History of Medina county and Ohio, Part 134

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1014

USA > Ohio > Medina County > History of Medina county and Ohio > Part 134

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).

856

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

11, 1799. He was a son of John, who was born in 1759. Mary Askill's father's name was John. Mrs. Shaw's father came West in 1835, locating in Avon, and to him were born nine children. Six grew to maturity-Jane, now in Michigan ; John, in Minnesota ; Thomas, in Grafton ; Henry W., in Michigan; Joseph, in Litchfield. Mrs. Shaw had three brothers who served three years in the late war-Thomas, Henry and Joseph-the latter losing his right arm. The family above mentioned moved to York in 1859. Mr. Fretter died April 6, 1877. His mother is still living. After Mr. Shaw was married, he remained in York until 1866, when he moved to this township and purchased 105 acres, where he now resides. He has now 180 aeres. He, like his father, is a successful financier. Being a hard worker, and having a valuable helpmeet and an industrious family, he is destined to attain still greater ends than those already accomplished. He has a family of nine children, whose names are Lyman J., Early P., Zada P. (more eommonly known as " Dot "), Gilmore S., Frank E., William H., Kittie May, Lena E. and Alonzo E. Mr. Shaw, in connection with his farm, is running a thrashing machine and clover huller, and is a great man for encouraging the use of machinery in all departments of husbandry. Both Mr. Shaw and wife are members of the Universalist Church at Westfield.

G. SPITZER, farming and stock-raising ; P. O. Medina ; is one of the foremost and leading agriculturists and stock-raisers in the township. His birth occurred Nov. 7, 1817, in Glennville, Schenectady Co., N. Y. His parents were Nicholas and Nancy (Bovee) Spitzer, whose births were, respectively, Nov. 26, 1784, and Nov. 19, 1791, and were married in the same eounty as born. The grandfather of our sub- ject was Garrett, whose name he now bears. The Spitzer family, according to the tradition, came originally from Holland, and from here they removed to England, and were among the gentry of that time, yet, from some cause not now known, their financial condition became impaired to such an extent that they were in- dueed to join the hardy yeomanry to better their condition. They came to America through the influence of Garrett's father's un- cle, who was a Surgeon in the English army, and, having been in New York prior to the Revolution, gave sueh a glowing description of

the Mohawk and Hudson Valleys to his friends upon his return, that they were indueed to cast their lots and fortunes with those of Northern New York. The Spitzer family that came to this county was headed by Nicholas, who gathered up his personal effects and embarked for the Buekeye State, starting September 5, 1836, which time, our subjeet states, there was a heavy frost, the effects of which were seen the entire journey. Arriving here, Nicholas pur- chased 112 acres of land at $11 per acre, there being about fifteen aeres "slashed." Garrett being the eldest of the family of the boys, and while he was rather disheartened at the appear- anee the country presented, yet he reasoned with the wisdom of a philosopher that as they were here, the better plan was to "pitch in" and make the best of it, and what was want- ing in surroundings they might supply by hard labor. The result was, that in the fall follow- ing, they had forty aeres well feneed, and in three years' time the farm was eleared. The day our subject attained his majority, he con- tracted for 75 aeres of land of King and Gun. He hadn't a dollar to pay down, but he had credit, and in three years' time had it eleared. During this time he made his father's house his home ; and having a eabin under way, and had the cage nearly complete, his next ob- ject was to secure the bird. Their nuptials were duly celebrated Nov. 21, 1844, his bride being Mary J. Branch, who was born in Hamp- shire Co., Mass., March 22, 1827, she being the youngest of a family of nine children, who were born to Elisha and Sallie (Thompson) Branch, who were also natives of the same State and county. His birth occurred April 9, 1787, that of his wife July 3, 1788. Their marriage oceurred Oet. 3, 1810. They eame West in 1832, and located in York Township. After purchasing his land, he had $25. left. Here they settled and remained until their death, which occurred Nov. 14, 1856 ; that of his wife, Feb. 13, 1867 ; they were members of the Congregational Church, and were the stanch representatives of that township. Their children are as follows : Emeline, of this town- ship, the wife of L. M. Pierce; Betsey, Mrs. B. B. Hudson, of Detroit, Mich .; he was killed by the railroad; Rev. Edwin T., of Somerset, in Michigan; Cecilia, Mrs. A. C. Bowen, of York Township; Cordelia, the wife of S. F. Judson, elected County Treasurer, Benzonia,

857

LA FAYETTE TOWNSHIP.

