in politics.

HUGH ROSS, foreman rail shops, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Galion. One of Galion's most esteemed citizens is Mr. Hugh Ross, who was born in Dingwall, Rosshire, Scotland, Sept. 21, 1823. He emigrated to Toronto, Canada, in September, 1843, and worked at his trade as blacksmith there until February, 1862, when he crossed over to Buffalo, N. Y., and worked there until April, 1862. He then went to Meadville, Penn., where the Atlantic and Great Western R. R. had reached in con- struction, and built for this company the first steam shovel on the road. He operated this shovel for two years, in the construction of the road. He was then placed in charge of the repair shops at Urbana, Ohio, remaining there for two years. He then was removed to Galion, and has had charge of the rail shops

up to the present writing. Mr. Ross was mar- ried in Canada, in the year 1841, to Miss Margaret Irvine; she was born in Ireland, in 1821. They have four children living-Fin- lay, now living in Kansas; William, a black- smith; Elizabeth, married to Peter Meuser, of Galion; George, a machinist, and three de- ceased-Harriet, Annie and Hugh A. He is a member of Galion Lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., and, together with his wife and daughter, a member of the Presbyterian Church.

W. J. RYAN, hotel proprietor, Galion; was born July 6, 1857, in Orange, Delaware Co., Ohio. He received a good education, attend- ing the schools at Delaware. He then learned telegraphy, and his first office was at Linn- dale, Ohio. After operating in different towns, he was sent to Galion, in 1875, as night oper- ator. From there he was sent to Delaware, and worked in the train dispatcher's office for six months, when he was given the day office at Galion, and continued there until Sept. 1, 18SO, when he removed to Bucyrus, and en- gaged in the book and stationery business. In October, 1880, in connection with H. H. Elliott, of the Sims House, Bucyrus, he be- came one of the proprietors of the Capitol House, Galion. He was married June 3, 1880, to Miss May Beck, daughter of M. Beck, of Galion. Mr. Ryan is now located in Galion, as the managing partner of the Capitol House. It is the intention of Elliott and Ryan to make the "Capitol" one of the best hotels in Cen- tral Ohio.

J. K. SHERER, farmer; P. O. Galion; was born in Whetstone Township in 1845. He is the son of John and Sarah (Keifer) Sherer, who now reside in Whetstone Township. His early life was spent upon his father's farm, until he was 21 years old. In October, 1866, he was married to Miss Nancy M. Beck, of Polk Township, and bought the farm where he now resides. His farm now embraces 210 acres of fine, improved land, lying three miles west of Galion. He has improved it in build- ings and fences until it ranks as one of the finest farms in Polk Township. For the past five years, he has been dealing extensively, buying and selling stock, and at present is devoting his time exclusively to that branch, his farm being worked by his nephew, G. W.

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Bair. He has six children-Martin L., Flor- ence L., Arvene R., Bessie G., Orra D. and an infant unnamed. He, with his wife, is a member of the English Lutheran Church.

REV. J. A. SCHULZE, German Evangel- ical Lutheran, Galion; was born in Mieste, Prussia, in 1828. He obtained a common- school education; emigrated to America in 1847; began his study for the ministry in 1548, at the Capitol University of Columbus, Ohio, graduating in 1851. His first charge was at Trenton, Butler Co., Ohio, preaching tc several congregations in the vicinity. He was called to Columbus in 1856, preaching to a number of congregations, and engaged on the staff of a Lutheran periodical, and in the publication of Lutheran books and literature. Receiving a call from the church in Galion, he came there in 1875, where he is now located.

C. B. SHUMAKER, Justice of the Peace, Galion. Mr. Shumaker was born in North- umberland Co., Penn., in 1835. At 19 years of age, commenced to clerk in a dry goods store in Jersey Shore, Penn., in 1834, and remained there until 1857. Commenced in the restaurant business at Williamsport, Penn., and remained one year, and then com- menced to farm and contract for railroad ties, for six years, some of which time he was raft- ing on the Susquehanna River. In 1864, he came to Galion, Ohio, and went to work in the railroad shops, and remained here eight years. He served as Constable for five years, and is at present serving as Justice of the Peace, and, together with his son, is conduct- ing a photograph gallery at 13} East Main street, Galion, Ohio.

