History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 153

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

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years of age, C. W. White left his home in Ross Co. and visited the New Purchase for the purpose of seeking another home in this sec- tion of the State. About the year 1820, he obtained a situation at the old Indian Mill, lo- cated on the Sandusky River, several miles above the present site of Upper Sandusky. He was employed by the Government Indian Agent, received $15 a month and boarded him- self. His assistant in the mill was Charles Garrett, and, at this time, the nearest white settler was at the Indian mission, then Upper Sandusky. White assisted at the mill for some three years. During this time, he saved money enough to purchase his first farm, consisting of 207 acres, now located in Dallas Township, which farm he has owned for over half a cent- ury. After working for different persons dur- ing the next nine years, he removed to his land, and, by industry, economy and hard labor, he has acquired a competency. At the present time, he owns some thirteen hundred acres, all in Dallas Township except some ninety-seven acres which are in Bucyrus Town- ship. During his life, he has paid more atten- tion to the rearing of stock than to farming, and the principal source of his income in past years has been obtained by raising cattle. C. W. White was married, Nov. 25, 1830, to Miss Hannah Simmons Hoover, and they were the parents of three children, who are still living -Loreno, now Mrs. J. J. Fisher, of Bucyrus ; Willard T. White and Charles White. The mother of these died many years since, but their father is still living, at the advanced age of 78 years, with his oldest son, who resides at the White homestead, in Dallas Township. Mr. C. W. White has frequently been chosen to fill various township offices during the last half- century, but has never been anxious to serve the public in an official capacity. During the war, although not subject to the draft, he as- sisted in " clearing Dallas Township " on sev- eral occasions.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

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EPHRAIM H. ADAMS, carpenter, Poplar; was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1831. His father, Eli Adams, was born in 1803, in the old "Bay State," and when 3 years old accompanied his parents to Cortland Co., N. Y. In 1813, they moved to Ohio, and settled in Huron Co., where the father died. In 1825, Eli came to this county, and entered 80 acres of Government land in what is now Texas Township, which he developed. He married a lady named Mary Andrews. He moved into Bloomville several years ago, where his wife died, Jan. 1, 1876, and he is now living with one of his sons. Ephraim went to the carpenter's trade when young, and has followed it ever since, with few excep- tions. In 1861, he entered the service of his country, in the regiment known as the Mechan- ics' Fusileers. After they disbanded, he entered the 136th O. N. G., Company H, and did duty at Fort Worth. He is the patentee of the well-known " Adams' Buckeye Roller," which was patented Sept. 7, 1875, and has invented other agricultural implements. He was married Aug. 26, 1862, to Lutitia, daugh- ter of Asa and Nancy (Lee) Brown. She was born in Crawford Co., in the year 1840, and has borne him three children, two of whom are living-Asa E. and Hayes. Mr. Adams is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is identi- fied with the Republican party. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

RUDOLPH BRAUSE, farmer; P. O. Ly- kens; was born in Saxony Germany, Feb. 19, 1826, and is a son of Gotfried and Anna (Hays) Brause. His father was a tanner by trade in early life, and, in the spring of 1831, emigrated with his family to America, landing in Crawford Co., Ohio, Lykens Township, Sept. 11 of that year. He immediately entered a quarter-section of land, and lived on and improved the same nntil 1856, when he dis- posed of it and went to the State of Iowa, where he now lives, being in his 92d year. His companion departed this life in 1878.

Rudolph lived under the parental roof until he organized a home of his own. His mar- riage was celebrated Aug. 3, 1851, Mrs. Cath- arine Celler, widow of John Celler, becoming his wife. She was born in Germany March 23, 1822, and came to this country when 7 years old, her parents being George and Catharine (Kinsley) Klink. She had, at the time of her marriage to Mr. Brause, two children-Elizabeth and Catharine, both of whom are married. He bought 40 acres where he now lives, there being a little cleared and a small cabin for improvements. He was poor in purse but rich in energy and determi- nation, and, with the aid rendered by his industrious wife, not only developed this, but has purchased other farms, and is now ranked among the independent farmers of the county. Their primitive home has been superseded by a more massive and beautiful structure, per- haps the best in the township. Of the eight children born to them, four are living- George, John, Fidelia and Willis. They have befriended a deserving little boy by the name of Lewis D. Pickering, an intelligent and interesting child, and a source of comfort to them all. The whole family belong to the Lutheran Church.

