History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 150

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 150

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1013

CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP.

house his home. In 1871, he came to Chat- field and purchased an interest in a steam saw- mill, which he yet holds. Dec. 10, 1874, he was united in marriage to Catharine Lutz, who was born in this county, Oct. 10, 1856, to Michael and Savina (Kalb) Lutz. Two chil- dren have crowned this union, who are Clara M. and William F. Farming and milling is the business in which he is now engaged. Has 40 acres of land, and has recently erected a commodious house, completed in 1879, and, during the present year, a large barn, of mod- ern style of architecture. In 1874, he was elected Township Clerk, and is yet serving in that capacity, with satisfaction to the people.

MATTHIAS LOYER, farmer; P. O. Chat- field, is the tenth child of Michael and Catha- rine Loyer, and was born Feb. 24, 1846, in Lib- erty Township. His father was a farmer, and raised his boys to agricultural pursuits, Mat- thias living with his parents until he arrived at maturity. He subsequently learned the tan- ner's trade at Richville, under Gottlieb Kibler, whom he served four years. In 1871, he and his brother, J. D. Loyer, purchased the steam saw-mill at Richville, and are prepared to do custom sawing to order, and at reasonable rates. On May 2, 1872, he was married to Savina Lutz, who was born in this township, Sept. 5, 1853, the daughter of Michael and Catharine Lutz. Has three children-Michael E., Ida M. and Mary L. His father died in 1874 and his mother in 1877. All of the family yet living, reside in this county, with one exception, a sister who lives in Paulding Co. He has 40 acres of land, and other valuable property.

BENJAMIN MARTIN, farmer ; P. O. Chat- field ; is a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., was born March 9, 1816, and was the eldest son of David and Barbara Martin, who were, likewise, natives of the same locality. David Martin was a Mennonite preacher, and raised his boys to agricultural pursuits. Benjamin's early boy- hood was spent in attending school, and assist- ing in the many duties that pertain to farm life. At the age of 26, he was wedded to Mary Weaver, who was born Dec. 16, 1824, in Cum- berland Co., Penn., and at an early age, removed with her parents to York Co., Penn., where she grew to womanhood. They died when she was nine years of age. Oct. 27, 1842, was the date upon which was celebrated their association as

man and wife. The first year after his marriage, he rented land, then purchased land of his father and erected farm buildings thereon, which he occupied for nine years. In the spring of 1853, he moved to this county, locating on 160 acres which he had purchased the fall pre- vious, of Charles Gibson, in Chatfield Township, he being the first owner, having received his title from " Uncle Sam." There were but about 45 acres cleared at the time of his purchase. After the second year he built a stable, and the fifth year erected a better house than the former. Of ten children born to him, seven are living- Henry C., in Montgomery Co., Kan. ; Barbara O., now Mrs. John Mahon, of Cranberry Town- ship ; John S., Samuel, James M., Mary E. and Peter J. His farm consists of 143 acres, and is well improved, being a pleasant home, adorned with evergreens, and the house and yard with flowers and plants, of which Mrs. Martin is a lover. He and wife are members of the Mennonite Church. They have adopted his brother's child, Marietta ; she resides with them. Though the township is largely Demo- cratic, yet he is loyal to the Republican party.

GEORGE SHAFFER, farmer ; P. O. New Washington ; was born Dec. 15, 1815, in Al- sace, Neabronn, Uhrwirller, and is a son of John and Catharine (Zeider) Shaffer, who were born in April, 1786, and January, 1787, re- spectively. John Shaffer, the father of our subject, was a tailor by trade, which vocation he taught his son, but, it being distasteful to him as an occupation, he never followed it. Having entertained favorable impressions of America, he resolved he would cast his lot with it, and, at the age of 18, he bade adieu to the "Faderland," "and set sail for the land across the sea, to better his fortune, and a farmer to be." Upon his arrival, he turned his steps toward the Buckeye State. Reaching Stark Co., he remained within its borders two years, during which time he worked by the day and month, and then came to this county in 1835, having $50 in money. He entered 40 acres the year previous to his coming, in Chat- field Township, Sec. 3, in the southeast quarter. The land was covered with dense timber, which he began in a small way to clear up. So, building a rude cabin, he and his wife began life in earnest. They were married in Stark Co. July 15, 1833. Her name was Anna Zoebst, and she was born in 1809, at the same

