History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 130

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

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marriage, he attended Oberlin College, gradu- ating there in 1848. He taught school in Bu- cyrus six months, and then took charge of the union schools of Groveport, Ohio, remaining there three years. He then began devoting his time in endeavoring to secure the passage of a bill in Congress to establish a stage and tele- graph line between the Missouri River and the Pacific Coast. Although the project failed at the time, yet the wisdom of having overland communication with the "South Sea" was soon demonstrated, and the "Pony Express " was established. In 1856-57, Mr. Chambers was paymaster at Bucyrus for the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., after which he farmed until 1861. He went to Washington, D. C., two days after Lin- coln's first inauguration, and secured the posi- tion of Clerk of the Committee on Territories, of which Mr. Wade was Chairman. At the called session of Congress, shortly after Lin- coln's inauguration, he was appointed Secretary of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, Mr. Wade being Chairman of this com- mittee also. After the dissolution of the com- mittee. he was employed by the Secretary of the Senate to prepare an alphabetical list of private claims made to the United States Sen- ate. He superintended the construction of the harbor at Frankfort, Mich., remaining there two years. He returned to Bueyrus in 1867, and has remained on his farm the most of the time since. While in Washington, D. C., in 1865, he assisted in giving Hon. James A. Gar- field the Royal Arch Degree in Masonry, and the attention of that gentleman's biographers is respectfully called to this fact. Mr. Cham- bers is the Secretary of the Crawford County Agricultural Society, and has been Secretary of the Crawford County Mutual Insurance Com- pany. He is eminently a self-made man ; is a Republican ; owns 240 acres of land in ' Craw- ford Co., and 3,000 in Benzie Co., Mich.

JOHN DEEBLER, farmer P. O .; Bucyrus. This gentleman was born in Union Co., Penn., on Nov. 25, 1816, and is the son of John G. and Mary M. (Wise) Deebler, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were raised, married and resided, until 1828, when they came to Crawford Co. They came over the mountains in a three-horse wagon, in com- pany with two other families, all of whom set- tled near the center of Whetstone Township. Mr. Deebler entered the land now owned by

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his son, and it took all his money to do so. He was a carpenter by trade, which he worked at in connection with farming. Many of the houses in the township were built by him, some of which are yet standing monuments to his skill and industry. Both parents are now dead. The subject of this sketch worked for his father upon the farm, until he had reached his majority, after which he took charge of the place, his parents remaining with him until their death occurred. He was united in mar- riage with Magdalena Heinlen on Ang. 20, 1843. She was born in Piekaway Co., Ohio, on June 20, 1822. There were born by this union eight children. five of whom are yet liv- ing-Sarah R., Anna E., Rebecca L., John L., and Amanda S. The names of those who died were-Mary M., George and Samuel. Mr. Dee- bler owns 285 acres of land, upon which are good substantial farm buildings. The greater portion of this property he has accumulated by his own exertions. He has held a number of positions of honor and trust in this township, and is respected by all who know him. Politi- cally he is a Democrat, though liberal in his views of men and things.

PETER EBY, North Robinson ; was born in Perry Co., Ohio, May 21, 1811. His parents, John and Eve (Bixler) Eby, were both natives of the "Keystone " State, where they were mar- ried, and resided until 1804, when they removed to Fairfield Co., Ohio, remaining there until the fall of the same year, when they removed to Perry Co., where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father died in 1830, and the mother six years later. They were the parents of twelve children, only three of whom are yet living. Peter Eby passed his youth and early manhood, assisting his father upon the farm. He received such education as the schools of that early day afforded, and when about 20 years of age began for himself. He was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Guisinger Oct. 9, 1831. She was born in Pennsylvania, in 1809, and died Feb. 16, 1842. Mr. Eby married for his second wife Miss Matilda Guisinger, a native of Perry Co., Ohio, where she was born April 12, 1822. Five chil- dren were born of the first marriage-George S., Elias V., Sarah, Matilda and Joseph P. Six were born of the second-Jacob H., Barbara, John, Emma, Lincoln and Viola J. In 1837. Mr. Eby came to this county, which he has

since made his home. He has for many years been a member of the United Brethren Church, and has done a great deal to elevate the stand- ard of morality in the community in which he lives. He began life as a poor boy, and has obtained his nicely improved farm of 100 acres by his own exertions. In politics he is a Re- publican. There are few men in the county, better or more favorably known than Mr. Eby, and, had the county more such men, it would be much better off.