FREDERICK C. BAUER, farmer: P. O. Broken Sword; was born in Saxony, Germany, April 5, 1819, and is a son of Caspar and Susannah (Hoffman) Bauer. His father was one of the overseers of the Deeringer forests, a position he held until his death, near 1842, when 56 years old. Frederick secured a posi- tion in his father's business when in his 17th year, and remained in the Government's employ while in that country. In June, 1842, he was married to Henrietta Bauer, and, in the year 1846, emigrated to America in com- pany with his mother and sister. His wife remained behind, with the purpose of follow- ing when he became located. Coming direct to Crawford Co., Ohio, they located, but Fred- erick, not liking the country as well as he

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anticipated, returned to Boston and went to work in a sugar refinery, where he remained five years. While there, his wife and child joined him, the eldest child having come over with his grandmother and lived with her until the arrival of the mother. Having saved a neat little sum while in the city, Mr. Bauer again came to Crawford Co., and secured the farm on which he now lives. But a small part of this was cleared, and the rest was accomplished by himself. He is well and favorably known throughout the county as a successful, careful and industrious farmer. His marriage has been blessed with seven children-William, Louisa, William Freder- ick, Albert, Lewis, Henry and Mary. The eldest was recently killed in a saw-mill in Putnam Co., Ohio, where he was then living. Mr. Bauer, wife and children are members of the Lutheran Church.

JAMES MADISON DITTY, merchant, Wingert's Corners, youngest son of William and Susan Ditty, was born April 11, 1854, in Holmes Township. His father was a successful farmer and school-teacher, and died in the fall of 1856, leaving the subject of our sketch fath- erless at the tender age of 2 years. His mother then removed to Wingert's Corners, and, two years later, she was married to Jacob Stearns, of Lykens Township. By this last marriage "she has two children-Alice and Magdalena, both married to respected farmers of Lykens Township. The mother died in 1860. Mr. Ditty attended district school until his 19th year, when he attended a normal school in Republic, Seneca County. At the age of 20, he went to Upper Sandusky, and entered the grocery and provision store of Harmon Bowen as clerk, and remained there six months, when he came to the farm of his step-father, in Ly- kens Township, and remained three years, and then engaged in mercantile pursuits at Win- gert's Corners, opening a grocery and provi- sion store in company with Jacob Shuck, and is now thus engaged and doing a good busi- ness. Mr. Ditty has been a prominent man in the politics of the township, and was recently elected Township Clerk, and is dis- charging his duties with faithfulness and sat- isfaction.

DAVID FRALICK, farmer; P. O. Broken

Sword; was born Dec. 14, 1835, in Lebanon Co., Penn., and is a son of David and Eliza- beth (Garrett) Fralick, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. His father was a weaver by trade in early life, but relin- quished it for farming. In 1836, he moved to this State and located in Richland Co., where he lived about eight years, and then came to Crawford Co. After residing here about six years, he returned to Richland Co., and, following his chosen pursuit of farming, remained quiet until 1860, when he disposed of his property and again moved into this county, which was ever after his home. He died April 1, 1878, possessing at that time a valuable property, the result of his own indus- try and good management. The subject of this sketch went to the carpenter's trade when only 18 years old, and followed it steadily until the year 1875, when he left it for the more congenial and independent vocation of farming. He has a pleasant little farm of 136 acres, which he carefully tills and im- proves. Dec. 24, 1863, he was united in mar- riage withi Miss Elizabeth Hass, daughter of Conrad and Catharine (Myers) Hass. Her father came to this country from Germany when six years old, and was married in Colum- biana Co., Ohio. He moved to this county in 1835. Mrs. Fralick was born Aug. 28, 1841, and has been fruitful of six children-Emma J., Benjamin F., Ida C., Lizzie B., Edward C. and Harrison A. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fra- lick are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat.

JACOB GEIGER, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Baden, Germany, Aug. 5, 1844, and is a son of Conrad and Veronika (Heid) Geiger, both of whom are natives of that country, the above-named lady being Mr. Geiger's second wife. Conrad Geiger is a farmer by occupation, and is yet residing in his native land. Jacob left the fatherland in 1871, and, Sept. 16 of the same year, landed in the city of New York. He remained there three years, laboring at various occupations, and then came to Seneca Co., Ohio, where he worked as a farm hand until August, 1877, when he removed to this county. He has a pleasant farm of 80 acres, on which good buildings have been erected, and the fields,

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bearing evidence of careful tillage, mark Mr. Geiger as one of the best of farmers. He cast his first Presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden.