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place as himself. She was a daughter of John and Margaret (Liever) Zoebst, who emigrated to this country. The log-cabin above men- tioned was for many years the best house in the neighborhood. The first year, he had three acres cleared, which he sowed in wheat. The wolves and other wild beasts were his most plentiful neighbors and frequent visitors. Money was exceedingly scarce, and very hard to obtain. Their wants were few, but, when money became a dire necessity, he would go off many miles and obtain work on the canal and other public works to obtain the "needful." Their furniture was plain and home-made. Their frugal meals were relished heartily, though eaten off rude tables of his own con-

struction, while sitting on the soft side of slab stools. Yet they were happy and murmured not, but hoped for better days, when they should be able to afford better. The children born to him are George, now of Henry Co .; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Donnenwirth ; John, now in Indiana ; Jacob, in Cranberry ; Adam. on the home farm ; Catharine, now Mrs. Shaver, and Anna, now Mrs. Richart, of New Wash- ington. His wife died in March, 1877. His farm consists of 150 acres of land. Mr. Mar- tin is one of the best citizens in the township, stanch and reliable in every particular. He has been a member of the church founded by Martin Luther since he was 15 years of age, and is an exemplary and consistent Christian.

TEXAS TOWNSHIP.

A. ANDREWS, farmer; P. O. Melmore; was born in Chester Co., Penn., Sept. 15, 1808. His father, James Andrews, was a na- tive of that county, and was there married to Margaret Clendenin, whose father and two brothers had served in the Revolutionary war. Their ancestors fled from Scotland during the persecutions, and after residing for a short time in Ireland, emigrated to the New World, and settled in Pennsylvania. James Andrews served in the war of 1812, and was in pleasant circumstances at that time, but, meeting with financial reverses, he came West to better his waning fortunes. In 1817, he settled in Jeffer- son Co., Ohio, where he lived six years, and then came to Seneca County, and resided there un- til 1832, when he located in this county, where he resided the remainder of his life. He died in 1840, and his wife in 1863. They had eight children, but our subject and John, his twin brothers, who were the oldest, are the only ones now living. Mr. A. was early inured to hard- ships, and his struggles at that time have, no doubt, been the forerunner of the success that has attended his labors. In 1829, he returned to his native county, in the Keystone State, and worked for his unele until the spring of 1831, receiving $115 for his services. He then re- turned to this State, walking all the way from Steubenville, and with the $100 bought 80 acres of State land, on which his father's family moved the following spring. Mr. A. and a

younger brother developed this as fast as pos- sible, and a few years later bought another piece of the same size, to which the family moved at Arthur's marriage, which was cele- brated Feb. 22, 1838. His helpmeet was born in York Co .. Penn., in 1817, and accompanied her widowed mother and brother to this State a few years previous to her marriage, her maiden name being Ann E. Duncan. Mr. Andrews was much interested in the settlement of this part of the county, and spent consider- able time, in assisting the settlers in finding the location of their claims. He has been quite successful, and possesses a fine property, the result of his own labor and industry. Both he and his wife have long been laborers in the Master's vineyard, being among the first mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church in this township, and, when it was abandoned, were transferred to the Melmore Society. They have no off- spring, but they have befriended orphans and homeless children, and reared them to lives of honor and usefulness, and their hospitality is seldom surpassed. Mr. Andrews has served as Justice of the Peace, and held other township offices. He was a Whig in early life, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay. He is now a Re- publican.

REUBEN CAPP, farmer ; P. O. Poplar ; was born Oct. 18, 1835, in Lebanon Co., Penn. His father, Andrew Capp, was a native of the Keystone State, and for many years taught

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TEXAS TOWNSHIP.

school. He was married to Elizabeth Stakerer, and in the spring of 1861, emigrated to Illinois and engaged in farming. He died in 1878, and his companion survived him. Reuben left home in 1856, and came directly to this State, where he has since lived. For four years he worked as a farm hand in this and Seneca counties. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for twelve years, and such was his success that at the end of that time he had saved the sum of $4,500. He then relinquished the trade, bought himself a farm of 100 acres of land in Seneca Co., and has since been a farmer. He has been uni- formly successful, and is a thrifty and well-to- do farmer. He moved to this township in the spring of 1878, although he still owns his farm in Seneca Co. He was married Dec. 19, 1858, to Sarah T. Kunsman. She was born Oct. 3, 1839, in Lehigh Co., Penn., and is the only child born to William and Lydia (Young) Kunsman, both of whom were reared in that county, although the father was born in Berks Co. In the spring of 1851, he removed to this county and secured a farm in Texas Township, on which he lived until his death on Jan. 31, 1876. He built the second brick house in this township. Mr. Capp's union has been blessed with one child, William A. S. Mr. Capp has always been a Republican.

