History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 137

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 137

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DANIEL LAYER, farmer ; P. O. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 9, 1830. His parents, Christian and Catharine (Faill) Layer, emigrated from Ger- many to the United States in 1838, and brought eight children with them, viz .. Dolley. Elizabeth, Fredricka, John, Jacob. Christian, Daniel and J. A. They all reside in this State. The oldest girl married John Layer, and died in Union Co., leaving five children. When Mr. Layer came to the United States, he came direct to

Ohio, and purchased 96 acres, where Daniel lives. Here the family grew up to maturity, and from there struck out in the world for themselves. On Feb. 1, 1854, Daniel married Catharine, daughter of Jacob Ulmer, and moved to Kent Co., Mich., where he entered 160 acres of land and lived there three years. His wife's health failed, and she longed to return to her old home and acquaintances in this county, so they sold out, and came back to his father's, where his wife died, October, 1857. He rented his father's farm for four or five years, and lived a widower with his parents : and they, being old with years and hard work, were ready to give up the care of the place to some one more competent to take care of it. In 1862, his father died, then he, Daniel, bought the interest of the other heirs, and carried on the farm, his aged mother making her home with him until July 24, 1878, when she was removed by death. Daniel was again married, to Barbara Eppley,. daughter of John and Barbara (Wey) Eppley, who came from Germany, where she was born Feb. 21, 1859, and came here with her parents when about 3 years old. Her parents first set- tled near Harrisburg, Penn., for about two years, and then came to Chatfield Township, this county. Mr. Layer has. by his second marriage. one child-Lydia. John A. lives on the adjoining farm, and both of them have prospered well. He married Mary Green Jan. 10, 1856. They have the following children- Elizabeth R., Eliza A., George F. and Frank E.

JAMES MANAHAN (deceased) ; was born in Frederick Co., Md., in 1811. He married Sidney Nichols, who was born in the same county in 1813. Some time after they were married, they moved to Seneca Co., this State, where they stayed about one year. In 1840, they came to Crawford Co. and settled on the Wyandot Reservation, and remained about two years. Then they moved to the " Plains" out from Bucyrus, and settled at what is known as " Parcher's Corners." They lived there seven years, and the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. now runs directly over the location where their house stood. They kept shifting from time to time, and, about 1851, they removed to a farm on the Sandusky, near R. W. Knisely's, where they lived eight years. In 1859, they rented the Biddle farm, near Annapolis, and here they have remained since. They reared a family of ten children, six boys and four girls-Alfred

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W., Samuel, Lucinda (now Mrs. John Zandel), Barbara J., Adaline, Elizabeth, Silas, James M., John and Watson. When the late rebellion broke out, Alfred W. enlisted in the three months' service. At the expiration of that time, he re-enlisted for nine months. When that time expired, he again enlisted, and served to the close of the war. He now resides in Frederick Co .. Md. James M. also enlisted, but only in the one hundred days' service, O. N. G., and when his term of service expired he returned to the rest of the family. and re- mained here until removed by death on May 1, 1878. Their father died on March 1, 1871. Silas is unmarried, and with him his aged mother and sisters make their home. He takes entire charge of the farm of 153 acres, for which he pays $450 annually in cash as rent for the place. They have now been occu- pying the same place for over twenty-one years, which fact would indicate that they are desirable tenants.

E. M. MOORE, farmer ; P. O. Bucyrus ; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Sept. 9, 1838 ; he is the son of James and Catharine (Lomes) Moore, the former a native of Washington Co., Penn., and the latter of Columbiana Co., Ohio. Mr. E. M. Moore's youth was spent between the duties of the farm and attending school. Being naturally as a boy apt and intelligent, he acquired a good education early in life, and, in his 17th year, he began teaching school, and taught sixteen winter terms. When 18 years of age, he entered MIt. Union College, Stark Co., Ohio, and attended it eight terms. He had en- tered the Junior Class in 1861, when he aban- cloned his course at college, as he had to furnish for himself all means of support and tuition. He afterward turned his attention to teaching in the winter months and farming in the summer. He owns one of the most comfortable and best- improved farms of 108 acres in Liberty Town- ship, with splendid out-buildings and a fine brick residence, to which he moved in March, 1868, on the 12th of which month he united his fortunes with Lizzie, daughter of John and Elizabeth Crall. She was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Dec. 17, 1843, and came here with her parents in 1852. They have six children -Cora E., Susan E., Mary M., John J., Kattie B. and Oliver M. Besides superintending his farm, he has been engaged about ten months of the year for the past nine years as foreman

in the clothing department of the extensive mercantile house of M. Emrich, of Bucyrus, which position he now holds. He is a member of Demas Lodge, No. 108, of Knights of Pyth- ias, and of Howard Lodge. No. 109, Knights of Honor ; also the Masonic Crawford Lodge, of Bucyrus.