WILLIAM M. GEIGER, farmer: P. O. Lykens; was born Feb. 1, 1845, in Seneca Co., Ohio. His father, Henry Geiger, was born in Reigher, Germany, and when 15 years old accompanied his parents to America. They settled in Stark Co., Ohio, and there Henry was married to Christena Zooterven, who came to this country from Germany when in her childhood. As soon as married, he moved to Seneca Co., where he entered 80 acres of Gov- ernment land, and, besides the land, possessed only an ax, fifty pounds of flour, and $1 in money. The privations they endured only served to renew their energies and qualify them for the undertaking presented to them of developing a home in the forest and earn- ing the necessaries of life while thus engaged. They succeeded as such people usually do, and have now one of the finest homes and most valuable farms in the whole county. They have also assisted each of their seven children to a pleasant start in life, and are now living in the enjoyment of the bounties given them for their early struggles. The subject of this sketch remained on his father's farm and under the parental roof until he organized a home of his own. His marriage was celebrated in the month of November, 1868, Maria, daughter of Conrad and Chris- tiana Lebold becoming his wife. She was born Sept. 28, 1846, in Seneca Co., Ohio, her parents being early settlers of that county from Germany. In the spring of 1872, Mr. Geiger sold his farm in Sencca Co. to good advantage, and came to where he now lives, owning a pleasant farm of nearly 100 acres, which he cultivates carefully and successfully. Their marriage has been fruitful of four children-Emma A., Bertha D., Nelson E. and Edward. He is a charter member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He is a Democrat.

SAMUEL HALL, retired farmer; P. O. Melmore; was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, March 24, 1816. His father, Joseph Hall, was born in Westmoreland Co., Va., and when 13 years old accompanied his parents to this State. They settled in Fairfield Co., and

there developed a farm. Joseph was united in marriage with Mary Mills, a lady of Penn- sylvania birth, and in December, 1829, removed to this section of the State. He entered a quarter-section of Government land in what is now Lykens Township, and after- ward two 80-acre lots joining, one being in Seneca Co. He underwent the usual priva- tions that fell to the lot of early settlers, and passed a life of usefulness and industry in this county, dying at a hale old age in 1863. Samuel passed his early life amid the stirring scenes of pioneer life, and first owned a farm near the center of the township, now owned by William Tippin. It was partly cleared when he secured it, and on this he lived until 1866, when he removed to where he now lives, on the old homestead. May 4, 1843, he was married to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of James and Rachel (Conger) Telford. She was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 28, 1822, and in June, 1835, her parents removed to Ohio, the journey being accomplished in three weeks and four days, in a wagon drawn by two yokes of oxen. They first settled in Seneca Co., and, Dec. 31, 1840, removed to Crawford Co. Of the four children born, one is living-Garrett B. Mr. Hall has held different township offices. He was a Democrat in early life, and supported Martin Van Buren for the Presi- dency, but severed his connection with that party during the war, and has since been a Republican. His wife belongs to the Pres- byterian Church.

WILLIAM HUNSICKER, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Stark Co., Ohio, April 15, 1842. His father, Jacob Hunsicker, was born in Germany, and, after reaching maturity, emigrated to America. He lived a few years in the State of New York, where he was mar- ried to Matilda Knerieman, who was also of German birth. From there he removed to Stark Co., Ohio, and, securing a partly devel- oped farm, lived on it until 1851, when he removed to Crawford Co., and located in Chat- field Township, where he now lives. William has always made farming his leading occupa- tion, and in April, 1871, moved to where he now lives, owning a pleasant little farm of 160 acres, on which good buildings have been erected, and other necessary improvements

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made. For several years he has followed threshing, with good results to himself, and satisfaction to his patrons. He was married, Nov. 24, 1870, to Catharine, daughter of Con- rad and Magdalena Lust. She was born in Crawford Co., Dec. 30, 1850, and has crowned their union with four children-Peter Frank- lin, Magdalena Elizabeth, John Wesley and Charles Simon. Both he and wife are mem- bers of the German Methodist Church. He is usually found in the ranks of the Democratic party, but advocates the support of men in preference to parties.

