History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 151

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 151

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).

JACOB MILLER, retired farmer ; P. O.

Poplar; was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Oct. 7, 1809, and is of German descent. His grand- father, Andrew Miller, possessed a large farm, and a fine mill property in Germany, which was destroyed by the army, during the war with France, and his two sons becoming subject to the "draft," although he had previously paid the sum necessary to clear them, he left every- thing, and with his wife, two sons and a daugh- ter, fled to America, and settled at Hagerstown, Maryland. The family 'all died the same sea- son, except Jacob, and he soon after came to Fair- field County, in this State, and taught school. He was there married to Barbara Burtner, who had come there from Pennsylvania, after reach- ing maturity. In March, 1830, the family moved to Seneca County, where they lived until their death. Jacob, who is the subject of this sketch, was the eldest son, and his school life is embraced in two days' attendance. He commenced working out when quite young, and himself earned the $100 with which his father entered 80 acres of land in Seneca County. He cleared this besides a great deal for others. He was married, on Feb. 25, 1831, to Phobe Pennington, who was born in Virginia, and came to Seneca County in 1826. In January, 1849, Mr. Miller moved to where he now lives, and where he and his sons have cleared some 200 acres of land. He has from time to time added to the original purchase, until he pos- sessed nearly 1,000 acres ; but a few years since, he transferred most of this to his children. His wife died April 9, 1875, having borne eight children, four of whom are living-Nancy, Lewis, George W. and Levi L. On March 2, 1876, he was united to Miss Nancy La Follet. She was born June 21, 1838, in Hampshire Co., Va., and came here in 1858. She has borne him two children, one of whom is living, named Howard J. Both he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He has always been a Democrat, and voted first for Andrew Jackson.

JOHN H. MULFORD, merchant, Poplar ; was born Jan. 2, 1845, in Richland Co., Ohio. His father, John Mulford, was born in New Jersey in 1808, and was the son of William Mulford, who served in the war of 1812. John learned the trade of tanner, and, coming to Ohio, worked awhile at Sandusky, and from there went to Monroeville, in Huron Co., and set up in business for himself. While there, he

1021

TEXAS TOWNSHIP.

secured a life partner in the person of Miss Lodusky Beverstock, who was born in Vermont, and came to this State while in her youth. He finally abandoned his trade, and, moving to Richland Co., engaged in farming. In 1848, he embarked in mercantile pursuits in that county, being two years at Ganges and one at Belleville. He then moved to this county, ar- riving at Benton, July 8, 1851, and followed the same business until 1859, when he retired to his farm. In 1852, he erected the storeroom in which his son now conducts the business. He died Dec. 20, 1878. John was reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed until October, 1874, when he went into the mercan- tile business with James Outcalt, and on Jan. 19, 1880, he became the sole proprietor, keeping a stock of general merchandise, as well as an assortment of drugs. On Feb. 24, 1868, he was united in marriage to Julia, the daughter of Peter Longwell. She was born March 13, 1848, and has borne three children-Rolla D., Mary L. and Jessie D. Both he and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Repub- lican.

CHRISTIAN MASKEY, carpenter and farmer ; P. O. Poplar ; was born Aug. 27, 1833, in Ashland Co., Ohio. His father, Benjamin Maskey, was born and reared in the old Key- stone State, and there learned the carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years, and clothing himself most of the time. He served in the war of 1812, and was married to Nancy Rhinehart, and near 1831, moved to Ash- land Co., Ohio. In 1849, he moved to Wooster, assisted in building the court house at that place, and then came to this county, where he ever after lived. He bought a small farm near Osceola, on which he died in 1867, in his 78th year. His wife departed this life in 1873. Christian learned the trade with his father, as did also his four brothers, and when of age bought 20 acres of land with his careful sav- ings. He kept adding to its size as well as en- hancing its value, and in April, 1870, when he sold and moved to Benton, he had 80 acres of land. He owns a farm as well as town proper- ty, and has virtually relinquished the trade. He was united in marriage to Emily Close, Oct. 27, 1857. She was a daughter of Harvey Close, who was born in York State, in 1792 ; served in the war of 1812, and came to this place in 1869, where he lives with Mr. Maskey. Emily

was born June 27, 1825, in Cayuga Co., N. Y., and came here a few years previous to her mar- riage. She died Nov. 6, 1877, and Dec. 24, 1878, he was married to Mary J., daughter of Jervis and Deborah Jump. She was born Dec. 23, 1845, and has borne him one child, Clara E. Mr. Maskey is a member of the Masonic order, and the Patrons of Husbandry. Is serving his fourth term as Trustee, and has always been a Republican.