JAMES J. SPITTLE, foreman copper-shop, N. Y., P. & O. R. R., Galion; was born in Wales, in 1836. His parents emigrated to America when he was but six months old, and located in Pittsburgh, Penn., remaining there for ten years. From there they went to Lo- rain Co., Ohio, and, after a short period there, went to Cuyahoga Co. In 1848, they removed to Sandusky City, where Mr. Spittle learned his trade as coppersmith. He came to Galion in 1856, and went to work for the "Bee Line" R. R., at his trade. He has also worked for the Pittsburgh Co. and the Pan Handle road,

at Richmond, Ind. He returned to Galion in 1866, and has been with the A. & G. W. R. R. (now the N. Y., P. & C. R. R.) ever since. In every shop in which he has worked has been foreman of his department. He married Miss Alvina Winfield, of Sandusky City, in 1857. She was born in Prussia, in IS3S. They have two children living-William A., born in Galion Sept. 25, 1858, and is working with his father in the railroad shops, and Car- rie L., born in Richmond, Ind., Nov. 25, 1865. Fannie L., deceased, was born in Sandusky City, in 1861, and died in 1865. Mr. Spittle is a member of Galion Lodge, No. 414. F. & A. M., and Galion Lodge No. 215. I. O. O. F.

EDWIN STOUGH, brakeman. Galion; was born Feb. 14, 1854. For the past four years, has been brakeman on the A. & G. W. R. R.

A. M. STEWART, general traveling agent, C., C., C. & I. R. R., Galion; was born in St. Albans, Me., in 1835. He attended the com- mon schools until his parents removed to Bos- ton, Mass., in 1847. He began his career for himself by selling newspapers on the passen- ger train running on the Boston & Maine Railroad. He was then working under Charles Minot, who seemed to take an interest in him. and gave him a position on the New York & Lake Erie R. R. He served on what is called the "telegraph gang," and put up over 400 miles of telegraph wire. After this, he ob- tained a position as a machinist in the rail- road shops in New York City. After learning his trade, he became a fireman, and followed up this business until 1853, when he came to Galion and obtained a position as engineer on the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis R. R. At this time he was only 17 years old, and, in 1857, was given charge of the railroad shops at Galion. He served in this capacity until 1864, when he built the Galion Stock Yards, in conjunction with Oliver Duck. In 1877. he was appointed stock agent of the C., C., C. & I. R. R. and, in 1880, was made general traveling agent of this road. He is at present administering both these offices for the com pany. He was married in 1856, to Miss Han- nah Mcclellan, a native of Columbiana Co., Ohio. They have one daughter-Nellie H. Himself and wife are members of the Meth- odist Church. Is a Republican in politics.

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JOSEPH E. WILLIAMS, teacher, Galion; was born in Galion in 1848. He completed a common-school course in 1870, and went to Hillsdale, Mich., and attended the Hills- dale College, graduating in 1875. He was elected Principal of the High School of Galion, and served until 1880, when he was elected Superintendent of Public Schools of Cambridge, Ohio. He was married, in 1880, to Miss Ada R. Gochenour, of Galion. Both are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Will- iams is a Mason, belonging to Galion Lodge, No. 414.

L. H. YORK, yard-master, C., C., C. & I. R. R., Galion; was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., in 1835. His early life was passed upon a farm. In 1855, Mr. York removed to Wisconsin and engaged in farming in Dane Co, remaining there about three years. In January of 1858, he came to Galion, and has been in the employ of the C., C., C. & I. R. R. ever since. He has had charge of the yard the e for twenty years. Mr. York was married in 1858, to Miss Martha F. Bryfogle, of Galion. They have one child

-Frankie L. He is a Mason, also a member of the Royal Arcanum, and of the American Legion of Honor. In politics, Mr. York is a Republican, but does not take an active part, as his time is fully occupied in the faithful discharge of his business. He has been a member of the Common Council of Galion, and is one of its honorable and upright busi- ness men.