BYRON F. JACOBS, farmer; P .O. Ly- kens; is the youngest son, and third of a family of four children, and was born Sept. 4, 1847, in Lykens Township, Crawford Co. His father, August Jacobs, was born and reared in Saxony, Germany, and there learned the carpenter's trade. He married a lady of his native land, named Rachel Baer, and started immediately for America, landing in the city of New York with 25 cents in money, and debts amounting to $11. After working a while in the city, he turned his face westward, and came to the State of Ohio, where he has since lived. For awhile he worked on the National pike, and then, coming to Crawford Co., bought a small piece of land. He would work at his trade during the day to support his family, and cleared his land after his day's labor was completed. He then sold this, and bought a larger tract, which was all forest, and which he has rendered valuable and attractive, although many prophesied that he would starve when he moved there, as it was wet and low. He is yet living, at a hale and hearty old age, having lost his companion April 16, 1872. The subject of this sketch passed his early life on his father's farm, and, Feb. 25, 1869, was married, Margaret, daugh- ter of J. A. and Melissa (Kulman) Klink be- coming his wife. She was born Oct. 17, 1850, in Liberty Township, this county, and has blessed their union with four children-Jef- ferson, Melissa, Adam and Harrison. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat; pos- sesses a neat lttle farm, and is, withal, an intelligent and enterprising citizen.

JACOB KELLER, farmer; P. O. Melmore;

was born in Bavaria, Germany. July 1, 1831, and is a son of Peter and Susannah (Buch- man) Keller. His father served six years in the regular army of his native country, and the balance of his life was devoted to farming. In the fall of 1852, he emigrated with his family to America, and came directly to Ohio, settling in Seneca Co. He arrived there Sept. 17 of that year, and, after residing there sev- eral years, he moved into Crawford Co., where he remained till his death, clearing up a farm with what assistance he received from his sons. He died in 1866, and his wife survives him. Jacob left the fatherland in advance of the rest of the family, arriving on the shores of the New World in August, 1851, and came direct to Seneca Co., Ohio, where he com- menced laboring on a farm. Shortly after the arrival of his father's family he again went to work for his father, although he had reached the legal age, and could have been doing for himself. He labored thus for seven years, and then bought a farm of 80 acres, which he sold, and bought where he now lives, owning 130 acres of good land. He was married April 5, 1860, to Catharine Stuckey, who came to this country from Ger- many after arriving at womanhood. She died July 16, 1862, having borne one child-Adam J. He again entered the married state March 1, 1863, Mary Slowman becoming his wife. She was born in Germany June 26, 1843, and is a daughter of Frederick J. and Ellen N. Slowman, and came to this country in 1852. Their children are named respectively George B., Ellen N. S., Mary A., Jacob, Charley A., William M. and Louisa C. Both he and wife are members of the German Reformed Church, of which he is Treasurer, Secretary and Elder. He has always been a Democrat.

FRANKLIN LA RUE, farmer and stock- raiser; P. O. Poplar; is the eldest of a family of seven children, and was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, July 22, 1842. His father, Jonathan D. La Rue, was born Sept. 25, 1816, in Steu- ben Co., N. Y., and was there married to a lady named Jane Gray. He taught school there in early life, and, in June, 1841, he moved to Ohio, and settled in Seneca Co., where he resided four years. He then came

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to Crawford Co., and, securing a partly devel- oped farm in Lykens Township, created a handsome property. "Maj. La Rue," as he was familiarly called, was a man of extended acquaintance, and was respected by all as a man of good judgment, and the embodiment of honor and integrity. He died Sept. 5, 1880, after a brief illness, and for many years had been a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. His children were named respect- ively-Franklin, Charles, Comfort W., Levi G., George, Jeannette and Albertus. The two eldest sons enlisted in Company K, 45th O. V. I., and Charles, being captured, died in that horrid prison pen at Andersonville. Comfort W. and Levi G. are residing at Le Mars. Iowa, engaged in the hardware and agricultural implement business. George and Jeannette died when young, and the youngest is now studying medicine. The subject of this sketch was married Feb. 20, 1868, to Ardella, daughter of L. M. Waller, of this township, in which she was born in 1848. Their union has produced six children-Charles, Lysander W., Arletta C., Ralph W., Guy E. and Harry G. He has devoted special attention to the breeding of sheep of the Spanish merino variety, and, as a result, possesses flocks that take rank among the best in the county. He has always been a Republican. His wife is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, farmer and teacher; P. O. Poplar; was born Jan. 4, 1835, in Mel- more, Seneca Co., Ohio. His father, George Mclaughlin, was born in Juniata Co .. Penn., and learned the trades of wheelwright and cabinet-maker. In 1825, he came to Seneca Co., Ohio, and, locating at Melmore, remained there two years, when he returned to his native State. Again in 1829 he determined to make the West his home, and, coming back to the same place, was married, Feb. 24, 1834, to Sarah Lewis, who came there from Oneida Co., N. Y., a few years previous to their union. In the spring of 1838. he removed to a farm in Bloom Township, in that county, on which he remained until his death, June 10, 1875. His wife survives him. John received a good common-school education, and when 18 years old commenced teaching school, a business he has ever since followed during the winter