J. F. MELROY, farmer ; P. O. Poplar ; son of Samuel and Lucinda Melroy, was born Nov. 30, 1853, in Texas Township, Crawford Co., Ohio ; was raised on the farm, and follows that business at present. He received only a lim- ited education as common schools afforded, but is a practical business man. He married Miss Emma Swalley, Dec. 26, 1878, and lives on the Swalley Homestead ; they have one child, Miss Maud Melroy.

ELTING PAUL, farmer; P. O. Melmore ; was born June 15, 1838, in this county, and on the farm on which he now lives. His father, Dodridge Paul, was born in New Hampshire Sept. 19, 1796, and was there reared to the pur- suit of farming. Believing there was better land and a more productive soil farther west, than he had seen in his own State, he left the old homestead when of age, and started for the great West, of which he had so often heard. He worked in Buffalo one year, and then came to what is now Erie (then Huron) Co., Ohio, where he was married to Roxana Whitney. She was born Oct. 3, 1799, in Rutland Co., Vt., and while yet young her parents moved to this State. After their marriage they lived for sev- eral years in Erie Co., where he labored at any- thing he could get to do, but, having bought a quarter-section of land in this county, he con- cluded to move to it, and accordingly arrived here in May, 1825. Leaving his wife and two children at the house of a friend in Seneca Co., he came on alone, and unaided built a cabin in the dense forest, which a neighbor helped him to cover with bark. He then moved his family to this primitive residence, but, there being no door, they waited for him to cut one, and then, moving in their household goods, built a fire in one corner, and the careful wife prepared a supper, which the husband pronounced to be the happiest meal of his life. They had no door, except a blanket, and the wolves howling around the cabin when night approached, made

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

1022

it lonesome indeed, besides they were frequently visited by Indians, who wanted something to eat. He cleared 3 acres that season, which he sowed in wheat, and built another and more substantial house, into which they moved during the win- ter. He cleared 6 acres for corn the next spring, and set out an orchard of 100 apple trees. From this time on they were quite suc- cessful, and at his death, in October, 1850, pos- sessed a valuable property. His companion is still living, making her home with her youngest son, on the old homestead, which he now owns, it being one of the best in the whole township. He served as 2d Lieutenant in Co. C, 136th, O. N. G .. and returned uninjured. He was mar- ried Nov. 10, 1860, to Mary C., daughter of Jacob and Christiana (Hess) Hershberger. Her parents were of German descent and came from Virginia to this State, and settled in what is now Wyandot Co., where she was born, on May 31, 1839. One child has blessed their un- ion-Jimmie H. Mr. Paul has always been a Republican and cast his first ballot for A. Lin- coln.

WILLIAM H. SEERY, farmer ; P. (). Pop- lar ; is one of the prominent and intelligent farm- ers of this township, and is favorably known as an energetic and enterprising citizen. He is the eldest son of Peter Seery, a sketch of whom appears in this work (see Lykens Township), and was born May 19, 1848, in Crawford Co., Ohio. He has always followed agricultural pursuits except two summers that he worked at the car- penter's trade. For several years he has been connected with a threshing machine, and has succeeded beyond expectation, as competition was lively. He was married, in August, 1871, to Matilda, daughter of Peter and Mary Stutz- man. She was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn., and came here when in her youth. Her parents are still residents of the Keystone State. Mr. Seery moved to where he now lives in Decem- ber, 1878. His marriage has given four chil- dren-Minnie M., Orin O., Lawrence and Clara. His wife belongs to the U. B. Church. He is a Republican in politics.

SANFORD SOBERS, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. O. Poplar; is the third of a fam- ily of seven children, and was born Oct. 22, 1834, in Seneca Co., Ohio. His father, Ja- cob Sobers, was born near the city of Philadel- phia, and learned the trade of miller, millwright and carpenter. He was a good workman, and

was married while working in York State to Mary Matrawn. In 1833, he moved from there to this State, and located in Seneca Co., where he yet resides, owning a pleasant little farm. He has worked at the carpenter's trade mostly, in this State, but of late years has devoted his time to farming. Sanford learned the trades of carpenter and millwright with his father, and worked until one year after his marriage, when he commenced dealing in stock in this and ad- joining counties. His ventures have been crowned with success, and he now owns 70 acres of land, clear of all incumbrance, and all self- made property. His marriage was celebrated Dec. 6, 1859, the other contracting party being Corillia Sweet, who was born May 25, 1837, in Champaign Co., Ohio. Her father, Daniel Sweet, was born June 14, 1795, in Fleming Co., Ky., and is a son of William Sweet, who came to that State from Rhode Island, served under Harrison in the war of 1812, and afterward moved to Ohio. His wife's maiden name was Elizabeth Mershon. Daniel came to Cham- paign Co., Ohio, in 1815, and there married Antilla Thompson. He was a carpenter by trade, and in 1839, came to Hardin Co., farmed three years, and has since lived in this county, where his wife died, Nov. 6, 1873. He is now living with Mr. Sobers, who moved to this county in 1869. The subject of this sketch has always been a Republican, and voted first for Fremont. His marriage has been blessed with three children - Huron A., Wilber I., and Ethel B.

