History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 149

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 149

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

arine, and one died in infancy. The mother of N., Daniel, Abraham, Sarah, Rebecca J., Cath-

these children died in 1841. About the year

Co., Ohio, where he resided until 1877, and re- when he again left, this time going to Wood Crawford County, and remained until 1860, he resided until 1841, when he returned to 1836, Mr. Van Voorhis went to Michigan, where

turned to Crawford County again. He yet lives here, and expects to spend the balance of

his days here. In 1842, he married his second

native of Harrison Co., Ohio, as also was she. Benjamin Warden, who died in 1840; he was a wife, Almeda (Johnston) Warden, widow of

They came to Crawford County in 1821, having two children-Nathan C. and Benjamin F.

Ten children were born to Mr. Van Voorhis by

Amanda, James M., Mary, Eliza, Geo. S., Mar- his last marriage, two of whom are dead-

tha, Isaac M., John R., Alice and Albert. Mr.

Van Voorhis began business for himself with-

out the aid of any one, and made all he has by

John M., and his two step-sons, Nathan C. and hard work and economy. He had one son,

Benjamin F. (Warden), in the late war, all of whom lived to return home. Mr. Van Voorhis and wife are members of the Disciples' Church.

CALEP WEAVER, farmer ; P. O. North Robinson ; was born in Germany in 1839, and is a son of John and Elizabeth Weaver, also born in Germany, who, emigrating to America in 1845, and coming direct to Crawford Co., settled in Jefferson Township, where they lived

until 1849, and then went to Vernon Township,

where they died. The father died in 1858, and the mother in 1871. The father was married twice, and there were six children by his first marriage and the same number by his last. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the second set of children. When the parents came to America, they were very poor, but, by hard work and proper economy, they accumu- lated something of a fortune. Calep Weaver was raised on his father's farm, and has always followed farming for a business. He did not have the advantages in the way of acquiring an education when he was young that are now afforded, and his education is consequently very limited. He began business for himself entirely upon his own resources, and, by close attention to business, has made quite a fortune. He was married, in 1860, to Margaret Delp; she was born in Crawford Co. Her parents

1008

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

were natives of Germany, and were early resi- dents of the county. From this marriage, there were five children, one now dead-Will- iam F., John HI., Samuel E., Emeline and Louis H. Mr. Weaver went to Defiance Co. in 1861, where he purchased a farm of 80 acres of land in the woods, which he cleared and improved, and, in 1870, he sold this and returned to Crawford Co. and purchased the farm that he now resides upon, consisting of 100 acres, in Jefferson Township, most of which he has cleared, and has put all the improvements on it. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

JOHN WEBER, farmer; P. O. Crestline ; was born in Germany in 1832, and is the son of John Weber. Mr. Weber came to America with his father in 1845, and settled in Crawford Co., where his father died, in 1856. His moth-

er died in Germany about the year 1835. The subject of this sketch spent his youth and early manhood on his father's farm, and received a common-school education. He was married, in 1858, to Elizabeth Delp, who was born and raised on the farm that Mr. Weber now owns and resides upon. From this union there are two children-George and Andrew. He began business for himself a poor man, and is now in good circumstances. When he first began bus- iness for himself, he worked as a farm laborer, and in this way accumulated enough to buy a threshing machine, and, for a number of years, followed threshing for a business, and, in 1859, purchased the farm of 79 acres that he now lives upon, and has since followed farming and stock-growing for a business. He and family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Po- litically, he is a Democrat.

CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP.

JOHN BURGBACHER, farmer ; P. O. Chat- field. Esquire Burgbacher, one of the stanch and reliable men of Chatfield, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, town of Boll, County of Sulz, June 23, 1824 ; son of Johannes and Rosina (Bippus) Burgbacher. He emigrated with his parents, in 1835, to this State, locating in this township, and purchasing 80 acres in See. 7, of Trueman Wilkinson, he being the second owner ; 6 acres of this land was all that was cleared. John was thus early in life in- ured to hard labor, and subject to many of the privations incident to a pioneer settlement. His father dying Jan. 27, 1842, the care of the farm devolved upon John, who was at this time 18 years of age, which post of responsibility he held until he was 25 years of age. On July 3. 1849, he was joined by wedlock to Susanna M. Koenig, who was born Dec. 1, 1829, in Zell, Rhine Bavaria, and whose parents were William and Mary L. (Fey) Koenig, who were born Oct. 21, 1797, and Jan. 4, 1795, respectively. They emigrated to this country in 1833. Mr. Koenig was one of the first coopers in this part of the country. Since the marriage of Mr. Burgbacher, he has remained continuously on the homestead ; he began first by buying out the heirs' interest, until he became the legal

