History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 146

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 146

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WILLIAM CUMMINS; P. O. New Wash- ington ; was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Feb. 21. 1843. His parents, Morgan and Elizabeth (Smith) Cummins, came to Auburn Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, about the year 1828. They were the parents of four children-Abner, John, one that died in infancy, and William. Abner is married, and lives in Williams Co., Ohio. John married Caroline Boardner, and lives in Henry Co., Ohio. William passed

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his youth and early manhood on his parents' farm. Until 1866, the greater share of his time was occupied in farming and carpenter- ing. He was married, Feb. 15, 1866, to Matil- da Hosler, daughter of Jonas and Catharine (Troxel) Hosler, and by her has the following family ; David S., born Oct. 10, 1866; Cora M., Sept. 25, 1872, Della M., Oct. 3, 1874; John F., Feb. 16, 1877, died Dec. 10, 1879, and Mary E., born March 11, 1879. Mrs. Cummins was born Dec. 8, 1846. During the spring of 1866, Mr. Cummins came to New Washington and engaged in the saloon business, and so far has been quite successful. He owns a good business house and good private town proper- ty in New Washington. Mr. Cummins is a Democrat in politics, and is a man who takes great pains-as all men should-to educate his children. His oldest son, David, only 14 years old, passed an examination before the County Examiners that, but for his age, would have entitled him to a teacher's certificate of high grade. Mrs. Cummins' people were among the earliest settlers in Bloom Township, Sene- ca Co., Ohio. Mr. Cummins is an intelligent and enterprising man. He spends much of his time in reading. and, although he did not receive anything extraordinary of an educa- tion in youth, has, by application, made him- self thoroughly conversant with the issues of the day.

WILLIAM H. DONNENWIRTH, merchant, New Washington ; was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1838. He is a son of John and Marga- ret (Lang) Donnenwirth, who were parents of nine children. The parents were natives of Alsace, Germany. They were married in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1828, and the names of their chil- dren respectively are Elizabeth, deceased ; John, deceased ; Mary, George, William, Mar- garet, Elizabeth, Andrew and Samuel. The mother is dead ; the father is yet living, at an advanced age, in Stark Co., Ohio. Mary lives in Canton, Ohio, the wife of Emanuel Raber. George married Matilda Stump and is a farmer and lives in Stark Co. Margaret lives in Mich- igan and is the wife of Henry Heffleman, Elizabeth is the wife of Lewis Schneider and resides in Stark Co. Andrew is a saddler, married Mary Ingraham and lives in Summit Co. Samuel is a farmer in Stark Co., his wife being Emma (Housman) Donnenwirth. William was reared on a farm, receiving a good com-

mon-school education. He began for himself when 27 years old, by farming. Jan. 30, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Catharine A. Sheetz, daughter of John A. Sheetz by his second wife. To this union were born the fol- lowing family : Margaret O., born Dec. 2, 1866 ; Caroline L., born Oct. 18, 1868 ; Mary M., born Sept. 25, 1870 ; Etta I., born July 19, 1872 ; Emma A., born March 14, 1875, and Ida E., born Feb. 3, 1878. Mrs. Donnenwirth was born in Auburn Township, Aug. 8, 1838. Mr. Don- nenwirth opened a hardware store in New Wash- ington in 1872, and by excellent business tact has increased his stock to one of the best stores of its kind in the county. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Donnenwirth is a genial, intelligent and en- terprising gentleman, and one of the best bus- iness men in New Washington.

L. C. DONNENWIRTH, New Washington, was born in New Washington, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1851. His parents were Hon. George and Car- oline (Durr) Donnenwirth. The main history of the family will be found in the biography of Hon George Donnenwirth, of Bucyrus Town- ship. When 6 years old, our subject, together with his parents, moved to Bucyrus, where he remained until 18 years old. He then appren- ticed himself to Jacob Seifert to learn the blacksmith's trade. After about two and a half years, he mastered the trade, and then, for one year, assisted his preceptor. Mr. Seifert died at the end of that time, and our subject, with his half-brother William, continued the busi- ness. In 1877, he commenced blacksmithing by himself in New Washington, and as such has ever since continued. Mr. Donnenwirth is considered one of the best disciples of Vulcan in the town. On May 1, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Guiss, daughter of Christian Guiss, and to them were born two children-William A., born Oct. 7, 1874, died Jan. 1, 1877 ; Annetta J., born Feb. 24, 1880. Mrs. Dommenwirth was born Aug. 22, 1853. Mr. Donnenwirth is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is a Democrat in politics. He has held the position of City Clerk since 1874, and Township Clerk since 1877. Mr. Donnenwirth is an enterprising and industrious young man, of good morals and good character.