JOSEPH A. YOCHEM, dry goods, Galion, Ohio. The father and mother of Joseph A. Yochem came from Germany to Galion in 1850, and were married in Galion. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Galion, Ohio, July 15, 1850, and is one of Crawford's most enterprising young inen, and is doing a good business at the northwest corner of Main and Columbus streets, Galion, Ohio. He attended the public schools of Galion, and went to clerk for S. C. Kanaga, April 27, 1874, and con- tinued with him until May 1, 1878, when he bought his employer out, and has enlarged the business, and is at present carrying it on at the old stand with good success.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

M. C. ARCHER, Superintendent Water- Works, Crestline; was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1820, of American parents, and came to Auburn Township, Crawford Co., in 1837, and resided there until 1853, when he came to Crestline, and was employed at railroading for thirteen years. In 1876, he went to Co- lumbus, and was in the employ of the C., S. & C. R. R., until 1880, when he returned to Crestline, and is now engaged as Superintend- ent of Water-Works. He was married Nov. 14, 1840, to Mary Hill, daughter of Lewis Hill, of Richland Co. They have three chil- dren-Caroline D., Thomas A. and John J., who is now General Ticket Agent of Scioto Valley R. R. Mr. Archer has always been a Republican, and has served one term as mem- ber of Common Council of Crestline, and was Deputy U. S. Marshal during the administra- tion of Lincoln.

DANIEL BABST, SR., banker, Crestline; was born near Strasbourg, France, in 1810.

Came to this country in 1832, and lived in New York for three years, and came to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1834. From there he went to Canal Fulton, and lived there until 1852, when he came to Crestline, and has resided there ever since; was married to Catharine Arter in 1832; was married again to Margaret Yost in 1841; they have seven children by last marriage-Emeline, born August 20, 1842; Caroline, born Feb. 26, 1844, died May 26, 1845; Jacob, born Feb. 11, 1846; Daniel Jr., Oct. 19, 1847; Louise, Aug. 28, 1849; Thomas, Oct. 23, 1853; Willis H., June 5, 1858. Mr. Babst entered into the hotel business on com- ing to Crestline, as proprietor of the old American House, afterward known as Franklin House, and remained in the hotel business about four years. In 1871, he built and estab- lished Babst's Banking House. Mr. Babst retired from all active business in 1878, and was succeeded in the banking business by his sons, Jacob and Daniel, Jr. Mr. Babst has

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added considerably to Crestline in buildings, and is one of the largest property owners in the town. He is now living in retirement at his beautiful residence south of Crestline. Mr. Babst has a vineyard of one acre of choice grapes, in which he takes great pride, making yearly about twenty barrels of wine. Fine pears, plums and fruits of all kinds are to be found upon his ample grounds. Mr. Babst is a member of the Lutheran Church. He has always been a Republican.

DANIEL BABST, JR., lawyer, Crestline; was born Oct. 19, 1847, in Canal Fulton, Ohio, and came to Crestline with his parents in 1852, and has always resided there. He read law with M. Jones, Esq., of Crestline, and was admitted to the bar in 1870, and commenced practice in 1872. Was elected Solicitor for the corporation of Crestline in 1878, appointed Mayor in 1879, and elected in 1880. Mr. Babst is also a member of the Board of Ex- aminers. The subject of this sketch is a young man of great energy and ability, and is also very popular. In politics, Mr. Babst is an Independent Republican.

JACOB BABST, banker, Crestline; was born in Canal Fulton in 1846, and came to Crestline with his parents in 1852, and has always made it his home. He is a tinner by trade, following it for ten years; also carried on a tin and stove store for three years, while working at his trade. He married Matilda C. Stoll. daughter of George Stoll, of Bucyrus, in 1869. They have three children-Daniel Earl, born July 6, 1870, Jessie Fremont, born March 2, 1872, Bertha Stoll, Dec. 6, 1878. Matilda Stoll, his wife, was born March 20, 1848, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Mr. Babst and his wife are both members of the Presby- terian Church. He went into the banking business in 1871, and in 1873 was appointed Cashier. Since the retirement of his father from the bank, in 1878, he has had the entire management of it, as his brother Daniel, Jr. (who is joint owner), is immersed in his law practice. Mr. Babst has always been a Repub- lican.

