History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 154

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 154

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moved to where he now lives, having cleared his farm from the dense forest, and has an elegant and attractive home. He has erected substantial and tasty buildings, and can now enjoy the benefits to be derived from his life- time of industry. Four children have blessed their union- Eliza J., Hannah A., Sarah F. and Ardella A. The three eldest married, but the first one has since died. The youngest died Jan. 16, 1864, when in her 9th year. Mrs. Moore has of late years been afflicted, but places her trust in Him that doéth every- thing for the best. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Moore is a char- ter member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and identifies himself with the Republican party.

DAVID PERKY, retired farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., April 1, 1811. His father, Christo- pher Perky, was born in what is now Fayette Co., Penn., and reared to the pursuit of farm- ing. He married a lady by the name of Elizabeth Slaughter, of Westmoreland Co., and there lived a number of years. He served in the war of 1812, and was under Gen. Har- rison at Fort Meigs, and in the fall of 1819 moved to Ohio, where he ever after lived. He lived in Perry Co. a short time, and then went to Fairfield Co., where he remained until 1827. In that year he moved to Seneca Co., where he died, Aug. 28, 1833, on the 5th anniversary of his birth. His companion departed this life in July, 1849. David was married, April 15, 1834, to Mary, daughter of John and Magdalena (Spitler) Seitz. She was born in Fairfield Co. in March, 1814. He has always been a tiller of the soil, and has been a resident of Crawford Co. since 1848. He has cleared two different farms, one being in Seneca Co., and for the last ten years has done but little manual labor. His wife died July 15, 1853, having borne eleven children, four of whom died in infancy. Those who grew up were named respectively-John. Jane E., Lewis, Franklin, Abigail. David and Henry. He was again married Oct. 18, 1855 .. " Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Mary ( Hoover) Kanel, becoming his wife. She was born in Adams Co., Penn., Dec. 10, 1810, and came to this State when 16 years old. Mr.

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Perky's sons were among the patriotic young men who hastened to the defense of their country when her flag was insulted by traitor- ous hands. John enlisted in Co. G, 25th O. V. I., and served three years, coming home uninjured. In 1862, Lewis and Franklin entered Company H, 55th O. V. I. Lewis was killed at the battle of Resaca, Ga., and his ashes now repose in the National cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn .; and Franklin, being discharged when disabled by sickness, died soon after his return. When only 16, David entered the army, and died at Alexandria, Va. We thus see that Mr. Perky's family contrib- uted four heroes to the late war, three of whom thereby lost their lives. The youngest son, Henry, died in February, 1869. He is a Democrat. His wife belongs to the German Reformed Church.

T. F. POPE, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born March 30, 1845, in Delaware Co., Ohio. His father, S. C. Pope, was born and reared in Logan Co .. Ohio, and for many years fol- lowed teaching. While engaged in his chosen vocation in Richland Co., he was married to Esther Burrow, who was a native of that county. He shortly afterward moved to Del- aware, Ohio, and from there went to Williams Co. and ran a saw-mill. Some ten years later, he returned to Logan Co., and from there went to Paulding Co., where he now lives, his companion dying in 1860. The subject of this sketch, being of a patriotic nature, was one of the first to hasten to the defense of his country, and, when scarcely 17 years old, enlisted in Company L, 10th O. V. C. He served three years, and came out without a mishap or a sick day, and was under Kilpat- rick when he raided through Georgia with Gen. Sherman. When discharged, he returned to this county, where he has since lived, and, April 23, 1866, was married to Amy, daughter of Jonas and Mary (Thomas) Yingling. She was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Sept. 16, 1848, and is the happy mother of five children- Mary Esther, Kate Irene, Ada J., Sanoma B. and Jonas Adolphus. Mrs. Pope belongs to the Free-Will Baptist Church. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., and is a charter member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He has held town- ship offices, and is a stalwart Republican.

