USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Mercer County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 43
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William Krugh was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1840, and was reared on his father's farm, working through eight months of the year and attending school about three. He was 21 years old when he
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left home and came to Ohio, locating with William Heath, in October, 1861. His father came to Ohio in the following spring.
In August, 1862, William Krugh enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and remained in the service for three years. He was mustered in at Camp Lima, Lima, Ohio, and was mustered out in 1865 at Salisbury, North Carolina. Mr. Krugh took part in many of the great battles of that war and witnessed the death and disabling of many of his comrades. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Mission Ridge, Orchard Knob, Chickamauga, Dalton, Kenesaw Moun- tain, Big Sandy, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, the siege and capture of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, Nashville and then Franklin, where was fought one of the severest battles of the Rebellion. Mr. Krugh receives a service pension but he was fortunate enough to never experience wounds or serious sickness.
The brave 99th Ohio became decimated from severe fighting and hence was merged with the 50th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. The first officers of Mr. Krugh's company were : Capt. James Scott; Ist Lieutenant King, of Delphos, Ohio; and 2nd Lieut. William T. Exline of Liberty township, Van Wert County. The last named became captain at a later date, Captain Scott having been killed at Stone River. Captain Exline now resides on a farm in Liberty township, Van Wert County, near Ohio City
After his honorable discharge from the army, Mr. Krugh bought a farm in Van Wert County, Ohio, on which he lived for 10 years and then came to Mercer County, where he rented land for two years. Then Mr. Krugh bought the farm on which he has lived for the past 25 years, which contains a fraction over 113 acres and is situated in section 19, Union township.
On February 9, 1868, Mr. Krugh married Malissa J. Hays, a daughter of Jackson and Eliza B. Hays, and to this union were born the following named children : Milton O., the immediate subject of this sketch; Orum H., a farmer in Union township, who married Winnie Snyder, daughter of George Snyder and has three children, Ernest, Mary and Bruce; Homer J., employed in a grocery store at Mendon, who married Stella Rhodes, daughter of Benjamin Rhodes, and has one child; William E., operating the Yocum farm in Union township, who married Nellie Kinkley, daughter of Christo- pher Kinkley, and has two children, Chloe and Ellen; Mary E., born August 24, 1875, deceased December 4, 1878; and Ella F., born April 15, 1885, de- ceased April 10, 1890. The mother of the above family died August 12, 1894. Mr. Krugh was married (second) to Mrs. Lydia Shady, widow of Isaac Shady and daughter of Samuel and Mary (Swift) Brookhart, the latter of whom died August 25, 1894. Mr. Brookhart still survives and lives on a farm in Hopewell township.
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Milton O. Krugh accompanied his parents when they located, in 1876, on the farm one mile southeast of Marion, where they lived for two years, then removing to the homestead three miles west of Mendon. On that farm he grew to maturity. His primary education was obtained in the district schools and then he attended school at Mendon for three years and later the normal school at Middlepoint, Van Wert County. He continued to study at home and rounded out a liberal education by a course at Oxford, Ohio, in 1906.
Mr. Krugh has been a teacher since 1892, when he began to teach dis- trict school, to which he devoted five years. In 1897 he was invited to Men- don and become principal of the Mendon High School, a position for which he is amply qualified. He enjoys the use of a fine, modern school building -- there being six teachers in the school. There are 225 pupils in the school, 50 of these being in the High School, this being the joint High School of the village and township. As an educator he stands very high in Mercer County and is a member of a number of educational organizations.
Mr. Krugh was married to Minnie Johnson, a daughter of William H. and Margaret (Perdy) Johnson. They have five children, as follows : Hazel, Lucile, Lawrence, Josephine and an infant.
Mr. Krugh has been a resident of Mendon for the past 14 years and dur- ing this time he has been identified with its educational development to a large degree. In politics he is a Republican, and for the past six years has been justice of the peace of Union township. He was elected to the Village Council and as its leader is serving out the unexpired term of the late mayor, L. A. Barber. He is a prominent, useful and representative citizen.
HENRY HAGEMAN
HENRY HAGEMAN, one of the leading citizens and most prosperous farmers of Butler township, owning a magnificent farm of 494 acres situated in sections 27 and 34, and also operating a farm of 99 acres belonging to his wife, which is situated in Granville township, was born January 26, 1837, in Germany. His parents were Joseph and Anna Maria Elizabeth (Hamesauth) Hageman.
The Hageman family crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1837, making the long voyage of seven and a half weeks in a sailing vessel. They landed at Baltimore and then came on to Cincinnati, and from there by wagon, to Minster, Auglaize County, where they lived for two years. In 1840 they removed to Marion township and settled on a farm near St. Johns, the father
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buying 40 acres of wild land on which he built a log cabin, subsequently de- veloping a good farm.
On the above farm Henry Hageman grew to manhood, obtaining his: education in the district schools. He was trained to be a practical farmer and has devoted his life to farming and stock-raising, meeting with unusual success. In 1860 Mr. Hageman was married (first) to Caroline Boeckman, who was a daughter of Henry Boeckman, an old pioneer of Marion township, who died in the fall of 1903, aged 92 years. To this marriage 12 children were born, namely: Joseph, who died when one month old; Henry, living in Oklahoma, who has one son, William; John, also a resident of Oklahoma, who has six children; Mary, who married Bennett Froning and died one year later ; Elizabeth, who married Bennett Geer, lives in Texas and has seven children; Joseph (2), residing at Dayton, who has three children; Rosa, who died aged one month; Benjamin, who lives at Botkins, Shelby County, un- married; Kate, who married George Moessinger, lives at Cincinnati and has one child; Frank, who died aged 19 years; Annie, who married Bennett En- neking, lives at Cincinnati and has one child; and Caroline, who died aged about one month. The mother of this family died February 15, 1881.