PHILLIP EBERT; P. O. Bucyrus. This gentleman was born in York Co., Penn., March 12, 1812 ; he is the son of Daniel and Susan (Ernst) Ebert, both natives of the "Keystone State," and the parents of four children, three of whom are yet living. This family of Eberts are descended from a man by that name who came from Germany to York Co., Penn., in 1741. Daniel Ebert was a miller by trade, a business he followed in his native State until 1855, when he made a trip to Baltimore to col- leet some money due him. From that time to the present, he has never been heard of by his family or friends. It is supposed be was mur- dered for his money either in Baltimore or on his way home. Phillip Ebert, up to the time he was 15 years of age, had received but a common-school education. He then attended the York Academy some time, after which he studied Greek and Latin for a year or more, under a private instructor. In the spring of 1831, he entered the office of Dr. Jameson, of York, with whom he remained about three years. He graduated from the Washington Medical College, of Baltimore, in March of 1834. He began practicing at Duncannon, a town sixteen miles west of Harrisburg, Penn. He remained here actively engaged in his profession twenty-five years. He was a very successful practitioner, and by economy accumulated considerable property. He came to Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1864, and purchased a farm of 200 acres, and has since devoted his time to the improvement of his farm. He has held, during his life-time, many positions of honor and trust. He was, for a number of years, Associate Judge of Perry Co., Penn. He was united in marriage with Miss Letitia Mitchell, April 15, 1835 ; she was born in Bucks Co., Penn., Feb. 21, 1817. From this union are ten children-Susan C., Edgar E., Martin L., Charles M., Miriam A., Henry S., Horace M.,

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Newton E. and Letitia L., living ; George D., deceased. Dr. Ebert is a Democrat, a consist- ent member of the Lutheran Church, and a self-made man in the fullest sense of the word.

SAMUEL FONSER, Bucyrus. Prominent among the younger men of Whetstone Town- ship is Mr. Fonser. His parents, George and Susan (Nelson) Fonser. were among the first to settle in central Whetstone, although both came to the connty previous to their marriage. The father was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and the mother of Pennsylvania. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and worked at his trade and on his farm after his marriage. He clied in 1868. The wife married a Mr. Rudolph. and now resides in Bucyrus. Samuel Fonser was brought up on a farm, receiving a good common-school education. He was married to Miss Catharine Hagar in 1872. She was born in Germany in 1850. They have two children -John J. and Anna E. Mr. Fonser is a Demo- crat, a member of the German Reformed Church, and is an intelligent Christian gentleman. He owns 160 acres of well-improved land, upon which are good farm buildings.

MRS. RACHEL GIBLER, Galion. This lady was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Aug. 22, 1837. She is the daughter of John and Sarah (Kieffer) Sherer, prominent mention of whom is made in another part of this work. Our sub- ject was married to Mr. Adam Gibler in 1859. He was a native of Carroll Co., Ohio, and came from there, when a young man, to Crawford Co., where he became acquainted with the lady who afterward became his wife. He was a hard-working man, loved by his family and universally respected by all who knew him. He departed this life in 1871. Since Mr. Gibler's death, his wife has remained upon the farm, and attended to its cultivation and improve- ment. She takes an interest in all educational enterprises, and has managed to give her chil- dren superior advantages for obtaining more than an ordinary education. She is the mother of six children, four of whom are now living- Mary E., Isaac E., Sarah B. and John W. ; those deceased were named Ollie E. and Samuel M. Mrs. Gibler owns 127 acres of land, all of which is under a good state of cultivation. She is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and an influential and much respected lady.

JOHN GIBSON ; P. O. Bucyrus ; this gen- tleman is of Scotch-Irish descent, his birth

occurring in Pennsylvania Jan. 8, 1812. He is the eldest of a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters born to George A. and Hannah (Buchanan) Gibson, both na- tives of the above State. The family resided in Pensylvania until 1838, when they left the old home and came to the new one in Crawford Co., Ohio, where the father died in 1848. Shortly after this, the widow moved with her family to Wyandot County, where she likewise died in 1872. In 1835, Mr. Gibson, then a young man 23 years of age, came to Crawford County. He had previously traveled over sev- eral States, viewing the country ; but, liking Crawford County, he purchased 80 acres of school land upon which he yet resides. On the 15th of April, 1837, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Matthews, who bore him one child, Martha. Mrs. Gibson died Sept. 22, 1838, and on the 15th of April, 1841, Mr. Gib- son married his second wife, Miss Mary A. Kerr. This lady was born in Franklin Co., Penn., March 4, 1822, and has borne her husband eleven children, ten of whom are living-Mar- garet A., Hannah E., Andrew H., George B., James McG., Emma A., John E., Charley E., Della J. and Leafe L., living ; and Mary B., de- ceased. Mary A. Gibson is the daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Campbell) Kerr, natives of Franklin Co., Penn., who came to Crawford Co., Ohio. in 1826, entering a small piece of land and suffering all the hardships of pioneer life. They were among the earliest settlers in the county, and are closely identified with its history. Mr. Kerr died in 1880, aged 85 years, and his wife yet survives him at the advanced age of 88 years, being one of the oldest living settlers in the county. Mr. Gibson owns 150 acres of land, and is one of the most prominent citizens in the county, engaging actively in educational enterprises, and in all movements to insure the prosperity and happiness of the human race. He has always found a warm assistant and sympathizer in his good wife, whose womanly heart never tires of well-doing. Mr. Gibson is one of the few Republicans in the county. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

