USA > Ohio > Henry County > History of Henry and Fulton counties, Ohio : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 87
USA > Ohio > Fulton County > History of Henry and Fulton counties, Ohio : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 87
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87
Verrier, Frank, Gorham, Fayette p. o., a general grocer and provision dealer, was born at Haute Rinhear, Bellfore, France, July 29, 1836, and was a son of Lauren Verrier who received a liberal education. His parents died and soon after, at the age of fifteen years, Frank came to America and settled in Utica, Oneida county, N. Y., where he attended school, learning the En- glish language. In 1853 he learned the carriage and wagon-making business. He was married in 1859 to Mary A. Stout. They have had two children, William L. and Fannie, who married Fred Lewis in 1881. Mr. Verrier settled in Chesterfield, Fulton count ", O., in June, 1859, where he became engaged in the carriage trade. In 1870 he settled in Fayette and in 1872 became engaged in the livery business and mercantile trade. He was burned out by the big fire in 1880 but rebuilt his store with some changes in business and purchased his stock of general gro- ceries, fancy and staple goods, in 1887. He has been a member of the corporation council and is now one of the active business men of the borough and town.
Voigt, Fredrick H., Pleasant, Holgate p.o., the general druggist and prescriptionist, of Holgate, was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, in 1850, and was a son John and Elizabeth Voigt. Frederick H. came to America in 1869 and settled in Napoleon, O., and there attended school. In 1870 he became engaged in the drug business at Logansport. He went to Toledo in 1873 and in 1874 visited his home in Europe, and in the fall of 1874 returned to America and settled in Holgate, Henry county. He became engaged in a general mercantile business in 1882, sold his stock and became a general druggist. He was married in 1876 to Mary Vogle, of Holgate. They have had five children : Frederick, Gustus, Eugene, Winna and Anna. Frederick H. has been town treasurer, clerk and also held other corporation offices. Ilis parents died in Germany leaving six children. Frederick H. and his brother, Henry, are the only ones who settled in Holgate.
Vogt, jr., John, Bartlow, Deshler p. o., was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1853, and was a son of John and Catharine (Berg) Vogt, who emigrated to Toledo, O., in 1857 with a family of two sons, Conrad and John. Catharine died in 1864 leaving four children : Conrad, John, Amelia and Henry. John, jr., settled in Deshler in 1871 and in 1874 John and his brother, Conrad, became engaged in the general mercantile business, in which they continued until the death of Conrad in 1879, when John became the sole proprietor. IIe was married in October, 1879, to Lizzie G. Kannen, of Richland county. They have had two children, Bessie and Gene- vieve. Mr. Vogt has been township treasurer and corporation treasurer, each for a term of five years, and president of the school board. He was also the pioneer merchant of Deshler.
Waffle, Joseph J., Clinton, Wauseon p. o., dealer in pianos and organs at Wauseon, was born in Medina county, O., in 1843 and was a son of William and Clarissa Waffle. Clarissa was born in Genesee county, N. Y., and her husband, William, was born in Rochester, N. Y. They settled in Medina county and came to Pike township, Fulton county, in 1851. They have one son, Josiah J. Josiah enlisted in Company F, 86th Ohio Regiment under Colonel Lemert and re- enlisted in Company E, 6th Ohio Vol. Cavalry, serving to the close of the war as chief bugler. He was discharged August 17, 1865. While in service he received two wounds. He was mar- ried in 1875 to Clara Crane, of Bryon. They have had one son, Leroy Augustus. Mr. Waffle
708
HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES.
became engaged in the piano and organ business in 1869 and has continued in the same ever since.
Wahl, Frederick, Flat Rock, Holgate p. o., was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1846 and was a son of George and Eve Wahl, who emigrated to and settled in Medina county, O., in 1850 and in 1855 settled in Pleasant, Henry county. They had a family of six children: Jacob, Me- na. Catharine (born in America) and Frederick, Christopher and Rosa, born in Germany. Fred- erick enlisted in December, 1864, in Company B, 100th Ohio, under Colonel Slevens. He was transferred to 183d regiment and discharged July 17, 1865. He was married in 1869 to Chris- tina Frantz, who was born in Germany. They have had a family of five children : Charles A., Julia C., Henry A., Minnie and William. Frederick purchased his homestead farm of eighty acres in 1865, a part of which was a four mile tract of timber adjoining Holgate. He erected his farm buildings in 1882 and 1884.