Mieh., fall of 1880, who was aeeidentally killed; Nathan E., of Williamson, Mieh .; Sarah, Mrs. Albert Mead, in Michigan ; Hannah, Mrs. H. J. Williams, of Oberlin, and Mary J., Mrs. G. Spitzer, of this township, who is the worthy spouse of our subjeet. Of Mr. Spitzer's broth- er's family now living, are Aaron B., in York Township ; Jaeob, in Chatham. Mr. Spitzer lived nine years on the farm he first owned, then purehased where he now resides. He has 500 aeres of land, which is well improved and stoeked with sheep, which he makes more of a specialty than of any other stoek. His efforts have been erowned with marked sueeess. If he bas sueeeeded better than many other men, it is beeause he has worked harder, and planned bet- ter, and grasped the opportunities whenever presented, making them serve his purpose. Raised up with limited education, his usefuluess and natural promptings have always been ham- pered from the laek of a liberal education, whereby he might have attained mueh more satisfactory results in other spheres of labor that his aspirations have pointed out. Has been a man of great energy and business enterprise, devoting his entire life to agricultural pursuits, not seeking publieity of office, though, at the solieitations of friends, has filled some impor- tant positions of trust and honor ; served sev- eral years as Director and Adjuster in the Ohio Farmer's Insurance Company. Has been a man of excellent health, and temperate in his habits. For many years has been a member of the Con- gregational Chureh, and has ever borne his part as a eitizen in the community as neighbor and friend. To them have been born eight ehildren -- Aliee M., Mrs. A. M. Loomis, Jones Co., Iowa ; Eva, Mrs. W. C. Lyon, in Amherst ; A. T., Amherst, in this township ; Aaron D., in Jones Co., Iowa; Adelbert L., banker in North Amherst; Franeelia J., Louetti M. and Bessie. A. D. SHELDON, farmer and county sur- veyor; P. O. Whittlesey. Amos was born Feb. 27, 1845, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., the only ehild now living, born to his parents, who were Hiram and Eirene (Jacobs) Sheldon. Hiram was born June 22, 1798, in Montgomery Co., N. Y. He was the fourth of a family of eight children, who were born to his parents, six of whom reached man's estate. Amos and Anna (King) Sheldon-he was born May 10, 1769, in Sheffield Co., Conn., also his wife, in March 17, 1770. His father's name was Elijah, who was wounded

in the Revolutionary war. Hiram, at the age of 10, removed with his parents to Herkimer Co., N. Y., where his father died Mareh 10, 1832, his wife following him Nov. 12, seven years later. Hiram was raised to agricultural pursuits, remaining with his father until 22 years of age. Left home, stayed one year, and returned home, and eared for his parents until their decease. July 1, 1830, he was married to Miss Jacobs, who was born Sept. 29, 1805, in Hillsboro Co., N. H. She was a daughter of John and Sallie Jacobs. Emigrated West in May, 1849, loeating on the farm he now resides upon, eousisting of 120 aeres, near La Fayette Center. The father of Amos is yet living ; al- though past his fourseore years, he is yet vig- orous and in the enjoyment of a reasonable degree of health for a man of his years. His companion has several years sinee passed to her reward. For forty years, Mr. Sheldon has been an aeeeptable member of the Close Com- munion Baptists ; his life and association with the world, has been in harmony with his pro- fession. Has lived an honored and highly re- spected member in the community, and as he now stands, with one foot almost upon the other shore, he is waiting the eall of the Master, and is like a shoek of eorn fully ripe and ready to respond to His call. Amos was but a lad of 4 years when his parents came from the Empire State. His home has sinee been on the farm his father located. His early boyhood was spent upon the farm and in attending sehool, which advantages he improved, and for ten terms, he has wielded the " birch," and taught aeeeptably in the county. Has been a man of more than ordinary ability and research, his qualifications being recognized to that extent that the people have called upon him, through the ballot box, to look after the school and township's interest, as Sehool Direetor, Town- ship Clerk and Trustee, and Land Appraiser. In 1874, he was elected County Surveyor, and sinee re-elected at different times, and is at this time (1881) the ineumbent. May 6, 1866, he beeame the husband of Cordelia Childs, who was born in this township, Aug. 18, 1842 ; she is a daughter of Charles and Sallie (Adams) Childs. He was born Dee. 14, 1802, in Ver- mont. She in New York. They were married Dee. 12, 1837, and eame West in 1833, loeating in this township. To them were born a family of twelve ehildren, ineluding triplets. Amos D.