possessor of the entire farm. Ten children have been born to him, six of whom are living, viz .: Mary L., now Mrs. William Hohl, of Lima, Allen Co .; John W., in Defiance Co .; Rose, now Mrs. Jacob Breigle, of this township ; William H., married Ellen Goler, daughter of George and Mary Strahle, of Defiance Co .; and Elizabeth, at home. The farm of Mr. B. con- tains 170 acres of land ; he has acquired the same with the assistance of his faithful spouse. During his life, he has been a true Democrat, having served two terms as County Commis- sioner, as Justice of the Peace over twenty, and as School Director twenty-four years. He and his wife are members of the German Lu- theran Church. Johannes Burgbacher, above mentioned, died in his 68th year, and his wife, Dec. 14, 1850, aged 64.

AARON CARRICK, farmer ; P. O. Caro- thers ; was born June 27, 1836, in Huron Co., Ohio, being the third child of Joseph and Fred- erica (Harklerhodis) Carrick, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. He was born on July 16, 1808, and she on Sept. 8, 1809, in Bedford Co. They were married April 6, 1829, in Stark, and moved afterward to Columbiana Co. To them were born William, Laura A., Aaron and Sarah. William is in Seneca, Rock-

1009

CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP.

away Township, and Sarah is now Mrs. Jesse English, of Carothers, Seneca Co. The Car- rick family came to this township in 1846, locating on the farm now owned by Aaron, purchasing 105 acres ; but a small portion was cleared at that time. Aaron's father was a carpenter by occupation, but after coming to this township applied himself to farming. He died Nov. 12, 1877, a worthy and respected citizen. Aaron's early boyhood was spent in attending school and at work on the farm. In August, 1862, when the war cloud was hanging over our Republic, and deluging our land with the crimson tide, and stalwart men were needed to combat the traitors' advance, Aaron was ready to respond to the Nation's call, and donned the blue, and for three years he was found at the front and did his duty until the termination of the war. During this time he was a participant in some of the most sanguin- ary conflicts of the war. His regiment was the 123d Ohio V. I., and served in the Army of the Potomac. He was once taken prisoner by Moseby, but escaped him and rejoined his com- mand. Upon his return to peaceful pursuits, he came home and resumed farming, and in 1868, was married to Lucy Ann Ficke, who was born in Venice Township, Seneca Co., daughter of Peter Ficke. Of three children born them, but one survives, Jacob A. He has 105 acres of land.

J. H. DAVIDSON, farmer ; P. O. Chatfield ; first saw the light of day, May 28, 1835, on the northwest quarter of Sec. 20, in Chatfield Township. His parents were Richard and Re- becca (Hill) Davidson, he was born May 28, 1799, in Virgina. His father was George David- son, who was a first cousin to Colonel Crawford, of Broken Sword fame. He was a soldier in the Revolution when 18 years of age. The land upon which his son Richard was born, was that which he obtained through the Govern- ment, in consideration of his services in the Revolutionary war, which title was never per- fected, and he failed to have the matter ad- justed, and it finally fell into other hands, where it has remained to this day, though justly should be in the Davidson family. The elder Davidson emigrated to this State in the early part of the present century, and settled in Knox County, being one among the first set- tlers, and remained here until his death. Rich- ard, his son, removed to this county in 1830,

and settled on the land now owned by our sub- ject, who was the fifth child of a family of twelve, nine of whom lived to maturity. In 1832, his father was elected Justice of the Peace, being the first dispenser of justice in the Township, and was, for several years afterward, prominent as one of the leading spirits in the township. John H. was 13 years of age when his father died; he then remained with his mother, and assisted in her maintenance. Re- moved to Marion County in 1857, where he was employed as a teacher, remaining here until 1862 ; he then returned to the homestead, where he has since lived. He has been twice mar- ried, first, to Ann M. Hopple, in September, 1865 ; she died two years later. March, 1871, was married to Laura J. Williams, born in Lib- erty Township in 1848, she is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Shofstall) Williams, who were from Pennsylvania, and of German de- scent. Three children-Nellie May, Florence M. and Walter Edward-are the younger repre- sentatives of the Davidson family. Is Demo- cratic in politics, and has served as Justice of the Peace several terms ; a teacher for twelve terms in all, and has ever been one among the prominent, enterprising and public-spirited men of his township. Is a representative of one of the prominent church societies, and is an up- right Christian gentleman.