Waid, Wm., Dover, Emery, p. o, was born in Crawford county, Pa., April 18, 1818, and settled in Dover township in September, 1845, on the farm which he improved and lived upon until his death, April 25, 1880. He was widely known as an enterprising, industrious, honest farmer. His wife, Orpha G. Candfield, was born in Bloomfield, N. Y., March 8, 1824 and came west with him immediately after their marriage. They had a family of four children : Minnie, Charles, Emma and Lemuel. Their mother died April 2, 1864. Wm. married for his second wife, Hannah E. Bartlett in 1865, who died in February, 1872. He then married his third wife Maria Kipp, of Wayne county, N. Y., in 1872. They have had one son, Clarence W. Maria was a daughter of Peter and Prudence Kipp. Peter was born in New York city in 1789 and died in 1854. Prudence was born on Long Island in 1797 and died 1879. Minnie M. Waid married F. L. S. Darby, of Fulton county. Charles H. Waid married Lizzie Hack, of Delaware, O. Emma L. Waid married W. O. Knapp, of Wauseon, O. Lemuel F. Waid married Ida E. Kipp, of Shortsville, N. Y.
Wait, Leroy, Flat Rock, Napoleon p. o., a pioneer settler of Flat Rock, was born in Scioto county, O., June 23, 1820 and was a son of Reuben and Mary Wait, of Chenango county, N. Y., who settled in Flat Rock, Henry county, in 1833, where they died. They had a family of seven children, four of whom are now living: Julia, Silas, William, Louisa, Leroy, Carrie and Henry. Louisa married Jefferson McCrackin of Batavia, N. Y. They have had a family of five children. Renben Wait was a prominent man of the county and was appointed associate judge on the or- ganization of the county, which office he filled to the satisfaction of his many friends. He was also justice of Scioto county, being appointed by the governor. He served in the war of 1812 by sending a substitute. Mr. Leroy Wait is a gentleman of large personal qualities and has for several years been in poor health, books and papers being his constant companions.
Walters, George W., Dover, Tedrow p. o., the hardware merchant and farm machinery dealer, of Spring Hill, was born in York township in 1855 and was a son of Joseph and Susanna (Dull) Walters. Joseph settled in Pike, in 1837 and his wife died in 1881, after moving to Do- ver township. They had nine children, five of whom are now living: Malinda, Orlando, Henry D., George W. and Elizabeth. Two sons, Samuel and Jacob, enlisted and died while in service. Samuel died in the hospital at St. Louis, from disease contracted in the Mississippi campaign ; Jacob died in the hospital at Nashville from wounds received in an engagement at Murfreesboro, Tenn. The father settled in Dover, in 1864. George W. was reared on a farm and followed that occupation until 1883, when he became engaged in the general mercantile business at Spring Hill. He now deals in all kinds of hardware, mowers, reapers, and all kinds of farm imple- ments. He was married in 1877 to Gertrude Fieldmire of Fulton. They have had a family of three children : Chloe, Edna and Zulah. Mr. Walters has been trustee for two terms, treas- urer for two terms, justice of the peace one term, and was postmaster from 1884 to July 1, 1886. He has held many of the village minor offices.
Ward, E. M., Bartlow, Deshler p. o., was born in Putnam county, O., in 1842. He enlisted in 1862 in the 86th Ohio Infantry and was married in 1865 to Frances Keller, of Crawford county. They have had seven children : George M., Alvah J., Thomas, Rebecca M., Guy, Clif- ford and one who died in infancy. E. M. Ward was a son of Joseph Ward who was born in 1809 and was a pioneer settler in Wood county, O.