ROBERT WALLACE MUSGRAVE, de- ceased ; was born in New York Feb. 10, 1810 ; he was the youngest of a family of six children, four boys and two girls. The whole family moved to this State when he (Robert W.) was a mere boy, and, when about 15 years of age, he was employed by Henry St. John as clerk in his store at Wooster, Ohio. Mr. St. John soon moved to Bucyrus and brought young Mus- grave along. And, after he had been here some time, he took an interest in the establishment and did business for several years in partner- ship with St. John. Here he formed the ac- quaintance of Maria Gillespie, who was born in Washington Co., Penn., Sept. 5, 1806, and came to Bucyrus with her father's family in October, 1834. Sept. 5, 1835, Mr. Musgrave and Miss Gillespie were united in matrimony ; they began housekeeping and resided there for six years, when Mr. Musgrave disposed of his interests in Bucyrus and moved to this village in June, 1841, where he built a store and put in a stock of general merchandise, and carried on the busi- ness with much success, and purchased at var- ious times land in this vicinity to the amount of 760 acres. which is owned by his widow and the heirs. During Buchanan's administration, he was appointed Postmaster, which office he held here many years, although he was of the opposite political persuasion ; he also held the office of Associate Judge for several years. They reared five children, viz., Marian, now Mrs. Biddle, of Bucyrus ; Ellen J., deceased ; Thomas W. ; Julia, widow of James Rader ; and Myra, now Mrs. Wells. Mr. Musgrave's was a life of unceasing business activity from the time he was 15 years old until it closed in death May 18, 1868. His usefulness was never fully known or realized in business circles, or his influence in society until the vicinity sus- tained the loss in his demise. His introduction to this county was in the role of a poor boy do- ing chores and clerking in a store, and carrying the mail across the country on horseback. But his course was steadily upward, as in time he soon became one of the important factors in

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the business circles of the county, also holding the position of Associate County Judge. Re- gardless of public opinion, or at the risk of be- coming unpopular, he would unhesitatingly assail whatever he considered of questionable merit. Mrs. Musgrave occupies the old home- stead and 140 acres, where she is passing the remainder of her days in happiness, and sup- plied with all the luxuries of life. Her ances- tors were from Ireland ; her grandfather, James Gillespie, emigrated from County Tyrone, and came to United States when young ; he settled in Washington Co., Penn., where he reared a family of six sons. Thomas, the oldest one was Mrs. Musgrave's father, and when she was 8 years old the family moved from Penn- sylvania and located at Xenia, Greene Co., Ohio, and remained there about twelve years; her father spent some time in Tiffin in connection with the land office there, but, as stated, moved his family to Bucyrus in October, 1834, and died in the village of Annapolis at the residence of his son Thomas many years ago.

THOMAS W. MUSGRAVE, retired farmer ; P. O. Sulphur Springs ; was born in Bucyrus, this county, March 9, 1840. He is the only son of Robert W. Musgrave, and was reared to farm work, and lived with his parents until of age. On Aug. 21, 1861, he united his fortunes with Hannah Fry, a daughter of J. H. Fry, who was born Jan. 21, 1839, in this township. He farmed his father's place for several years, when he went to the State of Indiana, but re- mained only a short time, when he came back, and got 160 acres of his father's estate, which he occupied for some time, but subsequently sold it and purchased 148 acres, which he now owns. In the spring of 1880, he moved to this village (Annapolis), where he lives comforta- bly, away from the cares and toil of the farm. He is one of those who are liberal in assisting in any enterprise which is worthy of patronage, and that without display. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, Liberty Lodge No. 845. They have four children-Frank R., Mary E., Robert J. and Albert W.