JACOB RHOAD, farmer; P. O. Bloomville; is one of the energetic and enterprising farmers of this county, and a thorough business man. He was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, Sept. 24, 1835. His father, George Rhoad, was born in Pennsylvania, and when 15 years old moved to this State, with his father's family. They lived in Crawford Co. two years, and then went into Seneca Co., where they afterward lived. They settled at first near where the town of Republic now stands, the county then being almost an unbroken forest, and helped clear the land on which the town was built. George was married to a lady named Sarah Webster, who was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, and came to Seneca County when in her youth. He has cleared up a fine farm in that county, on which he now lives, enjoying the benefits derived from his early labors. Jacob's edu- cational advantages were quite limited, but through his own efforts and improvements he now possesses a fair education. He com- menced doing for himself when of age, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. Having a natural taste for music, of which he is passionately fond, he cultivated this gift of nature, and for the last twenty years has taught singing schools with good success. Feb. 20, 1859, he was married to Alvira, daughter of Albert and Catharine (Grews- beck) Hammond. She was born in Crawford Co. on the 20th day of February, 1839. He served at Fort Worth during the late war, being in Company C, 36th O. V. I. His mar- riage has been fruitful of seven children-Eva A. (deceased), Elmer E., Charley, Nellie (de- ceased), Odessie, Nettie G. and Ira D. Both he and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, of which he is Deacon. He is Superintendent of the Sabbath school, an office for which he is well qualified, and takes great interest in the common schools. He was raised by an "Old-Line Democrat," and remained in that party until the Brough cam- paign, when he joined the Republican ranks, to which he now belongs.

JACOB SEERY, farmer; P. O. Poplar; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Nov. 19, 1825, and is a son of Solomon Seery, Sr., one of the pioneers of this township. He passed his youth and early manhood in assisting his

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father and elder brothers to clear the old homestead. Not until 25 years old did he commence doing for himself. On Jan. 22. 1852, he was united in the bonds of wedlock to Miss Lavinia A. Coon, who was born Dec. 18, 1833, in the Dominion of Canada, and is a daughter of Elisha and Olivia (Boyce) Coon. In October, 1840, they moved to Ohio, and settled in Crawford Co. After his marriage, Mr. Seery located on the farm on which he now lives, the improvements consisting of a small cabin and stable. It was partly cleared, and by industry and careful management he has brought it to a high degree of cultivation, and possesses one of the most valuable farms of the township. His marriage has proved a happy and prosperous one, and has been blessed with four children-Alvaro, De Forest B., Lorenzo M. D., and Reno Roscoe. The eldest died when 12 years old. Mr. Seery served in Company C, 136th O. N. G., during the late rebellion, being located at Fort Worth. He has served as Trustee, has been a Repub- lican since the organization of the party, and was a Whig in early life.

PETER SEERY, farmer; P. O. Poplar; is one of the substantial and well-known citizens of this township, and is prominently identified with her growing interests. He was born Oct. 5, 1818, in Ross Co., Ohio, and is a son of Solomon Seery, Sr., whose sketch is given elsewhere. He has always been a farmer, and, July 13, 1845, was married to Margaret A., daughter of William and Rhoda Pen- nington. She was born Oct. 13, 1818, in Vir- ginia, and came here about the year 1826. After marriage, Mr. Seery settled on the farm on which he now lives, the improvements con- sisting at that time of a cabin and a few acres cleared. By years of patient and steady labor, he has created a productive farm, and many years ago their primitive house was replaced by one more commodious and elegant. His wife departed this life Nov. 3, 1873. She had borne five children-Mary F., who died in infancy; William H., Willard W., Rhoda M. and Phœbe J. The sons are married. Both he and his wife united with the United Brethren Church before their marriage, and have devoted their lives to Christianity. He was identified with the Whig party in early

life, and cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison. He is at present a Republican.

CHARLES SOLZE, farmer; P. O. Broken Sword; was born in Saxony, Germany, Nov. 2, 1840, and is a son of John Frederick and Fredericka (Fodenerhaur) Solze. His father was a farmer, and, in the spring of 1841, with his wife and six children, embarked for Amer- ica. They came direct to Crawford Co., Ohio, and, in attempting to walk from Attica here, were lost, and compelled to pass the night in the woods under a large tree. The next day they reached their friends. He at first bought 40 acres of land, on which a small improve- ment had been made, and, when circumstances would admit, sold, and secured a better situa- tion. He died in 1867. One of his sons, Christian, was killed at the battle of Fair Oaks, being in Company C, 82d O. V. I. Charles, who is the subject of this sketch, worked on his father's farm until the breaking- out of the war, when he cheerfully responded to the call of his country, and, against the advice of friends and kindred, enlisted in the army. His name was enrolled in Company L, 10th O. V. C., and his term of service ex- tended over a period of three years. He served under Kilpatrick on the "march to the sea," and, during his whole term of service, never lost a day's duty. He was married, Nov. 6, 1870, Mary C., daughter of Alfred and Fanny (Foy) Park, becoming his wife. She was born in this county Sept. 20, 1838, and has borne five children-John A., Fannie, Ada, Jose- phine and Scott. Mr. Solze is a successful and enterprising farmer, and has a handsome property. He has always been a Republican.