HENRY COON, farmer ; P. O. Poplar; is one of the respected and intelligent citizens of this township, and was born in what is now Wyandot Co. May 25, 1835. His paternal grandfather, John Coon, emigrated to this coun- try from Germany, and served with credit in the Revolutionary war. He married and set- tled in Pennsylvania, and among the children born to them was Adam, whose birth was re- corded in 1803. When he was 7 years old, the family removed to Ross Co., Ohio, and from there came to what is known as the " Pickaway Plains." While here, the old Revolutionary hero again entered the service of his country, taking part in the war of 1812. He was a blacksmith by trade, and made many articles for the Indians, among others a tomahawk and pipe combined, with which they were highly pleased. Before he was of age, Adam took leave of the old home and came to what is now Wyandot Co. His capital consisted of an ax, iron wedge and maul, made and pre- sented him by his father, and constituting the

essential tools for one's use in those days. He soon after bought 80 acres of land, at 75 cents per acre, but, being unable to pay for it all, was obliged to sell a part in order to save his home. He was married to Elizabeth Hackerthorn, who was born in England and was brought to this country in her infancy, being carried 700 miles in the arms of her mother and an aunt. Her father, John Hackerthorn, held a Captain's commission in the war of 1812. Adam built a cabin for his fair bride, covered it with bark, and, with a few necessary articles of furniture, part of which were of his own make, they lived happily for three years, with no floor but the bare ground. They were industrious and fru- gal, and redeemed the part of their farm which he had sold, as soon as possible. They pros- pered, as such people ultimately will, and pos- sessed a handsome property at his death, which occurred March 19, 1877. Henry, his son, has always been a tiller of the soil, and, since April, 1871, has lived in this township, where he has one of the most desirable farms to be found in the county. He owns, in all, 240 acres, part of which is in Wyandot Co. He was married, Dec. 15, 1859, to Nancy J., daughter of James and Mary E. (Annoe) Little. She was born in June, 1837, in Wyandot Co. Their union has given five children, three of whom are living- John W., James M. and Willard L. He is Presiding Officer of the I. O. O. F., and held township offices until he refused to serve longer. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a stalwart Republican, and voted first for John C. Fremont.

THOMAS GRIFFITH, farmer ; P. O. Mel- more ; was born Dec. 24, 1824, in Licking Co., Ohio, and is a son of Thomas and Mary Grif- fith, both of whom were natives of Wales. His father served five years in the regular army, and, soon after his term of service ex- pired, emigrated to this country with his wife and child. He came direct to Ohio and settled in Licking Co. He was in humble circum- stances, and for some time labored at anything that presented itself. As soon as he possessed the means, he bought a tract of land in what is now Harmony Township, Morrow Co., and there removed his family. The land was covered with heavy timber, and, like most for- eigners, he knew very little about clearing, the most of which was done by his sons. He died in 1862, his companion having departed this

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

life in 1851. They had five children-Catha- rine, Edward, David, Thomas and John. The sons were all pedagogues in their early life. David and John were in the late war. The latter belonged to the cavalry, and died a short time before the battle of Pittsburg Landing. The subject of this sketch commenced doing for himself soon after he arrived at a legal age, and has always been a tiller of the soil. He was married, in June, 1850, to Margaret, daughter of David and Anna (Morris) Rees. Her parents were early settlers of what is now Morrow Co., where she was born in April, 1828. After his marriage, he lived in that sec- tion a few years, and then went to Wood Co., and resided there until 1864, when he moved to where he now lives, owning a model farm of 100 acres. His happy union has produced five children-Priscilla, Viola, Rose, Wellington and Artie (deceased). The eldest is now the wife of Albert Gibson, and is living in Kansas. She taught school previous to her marriage. Viola is one of the successful teachers, and has lately returned from the normal school at Val- paraiso, Ind. Mr. Griffith is a member of the Baptist, and his wife of the Presbyterian. Church. He is a Republican, and voted first for Gen. Taylor.