THOMAS MCCULLOUGH, deceased. He was born Aug. 14, 1831, on the farm where his widow and family reside. His father, Alexan- der Mccullough, came here at the first settle- ment of the county ; he died here, leaving a widow and five children, Thomas, the eldest, being only 10 years of age ; consequently, he

learned early in life what it was to do for him- self. The widow and her five children strug- gled hard for subsistence, and, as time carried them through the shifting scenes of pioneer life, they saw, with much gratification, that the many and varied obstacles disappeared as soon as approached ; but of the five, only William (now living in Wayne Co.) is left to compare the present realities with the memories of the past. On Nov. 4, 1858, Thomas united his fortunes with those of Mary Cleland. She was born June 3, 1827, in Vernon Township, this county. They have had five children-Martha Atta, Rachel A., William C., and two who died in infancy. Mr. Mccullough began school- teaching early in life, and continued the same in the winter months, and, in the summer, at- tending to his farm duties, for several years after his marriage. He was elected and held the office of Township Trustee for two terms, with honor to himself and satisfaction to those he represented. He took a deep and lasting interest in the Sabbath school which was or- ganized in their district, and of which he was Superintendent for six years. He was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. On the 12th of May, 1879, his career closed and his life of good works was sealed in death, mourned by many and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mrs. McCullough and her three children are in good circumstances, and live happily on their well-improved farm of 76 acres. She purposes giving them a good education, which they are eager to avail themselves of. Her eldest daughter, Martha A., has taught school during the past summer. Mrs. McCullough's father, William Cleland, was born in Ireland, and emigrated to the United States when young, with his parents. He came to this county and settled in Vernon Township, where he is still living, and is strong and active, con- sidering that he is in his 85th year. It took six weeks to make their voyage across the ocean. He married Rachel Ramsy, who was a native of Virginia.

DANIEL L. McMICHAEL, farmer ; P. O. Bucyrus ; was born April 7, 1836, where he resides. To give a short sketch of the family- of some historic worth, in connection with Crawford Co .- it is necessary to go back to one Daniel McMichael, grandfather of D. L. McMichael, who was born in Ireland, and came to the United States with his parents when

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about 16 years of age, which was about the year 1794. The family located in Westmore- land Co., Penn., and, when Daniel attained his majority, he married Mary McDowell. She was a native of Scotland, and came to the United States with her parents at an early date. A few years after their marriage, they moved to Ohio, and located on the north of the Sandusky, near where Bucyrus is located. Being a miller by profession, and a mechanical genius, Mr. McMichael saw and felt the pressing need for some kind of mill to grind what little grain they raised to subsist on. He traveled up the river, looking for a suitable location as the basis of operation for building a mill. When he reached the place where Nathan Cooper now lives, he concluded that the object of his search had been discovered. There he entered 160 acres of Government land, and built a saw and grist- mill combined, which was one of the first insti- tutions of the kind in the county, of which the county history speaks more fully. He reared a family of eight children, viz., David, Matthew, William, Daniel, Allen, Mary, Hattie and Mar- tha. Of these, Daniel, Mary and Martha are living in lowa ; Allen, in Nebraska, and Matthew, who resided on the old homestead, near Bucy- rus, and died there some years since. William set out for the gold fields of California, during the early excitement in 1848, and was never heard from here since he wrote a letter back when he reached the Rocky Mountains. David, the oldest one of the family, married Margaret, daughter of John Anderson, who settled here about the year after the McMichaels came. Shortly after the marriage of his daughter, Anderson died, so David McMichael moved to the Anderson farm and remained there until the time of his death, which occurred Nov. 3, 1857, leaving a widow and seven children, viz., Rebecca J., Daniel L., John A., George W., Marie, Cynthia and David-the latter one is deceased. Of these, G. W. and Marie are in Nebraska ; John, Cynthia and Daniel L., in this county. The last-named worked on the farm, and, in the meantime, received a good education at the common and normal schools. He prepared himself for teaching, which he did with marked success for a period of fifteen years, in the winter months, spending the sum- mer on the farm, with some few exceptions, when he taught in summer also. Sept. 16, 1864, he married Rachel J. Woodside. They have

four children, viz., Wallace D., Burton O., Will- iam G. and Lawrence E. Mrs. McMichael was born in this county, in 1839. They own about 50 acres of land, which is part of what belonged to the old Anderson homestead.