SOLOMON SEERY, farmer; P. O. Poplar; was born Sept. 22, 1823, in Ross Co., Ohio. Solomon Seery, Sr., his father, was born in Washington Co., Penn., and when 10 years old accompanied his mother to Ross Co. Ed- ucational advantages were meager at best, but he, being the only child, was compelled to forego these, and labor for the support of his mother, and is said to have learned to read after his marriage. His mother was after- ward united to Jacob Foy, and came to this county. He was married in Ross Co., to Magdalena Van Gundy, who had come there from Pennsylvania when yet young. He

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developed a farm there, and in the fall of 1832, with his two eldest sons, came here, and commenced clearing, having entered three 80-acre lots. He returned to his family, and the following spring came here, erected a cabin, planted a small crop of corn, and then leaving his eldest son and daughter to keep house, himself and second son went back, and, after harvesting, started for the place with the family, and arrived here Sept. 1, 1833. He afterward entered three 80-acre lots, making 480 acres of Government land taken by this one man, which he and his sons developed as fast as possible. He died July 2, 1860, and his companion on July 24, 1873. The sub ject of this sketch has always been a tiller of the soil, and his early life was spent in devel- oping forest land. On Sept. 4, 1856, he united his fortunes with those of Elizabeth Park. She was born Nov. 9, 1832, in Hamp- shire Co., Va., and is a daughter of Amos and Sarah (Baker) Park. Her father moved from there to Licking Co., Ohio, in 1836, and, two years later, came to this county, where he lived until 1873, and has since been located in Williams Co., Ohio. His wife died in 1871. Since marriage, Mr. Seery has lived on the farm where he now resides, and where he has erected convenient and elegant buildings. His marriage has been blest with three children -- Independence, John W. and Russell O. Both he and his amiable companion have devoted many years to Christianity, and are consistent members of the United Brethren Church. He is identified with the Republican party, and advocates temperance.

WILLIAM SWALLEY, farmer; P. O. Ly- kens; was born Nov. 20, 1810, in Mifflin Co., Penn. His father, John Swalley, was born and reared in New Jersey, and, moving to Pennsylvania, was married to Barbara Arma- gast. He was a weaver by trade, and also conducted a farm, and, in the year 1817, moved to Ohio, and settled about fifteen miles south of Zanesville. The father died soon after this, and the family then returned to Mifflin Co. In 1834. the mother again came to Ohio, and this time located in Crawford Co., being accompanied by her two daughters, other members of the family being here already. The subject of this sketch was mar-

ried Dec. 8, 1833, to Catharine, daughter of Philip and Catharine Wonsetler. She was born in Washington Co., Penn., June 5, 1817, and has blessed her husband with the follow- ing children: Martin Van Buren, David W., Cornelius, Abel Sylvenus, Ann Eliza, Lafay. ette, Sarah Ann. All are married except David, Sylvenus being a merchant at Iuka, Ill. Since coming to this State, Mr. Swalley has developed a quarter-section of land, which he himself entered, and has bought other lots, owning at present 200 acres. The cabin of primitive days was years ago replaced by a more tasty and commodious structure, and but little is left to remind one of the forest home they occupied and enjoyed years ago. Both Mr. and Mrs. Swalley are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. He cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson, but left the party at the time of the war, and is now a stalwart Republican.

CORNELIUS SWALLEY, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, March 31, 1838, and is a son of William Swalley, of this county. His early life was uneventful, being passed on his father's farm and at the quiet country school. When 20 years old, he commenced working out, and followed that until the year 1862, when he responded to the call of his bleeding country, and, entering Company K, 45th O. V. I., served for three years. He participated in the battles of Franklin, Nashville, and other engagements. He was captured at Mount Sterling, Ky .: was immediately paroled, and, as soon as exchanged, joined his regiment. He was again captured at the battle of Phil- adelphia, Tenn., and imprisoned at Belle Isle for five months, after which he joined his regiment at Atlanta. He was married, Oct. 15, 1867, Sophia, daughter of Milton Waller, becoming his wife. She was born in Craw- ford Co., May 4, 1839, and has borne five children-Dillie, Don E., Minnie, Clara and Willie M. Both he and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. He is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln.