SAMUEL G. HEVERLY ; P. O. New Win- chester. Mr. Heverly was born July 21, 1845, in Whetstone Township, Crawford Co. He is one of a family of seven children born to John L. and Christina (Miller) Heverly,

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who came from Pennsylvania to Crawford Co., Ohio, about the year 1840. Both parents were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, but were married in Pennsylvania Jan. 29, 1828, where they resided until their removal to Crawford County. The father was a weaver, and for years after he came to Ohio was employed during the winter months working at his trade. He died Aug. 14, 1873, followed by his wife, July 10, 1878. Samuel G. was reared upon his father's farm, receiving a common-school edu- cation. He was united in marriage with Miss Olive A. Miller, Nov. 4, 1869. She was born May 26, 1847, in Marion, Ohio. They are the parents of four children-Edward H., Rosa D., John H. and Orrie G. Mr. Heverly is a stal- wart Republican. and a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. He owns 120 acres of well-improved land, is one of the prominent and influential agriculturists of Crawford Co.

HENRY HARRIGER, farmer ; P. O. Bu- cyrus ; is one of the most intelligent and influ- ential men in Whetstone Township. He was brought up on a farm, and when 21 was given charge of the place, which he improved, and which soon repaid him with a goodly share of this world's goods. His birth occurred on the 30th day of August, 1832, in Crawford Co., Ohio, and his parents were Henry and Catha- rine (Greenhoe) Harriger. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and when a young man went to Stark Co., Ohio, where he married, and lived until 1823, when he came to Crawford Co. and purchased the farm upon which the subject of this sketch lives at present. The father had really entered the land (160 acres) in 1822, but had immediately returned to Penn- sylvania, from whence, after remaining a few months, he went to Stark Co., selected and mar- ried his wife, and finally settled on his farm in Whetstone Township, in 1823. This man was a soldier in the war of 1812, and fought with distinction against the tyranny of Great Britain, and was one of the men who lived to see that struggle terminate in favor of the United States. He became a useful and intelligent citizen in the township, one whom his neighbors delighted to honor, and one whose integrity and honor were unquestioned. His trade was shoe- making, which was followed in connection with the cultivation of the soil, for a number of years. Himself and wife were given a family of nine children, four of whom are yet living.

The father died in 1878, and the mother in 1862. Henry Harriger was married to Sarah E. Robison May 12, 1861 ; this lady was a na- tive of Pennsylvania, her birth occurring March 20, 1841 ; she bore her husband a family of six children, as follows : Katie A., Dimma E., Lor- etta, James F., Laura B. and Janetta. Henry and his brother Mike live upon the old farm of 120 acres, in which both have an interest. The brothers are good, thrifty farmers, who en- deavor to conduct their farm after the plans which experience has shown to be the best and most profitable. They are industrious, but do not ostentatiously parade their industry ; on the contrary, being sober and quiet, swerving neither to the right nor to the left, for fear or favor. It can be truthfully said that Whet- stone has no more useful citizens than Henry and Mike Harriger.