MICHAEL C. SNYDER, grist-mill, Poplar ; was born Jan. 24, 1824, in Franklin Co., Penn., and is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Cover) Snyder, both of whom being natives of that county. Samuel was a blacksmith by trade, but in the latter part of his life was obliged to relinquish it, as it had seriously impaired his health. He moved to Seneca County in 1846, and lived there until his death, in 1870, his companion having died one year previous. Michael went to the miller's trade in 1841, be- ing at first in his native State, and then in Maryland, where he remained until 1854, when he came to Seneca County, and conducted a mill until the fall of 1860, when he came to this county. Here he has been connected with the mill at Benton, and in 1872, bought the prop- erty. He does a good custom trade, and rail- road facilities will soon place him on the list of

1023

TEXAS TOWNSHIP.

shippers. He will undoubtedly take advan- tage of this, and, being an industrious as well as a "jolly " miller, we wish him success. He was married in 1847, to Susan, daughter of George and Mary (Koontz) Heckman. She was born in 1826, in Maryland, and has given him nine children, six of whom are living-Mary A., Susan A., John W., Samuel L., Benjamin F. and Lloyd H. The four eldest are married. Mr. Snyder has held township offices, but he is not a strict party man ; for several years he has been a Prohibitionist.

F. WILLIAM SCHWAN, physician and sur- gcon, Poplar ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., March 3, 1843, and is a son of John G. Schwan, who was born in Prussia, Germany, and there received a good education. Being a man of liberal opinions on questions of public policy, he emigrated to America, whose laws were more in harmony with his views, and set- tled in Pennsylvania. He married a lady of Bavarian birth, named Barbara A. Fecher, and for many years was engaged in the tobacco trade, although he owned a farm. He died in 1877, and his wife the following year. The sub- ject of this sketch received a good common- school education, which he improved by attend- ing the Williams Academy, at Ithaca, N. Y., and then a special course in the sciences and languages at the University of Indiana. He entered the Signal Corps of the Regular Army, and, after serving with Sheridan in the Shen- andoah Valley, was detailed for special service in the Adjutant General's office, Department of Pennsylvania. He was discharged in 1865, and highly commended for the able manner in which he had performed his duties. In the autumn of the same year, he entered the Med- ical Department of the University of Michigan, and, the following year, he went into partner- ship with Dr. Croninger, of Willshire, Ohio. He completed his course, and graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill., in the spring of 1867. He located at Galion, Ohio, where he remained one year ; but, not being satisfied with the location, he returned to his native State, and settled at Middleburg, Snyder Co. While there, he raised a company of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, of which he was chosen Captain. He was afterward tendered the com- mission of Major General of the Eighth Di- vision, but, thinking the office incompatible with his chosen profession, he declined, but,

later, accepted the surgeoney of the division. Owing to the overcrowding of his profession in that State, he again wended his way westward, and located at Loyal Oak, Summit Co., where he remained several years, but, inducements being held out, he removed to Zwingle, Iowa, where he was instrumental in the organization of the Zwingle Normal Institute, of which he was Vice President and Instructor in Anat- omy, Chemistry, Physiology and Hygiene. His health failing, he relinquished his connec- tion with the institution, and returned to Ohio in the spring of 1877, and, locating at Ben- ton, in Crawford Co., he has established a lucra- tive practice. He is a careful investigator, a thorough scholar, and his genius in mechanism has displayed itself in the manufacture and improvement of many instruments used in his chosen profession. He is one of the leading members of the Seneca County Medical Society, and also belongs to the Northwestern and State Societies. His union with Mary E., daughter of Dr. Heckerman. of Tiffin, Ohio, was celebrated March 13, 1867. She was born July 24, 1848, in Pennsylvania, and has borne three children. The only one living is Hattie Florence, born July 12, 1869. Dr. Schwan is a member of the Masonic order, and, having always taken an active interest in education, is a member of the School Board. He is a Republican.