LUCY ANN SMITH, farmer: P. O. Bro- ken Sword; is a daughter of Michael Shupp, one of the first settlers of Crawford Co., and

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was born here June 3, 1830. Her parents dying when she was yet in her childhood, she lived with her brother Michael until her mar- riage, Dec. 20, 1847, to Frederick Smith. He was born and reared in Saxony, Germany, and, when grown to maturity, emigrated to Amer- ica. He came direct to Columbus, Ohio, and, being a stone-mason by trade, immediately went to work, and soon established his repu- tation as a first-class workman. He secured contracts for bridges on the National pike then being constructed, and in a few years had saved several hundred dollars, with which he bought a quarter-section of Government land in Lykens Township, Crawford Co. He moved on this in 1840, developing, and bring- ing it to a high degree of culture. His first marriage was to Christiana Lipman, a native of Saxony, Germany. She died in 1846, leav- ing four children-Louis F., John F., Adol- phus G. and Clara. By his second union, eleven children were born, ten of whom are living-Cornelius, Matilda, Catharine, Fred- erick, Henry, Lucy Ann, Jefferson, Emma J., Melancthon and Serepta. Mr. Smith departed this life Dec. 3, 1877, and the farm has since been conducted by his wife. He was an influ- ential and prominent citizen. and well known throughout the county. In November, 1862, he was elected Justice of the Peace, an office which he held till his death. He was Town- ship Clerk for many years, and School Di- rector most of the time since living in the county. He was connected with the Grange, and was Master at the time of his death. He was also a member of the county and State Granges. He was a member of the Evangel- ical Association, but had been a Lutheran in early life. He was a Democrat.

CORNELIUS SMITH, carpenter, Broken Sword; is the eldest child born to Frederick and Lucy Ann (Shupp) Smith, and was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Dec. 25. 1847. He received a good common-school education, much of it being secured by his own exertions when not at school, through his habits of study at odd hours. When 18 years old he commenced teaching, and followed it for sey- eral years with fair success, but relinquished it for the carpenter's trade, which is his pres- ent business, and his efforts have been crowned

with like results. He was married April 3, 1870, Mary Catharine Ludy becoming his wife. She was born in this county March 17, 1850, and is a daughter of Michael and Cath- arine (Leimenstoll) Ludy, who came to this country from the Old World. They have two children-Joseph Clarence and Cora Ellen. Both he and wife are consistent members of the German Reformed Church. He has a pleasant property situated at Wingert's Cor- ners, and is one of the cultured citizens of the place. He is a Democrat.

MICHAEL SHUPP, retired farmer; P. O. Broken Sword: the eldest of a family of nine children; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., July 24, 1809. His father, whose name was also Michael Shupp, was a native of that county, and was there married to Rebecca Wise. Being a farmer by occupation, he con- cluded to emigrate to the West, where land was plenty and also cheap, and, the 28th day of May, 1828, he landed at Bucyrus, Ohio, with his family. He immediately entered 80 acres of land in Lykens Township, which he carefully developed, and then sold, and bought a quarter-section of new land .. He again entered the struggle with the elements of Nature, but had the satisfaction of possessing a larger farm when once he had it cleared. He died in 1836, and his wife in 1843. The subject of this sketch commenced doing for himself when 22 years old, and, working out one year, received the sum of $100 for his serv- ices, with which he entered 80 acres of land. After improving it he sold, and bought the quarter-section where he now lives. This he has also cleared and rendered valuable by a lifetime of industry and careful attention to the minute details connected with the duties of a successful farmer. He was married. March 4, 1834, to Susannah, daughter of John Adam and Anna Maria (Wirt) Miller. She was born June 19, 1817, in Union Co., Penn., and came to this county in 1830. She died Dec. 19, 1877, having borne fourteen children, twelve of whom are living-Isaac, Amanda, Mary Ann, Lavina. Noah, Caroline, Lucinda, Benja- min, Henry, Susannah, Catharine and Julia. All are married except the youngest three. Mr. Shupp is a member of the church known as the Evangelical Association, in which his

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son Noah is a minister. His wife also was a member of the same church.