858

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

has four children-May E., Emma I., Bert C and William H.

S. P. VAUGHN, blacksmith ; P. O. Whittle- sey ; is one of the eldest resident smiths in this part of the county. He was born July 20, 1828, in Mercer Co., Penn. His parents were John and Hannah (Phew) Vaughn. He was born about the year 1801, in Washington Co., Penn. ; his father's name was Joseph, to whom were born Nancy, Thomas, Betsy, Lydia, John, An- drew ; of those living are Thomas, now in Penn- sylvania, aud Audrew, in Michigan. Samuel P. emigrated West with his parents in 1845. His father located in the towuship east of the lake, where he purchased 40 acres, where he lived five years ; theu moved upon Short street, where he remained until his decease, which occurred in 1862. S. P. remained at home until 22 years of age ; his father being a blacksmith, and from him received his first lessons iu iron working. In 1850, he located at the Center, at the place he now occupies, and has since been steadily engaged at his trade. The same year he came (1850), July 31, he married Maggie Ormsby, who was born Nov. 29, 1834, daughter of Alex- ander and Nancy (Wolfcale) Ormsby. He was born in 1801, in Chenango Co., Penn. He was a son of George, who was a native of Ireland ; of Scotch and Irish pareutage. He died in 1871, at the age of 97. Nancy Wolfcale was born in 1805, in Loudoun Co., Va. Her mother's uame, prior to her marriage, was Belinda Ashton. Her husband's name was John Wolfcale. To George Ormsby were born four children-Mar- garet, Anna, Joseph and Alexander, all de- ceased. To Alexander were born ten children, nine living-George, in Mahoning Co .; Abra- ham, in Wells Co., Ind. ; Sarah, Mrs. Henry Taylor, in Washington Co., Wis .; Mrs. S. P. Vaughn ; Anua, Mrs. Joseph Rich, in Wells Co., Ind. ; Martha, Mrs. Aaron Osborne, of Isabella Co., Mich .; Nancy, Mrs. William Schoonover, in Wells Co., Ind. ; John H. and Oliver A. in Wells Co., Ind. Alexander Ormsby removed to Ohio at an early time, locating in Mahoning Co., where he lived until 1852, when he removed to Wells Co., Ind. ; settled in Union Township, in the wilderness. To Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn have been born five childreu ; but one now liv- ing, Rosa M. Mr. Vaughn has now been here over thirty years ; he came here poor, yet has, by diligence and attention to his business, ac- quired a good home, besides has valuable prop-

erty in Cleveland. He is one of the best smiths iu the county, and always does honest and satis- factory work. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church twenty-six years.