season, except the time he was in the army. He enlisted in Company H, 55th O. V. I., and served over three years. He participated in the second battle of Bull Run, Slaughter Mountain, Manassas, Chancellorsville and other engagements. He was captured at Get- tysburg on the second day, and was impris- oned both at Belle Isle and Libby. When exchanged, he returned to his regiment. On Dec. 24, 1857, he was married to Harriet. Dellinger, who was born in this county on April 28, 1836, and died Dec. 30, 1870, leav- ing five children-Elodia, Frank, Ida, Jennie and Minnie. He again entered the married state March 19, 1871, Susan Park becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Amos and Sarah (Baker) Park, and was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Jan. 22, 1839. She came to this county when quite young, and for many years previous to her marriage had been a leading school teacher in the county. She has blessed their union with four children-Nettie, Daisy, John D. and Lettie. He has for several years been one of the leading teachers in the man- agement of the Teachers' Institute in Craw- ford Co. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as also is his daughter Ida. He is a Republican.

JOHN W. MILLER, farmer; P. O. Ly- kens; is one of the successful and energetic farmers of the county, and was born in North- ampton Co., Penn., July 18, 1841. His father, Jacob S. Miller, was a native of that county, and there he was married to Mary Mills. He learned the trade of blacksmith in early life, and has followed it much of the time ever since. In 1854, he left the Keystone State, and, coming directly to Ohio, located in Craw- ford Co. Securing a farm in Lykens Town- ship, he conducted it as well as working some at his trade, until 1877, when he relinquished farming, and went to Bloomville, Ohio. He has been blessed with six children, three of whom are living-John W., Richard and Jacob. John W. commenced doing for him- self when of age, and has always been devoted to agricultural pursuits, except while in the army. He enlisted in Company H, 55th O. V. I., and served nearly three years. He par- ticipated in the battles of Peach Tree Creek, Marietta and other engagements, and went

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with Sherman on his "march to the sea." He was slightly wounded at the battle of Averys- boro, N. C., and, three days later, at the bat- tle of Bentonville, he received a serious wound in the arm, from which he has never fully recovered. He was also prostrated by a sunstroke while gone, which he considers a permanent injury. On Dec. 27, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Allbaugh) Shalter. She was born in this county Sept. 21, 1843, and died June 5, 1878. He again entered the married state on October 14, 1879, Sarah Allbaugh, daughter of David and Rebecca (Keeran) Allbaugh, becoming his wife. She was born in this county Sept. 4, 1848, and is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, while he belongs to the United Brethren Church. He has a model farm of 100 acres, on which he has erected tasty and convenient buildings. He is a Republican.

JOHN MOORE, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Harrison Co., Ohio, July 7, 1823, and is one of the well-to-do and flourishing farmers of the county. His father, Maurice Moore, was born and reared in the State of New Jersey, and was there married to Han- nah Davis, who came to this country from Wales in her childhood. He was a farmer by occupation, and, a few years after his mar riage, emigrated to Harrison Co., Ohio, and cleared a farm. In the year 1834, he moved to Seneca Co. and entered aquarter-section of land, which he cleared and improved, with the help of his sons, and on which he is now living. The subject of this sketch received only a meager education, and vividly remem- bers many of the privations through which the family passed, in their pioneer home. He recollects distinctly the time when they ground buckwheat through their coffee-mill, for a family in which there were nine chil- dren. He was married Oct. 9, 1845, to Sarah R. Mclaughlin, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Fisher) Mclaughlin, her father being of Scotch-Irish descent, while her mother was of Dutch extraction. She was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, May 10, 1825, and came to Seneca Co. when 16 years old. After marriage Mr. Moore lived west of Bucyrus about two years, and, in the spring of 1848,

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 153

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