Warden, E. P., Bartlow, Deshler p. o., attorney and counsellor of law, was born in Lorain county, in 1859. He fitted himself for and entered Oberlin College in 1876 and was graduated from there in December. He read law at Cleveland, O., and was admitted to the bar at Colum- bus in 1883. He settled in Norwalk in the practice of his profession and in October, 1883, set- tled in Deshler. He was married December 10, 1884, to Agnes L. Noble. Mr. Warden in early life was engaged in teaching and is now active in all the affairs of his town.
Weaver, Henry S., Flat Rock, Florida p. o., one of the leading farmers of Henry county, was born in Butler county in 1833 and was a son of John and Esther (Clark) Weaver. She was born in New Jersey and John was born in Pennsylvania. They settled in Wayne township,
709
BRIEF PERSONALS.
Butler county, where they died. Henry S. Weaver was married in 1853 to Catharine Jane Wolverton, of Butler county. They have had a family of four children, Eugene and David are the only two now living. Henry S. settled in Flat Rock in 1854 and purchased his homestead of 150 acres from the State, and now owns in all 230 acres of highly cultivated land, 130 acres of which are highly cultivated and tiled. His farm was heavily timbered with black walnut, poplar and maple. David, his son, married Elizabeth Elkins and Eugene married Emma Osborn.
.Weber, Michael, German, Elmira p. o., is one of the successful settlers from Switzerland, where he was born in 1839. He came to America in 1858 and settled in Archbald and became engaged at his trade, that of blacksmithing and wagon making. He was married in 1861 to Catharine Roth who was born in 1844. They have had three children : Mary A., Jacob J. and Louisa F. Catharine was a daughter of Jacob and Fanny (Klopfenstein) Roth, who were mar- ried in Wayne county in Decomber, 1842, and had a family of thirteen children, eight of whom are now living, seven sons and one daughter. Jacob Roth settled in German township in 1834 and purchased his farm in 1835. He was born in Alsace, France, in 1811 and with three broth- ers came to Fulton county. They were Henry, Jacob, Christian and Nicholas. His wife, Fanny, was born in 1824 and died January 28, 1875. Fanny was a daughter of Christian Klop- fenstein, who settled in Wayne county at an early date. Michael Weber visited his native land in. 1864 and returned to his home in Ohio the year following with a colony of sixty-four per- sons of his early friends who came and settled here with him. Michael was a son of Jacob and Margaret (Meister) Weber who had a family of eleven children. Ten of the children came to America and in 1873 the parents came with the eleventh child, Eliza. The father, Jacob, died in April, 1883 and his wife in September, 1883, aged eighty years. One brother, Martin, died in 1866. Michael retired from his smithing business in 1875 and purchased his farm of eighty acres which was taken up on settlement by Jacob Roth and is now erecting thereon a fine brick residence.
Whiteman, John P., Liberty, Liberty Centre, p. o., a manufacturer of brick and tile and en- gaged in general farming, was born in 1836 and was a son of Jesse and Nancy (Myers) White- man, who were born in Virginia and settled in Ohio where they died. Mr. Whiteman was born in Pennsylvania and his wife in Virginia. They settled in Ohio where they resided until the time of their deaths. They had a family of eight children, three of whom are now living: Wil- liam, John P. and Matilda. One brother, George, enlisted and served through the late war in the 68th Illinois regiment. John P. Whiteman was married in 1861 to Martha Petticord, of Seneca county. They have had seven children : Herbert S., Estella, Charles C., Milton, Bertha, Fred and Bessie. Estella married C. Graffice. Mr. Whiteman settled in Liberty township in 1877, and purchased his present residence of 120 acres, and then became engaged in the manu- facture of brick and tile by steam power, and now gives employment to several men.
Wickenhiser, John, Marion, Hamler p. o., was born in Seneca county, July 31, 1856 and moved to Wood county, O., when a child where he was brought up and educated at the public schools of that county. He came to Henry county and located in Deshler where he was en- gaged for two years in the mercantile business. He removed to Hamler in 1882 and became engaged in the mercantile business, and at the present time is the representative merchant of this township. He was married in 1885 to Ada Winter, of Detroit.