JOHN GREEN, farmer ; P. O. Sulphur Springs ; was born Sept. 15, 1844, in Liberty Township, Crawford Co .; eldest son of Jacob Green, who was born in Wurtemberg March 13, 1818, who was a son of Frantz Gottlieb Green, who was born Dec. 11, 1775, and emigrated to this State in 1832 and settled in Liberty Town- ship. Jacob Green was married to Magdalena C. Treftz, who was born July 15, 1823, in Wur- temberg, daughter of Michael and Rachel (Rou) Treftz, who came over in the same vessel with the Green family. Mrs. Green came to this county with her parents, who entered 40 acres in Chatfield Township. When her father went to enter the land, he left his family in a barn at Bloomingville, there being no other accommo- dations. Mrs. Green and her sister walked from that point to Sandusky, to hire out, which they did, receiving 18 cents per week. She afterward worked in Columbus, walking the en- tire distance several times, through the forests, and carrying her clothing and food, and stop- ping at the farmhouses over night when she

1010

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

could, and at the taverns, paying 6 cents for a bed. John was raised to farming. There were eleven children in the family, ten of whom are living. At the age of 25, he was married to Barbara Pitts, born Aug. 25, 1846, in Chatfield Township, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rock) Pitts, who were natives of Pennsylva- nia. After John's marriage, he engaged in farming on his own behalf, and has now 104 acres of land. Of six children born, four are living-Clara E., Anna M., Oscar L. and Ida A. Jacob Green died in June, 1875. He has a brother, John, who has been serving in the regular army since the Mexican war, now in the West, in the cavalry service ; is a General, and a valiant officer, and is a terror to the In- dians.

JOHN HANES, farmer ; P. O. Carothers ; is a son of Daniel Haines, whose wife was Su- sanna Bordner, both of whom were natives of the " Keystone State," near Reading, and emi- grated to Stark Co. about the time of the In- dian war, locating in Pike Township, where John was born, on Jan. 5, 1819. His father entered 40 acres of land, but died soon after. The family being poor, John's minority was spent in acquiring means to maintain them, al- ways turning over his earnings to his mother. Soon after he became of age, he went to Huron Co., where he worked out by the year for ten successive twelve-months. Returning then to Crawford Co., he was united in wedlock to Par- melia Shade, who was born in September, 1829, in Stark Co., Ohio, danghter of Samuel Shade. Having some money, he and his brother Chris purchased 80 acres in the northeastern part of Chatfield Township, which they held in partnership for about six years. He then sold out to his brother, and purchased 742 acres of his grandfather and Uncle George Bordner, on Sec. 5, and has since added to it until he now has 120 acres, all of which he has acquired by hard toil and prudent management, his farm ranking among the best of its size. It is well tilled, and everything pertaining to it proclaims the thrifty enterprise of its owner, whose re- solve was, in early life, that, should Providence grant him health, he would industriously apply himself to the acquisition of a good home and a reasonable competence, which resolve he has now realized. Of seven children born to him, five are living-Rufus, of this township ; Ellen, now Mrs. Isaiah Keller, of Bucyrus ; Samuel,

Daniel and Ida, at home. There were twelve children of his father's family, he being the sixth. His school advantages were very lim- ited indeed. He is among the few in the town- ship who cast their vote for Republican princi- ples. He and his wife are members of the Ger- man Reformed Church.

FREDERICK HIPP, farmer ; P. O. Chat- field. Among the prominent citizens in this township is the above-named gentleman, whose long association with this locality, his sterling qualities and recognized merits have justly placed him in high esteem in the community, in which he has been a resident since 1833. Was born Dec. 9, 1822, in Bessingheim, Wur- temberg, Germany ; son of Christian F. and Sabina (Beckbissinger) Hipp, to whom were born six children, our subject being the second. In 1833, he emigrated to this State with his parents, who located in Chatfield Township, and engaged in farming. After attaining his ma- jority, he went to Bucyrus, where he learned the wagon-maker's trade, which, being com- pleted, he set up in business at Richville, and continued steadily at the same for over a score of years, when he engaged in the mercantile business at this place for five years, since which time he has been engaged as a tiller of the soil, and has been successful in his efforts. When he began for himself he had nothing; when he went to keeping house he made the greater part of his own furniture, humble and plain of its kind, yet their wants were few, and their chief desires were to secure a home and sufficiency for their declining years. Providence has crowned their efforts with success, they having now 200 acres of excellent land and town prop- erty. His amiable wife was Catharine Kunzi, born December, 1825, in Wurtemberg, in the " Faderland." She was a daughter of Andrew and Eve Kunzi. Fifteen children have crowned the union of Mr. Hipp and wife. Of the num- ber now living are-Jacob, in Seneca Co .; Louisa, Mrs. J. H. Robison, of Bucyrus ; Hen- ry, at home ; Mary Ann, Mrs. C. D. Markley ; John, Charles, Savina, Sarah, Frederick and Emma. Democratic in sentiment, he has for several years past been one of the wheel horses in the Democratic party, and has filled several offices of trust in his township, as Postmaster and as Justice of the Peace eighteen years, he and Esquire Burgbacher being the present dis- pensers of Justice in the township. Mr. Hipp