JAMES LEROI BOOTH, M. D., Crestline. He was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, in the year 1835. He attended the common schools until 14 years of age. The following three years

were spent at Haysville College. He taught district school for one year, when he was elected Superintendent of the Sullivan County Seminary. This institution being out of the State, it brought him in contact with stran- gers and educational influences. In 1854, he began the study of medicine under Dr. Boyer, at Sullivan, Ind. The following year he taught mathematics in Marshall Academy, in Clark Co., Ill., for one year, at the same time continuing the study of medicine with Dr. White, an eminent physician of Eastern Illi- nois. He completed his study with his brother Edwin, at Brownsville, Knox Co., Ohio, in 1856. In 1857, removed to Vaughnsville, Putnam Co., Ohio. He remained there one year, when the death of his brother, Dr. Mil- ton H. Booth, of West Cairo, Ohio, called him to this place, where he took his practice. In 1861. he raised a company, and was commis- sioned Captain of Company D, O. V. I., 118th Regiment. He returned to Cairo. in 1864, and practiced medicine a short time, when he was elected Captain of Company C, 151st O. V. I., without a dissenting vote. He remained with his company until his time of service expired. He returned to Cairo and resumed his practice until 1871, when he retired from practice for one year. Began a practice in La Grange, Indiana, and continued for two years. He came to Crestline in 1876, and has at present a very extensive and lucrative practice.

REV. MICHAEL B. BROWN, Catholic Priest, Crestline; was born near Plattsburg, N. Y., in 1840. At the age of 12 years he removed with his parents to Sandusky City, Ohio. At the age of 17, he entered St. Mary's Preparatory Seminary, at Cleveland, and, in 1859, entered the University of Notre Dame. In 1860, he applied for admission into the congregation of Holy Cross, and was received into the novitiate in March of the same year. In June, 1862, he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in the following Sep- tember began his theological studies, which he continued until June 10, 1867, when he was ordained Priest. In 1868, he was ap- pointed to the Professorship of Moral and Mental philosophy. He continued teaching until 1872, when he became Vice President of

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the Association, and had sole management of all the classes. over forty teachers, until 1874, when he went to Watertown, Wis., and took the management of College of "Our Lady of Sacred Heart." He remained there until 1876, when he gave up college life, and went to Youngstown, Ohio, as assistant of his brother, who was Pastor, and came to Crestline in July, 1877, and has been Pastor of Catholic Church there ever since.

WILLIAM F. CROWE, grocer, Crestline; was born in Ireland, in 1841, and came to America with his mother in 1849, and located for about six months in Vermont, when he came to Ohio, locating in Columbiana Co., remaining in that county a short time. He also resided for a short period in Stark and Richland Counties, and came to Crestline in April, 1853, and has made his home there ever since. He was married in 1871 to Ellen Haley, of Marion. They have five children- Mary, Catharine, Ellen, Annie and Jane. Mr. Crowe served seven years as Corporation Treas- urer of Crestline, three years as Justice of the Peace, and has also been a member of the Common Council. He is agent for the Inman line of steamers, and also an insurance agent. He has always been a Democrat.

D. H. CASSEL, hardware, Crestline; was born in Richland County in 1843, and re- mained in that county until 1862, when he came to Crestline and learned the tinsmith's trade, with G. W. Pierce. In 1871, he went into partnership with George W. Zint, under the firm name of Cassel & Zint, in the hard- ware, tinware and stove business, and has been engaged in that line up to the present time (1880). Was married in 1867, to Maggie Cramer, of Upper Sandusky, and has two children by first wife-Dora D. and Flora D. Mrs. Cassel died in 1869. He married again in 1872, to Maggie McGuire, of Richland County. They have one child-Daisy May. Mr. Cassel has been a member of the Common Council of Crestline, is a member of the Knights of Honor, and also an Odd Fellow. Has always been a Democrat.

CRESTLINE "ADVOCATE." The Advo- cute was established in July, 1869, by Adam Billow and son, D. C. Billow, in the Union Hall Block, second floor. Upon the death of

his father, which occurred May 20, 1876, D. C. Billow assumed sole management and has made the Advocate one of the best papers in the county, having a good solid list of sub- scribers and doing an extensive job business. The office is supplied with power by a Backus Water Motor. The Advocate is independent in politics.