Williams, Henry B., Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., now a retired resident, was born in Lindley, Steuben county, N. Y., in September, 1816 and was a son of Cornelius Williams. Henry B. spent his early life in Geneva, N. Y., and in early life was thrown on his own resources and compelled to take care of himself. He settled in Geauga county in 1833 and in 1837 came to Medina county where he was married in 1838 to Mary Lyon, who died in 1849. They had a family of three children ; only one is now living, Henry Holmes, born in 1840. One son, George, enlisted and served in the late war. Henry Holmes also served, enlisted in a Wisconsin regi- ment. Mr. Williams married for his second wife Phebe L. Bond, who was born in Augusta, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1822. They were married in March, 1852, and have had two children, one now living, Phebe (Mrs. S. J. Clark). Henry B. settled in Lena, Fulton county, in 1853 and in April, 1866, came to Wauseon where he became engaged in the saw and planing-mill business with his son, Henry Holmes. He retired from active business in 1880 and his son now carries on the business under the firm name of H. H. Williams & Co.
Williams, Henry Holmes, Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., manufacturer of oars and proprietor of a planing and saw-mill at Wauseon, O., was born in September, 1840, and was a son Henry B. and Mary (Lyon) Williams. Mary died in 1849 leaving a family of three children, of which Henry Holmes is the only surviving one. His brother, William, enlisted and died while in serv- ice. Henry Holmes enlisted August 12, 1862, in the 23d Wisconsin, under Captain Schlick and Colonel Dupuy, and was discharged July 4, 1865. He was married in 1869 to Mary Welsh of Michigan, who died in 1871. He then married his second wife, Miss Phebe Munn, July 22, 1877. Mr. Williams was elected county commissioner in 1886. His company are largely en- gaged in the manufacture of oars, butter tubs, and largely engaged in the Inmber business.
710
HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES.
Willet, Garner, Chesterfield, Morenci, Michigan p. o., one of the few pioneer settlers of Ches- terfield, whom we now find living, came to this township in 1835 and purchased a farm of forty acres in 1837 for which he paid $120, and in 1856 purchased his present farm of 160 acres for which he paid $4.50 per acre. He was born in Somerset county, N. J., in 1816 and. was a son of David and Rachel (Smalley) Willet, who were born and married in New Jersey and settled in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1819. The parents settled in Chesterfield in 1839. They had a family of fifteen children, five of whom are now living : Garner, John, Charles, Mary and Warren. The parents died in Chesterfield township. Garner was married in 1845 to Harriet H. Parsons, who was born in Cuyahoga county, O., in 1823. They have had two daughters and four sons, three are now living: Clay, Clara, now Mrs. Goodale and George Washington. Clay married Katie Newville in 1877. She was born in Wood county in 1858. They have had a family of five children : Vernon, Bertie M., Florence, Ernest and Scott. Mrs. Harriet was a daughter of Nathaniel and Experience (Herring) Parsons. They settled in Fulton county in 1835. Three of their children are now living: Esther, Harriet and Mary.
Wilson, John B., Flat Rock, Black Ash p. o., a prominent pioneer of Southwest Flat Rock was born in Harrison county, O., in 1824 and settled in the woods on his present homestead farm of 160 acres in 1851, for which he paid one hundred dollars, sixty-two and half cents per acre. He was married in 1849 to Isabella Karr, who was born in Coshocton county, O., in 1830. They had a family of nine children; James A. (born 1849), Thomas M. (born 1851), Maria J. (born 1853), Martha E., (born 1855), Robert W. (born 1862) and Rosa B. (born 1868). John B. was a son of Andrew and Jane Reed) Wilson who were born in Pennsylvania and married in Harrison county, O., and settledin Flat Rock in 1851, and died in Defiance county in 1875 and his wife in 1876. They had a family of nine children, six of whom are now living: John B., Andrew, Margaret J., William., Martha E. and Sarah E. J. B. Wilson owns one of the finest cultivated farms in the county.