JEREMIAH WALTER, farmer ; P. O. Pop- lar ; is the only son in a family of six children, and was born Jan. 16, 1826, in what is now Wyandot, then Crawford, Co., Ohio His father, Daniel Walter, was born in Pennsylvania in July, 1797, and, when 7 years old, accompanied his parents to Ross Co., they being among the pioneers of that county. He received only a meager education, as his school years were mostly passed in clearing off the heavy forest and contributing to the family support. When near his legal age, he came to what is now Wy- andot Co., with one Thomas Leeper, and worked for him thirteen months for $100. With this he bought 80 acres of land, and then had to work out again in order to obtain the necessary tools with which to develop his purchase. Heed- ing the injunction of Scripture which says, " It is not good for man to be alone," he secured a helpmeet in the person of Susanna, daughter of Peter and Susanna Baum. She was born May 2, 1795, in Pennsylvania, and came to Ross Co. at an early day, from which she came to Wy-

1024

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

andot Co. a short time previous to her mar- riage. He built a rude cabin, with stick-and- mud chimney, puncheon floor, and other sur- roundings of a like character. Although they started life in humble circumstances, by indus- try and economy they were at length pleasantly situated and amply rewarded for their early privations. He died Aug. 7, 1875, in this town- ship, to which he had moved a few years previ- ously. His companion still survives him, and makes her home with her children. The sub- ject of this sketch has always been a farmer, and is one of the well-to-do citizens of the county. His marriage to Jane Barrack was celebrated Feb. 22, 1850. She is a daughter of John and Jane (Dunlap) Barrack, and was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Dec. 14, 1829, and

came to this township when 5 years old. Mr. Walter developed the farm now owned by Henry Coon, and lived on it from 1852 to 1864, when he came to where he now resides. He owns a quarter-section of highly cultivated land, has erected tasty and substantial buildings, and has a home that is attractive and interesting to his family as well as others. Their children are Elva (deceased), Alice, Lyman P., Dora E. and Scott. All are married except the youngest. The eldest son is now attending the Starling Medical College at Columbus, and expects to finish the course in 1881. Mr. Walter has held various township offices, and was Land Ap- praiser in 1880. He has been a Democrat since the commencement of the late war.

DALLAS TOWNSHIP.

SAMUEL COULTER, farmer ; P. O. Bucy- | rus ; was born May 13, 1801, in Huntingdon Co., Penn., is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Bryce) Coulter, formerly of Pennsylvania ; came to Ohio in 1832, and settled in what was then Marion Co., now Crawford, on the place he now owns ; is the only one of the pioneers who still owns the first 40 acres that he entered of the Government. Was married, April 18, 1826, to Miss Sarah Keer, of Pennsylvania. Their children are John H., of Marion Co. ; James N., of Des Moines, Iowa ; William K., Macon Co., Ill. ; Sarah, wife of William Simmons, Esq .; Margarette, wife of Thomas Price, of Marion ; Martha, wife of William Keer, of Piatt Co., Ill. ; Samuel, now living at Holden, Mo .; Mary, wife of John Hourer, of Marion Co .; George W., now living at home ; Samuel and James were soldiers for three years during the war. Elizabeth, his sister, has been living with him for about twenty years since his wife died. He owns 200 acres of good land ; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and polled his first vote for Jackson, and has been a Democrat ever since.

MAJ. M. G. CARMEAN, farmer ; P. O. Bucyrus ; he was born in Ohio, Dec. 31, 1804 ; a son of John and Nancy (Grayless) Carmean, formerly of Maryland. They emi- grated to Ohio in the spring of 1804, and set-

tled in Rock Co., where the subject of this sketch was raised, and where he married, Sept. 30, 1829, Miss Rachel Long, of Pennsylvania. The following children were born to them : Mary A., wife of H. Coulter, of Marion Co., Ohio ; Jonathan D., living in Bucyrus ; Ellen E., Matthew L., married Miss Grolsbaugh, of Pennsylvania ; Nelson died Aug. 17, 1851. Maj. Carmean was, for a number of years, the Major of the Marion Co. State Guards. Has been noted throughout this county as a successful veterinary surgeon. He came to this county with no money, but a strong constitution and a will to work, and by economy and industry he has secured a competence, owning 900 acres of good land. Mr. and Mrs. Carmean are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Carmean is a member of the A., F. & A. M. Has been honored by his neighbors by being elected Trustee for many years. He is a Republican.

CHRISTIAN HOOVER, farmer ; P. O. Wy- andot ; was born Sept. 22, 1844, in Antrim Township, Crawford Co., but shortly after his birth, Wyandot Co. was organized and Dallas Township formed, which included the farm upon which Christian was born ; he is at the present time living on a portion of this land which his grandfather, Christian Hoover, set- tled upon in 1822, and shortly afterward pur- chased from the Government. His only son,

1025

DALLAS TOWNSHIP.