JOHN F. EARLER, New Washington ; was born in Germany May 30, 1835. Is a son of John and Mary B. (Mayer) Earler, who were

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parents of four children-John F., Earnest F., Caroline and Barbara. Caroline is dead ; par- ents are also dead, having died in the " old country." John F. Earler came to the United States in 1855, locating in Ashland Co., Ohio, where he worked as a farm hand for seven years. The next three years, he was employed by a butcher in a butcher-shop ; here he met Catharine Webber, who afterward became his wife. In 1865, he moved to Cranberry Town- ship, Crawford Co., Ohio, and two years later purchased the farm he now owns. He started a poor boy, but, by economy and hard work, Mr. Earler has acquired quite a competency. His wife died Sept. 12, 1877. Was again mar- ried Sept. 6, 1878, his second wife being Cath- arina Laufer, and by her has two sons, twins- John and Frederick. By his first wife, Mr. Earler also had two sons-John G. and Charles W. Mr. Earler is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and a Democrat in politics. His land is situated north of the center of Sec- tion 23, the one-half being the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter, and the other half be- ing the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 23. Mr. Earler is an enter- prising and well-respected citizen of Cranberry Township.

J. C. H. ELDER, attorney and counselor at law, New Washington ; son of Achor and Eliza (Cessna) Elder, who were parents of seven children-Sarah V., Emma, Curtis, William J., J. C. H., Mary and Horace A., all of whom are living, except Mary. The subject of this sketch lived with his parents on the farm until he was 19 years old. He was born in Bedford Co., Penn., June 15, 1849, and in 1868, com- menced attending the Heidleberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio, where he remained until 1875, completing the classical course of that college. After graduating, Mr. Elder entered the law of- fice of Hon. Warren P. Noble, with whom he remained, reading law, until he was admitted to the bar, which occurred April 12, 1877. On Jan. 16, 1878, he commenced the practice of law in New Washington, where he has remained ever since. Mr. Elder was married in Septem- ber, 1877, to Miss Marietta Ash, daughter of Emanuel Ash, of Fostoria, Ohio, and by her has one daughter-Mabel, born in July, 1878. Mr. Elder, on his father's side, is of Irish descent, and on his mother's side, of French and Welsh. His wife is of German extraction. Although a

young man in his profession, Mr. Elder has a good and lucrative practice, and, besides being an attorney, he represents two reliable insur- ance companies-the Cooper Insurance Co., of Dayton, Ohio, and the Insurance Co., of North America, of Philadelphia. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Elder is an enterprising young man of good and moral habits, and enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellow-townsmen, and we predict for him an excellent future and an enviable record.

C. K. HEABLER, practical miller, New Washington ; of the firm of Endslow & Heab- ler, was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, May 4, 1847. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1795, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Heabler was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1807. They were the parents of eleven children-William, deceased ; John ; Catharine, deceased ; George ; Emanuel, de- ceased ; Henry ; Samuel, deceased ; Elizabeth, David, Sarah and C. K. Out of those living, C. K., Henry, George and John are millers, as was their father before them. David is a shoe- maker. George, David and C. K. were faithful and efficient soldiers in the late war. The father died in June, 1875. His widow survives him and resides in Attica. Mr. Heabler owned a farm, on which his family lived, while he at- tended the milling business. He was a kind and firm man, and very strict in his religious views, and his habits were strictly temperate and moral. At his death, the neighborhood lost a prominent and good citizen and a kind neighbor. Our subject, Christian K., was brought up on a farm, but learned the milling trade when quite young. When 19 years of age, he engaged his services to his brother, who was a miller in Attica, with whom he remained twelve years. For one year he milled in Napo- leon. In January, 1880, he, together with T. B. Endslow, bought the large grist-mill at New Washington, and, as millers, are second to none in the county. Mr. Heabler is a Demo- crat in politics. He was married Jan. 26, 1870, to Miss Sarah E. Swartz, daughter of Peter and Martha Swartz. To this union were born two children-Roscoe G., born Jan. 22, 1871, and Ettie M., born July 22, 1875. Mr. Heabler owns a half-interest in the mill, is a member of the I. O. O. F., and an intelligent enterprising gentleman.