1011

CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP.

is a liberal patron of the public journals, and is a friend and supporter of all enterprises in which the public weal is concerned.

CHRISTOPHER HANES, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. O. New Washington ; is among the prominent farmers and self-made men of this township, beginning in life a poor boy. His father dying, he was thus early in life left with- out a paternal friend to counsel and advise, and was thrown out upon the cold world to battle with its tempests and storms without a shilling in his pocket. His only capital was a good constitution and willing hands, which he brought into requisition, and to these he is mainly in- debted for the condition of things about him as seen to-day. He was born in Stark Co., Ohio, March 4, 1819, to Daniel and Susanna Hanes, who had twelve children. Christopher worked out by the month to get his start, working six years for Stephen Russell. His school advan- tages were of an exceedingly limited character. Free schools were not then in vogue. Having saved some money, he, in company with his brother John, purchased 80 acres in this town- ship, which they held in common a few years, and, then buying John's interest, he has since added to it at different times, until he now has about 400 acres, upon which are eight orchards. His farm ranks among the best in the township, and is highly productive, he raising as much grain to the acre as any of the surrounding farmers. Stock-raising is given especial atten- tion, and his entire efforts in a business way seem to have been, in the past, crowned with marked success. His wife was Julia A. Smith, who was born in 1822, in Virginia, of well-to-do parents, who, moving West, located in this township and bequeathed to their de- scendants a liberal patrimony. Eight children have crowned the union of Mr. Hanes to Julia, his wife-George (the eldest, resides at home), Samantha (Mrs. John Martin), Elizabeth A., Frank, Susanna (Mrs. William De Roche) and Matilda are those now living. In 1875, he built a spacious brick farmhouse, 32×32, with a large observatory, and cellar under the entire building, making the finest farm residence in the township.

DAVID KALB, farmer; P. O. Chatfield ; was born on the homestead, situated a short distance southwest of Richville, where he first beheld the light of day May 21, 1844. His father, William, was born in August, 1800, in

Wurtemberg, Germany, and was married to the mother of David in the year 1828, whose maiden name was Savina Haner, born in April, 1803. In 1833, they emigrated to this State in company with Esquire Hipp and father, making his first settlement in Holmes Co., where he bought 80 acres in the woods, where he built a rude cabin and lived about two years and a half. In 1836, during the month of February, he came to Chatfield Township and bought 110 acres in Sec. 19, and but 3 acres were cleared. For the 110 acres he paid $400. Their outfit for keeping house was not elaborate or expensive; sat on benches and ate their frugal fare, at night resting their tired limbs on rude bedsteads of their own construc- tion. They planted their corn among the stumps, and harvested the same with a butcher knife yet they labored on and awaited the growth and development of the country, and lived to see the day when they were surrounded with all the conveniences of life, and a sure competence for their declining years. David remained with his parents until March 12, 1869, when he was married to Catharine Brigle, born in this township Sept. 6, 1843, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Sheffer) Brigle ; since has resided on the homestead. Has six chil- dren-Rosella M., Emma M., Lucy E., Clara O., William H. and John A. Has 340 acres. The family are members of the German Lu- theran Church. Of the four children-sisters and brothers-all of them are residents of the county.