N. H. WYATT, transfer ; Clyde, Sandusky Co .; was born May 7, 1831, in Steuben Co., Wayne Township, N. Y .; son of Jonathan and Phœbe (Buck) Wyatt. He was born in August, about the year 1776, in Providence, R. I .; he was a son of Stutely Wyatt, who was a near relative of Sir John Wyatt, who came over from En- gland in the Mayflower, in 1620. Phoebe Buck was born in the northwest part of Pennsylvania, Oct. 22, 1804; daughter of Benjamin Buck, who was of German descent. In 1835, the Wyatt family emigrated West to Montgomery Township, Ashland Co., Ohio, where he pur- chased 40 acres, situated one mile north of the town of Ashland, where they lived until Feb. 22, 1843, when they located in this township, southeast part, on the farm now owned by Mr. Kiplinger, where he remained until his death, which occurred in June, 1871. He was a man of but limited education ; was a man of indus- trious habits, and for fifty years was a member of the Regular Baptist Church. During the war of 1812, he " drew at nine drafts " aud came free each time, and volunteered at last. To him were born seven children, all of whom attained mature years-four of whom are liv- ing-Susan, Mrs. Richard Stevenson, now in Kansas ; Ann, now in Dade Co., Mo., the wife of Robert Baubelle ; Marvin B., iu Clyde, San- dusky Co .; and Nicholas, our subject, who is the eldest of the uumber. At the age of 21, he hired out to work by the month. In 1854, he went West to Winnebago Co., Ill., and engaged in farming pursuits. Feb. 16, 1857, was mar- ried to Harriet M. Blair, who was born in this township July 7, 1839, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Blair, of this township. Mr. Wyatt was a resident of Winnebago Co. for seven years. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B. 74th Ill. V I., serving three months ; then was transferred to second battalion, Co. H, and was in charge of a company of pioneers of the Pioneer Corps, whose place was in the advance of the army to pioneer the way for the advanc- ing columns-build bridges, and lay pontons across rivers and large streams not fordable, and were often under fire, when in the discharge of their duty. Served twenty months in this capacity, was then transferred into the 1st U.

859

LA FAYETTE TOWNSHIP.

S. Veteran Engineers, Co. F, where he served until the termination of the war. July 23, 1864, was Gen. Wood's Orderly, was bearing a dispatch to Gen. McPherson, and saw him shot from his horse, and was the first man to pick him up and place him in others' care. Upon his return from service, lived two years in this township, then removed to Clyde, Sandusky Co., this State, where he has since resided and is permanently located, and is engaged in the transfer and draying business. Of five chil- dren born him, three are living Clara E., a teacher in the public schools at Clyde ; Eddie and Harriet. Mr. Wyatt had two brothers in the late war ; Joel served cighteen months in the 6th O. V. C. ; since dead ; has one child, Stella. Marvin B., enlisted first for three months in Co. K, 8th Ohio. After serving his time, he re-enlisted for three years, serving out his time ; was severely wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, and was left for dead on tlie field. The Wyatt family are true and loyal Republicans.

W. H. WIDEMAN, farmer; P. O. Medina; is a native of this county, and was born in Guilford Township Sept. 10, 1831, the niuth child, in order of birth, born to his parents, who were Jacob and Anna (Guisinger) Wide- man. At the age of 15, he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade ; after its com- pletion, he worked at jour work until he became of age, at which time he and his brother John rented tbe home farm, which they carried on in partnership for four years ; be then bought out his brother's interest, carried on the same for three years longer. Nov. 19, 1847, he was married to Mary E. Shank, born Oct. 25, 1841, in Guilford Townsbip, whose parents were Michael and Polly E. (Wideman) Shank (who was a daughter of John Wide- man). Mrs. Wideman was of a family of three children, who were Henry and Mary E., both deceased, she being the sole survivor of tbe children. Her father died when she was young ; her mother has since married and now resides in Michigan. Since Mr. Wideman abandoned the anvil and forge, and entered the marriage relation, he has made several changes, and, though contrary to the adage that " the rolling stone gathers no moss," his several changes have resulted favorably to himself in a financial manner. His first removal from the home farm was to Chatham, where he purchased 71

acres-which was settled by one Blake-which be left after a residence of three years, and re- turned to the old farm, remaining a short time, then removed to Westfield, purchasing a farm in the northern part, south of Chippewa Lake, wbere he lived until he removed back to Guil- ford, and was engaged in running a saw-mill for two years ; then sold out and bought the William Shook farm, which he owned three years, then sold and in the spring of 1870, moved to his present place of residence, his farm, a tract which was settled by George Wal- lace, consisting of 125 acres. Mr. Wideman is one of the township's best citizens ; is esteemed and highly respected by all who know him ; is a man of liberal thought and generously dis- posed to all enterprises, which are calculated to advance the common interests of the people. Of five children born him, but three are living -Bertie M., Flora Dell and Harrison Blake.