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GEORGE HEPP, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. New Washington ; is of German descent, and was born in Alsace in 1832. His parents, John and Melinda (Summer) Hepp, came to the United States in 1843, locating in Seneca Co. They were the parents of two children- George and Peter. Peter married Elizabeth Baach, and lives in Seneca Co. Mr. Hepp died in 1872. He was a good man, and was a prom- inent and respected man among the Germans. Our subject passed his youth and early man- hood on the farm and in attending school. He was married, in 1856, to Mary Westrick, who died in 1858, leaving a fond husband and baby daughter to mourn her loss. The daughter's name is Caroline, and she is now the wife of Lawrence Wechter, living in Cranberry Town- ship. On Nov. 1, 1859, Mr. Hepp remarried, his wife being Margaret Wenslie. By her he has nine children-Elizabeth, born in 1860 ; Mary, in 1861; Anthony, in 1862; Jacob, in 1865 ; Melinda, in 1868; Joseph, in 1870, and died the same year ; Frank, born in October, 1872 ; Rosa, in 1875. and Anna, in 1877. The Hepp family are all good, industrious citizens, and enjoy the respect of all who know them. They are Catholics in religion, and prominent farm- ers in Cranberry Township. Mr. Hepp owns 102 acres of highly improved land adjoining the village of New Washington. He is taking especial pains to educate his children, as he wishes them to grow up intelligent men and women, and fully capable of assuming promi- nent positions in society.

ROBERT G. HILBORN ; P. O. New Wash- ington. Among the old and time-honored resi- dents of northeastern Crawford Co. is the subject of this biography. He was born in Richland Co., Ohio, May 15, 1823, and was one of a family of nine children, of whom Isaac and Nancy (George) Hilborn were the parents. Mr. Hilborn, the father, came to Richland Co. as early as 1813, being one of the very earliest settlers. In 1826, he came to Crawford Co., locating in Liberty Township, and afterward in Sandusky and Auburn Townships. Mr. Hil- born died in the latter township during the spring of 1863. He was a man of great ener- gy of character, and did much to advance civ- ilization in the county. The biographies of their sons, Robert, Samuel. John and William, appear in this work. Robert, like his brothers, was reared on the farm, and, being the oldest

boy, was detained at home to help clear and improve the place, and thus did not receive the advantages in education that boys now do. His first wife was Miss Elizabeth Eckis, dangh- ter of Jacob Eckis, Esq., of Auburn Township. In 1847, he built a cabin in the woods of Holmes Township, where he lived with his young wife ten years. He then moved to Au- burn Township, and, about this time, lost his wife. By her he had the following family : Minerva A., now the wife of William Taylor ; Martha ; Sarah A., now the wife of George W. Gregg ; Emma L., now the wife of Joseph Til- son ; Amena E., the wife of Christian Graff- miller ; Ida, now the wife of Dee Milroy, and one son that died in infancy. Not long after the death of his wife, Mr. Hilborn bought the John Robinson farm, in Cranberry Township. He was married to his present wife March 25, 1862. Her name was Mrs. Nancy Hanna, widow of John Hanna, and daughter of James Crawford, a relative of Col. Crawford, who was burned at the stake by the Indians. His last marriage bore to him three children-Isaac H., born in January, 1863 ; Hepzibah, in Septem- ber, 1865, and Kate, in July, 1867. Mr. Hil- born lived on the John Robinson place six years, and, in 1869, moved to New Washing- ton. His present occupation is hotel-keeping, he being the proprietor of the City House. He does a good business, and is reasonably snc- cessful. Mr. Hilborn remembers distinctly many an experience in his early life in the then forest of Auburn and other townships. When but a boy, he remembers carrying pro- visions to the Indians, and of many memorable scenes connected with them. Mr. Hilborn is an honest and respected citizen in New Wash- ington, and no name is more respected in the neighborhood than his.

J. S. HERSHISER, M. D., physician and surgeon, New Washington ; is one of a family of ten children, whose names respectively are Mary A., Cyrus, Caroline, Anthony B., Sarah, John S., Aaron, Bertha, Jacob H. and Adeline H., all of whom are living except Bertha. The father of this family was Samuel Hershiser, who, with his wife, Sarah (Schertzer) Hershiser, were honored and highly respected citizens of Bedford Co., Penn. John S. Hershiser, the sub- ject of this biography, was reared on a farm. He received an excellent common-school edu- cation, and, for two years, was a student in the

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college at Oberlin, Ohio, where he began fitting himself for the medical profession. After this, and for three years, he studied under the in- structions of Dr. S. B. Bell, of Mansfield, Ohio, and, in 1856, attended medical lectures in the Medical Department of the University of Mich- igan, at Ann Arbor. He remained there one year, and then, in the spring of 1857, came to New Washington and began the practice of medieine. Here he remained until the winter of 1865-66 ; he then attended the Medieal De- partment of the University of Wooster, situ- ated at Cleveland, were he completed the course of the regular school of medicine, graduating with honors. Since that time, he has always practiced his profession at New Washington. On the 30th of April, 1857, he was united in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of John Dull, of Vernon Township, and by her has one son, Charles C., born Jan. 22, 1858. Mrs. Hershiser was born May 5, 1837. Dr. Hershiser is one of the best physicians in Northern Ohio. It has always been his aim to be " at the top " in his profession, and his pres- ent popularity shows the success which his determination has met with. He is one of the prominent men of New Washington, is a Re- publican in polities, and a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.