JOHN HEINLEN, butcher, Bucyrus ; is the son of Lewis and Rachel Heinlen. He was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, on July 29, 1829, and remained a resident of his birth-place until the age of 2 years, when his parents re- moved to Crawford Co. and settled in Whet- stone Township. There young Heinlen grew to man's estate, and received such advantages in schooling as the newness afforded. At the age of 20 years, he began working at the earpen- ter's trade, which he followed for three years, and then gave it up and turned his attention to farming. He was probably induced to make this change through the gift of 50 acres of land from his father, which was situated in Bucyrus Township. This he afterward sold, and then bought a number of acres in Whetstone, where he resided for two years, and then sold out and removed to Marion Co., where he resided near the town of Three Locusts for twelve years. In 1867, he again became a resident of Crawford Co. and Whetstone Township. In two years, however, he again returned to Marion Co., but, in a couple of years, he again came to the old township of Whetstone, where he now owns a finely-improved farm of 200 acres, and where he still resides. In 1878, he rented the meat- market of J. R. Miller, of Bucyrus, where Mr. Heinlen is now doing business, though he still runs his farm. July 6, 1851, he was married to Miss Eliza Winters, of Winchester, Crawford Co. They have seven children living, named as follows : Andrew J., Henry S., Amanda, Lavina L., James, William and Charles ; those deceased

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were Samuel and Mary. Mr. Heinlen and his wife are both members of the M. E. Church and have, for many years, been classed among the honorable and reputable class of the community.

SAMUEL F. HEINLEN, farmer ; P. O. Bu- eyrus ; was born in Bucyrus Township, Craw- ford Co., Ohio, July 1, 1833. His father, J. Lewis Heinlen, was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, April 9, 1799, and, when about 18 years of age, came with his parents to Lancaster Co., Penn., where they remained some two years, then removed to Franklin Co., same State. Here the family resided until 1828, when they removed to Crawford Co., Ohio. J. L. Heinlen, while residing in Franklin Co., Penn., was mar- ried to Miss Hannah Wise. She was born in Union Co., Penn., Dee. 10, 1809. From this marriage were eleven children, six of whom are yet living. J. L. Heinlen is one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Crawford Co. His life has been one of great hardships. His parents had to borrow money from a fellow-pas- senger to pay their passage to the United States. Upon their arrival here, J. L. was bound out to this man to cancel the debt. He worked three years for this man, and, although not receiving a eent for his labors at the end of that time, had a good suit of clothes and $7. He has been interested in nearly all the enterprises that have had a tendency to build up the community in which he lives, or benefit his fellow-man. Sam- uel F., the eldest of his eleven children, remained at home, assisting him on the farm until 22 years of age, at which time he began for him- self. For a number of years, he and Emanuel Keis, a brother-in-law, ran a threshing machine. He purchased 90 acres of land in Marion Co., Ohio, upon which he lived some years, and then sold and bought an adjoining farm of 160 acres, where he resided until his removal to Crawford Co., in 1879. He now owns a nicely improved farm of 171 acres, in Whetstone Township. He was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Keis March 24, 1860. She was born in Ly- coming Co., Penn., May 6, 1840. From this marriage are three children-William H., Mar- garet A. and Sarah L. Mr. Heinlen is a Demo- erat in polities, and a member of the German Reformed Church. He has held a number of offices in the townships, in which he has lived, and is a respected and honored citizen.

SAMUEL HEINLEN, farmer ; P. O. Buey- rus ; was born in Whetstone Township, Craw-

ford Co., Ohio, April 19, 1832. His parents, Lewis and Christina (Siger) Heinlen, came from Germany to the United States in 1817. The father was a single man at this time, but, after his arrival in Pennsylvania, married Miss Siger. They were the parents of eleven chil- dren, nine of whom are now living. The father was a tailor by trade, but, after his coming to the United States, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he followed during his lifetime. He, with his family, came to Crawford Co., Ohio, previous to 1830, and were among the first settlers of Whetstone Township. He and wife were intelligent people, and much respect- ed by their friends and neighbors. Samuel was raised upon his father's farm. He had but limited advantages for obtaining an education, as the schools were scarce, and his services were needed upon the farm. When 21 years of age, he began for himself with only a horse, which his father had given him. He possessed a great amount of energy, and it was not long until he owned 40 acres of land. He has kept buying and trading until he now owns 130 aeres of well-improved land. He was married to Miss Margaret Keis Feb. 11, 1857. She was born in Pennsylvania Feb. 3, 1834. From this union there are five children-William A., Lewis F., Reuben E., Mary E. and Edward C. Mr. Heinlen is one of the prominent Demo- erats and successful farmers of Crawford Co. He and his wife are consistent members of the Evangelieal Church, and have given their ehil- dren superior advantages for obtaining eduea- tions.