J. L. WIDEMAN, farmer ; P. O. Medina ; born in Guilford Township, Feb. 17, 1840; the second of a family of five children, all of wbom attained the years of manhood and womanhood. The parents of the above were Philip and Eliz- abeth (Lance) Wideman. His father was named Philip, whose father was a native of Germany, and emigrated to the United States in the latter part of the last century. The father of our sub- ject was born in Canada, near Toronto ; was of a numerous family, fourteen being the number born, twelve came to maturity. The family left Canada and came to this couuty when it was new, the grandfather of Johu L. making a settlement in Guilford when his son Phillip was young, who made a commencement in that township, where three of the children were born, viz., Sarah A., Mrs. J. H. Johnsou, of this towu- ship; Johu L. and Mary E., Mrs. J. J. Lauce, of Chatham. About 1845, the family moved to Chatham, where William H., aud Lorinda (Mrs. James Boyce) were born. Philip Wideman died October, 1850 ; his wife survived him until Aug. 15, 1868. John was a lad of 10 years when his father died. His mother subsequently married Philip Long, and with them the chil- dren lived until coming to mature years. John L. was brought up to farming, which business he turned his attention to as soon as he became bis own master. Jan. 2, 1862, he was married to Laura Young, who was born March 18, 1841, in Strongsville, Cuyaboga Co., Ohio, wliose par- ents were Alva and Lucretia (Thompson)

860

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Young ; both were natives of Vermont, and came to Chatham over forty years ago, and were the authors of eight children. After Mr. Wide- man was married, he remained on the home farm. Remained in that township until 1871, when he moved to his present location in the extreme northwest corner of this township, where four townships meet, Litchfield, York, La Fayette and Chatham. Mr. Wideman has a good farm of 111 acres, a successful farmer, and the father of four interesting daughters, whose names are Ida J., Edith A., Bertha M. and Amy L. Mrs. Wideman is a member of the U. B. Church.

G. W. WALTZ, farmer; P. O. Whittlesey ; born July 3, 1829, in Alleghany Co., Md., the fourth of a family of six children who were born to George R. and Catharine (Houser) Waltz. George R. was born in Maryland, and was a son of John. Catharine Houser was a daughter of David Houser. John Waltz, the grandfather of G. W., was a native of Germany, and emigrated to this country, locating in the Middle States. George R. Waltz emigrated West with his family to Wayne Co. in this State, landing Oct. 20, 1835, remaining there during the winter, and located in this township in the spring following, where he had previously purchased 110 acres, on Lot 10, in the north- west part of the township, which was unim- proved, and which cost him $5 per acre. Hc had built him a cabin previous to his moving his family ; the cabin was standing amidst the forest, just enough trees cut to admit stand- ing-room for the cabin. When they drove the wagon in loaded with the family, it had to be backed out the same course it was admitted. At this time, our subject, G. W., was a lad of 7 years. Of the family now living, of his brothers and sisters, are Mary A., now Mrs. S. Wares ; Sevilla, the wife of Peter Bowman ; Eliza, now Mrs. W. E. Moulton ; and Catharine, now Mrs. John L. Waltz-all residents of this township. George R., the father of G. W., re- mained upon the farm as long as he lived, as did his worthy companion. Both were mem- bers of the United Brethren Church, he being one of the first members of that society, being a member before the organization of the church, and gave liberally toward its support, donating the ground for the church and cemetery, and was a man highly esteemed in the community as an upright man and consistent Christian.