DR. I. S. COLE, Crestline; was born in Al- legheny City, Penn., Feb. 19, 1836, and at- tended the Institute at Haysville, Ashland Co., Ohio. He afterward read medicine with Dr. Glass, and graduated from Cleveland Medical College. He began the practice in Reeds- burg, Ashland Co., Ohio, and removed to West Salem in 1873, remaining there until 1880, when he came to Crestline and married Ruth A. Smith, daughter of James B. Smith, of Ashland County. They have four children- Frank, Minnie B., Rufus I. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Cole are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN DODANE, real estate, Crestline; was born in France in 1825, and came with his parents to America in 1836, and located in Stark County, working on his father's farm until 1853, when he started for California, remaining there until 1857, digging gold. In 1857, he came back to Ohio on a visit, but re- turned to California in 1858, and remained there until 1866, when he came to Crestline, and has resided there ever since, engaged in the real estate business. He was married in 1867, to Anna Dodane, of Crestline, widow of his brother. They have two children-Min- nie, born in 1870, Della, born in 1867. Mrs. Dodane died in 1873. Mr. Dodane has been one of the Trustees of the Water-Works of Crestline two terms. Has always been a Democrat.

J. P. DAVIS, dry goods merchant, Crest- line; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, in 1824, of American parents, and came to Craw- ford County in 1833, and has always made it his home. He was agent for the C., C., C. & I. R. R., at Shelby, for three years, and came to Crestline in 1852, and was agent for the same company until 1862, when he engaged in the dry goods business. First went into partner- ship with John McGraw, succeeding R. Lee & Co., continued with McGraw for a year and

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a half. McGraw then sold his interest to John McKean. the firm then being Davis & McKean, for two years, when MeGraw bought the interest of Mr. Davis. He then went into partnership with Martin Davis & Co., and continued for about two years, when the Davis Brothers bought the interest of Martin, estab- lishing the firm of J. P. & J. W. Davis. Two years after, they dissolved partnership, and went to his present location, in Union Hall Block, remaining there until 1875, when he sold his stock, and retired from business for about four months. when he again went into partnership with H. A. White. under the firm name of Davis & White. and they have continued in business up to the present time (1850). Mr. Davis was married to Catharine Mickey, of Richland Co., in 1850. They have eight children-Wilbur E., Florence A., Ed- win P., George P. (deceased), infant (deceased), Lillie May, Robert L .. Augustus. Mr. Davis has always been a Republican.

BENJAMIN EATON, mail agent. Crest- line; was born in Somerset, Perry Co., Ohio, in 1821. In 1837, he went to Belmont Co., Ohio, remaining there until 1839, when he went to Wheeling, W. Va., and learned the harness-maker's trade. In 1840, he returned to Ohio, working at his trade, and also at peddling. He came to Crestline in 1859, and has since made it his home. He was married in 1849, to Harriet A. Martin, of Richland Co. Mr. Eaton was depot policeman for two years, and, during the war, was the agent of the sick and wounded; also, enrolling master for Vernon and Jackson Townships. For the past few years, has been in the employ of the Government as mail agent. He is a Knight Templar, and a Republican.

C. F. FRANK, dry goods, Crestline; was born in Southern Germany, in 1832, and came to America with his parents in 1846, locating in Western Pennsylvania. remaining with his parents and working on a farm for five years, when he went to Johnstown, Penn., and learned the dry goods business, and came to Crestline in the spring of 1856, and engaged in the clothing business, remaining there about two and a half years, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and went into the provision business until the following spring, when he

engaged in the hardware trade, and contin- ned until the fall of 1864. He returned to Crestline in August, 1865, and engaged in the dry goods business, and has been there ever since. He was married in 1859, to Em- ma Babst. daughter of Daniel Babst, of Crest- line. They have five children-Daniel, Ger- tie, Maud. George. Paul. Has been a member of the Common Council of Crestline, and is now serving second term as City Treasurer. Mr. Frank and wife are members of the English Lutheran Church.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 124

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