JACOB OREWILER, farmer ; P. O. Bucy- rus ; was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., on Jan. 5, 1814. His father, John, and his mother, Barbara (Keith) Orewiler, were both natives of Pennsylvania, but his mother's parents came from Germany, and settled in Pennsylvania, and her father's name was Michael Keith. When Mr. John Orewiler married Barbara Keith, she was then the widow of one John Kline, by whom she had three sons-John, William and Joseph. And of the Orewiler children there were seven- Henry, Adam, Lewis, Rosanna, Elizabeth, Michael and Jacob. They were all born in Pennsylvania ; and when the youngest (Jacob) was about 3 years old, the whole family moved from. Pennsylvania and came to Ohio; they settled in Richland County, about ten miles north of Mansfield, in 1817. There the children grew to maturity, and began to branch out for themselves. Com- ing into this State at such an early date, they were perfectly conversant with pioneer life ; and, although the family were in reasonably good circumstances for that time, yet many were the disadvantages and privations to be borne then, which the youth of to-day would consider impossibilities. No pen can ever do justice to the men and wives, with their help- less little ones, who ventured into the trackless forest, with which they were unacquainted, there to risk their lives at the hands of the red man, for the sake of securing a home for them- selves and their posterity. And who can speak knowingly of the longings, and aching hearts of those who would have gladly returned, whence they came, when all opportunities of returning were unavailable. But most of those noble souls who bore the first burdens of set- tling these parts, have passed from their toil- ing to a more abiding rest. Mr. Jacob Ore- wiler's parents made their permanent home in Richland County, and died there years ago. The first of the family to come into Crawford County was Lewis ; he settled in Cranberry Township in 1835. Jacob came here also at that time, but did not settle permanently. He made a purchase of 40 acres in Sandusky Town- ship in the year 1835, and then returned to his

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Erelong he

father's in Richland County. £ came back to Crawford County and stopped with his brother Lewis; and purchased 40 acres more in Sandusky Township. He worked around between Richland and Crawford Coun- ties for several years ; and in 1839, he went to Indiana, and stopped in De Kalb County, a little over a year, thence to Iowa, where he worked by the month about two years ; then returned to Crawford County, and made his home with his brother Lewis for a short time ; and in January, 1843, he married Annie Con- ley. She was born in Richland County Feb. 3, 1818, and came to this county with her folks in 1828. Mr. Orewiler and his bride repaired to his farm of 80 acres, which he still retained, in Sandusky Township; but afterward sold out there, and moved to Chatfield Township, where he purchased 79 acres. They occupied the latter about ten years ; and Jan. 31, 1865, moved to the farm where they now live; and in 1876. erected a commodious two-story frame residence, besides making other important and necessary improvements on the farm. They had nine children, five of whom are living- John. Elzie, Albert, Jacob and Flora A. Those deceased are Alfred, Henry, Nancy J. and Louisa. John married Sophia Kroneber- ger, and lives in this township ; Elzie married Alice Keller, and lives at Upper Sandusky. Mr. and Mrs. Orewiler are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His sisters were married and moved West, at an early date, and little has been known of them since. Elizabeth was mar- ried to Jesse Van Fustin ; Rosanna to Jacob Hoover ; they settled first in Illinois, and then moved to California ; this was the latest ac- count ; Lewis is the only brother who survives.

DAVID PFLEIDERER, farmer; P. O. Sul- phur Springs ; was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- many, Dec. 5, 1822. He is the son of Christian and Barbara (Auberly) Pfleiderer; the former born in the year 1789, and the latter in 1794. They were farmers in Germany, and in very comfortable circumstances; but Christian con- cluded to emigrate to the United States, where he could more readily procure farms for his growing family ; accordingly, himself and wife and their four children, viz .: Adam, Jacob, Daniel and Christian, started from Germany in the spring of 1831, and after ninety-two days on the ocean they landed at Baltimore, Md. They came across the country until they ar-

rived in Columbiana Co., Ohio; being weary of traveling, and then near the approach of winter, they hesitated about going to unsettled parts of the new country, they concluded to stop in Columbiana Co., until winter would break up. They found shelter with a family by the name of Seacrist ; Mr. Ffleiderer went to work at whatever odd jobs turned up while they were there, as did the oldest boys. Soon as spring opened up they purchased a yoke of oxen and an old wagon, with which the family traveled and brought their little effects, and in the first week of April they came to Crawford Co. and located on 80 acres which was entered by Mr. Pfleiderer while they were wintering in Columbiana, and the same is now part of David's farm. Soon as they came here they purchased 80 acres for $145, adjoining that which had been entered. There was a misera- ble old cabin on the premises, which the family took refuge in until they got a more comforta- ble one erected, and in which there was scarce- ly a nail used in its construction, and about a year later he bought 80 acres more for $140. He was called on, soon after their arrival here, to assist one Ludwig Geiger raise a cabin, when by accident a pole fell and broke his right leg, which was a terrible drawback to the general improvement which was so much needed in the woods; although he had no clearing done at this time, the family were not as destitute as many of the pioneers, as they had considerable money with them. They had made a good start, and everything seemed pros- perous until Mr. Pfleiderer was stricken with paralysis one morning as he got up out of bed, from which he expired instantly. This sudden and unexpected change left considerable care on his widow with her six children, two of whom were born since their arrival in this county -- John and Daniel, the latter a mere infant. The older children conducted the af- fairs of the farm admirable, and Mrs. Pfleiderer did considerably of the light work out doors herself; she lives with her son David, and al- though she is in her 86th year, she is as smart on foot as many who are twenty years younger ; will walk off to church, a distance of several miles, and back without any apparent fatigue.