GEORGE LEONHART, farmer, New Wash- ington. Is one of the largest land-holders in the township. He was born March 3, 1810, in Alsace, near the river Rhine. He was a son of George Leonhart, who was born in 1776, and died in 1832. The year following, our subject embarked for the United States to better his condition, although tolerably well-to-do in Ger- many, yet, having heard such favorable ac- counts of America-of the cheap homes and reasonable compensation for labor-he severed his relations with the land of his nativity, and set sail for the " land of promise." He came first to Stark Co., bringing with him $800, which he invested in land ; this he improved to some extent, and sold it at $200 advance and then moved to this county, locating in Chat- field Township, in 1837, with $1,000 in cash. He purchased 160 acres of land, and has aug-

1012

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

mented the first purchase at different times un- til he now has nearly 800 acres of land. Hav- ing always enjoyed excellent health, he has worked hard, been very economical, managed well, and is to-day one of the wealthiest farm- ers in the township. Immediately prior to his embarking for America, he was joined in wedlock to Margaret Sceapes, who was born December, 1814. To this couple have been born six children, who are John ; Kate, Mrs. Hammer ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Adam Reechart ; George, in Kansas ; Adam, at home. Aside from his land possessions in this township, he has four sections of land in Texas, purchased in 1879. Although he has already reached his three score and ten years, he is looking for- ward to still riper years, to extend his bound- aries and increase his store by laudable and legitimate means.

M. J. LUTZ, merchant, Chatfield ; is among the rising young merchants of Crawford Co., and was raised to farming pursuits. He was born Ang. 29, 1854, in this township ; son of Michael and Savina (Kalb) Lutz, who were na- tives of Germany, and emigrated to this State, locating in this township, many years ago, and have been, since their arrival, closely identified with its interests. At the age of 18, Michael J. left the farm and engaged at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for about five years. On Feb. 6, 1879, he engaged in the mercantile business at Richville, with Mr. Morhoff, under the firm name of Morhoff & Lutz, and they are doing a thriving and prospering trade, it having doubled since their commencement. They keep a general stock, consisting of dry goods, gro- ceries, boots and shoes, queensware, and such articles as are required among the farmers, and at prices to suit the times. On Sept. 16, 1880, he was united in marriage to Christina Zeller, who was born July 6, 1856, the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Bardon) Zeller. In 1879, he was elected Township Treasurer. He and wife are both members of the Lutheran Church.

DANIEL LUTZ, farmer ; P. O. Sulphur Springs ; was born on the farm he now owns, in December, 1837, and is a son of Gottlieb and Eva Kibler. He was born in Wurtemberg, 1797, at Oberamts, Backnang ; she was born July 11, 1808. He died April 28, 1868 ; she died Oct. 17, 1850. To them were born twelve children, five of whom lived to maturity, Daniel being

the sixth. In 1832, Gottleib emigrated to this State, stopping first at New Lisbon, and, the year following, came to Chatfield, where he lo- cated, entering 40 acres of land in the " green woods," and building a rude log cabin. He lived several years the life of a pioneer, the wolves and bears being their companions and neighbors, making the night hideous with their howls, and the sheep-pens and sties almost ten- antless by their nightly depredations. One viewing the well-kept and farmer-like premises of Daniel Lutz in 1880, one would scarcely imagine how great the contrast when his father first settled here and the present time. Now, the forest and rude cabin are things of the past, being supplanted by fruitful and pro-, ductive fields, the premises being adorned by excellent and well-designed farm buildings. Daniel stayed with his paternal ancestor until 20 years of age, then, learning the carpenter's trade, he followed the same until he was 27 years of age. On Oct. 5, 1863, he was united in wedlock to Elizabeth Ulmer, who was born July 28, 1837, in Liberty Township, daughter of Daniel Ulmer, who was born in Wurtemberg ; to them were born twelve children, eleven of whom are living. Mr. Lutz has 128 acres of choice land, and is an excellent and successful farmer. Two children-David and Katie- compose the family. Mrs. Lutz's mother's maiden name was Barbara Brosey. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz are members of the Lutheran Church, and are true representatives of the better class of farmers.

J. D. LOYER, farmer ; P. O. Chatfield ; was born Oct. 19, 1843, in Liberty Township, Crawford Co., Ohio ; son of Michael and Cath- arine Crouse, who were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, his birth bearing record 1805 ; his wife, one year later. In 1837, they crossed the broad Atlantic, to seek a home in the Western wilds, and amid the pioneers of the almost un- broken wilderness. After reaching America, they wended their way toward the setting sun, making their stand in the Buckeye State, where they purchased 90 acres in Liberty Township, Crawford Co. Here the family were raised, which numbered, in all, twelve children, but six now living, J. D. being the ninth in or- der, who lived with his parents until 21 years of age, after which he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for eight successive years, during this time making his father's

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 149

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