Windisch, William, Dover, Tedrow p. o., the tanner and currier of Dover, was born in Ce- lasia, Prussia, Germany, in 1831, and was a son of Charles and Johanna Windisch. William came to America in 1854 and at once found work at his trade. He was married in April, 1862, to Mrs. Frederica Vanner in Toledo. She was born in Erford, Germany, Oct. 14, 1835. They have had a family of five daughters and three sons: Amelia, Bertha, Caroline, Ida, Zada, Willie, Ed- ward and George. Frederica had by her first husband, Frederick Hayes, two children, Henry and Mena. Mr. Windisch purchased his property in Dover township in 1865 where he has since resided and been engaged in the tanning business.
Winzeler, J. W., German, Archbald p. o., the enterpising manufacturer of tile and brick, and engaged in general farming was born in Williamsville, Erie county, N. Y., on November 8, 1846 and was a son of Michael and Anna Winzeler. They were born and married in Germany and emigated to America in 1844 and settled in Franklin township, Williamsville, Erie county, N. Y., in 1855. They had a famity of ten children, six of whom are now living: Mary, J. W., Jacob, Gideon, Eli and Sarah. Mr. Winzeler opened his business life as a farmer in 1850 and in 1878 added to it the manufreture of brick and tile. He was burned out sustaining heavy loss in 1882 after which he purchased his present location and erected his factory in which he now uses steam power, giving employment to from eight to ten men. He purchased his pres- ent homestead of eighty acres in 1873 for which he paid $7,000. He was appointed postmatser in April, 1887. He was married in 1869 to Magdalena Lauber, a daughter of Christian Lauber, who was one of the first settlers in the town of German. They have had a family of six chil- dren : Daniel, Samuel, Ella, Henry, Charles and Louie.
Whipple, Isaac, Franklin, Tedrow p. o., a veteran soldier, enlisted in Company C, 47th Ohio- Regiment under Colonel Perry in 1861, and re-enlisted in 1863, was discharged in 1864 on ac- count of wounds received at Atlanta, for which he now receives a merited pension. He set- tled in Gorham township in 1856. He was born in Delaware county, N. Y., in 1839 and was a son of Abraham and Catharine (Smith) Whipple, who were born in Delaware county where Abraham died leaving a widow and eleven children, seven of whom are now living. Abraham enlisted and served during the war in the Van Buren regiment. He was discharged on account of disability and advanced age, after one and a half years service. His two sons, Isaac and Richard, enlisted. Isaac was married in October, 1863, to Margaret Faulkner, who was born in Germany. They have had a family of nine children. In early life Mr. Whipple was engaged in general jobbing, but later in life became engaged in farming.
Woodward, Ward, Liberty, Liberty Center p. o., was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1818, and was married in 1843 to Phydelia Young, who was born in Cortland county in 1822. They have had a family of five daughters now living: Malina, Mary, Amelia, Helen, and Samantha. They settled in Seneca county, O., in April. 1845, and came to Liberty in 1846, where he be- came engaged as a carpenter and contract builder. He entered claim for his farm of eighty acres in 1845 and erected a steam saw-mill in 1860. Phydelia was a daughter of Daniel and
71I
BRIEF PERSONALS.
Hannah (Young) Woodward, who settled in Henry county in 1849, coming there from Cortland county, N. Y. They had two daughters and two sons. Ward was a son of Eleazer and Ilenri- etta (Ingraham) Woodward, who had a family of seven sons and two daughters. Eleazer was born in Connecticut and died in Cayuga county, N. Y. The mother and seven sons settled in Henry county. They were Ward, Jason, Timothy, Francis, Clement, Orestes, and Perry. Malina married J. F. Brown ; Mary married W. II. Purchase ; Amelia married John Dunovan ; Helen married A. D. Matthews; Samantha married D. C. Brown.
Wolverton, Daniel F., Germany, Elmira p. o., was born in Steuben county, N. Y., in 1840, and was a son of John A. and Maria (Fleet) Wolverton. Maria was born in Steuben county, N. Y., and her husband in New Jersey. They came to Fulton county, O., with two children and settled in German township. They had a family of three children : Adelia, Daniel F., and Elizabeth. The mother died in December, 1877, and the father on May 17, 1882. John A. Wolverton enlisted in Company G, 68th Ohio as a drummer in 1861, and served for three years, being discharged in November, 1864. He was a trustee of his township. Daniel F. was mar- ried in February, 1865, to Catharine Haynes, who was born in Sandusky county in 1840. They have had one son, John F. Mr. Wolverton now owns and occupies the old homestead of eighty acres. He is engaged in farming and steam power threshing.