His death occurred Sept. 3, 1854 ; that of his wife Nov. 22, 1875. George W. left home at 21 and hired out by the month, working five years in succession for one man in Litchfield. Jan. 3, 1855, he was married to Mary Ann Bowman, who was born Dec. 6, 1835, in Chip- pewa Township, Wayne Co., this State; she was a daughter of John and Sarah (Traxler) Bowman; he was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Nov. 11, 1808, she Jan. 5, 1810 ; they were married Dec. 18, 1828. Their deaths oc- curred as follows : His decease was Aug. 7, 1865 ; his wife's, Dec. 22, 1876. To them were born a family of twelve children, seven of whom are living. The parents of the above were members of the Christian Church for many years prior to their death. For twelve years after G. W. was married, he lived on the home farm ; he came to the farm he now owns, in 1869, and has since remained. Mr. Waltz, during the late war, was among the number who volunteered their services in the defense of their country's flag, leaving his home and fam- ily to battle for the maintenance of the prin- ciples similar to those for which our forefathers contended. He enlisted, Sept. 22, 1861, in Co. B, 42d O. V. I., as private, receiving the rank of Sergeant by promotion afterward He par- ticipated in the first battle of Vicksburg, Mid- dle Creek, Arkansas Post, rear of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., and other engagements of a minor character ; with the exception of a slight wound in the hand, he came through sound in body and limb, after serving out his three years' term of enlistment. Since his return home, he has been engaged in farming. He has a farm of 76 acres, upon which he has erected, since his purchase, substantial im- provements in the way of buildings. He and wife are both members of the Christian Church at La Fayette Center, of which he is a Deacon, he having been a member of this order for twenty- five years. They have three children-George P., Effie, Dora and Rhoda Irene.

J. L. WIGHTMAN, farmer ; P. O. Whittlesey; born in Jefferson Co., Rodman Township, N. Y., Sept. 21, 1828; is the youngest of a family of eleven children, eight of the number grew to maturity ; but three of the number are living- Nancy, Mrs. Simeon Boynton, of Norwalk ; Nathan and James L., of this township. The Wightmans are of Scotch descent, and, accord- ing to the tradition, seven brothers originally

861

LA FAYETTE TOWNSHIP.

came from Scotland and settled in America ; from them originated the different families bearing the name. The parents of our subject were Nathan and Betsey (Osgood) Wightman. Nathan was born in Vermont April 8, 1780, and went to Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he was mar- ried, and removed West in 1833, locating in this township, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1859. His companion died soon after his arrival to this county. James L. was but a lad of 6 when he was left mother. less. He lived then with his sister Nancy the greater portion of the time until he attained his manhood, at which time he was found working out by the month. In the spring of 1850, caught the gold fever and went across the plains on foot, driving four yoke of oxen, standing guard every alternate night over their camp, as " eternal vigilance was then the price of safety," as Indians were plenty and only wanted an opportunity to do their work. After a journey of 105 days from St. Joe, Mo., they reached Hangtown, now Placerville, the place deriv- ing its name from the number of men who had " stretched hemp " upon a certain oak tree. Mr. Wightman was one of the petitioners to the Legislature, to have it changed to its present name. Soon after his arrival, entered the mines, having expended all his surplus funds in tools and a week's provisions. In the spring he had saved $661 clear of all expenditures. His gold was every night deposited in the bank, which consisted of a large buckskin belt strapped about him-the combination he never lost- nor was he debarred from entering at will by the modern appliance of the " time lock." Be- ing in the water so much, his health becoming impaired, he planned a trip to Oregon to re- cuperate his health ; sailed from San Francisco on the New World. After being on the ocean fifteen days, found themselves 1,500 miles from their starting-poiut, and 1,000 miles " at sea ;" finally, striking the trade winds, were wafted north, at last reaching the mouth of the Colum- bia River ; landed at John Jacob Astor's trad- ing post, called Astoria. After a visit in and about that locality for some time, returned to White Rock Valley, four miles from Placer- ville, where he engaged in the grocery business. After nearly one year's association in the trade, came ont with over $1,000 net proceeds. Then resolved to return home, but, meeting with a friend, he was induced to return and engage in

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 Medina county and Ohio, Part 134

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1014

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Baskin & Battey. Chicago. pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1014