" Fome place their bliss in action, some in ease,

Those call it pleasure, and contentment. these."

Truly, she may be placed in the former class, for the writer found her in the corn-field with

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a party of huskers, doing her share with a zeal and earnestness which would become one of 16, rather than 86 years ; of course, it is neither expected of her nor desired, but having always led an active life, she could find no contentment in sitting down in idleness or ease. At the set- tling of the estate, David took the homestead and has bought nearly all the heirs' interest, except Christian's, who makes his home with David. He (Christian) was taken with a severe attack of scarlet fever when quite young, caus- ing an unbalanced condition of his mental fac- ulties, from which he never fully recovered. Nov. 13, 1843, David married Mary Heck- enlively ; she was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, and came to Chatfield Township with her parents in August, 1832. They have had fourteen children, viz .: Magdalen, now Mrs. Christ Harmon, of Kosciusko Co .. Ind .; Anna M., wife of G. Ludhardt; Abraham, in Kosciusko Co., Ind .; John (deceased), Margar- et, George (deceased), Barbara, wife of Reuben Crall, of Indiana; Lydia, Isaac and Jacob (twins.) Samuel (deceased), Leonora, Carolina and Clara. Mr. Pfleiderer owns a good farm of 240 acres, which is well improved and has good buildings, which have been well earned by his own and his wife's industry. David's eldest brother, Adam, is now in Ft. Wayne, Ind .; Jacob married here, died, and left a widow and three children. Mrs. David Pflei- derer is the oldest of a family of eight chil- dren ; her father, John Heckenlively, was born in Germany and came to the United States a young man ; he was married in Baltimore, and subsequently moved to Chatfield Township, this county, in 1832. He was a minister of the Gospel of the New-School Lutheran Church. Sometime after they settled here his wife died, leaving eight children, viz .: Mary, Christina, George, Barbara, John, Catharine, Jacob and Magdalen. Of these George, Barbara and John are in Iowa; Catharine and Jacob in Missouri ; Christina is now Widow Shieber. Rev. John Heckenlively finally married the widow of Christian Pfleiderer and lived very confortably. He was sent to Iowa by the American Tract Society, as a missionary-in the German language-in the interest of the New-School Lutherans. He preached in that State three years, and, finding his health fail- ing, he resigned ; returned to Mr. Pfleiderer's, and soon afterward passed to that realm of

which he so earnestly endeavored to teach others.

E. S. PETERMAN, farmer ; P. O. Bucyrus ; was born in York Co., Penn., Dec. 1, 1831, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Shultz) Peterman. The family consisted of parents and two chil- dren-E. S. and Mary ; they moved from Penn- sylvania and settled in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1834. Mr. Peterman, Sr., worked at the blacksmith's trade for some years, but later in life turned his attention to farming. Mr. E. S. Peterman secured a good common-school education, and, in 1859, he embarked in the grocery trade, opening an establishment in Canton, and in 1861 he purchased an interest in a dry-goods establishment with J. J. Kauffman, a brother of Mrs. Peterman. Having sold out his gro- cery business, he devoted his attention to the dry goods alone, which he followed about six years, and sold out in 1866. He was united in marriage with Henrietta Kauffman March 20, 1856. Her parents were natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., but moved to Ohio, and settled in Stark County in 1831, where Mrs. Peterman was born July 5, 1837. Mr. Peterman moved to Crawford County in 1868, and in 1870, pur- chased the farm of 80 acres which he now owns, and which he bought of his father, who purchased the same of one Ernshaw, a Quaker. It is said that this 80 acres was the first loca- tion entered in the township. Mr. Henry Peter- man had moved to this place in 1855 ; he and his wife both died here, she in the fall of 1869, and he in the spring of 1873. Mr. E. S. Peter- man is quite a mechanical genius, and does his own odd jobs of carpenter work, and some small blacksmithing jobs. They have three children-Ella, Frank E. and Harrie, and enjoy the comforts of a well-earned and pleasant home.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 137

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