Woodward, John Kendal, Liberty, Liberty Center p. o. is a general blacksmith, making horse- shoeing a specialty. He was born in Monroe county, N. Y., in 1836, and was married in 1859 to Hannah E. Thompson, who was born in Williamson, Wayne county, N. Y., and was a daugh- ter of Anthony and Elizabeth (Miller) Thompson. John K. and Hannah have had a family of eight children, six of whom are now living : Ella and Della (twins), Hattie, Frank, Mary, Edwin, Kittie, and Willie. Frank died at the age of eight years, and Kittie when ten months old, in 1871. Mr. Woodward came west and settled in the village of Clayton, Mich., November 18, 1862, and on September 18, 1868, moved into the State of Ohio and settled in Fulton county. In 1883 he removed from Fulton county to Texas, Henry county, and in 1885 settled in Lib- erty Center, where he purchased his present residence and commenced business with his son, Edwin, as his assistant. Mr. Woodward was a son of Levi and Catherine (Johnson) Woodward, of Webster, Monroe county, N. Y.
Woollace, Amos, Gorham, Fayette p. o., was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1853, and was married in 1876 to Amanda Gambee, who was born in Seneca county, N. Y. They have had a family of two sons, William Dayton and Earl Gambee. Amanda was a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Schaffer) Gambee, of Seneca county, N. Y. Amos was a son of William and Mary (Schlotman) Woollace, who were born in Berks county, Pa., and married at Seneca county, N. Y., in 1840. William was born in 1816, and his wife in 1816. They have six sons living : Franklin, Perry, James, William A., Amos, and John E. One daughter, Lovina E., died August 16, 1864, aged fifteen years. They settled in Gorham township in 1857 where Mr. Woollace purchased his first farm of eighty acres, for which he paid $1,700. He now owns two hundred acres, and in 1883 purchased his homestead in Fayette, where he retired from farm labor, his sons becoming his successors. In early life he was engaged in stone cutting, which was his trade, but later in life became engaged in farming. Mary (Schlotman) Woollace died at their home in Fayette on the 3d day of October, 1887, after a brief illness.
Wulff, Hermann, Washington, Texas p. o., was born in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, in 1841, and was a son of John and Anna B. Wulff. Hermann emigrated to America in 1859, and settled in Henry county, O., in 1862. He returned to Germany and married Anna Cornelius in 1865, and in 1866 again returned to Henry county, and in September of that year purchased a homestead of eighty acres, paying therefor two thousand dollars. He now has seventy acres cleared. His wife died in 1880, leaving a family of five children : Henry, Her- mann, Cornelius, Ann, and Sophia. He then married his second wife, Mrs. Ann Stueve, in 1883, who had by her first husband four sons: William, Otto, Henry, and Fred. Mr. Wulff has held the office of supervisor for two terms, trustee for two terms, and also several other of the district offices.
Yarnell, Philip, Freedom, Napoleon p. o., was born in Napoleon in 1858, and was married in 1880 to Elma Sworden, who was born in 1860. They have had two children : Bertha and Lela. Elma was a daughter of George and Susan (Babcock) Sworden. He was born in Marion county, and his wife in Seneca county. George died February 15, 1887, at the age of fifty years, leav- ing a widow and a family of eight children: Elma, Jennie, Olive, Evert, Charlotte, Mary, Charles, and Dolly B. George was a son of Zenas and Polly (Bowen) Sworden, who were early settlers in Henry county. Philip was a son of Daniel and Barbara Yarnell. Barbara died in 1871. They had ten children, eight of whom are now living : Byron, Charles, Sarah J. Philip, Celia, Harry, Daniel jr., and Leora.
Yarnell, Daniel, Wauseon, Wauseon p. o., a retired farmer and representative man of Henry county, O., was born in Wayne county April 20, 1820, and in early life was engaged in farming.
712
HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES.