JOHN HUDDLE, farmer; P. O. Poplar ; was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, May 29, 1841. His father, Benjamin Huddle, was born in Shenandoah Co., Va., and, when 12 years old, came to this State, and lived in Fairfield Co. He had received only the elements of a com- mon-school education when he was required to take his place on the farm. He was married to Anna Seitz, a sister of the well-known and gifted Elder Seitz, and soon after moved to this county, where he purchased a tract of new land in Lykens Township. Possessing but lit- tle means, he had a hard struggle, but eventu- ally came off victor. He sold this property and bought another farm of new land in Sen- eca Co., which he and sons also developed. He owned over four hundred acres of land, be- sides a hotel at Bloomville, which shows what can be accomplished when willing hands clasp those of industry and frugality. He died Jan. 28, 1860, and was followed by his wife Aug. 12, 1863. Their union was fruitful of eighteen children, twelve of whom are living, one being a lawyer, and another in the real-estate bus- iness at Tiffin, Ohio. One daughter resides in

California, and another in Illinois. The subject of this sketch has done for himself since his father's death, and has always been a farmer. He was married, May 18, 1865, to Anna D., daughter of William C. and Mary (Dean) Ste- vens, of Melmore, Ohio, where she was born Jan. 3, 1846. This union has given five chil- dren-Pliny B., William D., Perry J., Melvin C. and Florence. Mr. Huddle moved to where he now lives in September, 1866. He has been connected with the township offices, and is a consistent member of the M. E. Church. He has always been a Democrat.

MARTIN HOLMAN, farmer ; P. O. Poplar ; was born Nov. 9, 1797, in Pennsylvania, and is a son of Martin and Catharine Holman. His father's parents were emigrants from Germany. When the subject of this sketch was 11 years old, his father moved to Mason Co., Ky., and one year later to Clermont Co., Ohio, where he lived the rest of his life. He was thrown from a horse and killed when away from home. The mother was thereafter supported by her sons, Martin standing in this relation for four years. When 19 years old, he went to the tanner's trade with his oldest brother, and followed it until he came to this county. He was married, March 14, 1826, to Rosanna, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Heshberger) Foy. She was born in Pennsylvania Nov. 12, 1802, and, when 3 years of age, came to Ross Co., Ohio, where her mother died and her father was married to Mary Van Gundy. He moved to this county many years later, and, after the death of his wife, went to Indiana, where he died. Martin remained with his brother for three years after marriage, receiving $8 per month for his serv- ices. From this he saved as much as possible, and coming here bought 80 acres of new land. This was in March, 1829, and their land, being all heavy forest, has required much hard labor to bring it to its present valuable and arable condition. After a lifetime of toil, this old couple are resting from their labors, on the farm that was the scene of their early struggles. Their union has produced nine children-Jacob, who married Sarah Scott; John, married to Hannah Brown ; Mary, unmarried ; William, married to Catharine Perdew ; Sarah A., mar- ried David Pontious, but is now deceased ; Leah, the wife of Asa D. Lee ; Frances, wife of William W. Dewiel ; Peter, who was wounded at the battle of Berryville, and died Sept. 10,

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TEXAS TOWNSHIP.

1864; and Michael, united to Lydia Dewiel. Mr. Holman has held different township offices, and both he and wife are members of the U. B. Church. He says he always has been a Demo- crat and always will be, and cast his first vote for " Old Hickory."

J. JUMP, farmer; P. O. Poplar ; was born December 6, 1814, in Greene Co., N. Y., and is a son of Elijah and Charity (Jones) Jump. His father served in the war of 1812, and was a farmer by occupation. He came to this county in 1844, and lived here the remain- der of his life. He died in 1874, in his 80th year, and his companion in the spring of 1877, in her 87th year. Mr. J. commenced do- ing for himself when of age, and has always been a tiller of the soil. He came to this State in the spring of 1843, and located in this county. He bought a tract of forest land, and after hast- ily erecting a cabin, went to work with a will and determination, that resulted in his owning one of the most productive and highly culti- vated farms in the township. The primitive cabin of early days, has been exchanged for the present commodious and imposing structure ; and other improvements have been made until he now has one of the model homes of the town- ship. He was married, in December, 1838, to Deborah, daughter of Harvey and Hannah (Banks) Close. She was born in York State in 1817, and has blessed him with nine children- Harriet A., William H., Mary J., Ruth A., Seth, Virgil, Emily M., Clayton R. and Dow F. Four of these are married, and Seth is attending the "Ohio Medical College " at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Jump has held various township offices, and has been County Infirmary Director for four years. He belongs to the Masonic order, has has always been a Democrat, and cast his first ballot for Martin Van Buren.