MATTHIAS KIBLER, deceased ; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, June 11, 1822. He was the youngest in a family of eight children, six of whom are yet living. He, together with his parents, John and Maria Kibler, came to the United States in 1839, locating in Trumbull Co., Ohio. Here Mr. Kibler passed his time working on a farm, working on a canal and working in a tannery, and, at intervals, going to school. In this way he received a good common-school education. On the 22d of Oc- tober, 1846, he united in marriage to Frederica Pfahler, daughter of Matthias and Barbara Pfahler, and to this union were born eight children-Maria, born Dec. 5, 1847, died July 25, 1850 ; Samuel J., March 9, 1851 ; Franklin P., June 27, 1853, died July 15, 1854 ; James M., Feb. 15, 1856; Lovina, April 5, 1857 ; John W., June 28, 1859 ; Caroline, April 25, 1862, died Aug. 18, 1862 ; Louisa M., July 20, 1863. Of these, Samuel J. is the only one married. On the 22d of April, 1875, he married Miss Elizabeth Herr, of Seneca Co., and by her had three children-William B., born April 13, 1876,

died April 14, 1876; Alfred G., Aug. 1, 1877 ; and Clara O., June 20, 1879. The mother was born May 24, 1854. Mr. Kibler, Sr., came to Cranberry Township in 1841, and embarked in the tanning business on the farm now owned by Daniel Easley. In the winter of 1846-47, this tannery took fire and was burned to the ground. The next spring, Mr. Kibler moved to New Washington and engaged in farming, tanning, and the boot and shoe business. He built the tannery now owned by his sons, S. J. Kibler & Bro., and he was one of the principal citizens of his time. His death occurred Sept. 23, 1876. Mr. Kibler was a man of keen foresight and in- telligence, and, during his time, held many offices of honor and trust. He was the first Mayor of New Washington, and was Mayor at the time of his death. His son, S. J., succeeded him in the office of Township Treasurer. Mr. Kibler was a Democrat, and a member of the German Lutheran Church. He was well known all over Crawford Co. as a man of more than ordinary intelligence and ability. His widow still survives him, at the age of 56, and is living in New Washington. The Kibler family is an old and honored one, and no name commands more respect than does that family.

J. F. KIMERLINE; P. O. New Washington ; is a son of John and Mary (Derr) Kimerline, who were the parents of seven children, and were natives of Germany, the father being born in 1820, and the mother in 1818. They were married in Germany, and came to the United States in 1853, locating in Wooster, Ohio. The names of their children respectively are Will- iam, Lewis, John, Maggie, Christina, Fred and Elizabeth. William, Christina and Elizabeth are dead. Lewis is a butcher by trade ; he mar- ried Barbara Derr, and resides in New Wash- ington ; John is single, and lives in Cleveland ; Maggie is single, and resides at home with her father, in Wooster. Mrs. Kimerline died Jan. 2, 1880. The subject of this article was born Dee. 6, 1855. He passed his youthful days on the farm and in attending school, receiving the common-school education which most boys in the country receive. When 17 years of age, he determined to increase his mental acquire- ments, and fit himself for teaching. With this purpose in view, he first attended the schools of Smithville for a time, and when sufficiently qualified, commenced alternately teaching and

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going to school, which has been his occupation ever since. Mr. Kimerline is at present Prin- cipal of the New Washington schools. He is a young man of good habits, and has the reputa- tion of being an excellent instructor. He is a member of the graduating class of 1882, in the college at Ada, Ohio. Mr. Kimerline is a Demo- erat in politics, and is enterprising and indus- trious, and has the respect and esteem of his employes and acquaintances.