He was a son of Philip and Ruth Yarnell. Ruth died leaving a family of eight children, two of whom are now living, Daniel and Nancy. Daniel settled in Napoleon in 1845, and became pro- prietor of the Craig Hotel. He sold it in 1848 and became engaged in the general grocery and provision business. In 1851 he was elected sheriff of the county, and at that time sold his stock of goods. He was elected treasurer 1854 and 1856, and was engaged in the general job- bing business from 1858 to 1863. In 1863 he settled on his farm, which consisted of one hun- dred and twenty acres, and now owns about two hundred acres in Liberty and Freedom. He was elected county commissioner in 1875, and again was elected to that office in 1878. He returned to his farm in 1881, and became a resident of Wauseon in the fall of 1885. He was married in 1848 to. Barbara Funk, who was born in Wayne county. She died September 20, 1872. They had a family of ten children, eight of whom are now living : Byron, Charles, Sarah J., Philip, Harry, Daniel jr., Celia, and Leora. Mr. Yarnell married for his second wife Cath- erine Gehrett, of Fairfield county, in September, 1875. By an accident in 1841 Mr. Yarnell lost his left arm. His father died in Napoleon in 1858.
Yetter, Jacob, Pleasant, New Bavaria p. o., was born in the kingdom of Wurtemburg, Ger- many, in 1826, and was a son of Louis and Catharine (Rich) Yetter, who emigrated to America and settled in Madison county, O., in 1831. They had a family of four children : Maria, Bar- bara, Jacob, and Catharine. The parents died in Madison county ; the mother in 1837, and the father in 1851. Jacob Yetter was married February 15, 1849, to Mary D. Harmenn, who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1826, and died June 4, 1880, leaving a family of seven chil- dren, five of whom are now living: Mary, George, John, Caroline, and Henry. Those deceased are William, who died in 1877, aged twenty years, and Julia, born in 1867 and died in 1880. Mr. Yetter married his second wife, Caroline Hoffman, who was born in Bavaria. They were married on July 29, 1880. She was a daughter of Philip Hoffman, who settled here in 1845. Mr. Yetter has been justice of peace for one term, trustee for several terms, and held other dis- trict offices. He settled in Pleasant in 1851, and is an active farmer, owning two hundred and twenty-six acres.
Younkman, David, Washington, Colton p. o., owner and proprietor of the Colton House, was born in Stark county in 1827, and married in 1858 to Mary Rearick, of Sandusky. They have had six children, five of whom are now living: F. I., William A., Mary G., Katie, and Hettie. Mary G. married F. P. Goodell. Mr Younkman settled at Colton in 1859 and became engaged in the general mercantile business, in which he continued until 1863, when he sold his business and became agent for the Wabash Railroad, and was also appointed postmaster, but resigned in 1868 and settled in Delta, Fulton county, and in 1882 he returned to Colton and purchased his present hotel property. He was elected justice in 1884. He was a son of Daniel and Martha (Swank) Younkman. Martha was born in Pennsylvania, and her husband, Daniel, was born in mid-ocean in 1800. They were married in Stark county, where they died, he in 1867, and she in 1884. Daniel was a son of Daniel and Catharine Younkman, who were born in Germany and emigrated from there in 1800, and settled in Ohio in 1816. Daniel died at the age of eighty-two years and his wife, Catharine, at the age of ninety-one years.
Young, William P., Marion, Ridgeland p. o., of Marion township, was born in Wayne county, O., March 25, 1825. He was brought up in Stark and Seneca counties, and attended the public schools in those counties. In 1863 he moved to Putnam county, and built the first dwelling-house at Liepsic Station, and also erected a grist-mill at that place, which he carried on until 1868, when he moved to Henry county and located in Marion township, near Ridgway, and became engaged in the milling business. He erected a grist and saw-mill at the time of settlement here, and has since carried on this business in connection with his farming. He was married in 1847 to Mary J. Jackman, of Seneca county. She was a native of France. They have ten children : George W., Mary J., John P., Isabella. Sarah, William P. S., Abram B., Dora P., Isaac P. (deceased), Lewis P., and Peter Simon P. Mr. Young was elected treasurer of the township in 1865 ; has been postmaster at Ridgway, and held both of the above offices for the past eleven years.