JACOB KIESS ; P. O. Bucyrus ; was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., in 1811. He is the son of Christopher and Christina (Sheets) Kiess, both of whom were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, where they were married, and resid- ed until 1806, when they emigrated to the United States, loeating in Lycoming Co., Penn., where they passed the remainder of their days. Jacob lived at home until he was 26 years of age. About this time, he purchased 100 acres of land in his native county, and began the im- provement of it. He was married to Miss Catharine Rott in 1837. She was born in Ly- coming Co., Penn., in 1811, and died there Dec. 12, 1840. The fruits of this union were two children-Lydia and Jonathan. Mr. Kiess married his present wife, Catharine Daker, in 1844. She was born May 12, 1816. From

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this union there are seven children-Simeon, Christina, Daniel, Joseph, Samuel, Margaret and William. Mr. Kiess came to Crawford Co. in 1851. He owns 395 acres of well-improved land, which he has obtained by his own exer- tions. He is a Democrat ; a member of the Evangelical Church, and a much respected and honored citizen.

REV. JOSEPH KESTER, Bucyrus ; was born Nov. 1, 1829, in Whetstone Township, Crawford Co., Ohio. His parents, Jacob and Saloma (Wize) Kester, removed from Union Co., Penn., their native State, to Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1828, and entering 80 acres of land near the center of Whetstone Township. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are yet living. The father was an educated man, and held, during his lifetime, many re- sponsible positions in Crawford Co. He de- parted this life Ang. 2, 1878. His wife died Oct. 5, 1866. Joseph Kester received the ad- vantages of a common-school education, and remained upon his father's farm until about 24 years of age. He was united in marriage with Miss Sevilla Shroll Jan. 20, 1853. She was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, March 30, 1829, and is the daughter of Abraham Shroll, one of the first settlers of Crawford Co. Mr. Kester was, for a number of years, actively engaged in politics, and was elected to numerous posi- tions of honor and trust, always faithfully serv- ing his constituents. In 1866, he moved to Marion Co., where he remained until 1877, when he removed to Wayne Co., and from there to his native county in 1879. Since 1866, he has been a minister of the German Reformed Church. He is a man of much more than or- dinary ability, and his services are highly ap- preciated wherever he labors. He is a Demo- crat, though conservative in his views. He owns 80 acres of land in Marion Co., Ohio, and 240 acres in Wright Co., Iowa. In his family were nine children, eight of whom are now living-Henry J., Joseph F., Nancy J., Eliza A., Sarah S., Elizabeth, Lydia M. and Mary M. The deceased was named John A. Crawford Co. has no better citizen than Mr. Kester.

....

J. G. KELLY, Bucyrus. This gentleman was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1832. He is the son of Samnel and Lydia (Marshall) Kelly, who were natives of Pennsyl- vania, where they were married, and resided until 1826, when they removed to Columbiana

Co., Ohio, where they remained until 1835, and then came to Crawford Co., locating in the southern part of Whetstone Township. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom are yet living. The father was an exemplary Christian gentleman, and helped to organize the first Baptist society in the township. He died in 1862. His wife survives him, and is a resident of the township. J. G. was raised upon his father's farm, receiving a common- school education. In 1854, he went, by way of the Isthmus of Panama. to the then newly dis- covered gold-fields of California. He remained on the Pacific Slope six years, and was en- gaged in mining, teaming, etc., etc. After his return to Ohio, he engaged in farming, a bus- iness he has since followed. He was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Campbell in 1861. She was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1829. From this union there are five children, viz., Ida B., George B. and Mary M., living ; Imas and Mary B., deceased. Mr. Kelly began life as a poor boy, and is, in the strictest sense of the word, a self-made man. He owns a nicely improved farm of 256 acres in the township, and is one of the leading and successful agri- culturists of Crawford Co. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and a member of the Baptist Church.

SAMUEL KIEFFER ; P. O. Bucyrus. Among the old settlers of Whetstone Township is Mr. Kieffer. He was born in Somerset Co., Penn., May 8, 1807. His father, Adam Kieffer, came with his parents from Germany to America previous to the Revolutionary war. They re- sided near the site of Valley Forge, Penn., dur- ing that war. Adam Kieffer was married in Somerset Co., Penn., to Miss Susanna Rhodes, and remained in that county until 1812, when he removed to Stark Co., Ohio. In 1825, he came to Crawford Co. and settled on the farm now owned by his son Samuel, who, when 21 years of age. began for himself. His father gave him 30 acres of land, which he improved, sold, and then purchased a portion of the farm he now owns. He was married to Miss Catha- rine Jones Nov. 11, 1830; she was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 12, 1811. From this union there were nine children, four of whom are now living-George W., Rebecca, Letta and John ; the deceased were named Franklin, Milon, Samuel, Sarah and an infant son. Mrs. Kieffer departed this life June 24, 1877. Mr.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 130

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