William Hoover, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born Nov. 1, 1816, in Picka- way Co., and was but 6 years of age when his father removed to Crawford. William was married, Oct. 18, 1838, to Miss Phœbe Swisher, of Groveport, Franklin Co. They were the parents of ten children, five boys and five girls ; these children are all living. Christian Hoover is the second son , he received a thorough edu- cation in the common branches at the district schools of his township; his first teacher was Archibald Beels, now an editor at South Bend, Ind. When he grew old enough to work, he labored on the farm, assisting his father until he became of age. In the spring of 1866, he commenced to farm for himself, and has been engaged at this occupation ever since with more or less success ; he has paid some attention to the raising of stock, but his income has been derived from farming more than from stock- rearing. He was married Oct. 21, 1868, to Miss Lo Kirby, and they are the parents of five chil- dren, four are still living, three boys and one girl-Ernest, Burdette K., Charles W. and Maud. Mr. Hoover has never been anxious to serve the people in an official capacity, but has been frequently chosen to conduct the business of the school district.

JOHN T. HOOVER, farmer and stock- dealer ; P. O. Wyandot, Ohio; was born in Dallas Township, Crawford Co., Sept. 1, 1840 ; is a son of Tom Hoover, of Bucyrus ; was raised in this township, and married to Miss Mary E., daughter of James Hufty, of Logan Co., Oct. 18, 1866. They have four children-Pauline, Parmelia, Leo H. and Ray. He owns 160 acres of good land. When his county called, he en- listed in the 11th Ohio Battery, and for thirty- eight months was at the front doing good serv-

ice. Was with Gen. Fremont in Missouri in the fall of 1861, stationed at Fort Lamine ; at Otterville during the winter of 1861-62; then crossed the country to Booneville and St Charles ; then to Cape Girardeau, Mo .; was with Gen. Pope at the memorable taking of Island No. 10, and the Mississippi campaign of the spring of 1862 ; then went with Gen. Pope's army to Pittsburg Landing, where, for forty days and nights, was on duty with his battery in the "On to Corinth " struggle ; was at the battle of Iuka, Miss., when his company lost sixteen men killed and thirty-two wounded ; they then lost their battery, but regained it the

next day, and, at the second battle of Corinth, the Confederates had cause to remember the long-range "whistles" of the 11th Ohio ; moved with Grant to Grenada, Miss., and with Sherman to Vicksburg; also took part in the capture of Milliken's Bend, Napoleon and Grand Gulf; and was at the front during the march to Jackson, and in the great battle of Champion Hill ; siege of Vicksburg ; afterward at Helena and Little Rock, Ark., and was sent to assist in Gen. Banks' Red River expedition. During all these long, weary years, Mr. Hoover was never absent, sick or failed to do his duty. Crawford Co. should be proud of such a soldier.

JAMES HUFTY, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. O. Bucyrus. James Hufty was born in Greene Co., Penn., July 8, 1818, and was a son of James B. Hufty (who was born in Berks Co., Penn.), and Cassandra (Lucas) Hufty, of Greene Co., Penn. They had born to them four sons and four daughters-Thomas L., living in In- diana ; Jacob, now living in Cass Co., Mo .; John L., in Iowa ; Martha, wife of David Tay- lor, Esq., of Wisconsin ; Amanda, who died at home in Greene Co., Penn .; Cassandra, now Mrs. Hughes, living in Pennsylvania ; Phœbe, now Mrs. Pryor, of Iowa. Mr. Hufty died on the old homestead in Greene Co., Penn., on Aug. 3, 1874. Mrs. Hufty is now living with her son James, in Crawford Co., Ohio. The subject of this sketch was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Parmelia Mclain, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, formerly of Greene Co., Penn. They had born to them one son and three daughters-Sarah A., Mary E., wife of John T. Hoover, of this township ; Charles M., now of Ft. Wayne, Ind. ; and Frances L. Mrs. Hufty died March 1, 1871. On the 15th of October, 1873, Mr. Hufty was married again to Miss Elizabeth V. Wright, of this county, for- merly of New York. Mr. Hufty moved from Pennsylvania to Knox Co., Ohio, in 1837, and, in 1848, moved to Crawford Co., and settled where he now resides. Few men in the county have been more successful in business, and none have the confidence of the county to a greater extent than Mr. Hufty. He has been elected Commissioner for six years, giving satis- faction to his constituents, and is at present Land Appraiser of his township. He has been Trustee of the township a number of years, and for ten years was the Assessor, and has also been for a number of years connected with the

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 151

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