Jones, J. W., Pleasant Bend O., is engaged in the manufacture of nail kegs from the stump and in clearing the stumpy land into farms. He employs about twenty-five hands in his fac- tory here and about fifteen in his factory at Chicago. He is now sixty-seven years old. His father, Philip Jones, was among the first settlers in Meigs county, and was also the first treas- urer of that county. He was commissioned and served in the war of 1812. Mr. Jones's business career has been varied, and he is acknowledged to be a better projector than organizer. He it was that cut the first lath, planed the first lumber, and made the first sash and doors by machin- ery, in Meigs county. These works were burnt and he did not receive any insurance. After the burning of this factory he built other lumber and cooper works in Clifton, W. Va., and made and had patented many improvements in cooper machinery. This factory was burned, and was a total loss, he having no insurance. He then sold his foundry and machine works
713
BRIEF PERSONALS.
in Middleport, O., his cooper works in Ashland, Ky., and closed out his flour business in Middle- port, and located his stave works in Williamstown, Va. He then had large contracts in Wheel- ing for improved nail kegs, and the third time his factories were burned down with no insurance. He then bought timber land in Wetsel county, W. Va., and built large works there, and in honor to him the town was named Jonestown. In connection with his factory he erected three cooper shops, one at Wheeling, W. Va., one at Bellaire, O., and one at Pittsburgh, Pa. In huis early business career he purchased one and a half sections of timber land in Ripley county, Ind., and erected thereon saw and planing-mills, thereby using up the timber and clearing 400 acres of land. He otherwise improved the farin by adding a good dwelling and the largest barn in the county. The farm and farming was a failure from the fact that the sub-soil was what they called hardpan, and was sold to the county, now being called the county poor farm and is well-named. Mr. Jones has traded on the Mississippi River and timbered on the Ohio River. He has worked much with machinery. He has had seven stave factories and four saw-mills, and has carried on business in five different States and in as many different cities. In all his misfortunes and mistakes he never allowed his friends to pay his debts, and never asked for an extension. In politics he was a Whig, then a Republican and is now in a doubtful mood. Ile thinks that the economic disturbance that now shadows our country, occasioned by machinery taking the place of muscular labor, that neither party is qualified to successfully meet the emergency he is looking for, and he thinks the signs of the times indicate the advent of a new party with broad and catho- lie views, to manage the government. His religion is of the broad guage type. He belongs to no sect or party, and thinks that the height, depth and amplitude of the Christian system is too great for any sect or party to mark its boundaries by church dogmas, and that religions life has Inore potency than religions cant. His creed is to accept Christ, the great teacher from God. and do his work. Mr. Jones's wife still occupies ths old homestead in Middleport, O., where all their children were born. She is now sixty-two years old and was a daughter of two of the first settlers in Ohio and W. Va. They have five children living: W. W. Jones and E. J. Jones, now engaged in the nail keg business in Hammond, Ind .; Philena, the wife of R. W. Beach, who is engaged in the same business in Chicago, Il .; Virginia, now Mrs. John Weaver ; Mr. Weaver is a farmer near Letart, O., and Mary Grace (Pidge), wife of William Davis, who is now engaged in the sash and door and lumber business in Pomeroy, O. All are cheerfully bearing the responsibilties of life and laboring for the joys of an after life. Mr. Jones thinks that he is on his last decade - the last spool in the shuttle is fast winding off, and the web of life is about completed, but he can say as one did before him : " My career is chosen, but Ihave warmed both hands in the fire of life " During his business career the population of the gov- ernment has increased from 20,000,000 to 60,000,000, and through energy, industry, and econo- my, has increased from $400 to $2,000 per capita, and sufficient railroads have been built, if in one continuous line, would reach five times around this planet, lined with cities, towns, villages. and factories. Stupendous and unprecedented results for one generation. And as he is about to step down and out, he flaunts the facts in the face of the incoming generation to stimulate them to emulation to do even better than their fathers.
ERS
BỘUND KC
L 28 1936
ILL
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.