LOUIS F. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1836, and is a son of Frederick Smith, one of the most prominent farmers of the county. Louis was reared to agricultural pursuits, but, pos- sessing good business qualifications, he has made himself useful in other ways, while con- ducting his farm. He was married Sept. 5, 1859, to Christean Wilhelm. She was born in Stuttgart, Germany, Dec. 6, 1840, and came to this country when six years old. Their union has proved a happy and prosperous one, and has been blessed with eight children, five of whom are living-Sophia, Adolphus, Clara, Loretta and John H. Mr. Smith owns a pleas- ant farm, which is the result of well-directed labor and care. He is a man of recognized ability, being at the present time Master of Subordinate Grange, No. 245, and has impor- tant relations with the county and State Grange. He is prominently identified with the Crawford Co. Agricultural Society, and manifests a degree of interest in its success. Both he and his companion are members of the Pyethist Church. He has always been a Democrat.

WILLIAM TIPPIN, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Nov. 11, 1827, and is a son of John and Margaret (Miller) Tippin, both of whom were born and reared in Pennsylvania, and were there married. John's father, James Tippin, came to that State from Ireland when 21 years old, and was married to a Dutch lady, and, in the latter part of his life, moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, where they both died, he being in his 85th year. John moved to this State shortly after his marriage, and, locating in Wayne Co., remained there until 1837, when he came into Crawford Co. In 1851, he went to Wood Co., where he remained some time, and then returned to the county of Wyandot, where he now lives. The subject of this sketch remained under the parental roof until they started for Wood Co., when he remained behind, and has since been doing for himself. His marriage was celebrated Dec. 13, 1852, Miss Frances, daughter of Solomon Seery, becoming his wife. She was born Oct. 26, 1828, in Ross

Co., and has blessed their happy union with nine children-David E., Owen W., Elbridge F., Emma C., Charley R., Seery S., Anna May (deceased), Harvey B. and Alta. The three oldest are married. Mr. Tippin and wife are consistent members of the United Brethren Church, of which he is a Trustee. He is a Republican.

ELI WINTERS, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was born Sept. 28, 1824, in Jefferson Co., Ohio. The Winters family were among the first settlers of Jefferson Co., coming there from Pennsylvania when this State was yet a Territory, and it was there that Eli Winters, Sr., the father of the above-named gentleman, was born, in February. 1802. He was married to Annis Andrews, who came there from Ches- ter Co., Penn., the place of her birth, and, in March, 1834, moved to this county, and set- tled on a tract of Government land which he had entered the previous year. Mr. Winters, with the assistance of his sons, developed a good farm, besides doing much work for others, and in 1865 disposed of his property, and retired to Bloomville, where he now lives. The partner of his joys and sorrows departed this life in 1879. The subject of this sketch was deprived of many of the advantages that are necessary to the acquisition of a liberal education, there being a demand for his serv- ices at home, even during the short session of winter school. However, in his father's family a "night-school" was organized, in which the children were scholars, and an older member of the family would act as in- structor, and thus he received the most of his schooling. He taught school one winter, and has been doing for himself since he reached the legal age. He did "job-work " for several years, ran a threshing machine, and at length secured a half-interest in a saw-mill at "Buljo," with which he was connected for a number of years. He quite naturally drifted into the mercantile business at that place, and at the same time was Deputy Postmaster. In the spring of 1865, he bought his father's farm, and has ever since followed agricultural pur- suits. He is now serving as Justice of the Peace, an office to which he was first elected in 1858, and has held ever since, except a short time during the war, when party spirit

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ran high, and, being a Republican, he was deposed a short time, as the township was mostly composed of the opposite party. In 1851, he was married to Eliza Howenstein, who came to this county from Pennsylvania a few years before their union. Six children have blessed their marriage, four of whom are living -- Orelia A., Thomas H., Laura and Martha.

STEPHEN WALLER, farmer; P. O. Ly- kens; was born Aug. 25, 1831, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and is a son of Milton Waller, one of the hardy pioneers of this township. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and is one of the well-to-do and respected farmers of the county. On Dec. 25, 1853, he was married to Martha, daughter of James and Mary (Rose) Mckinley. She was born May 17, 1827, at New Lisbon, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and departed this life Oct. 4, 1879. She was an amiable companion, an affection- ate mother, and a friend to all. Her union with Mr. Waller gave nine children, five of whom are living-Osmar L., Stephen Milo, Ellen E. and Helen E., twins, and Mary J. The eldest has taught school, and is now attending the Hillsdale College, at Hillsdale, Mich. Mr. Waller belongs to the I. O. O. F., and was a charter member of the Patrons of Husbandry. He was the second Master of the Lodge, and was, the same year, delegate at large to the State Grange from Crawford Co. He is a consistent member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, as was also his wife. He is a Democrat.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 154

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