DANIEL KELLER, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. O. Tiro. There is no more honored and respected name in northeastern Crawford County than that of Keller. George and Mary Keller were the parents of eight children, only two of whom are living. They were married in Pennsylvania, and in 1827, emigrated to Stark Co., Ohio. After eighteen years of pio- neer life, they removed to Cranberry Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, settling on the farm that is now owned by Daniel Keller-the subject of this biography. Mr. Keller was a man of pow- erful frame and constitution, and one well cal- culated to become one of the best and hardiest pioneers of Crawford County. Here he built him a log cabin, where he and his wife lived happily together until they were called to their final account before God. The mother died Aug. 26, 1854, a well-beloved and respected mother. Mr. Keller died Feb. 3, 1860. He was a man of a deep moral and religious nature, and his loss was keenly felt by a large circle of friends. Daniel Keller. the only son now liv- ing, was reared on the farm. His boyhood and early manhood were similar to that of a great many other boys of that time, with perhaps but few exceptions. He has been singularly un- fortunate in his marriage relations, having been married four times, his first, second and third wives being dead. By his first wife, Catharine Eckis, to whom he was married in 1848, died in 1854, leaving him two children to care for. His second wife, Annie Crall, to whom he was married in 1859, died without issue. Mr. Kel- ler's third wife was Margaret Smith, daughter of the old pioneer preacher Smith. She died in 1871, bearing Mr. Keller four children- John S., Emma, Minnie and one that died in infancy. His first two children were Isaiah and Mary. Mr. Keller is a kind and genial gentleman. He owns 80 acres of good land, is a Republican in politics, and holds to the United Brethren religion. He is enterprising and in-

dustrious, and commands the respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

J. & A. G. LEDERER ; P. O. New Washing- ton. A. G. Lederer was born in Cranberry Township, Dec. 19, 1853. His parents, Jacob and Magdalena (Donnenwirth) Lederer, were natives of Germany, and came to the United States in 1819, locating in Stark Co., Ohio. They came to Cranberry Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1826, where the Lederer family has since resided. The family consisted of Jacob and Magdalena Lederer, parents, and John, Jacob, Adam G., Matilda and Odella, the children. Of the children, Matilda is the only one dead. Mr. Lederer was a man of good morals and steady habits. His death was a deep loss, not only to his family, but to the neighborhood in general. He died as he lived, a pure, upright man in the sight of his God, on Aug. 19, 1857. His widow survives him and resides in New Washington. John married Elizabeth Kline, and resides in New Washing- ton ; Jacob lives on the old place with his brother Adam, and is the husband of Mary (Guiss) Lederer ; Odella is the wife of Andrew Croonenberger, and they live with her mother in New Washington; Adam G. was, like his brothers, reared on a farm. He received a good common-school education in youth, and finished it by going to the high school in Lex- ington, Ohio, two terms, and Fostoria, Ohio, one term. Since then he has been engaged in farm- ing and teaching school. He is a teacher of fourteen terms' experience, the last three years being taught in New Washington graded schools. He was married, Feb. 8, 1876, to Miss Ella A. Hartupee, and by her had one child, Eva, born Jan. 2, 1878, and died Oct. 24, 1878. The mother was born Feb. 24, 1854. The Lederers are Lutherans in religion, and Democrats in politics. They are intelligent and first-class citizens.

DAVID D. LANTZ ; P. O. New Washington ; was born June 18, 1833, in Oreville, France. His parents, Valentine and Catharine Lantz, were natives of Germany, and the parents of seven children, six sons and one daughter. Five sons and the daughter are yet living. They were married about the year 1828, and came to the United States in 1834, locating in Cranberry Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, on the farm now owned by George Hepp. Mr. Lantz is now dead. He was a man of great

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energy of character, and of firm but kind de- meanor. Ile was well and highly respected by his friends, and his death was greatly deplored by a large circle of friends. Mrs. Lantz is yet living, and makes her home with her daughter in Sandusky City. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and, owing to the poor schools of that early day, received but a mod- erate education. When 20 years of age, he began farming for himself, but made his home with his mother. his father being dead. The marriage of David D. Lantz and Caroline Bibel was solemnized Sept. 29, 1863. Mrs. Lantz is a daughter of Jacob and Christina (Fireing) Bibel, and her marriage with Mr. Lantz pro- duced four children-Oscar, born June 30, 1864; Katie, born Oct. 20, 1865; Ellen, born March 4, 1867, and Percy, born Feb. 9, 1878. Mrs. Lantz was born Aug. 28, 1841. Mr. Lantz's present occupation is farming and threshing. He owns 20 acres of valuable land within the corporate city limits of New Wash- ington. Is a Democrat in politics, strictly ad- hering to the principles laid down by the National Democratic party. Mr. Lantz has held the office of Constable of his township, and he is a genial, intelligent man, and is well and highly respected by all who know him.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 146

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