JACOB KOONSMAN, retired farmer ; P. O. Poplar ; is a son of Michael and Sarah (Strauss) Koonsman, both of whom were natives of Bucks Co., Penn., and it was there that the subject of this sketch was born, on July 27, 1824. His father was a farmer, and shortly after Jacob's birth, the family moved into Northampton Co. The father died in 1858, the mother in 1874, having borne twelve chil- dren, of whom Jacob was the seventh. He was apprenticed to a tailor, but quit before the expiration of his time, and has ever since labored on a farm. He came to this State in

1851, and has ever since been a resident of this county. He landed here with only $56 in money, but possessed a large capital of industry and economy, which, being well directed, has yielded paying dividends, as the possession of a valuable farm and town property attests. He has been retired from active labor for the last six years, and is enjoying the fruits of his early toils. He was united in marriage Nov. 14, 1861, with Mary A., daughter of Edward and Rachel Porter. She was born in this county Nov. 1, 1832, and has given him four children, the two eldest dying in infancy. Those living are Pearl W. and Clark P. Mr. Koonsman has re- fused all offices except that of School Director, in which he has served a number of years. Both he and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a Republican since the party was organized, but was a Democrat in early life.

LEWIS LEMERT, retired farmer ; P. O. Mel- more ; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Aug. 5, 1802. His father, Joshua Lemert, was born in that State, his parents being emigrants from Germany, and, when only 8 years old, his father died. He was apprenticed to a hatter, but never worked at the trade after his apprentice- ship expired. He was married to Mars Wright, and, in 1808, moved his family to this State, and settled in Coshocton Co. He was in hum- ble circumstances, but with the help he received from his sons cleared up a farm. He was an officer in the war of 1812, and it is said was the strongest man in his regiment. He died in 1858, in Muskingum Co., his wife having died several years previous. Lewis obtained only a meager education ; but by tact and care now possesses a fair business knowledge. He was married, Jan. 2, 1823, to Ruth, daughter of William and Rachel Perdew. She was born in Bedford Co., Penn., April 4, 1802, and accompa- nied her parents to Coshocton Co., Ohio, in 1816. In the spring of 1826, he bought 80 acres of land in this township, and, after raising his crop, came here, and cleared a small " patch,' which he put in wheat. He built a cabin and moved here, where he has since lived, and car- ried on a vigorous warfare with the elements of nature for many years. His farm has increased in size, as well as value, and yearly yields its bounties to its grateful possessor. His mar- riage has been blessed with nine children, three of whom died in infancy. Those living are

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Lahan J. ; Sarah, wife of William Davis ; Eliza, who was united to Andrew Gregg ; Joshua ; Mahala, who married William Gregg, but is now deceased, and Wilson C. All three sons have taught school, and Laban and Wilson attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Dela- ware, Ohio, from which Wilson graduated. In the late war, Joshua served three years in the 7th O. V. I., and then raised a company, of which he was captain, for more than one year, or, till the " close of the war." Wilson was in Indiana, studying law, entered the 7th Regiment of that State, and held a Colonel's commission. Mr. Lemert and wife have devoted a lifetime to Christianity, joining the M. E. Church soon after coming to this county, and often had services in their house, before the church was built. To this cause, they have contributed financially as well as spiritually, and are now waiting for the " Master's call." He has held various township offices, and was Land Appraiser in 1860. He commenced business on the " cash basis," and has strictly adhered to this through life, and, although he was partly raised in a still-house, he has used neither liquor nor tobacco for many years. He is a Republican.

PETER LONGWELL, farmer; P. O. Pop- lar ; was born in Hartford, Conn., Oct. 24. 1810. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1815, with his father, and settled in Licking County, but after living a few years there they moved out on the frontier, and settled near Little Wyandot in 1821. Mr. Longwell has a vivid recollection of the privations of pioneer life. He remained on the farm till his 18th year, when he went to millwrighting, and worked at his trade until 1837. In 1836, Mr. Longwell rebuilt the In- dian mill at Wyandot. Mr. Longwell is a son of Isaac and Phoebe (Cargall) Longwell. In March, 1834, he married Miss Mary Winslow ; from this union eight children were born- Emily, Charles, Asbury, Delancy, Willis and Julia are the names of those still living. Mr. Longwell lives on his farm, and, though an old man, he seems several years younger than he is. He is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, with which he united in 1835. He has taken the Advocate for 41 years. Has been a prominent man in the church, is well informed and conversant with all subjects. Mr. Long- well married a second time, Mrs. Joanna Wins- low, his brother-in-law's widow.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 150

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