Mr. Hageman was married (second) in August, 1883, to Josephine Rose, and they have eight children, namely: Herman, residing at Dayton, who has one child, Geneva; and Louis, Urban, Etta, Dinah, Aloysius, Lena and Clara. All survive expect Clara, who died at the age of six years.
In 1871, Mr. Hageman removed from St. Johns to his present home farm, on which he first erected a frame house, but later replaced it with the handsome brick one which was completed in 1895. It is one of the finest as well as most comfortable homes in the township. He carries on general farming in a way that insures abundant crops and his methods are often adopted by his neighbors. Mr. Hageman is a worthy member of the Catholic Church.
GEORGE W. BROWN
GEORGE W. BROWN, a substantial citizen of Butler township, who re- sides upon his well-improved farm of 160 acres in section 14, and owns also II additional acres in Jefferson township, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, February 13, 1831, and is a son of William and Mary Ann (Riggs) Brown.
William Brown was born in Clermont County, Ohio, where he was edu- cated, married and passed a long life. His wife died when George W. was a child of two years. An older brother, William, who was killed in the front
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of the regiment at the battle of Lookout Mountain, was fifer in the 148th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf.
George W. Brown was 21 years of age when he came to Mercer County, purchasing his present home farm at that time, which was then in its natural condition. He located on his property on March 8, 1862, finding it already inhabited by deer, wild hogs, pheasants, squirrels and snakes, neighbors he very soon disposed of as he began the rapid clearing of the land. This work was interrupted, for in 1863 he enlisted in Company I, 156th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for the 100-day service. After it was completed, he reenlisted, entering Company D, 193rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Good fortune attended him and he passed harmlessly through the battles of Harper's Ferry and Cumberland City, Maryland; Cynthiana, Kentucky; and many skirmishes. After the Re- bellion had been subdued he returned to his farm and resumed his agricul- tural operations. He has made many substantial improvements here and has adequate and comfortable buildings of all kinds. In contrast to the new structures is the old barn still standing, which was built in 1866, probably the oldest in the township. Mr. Brown carries on general farming and raised at one time large numbers of hogs and cattle.
George W. Brown was married to Rachel Arthur, a daughter of James Arthur, and they have had eight children, namely: Roland, who lives at home although he owns a farm of 80 acres given by his father; George B., who lives at home, also owning a farm of 80 acres given by his father; Ella, who lives at home; Emma, who married Irvin Hole and has two daughters; Rosa, who married William Coate of Celina, and has one child, Elva; Minnie, who lives at home; Clemmie, who married Harlow Burdge; and one child died in infancy.,
Mr. Brown has always taken a prominent part in township affairs as be- comes a good citizen, and he has frequently been elected to offices of respon- sibility. He has served on the School Board, has been township clerk, land appraiser, viewer and supervisor.
JOHN GIESEKE
JOHN GIESEKE, one of Franklin township's substantial citizens, who re- sides on a fine farm of 120 acres located in section 2, was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, March 10, 1860, and is a son of William and Margaret (Schierholt) Gieseke.
William Gieseke was born in Germany, came to America with his father, Henry Gieseke, when about II years old, and with his parents settled at New Bremen, Ohio. Henry Gieseke was the father of six children, namely : Flora,
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Minnie, Frederick, Henry, William and Lenora. William Gieseke in young manhood drove a team for some time on a canal boat, before settling down to farming, but when 22 years old he purchased a farm of 40 acres east of New Bremen, which he subsequently sold, and in 1864 bought the farm of 120 acres now occupied by his son John.
At New Bremen he married Margaret Schierholt, and they had five chil- dren, namely: Christian, who married Amelia Backhaus and lives in Hope- well township; John; William, who lives with his brother John; Amelia, de- ceased at the age of three years; and Emma, who is the widow of William Hartwick. William Gieseke and his wife live with their daughter, Mrs. Hart- wick, at New Bremen.
John Gieseke was four years old when his parents moved to Mercer County and located on the farm, on which he has since remained. He is now manager of this farm, which is one of the finest in its section of the county, and is improved with substantial buildings. A beautiful hedge bordering the driveway adds much to the attractiveness of the place.
Mr. Gieseke was married November 11, 1886, to Josephine Dicke, a daughter of William and Dora (Wrisenback) Dicke, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Dicke came to America before their marriage, which was cele- brated at New Bremen. They have had nine children, as follows: William, Henry, Julius, Anna, Josephine, Florentina, Alvinea, Emma and Louise, the last named deceased in infancy. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gieseke, namely: Seraphine, deceased at the age of two years; Dora, Me- linda, Lawrence, Arnold, Benjamin and Milton. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gieseke are members of the Lutheran Church.
ANDREW X. WALTER
ANDREW X. WALTER, a well-known, substantial citizen of Coldwater, who has been engaged in the manufacture of brick at this place for some 14 years, was born December 21, 1858, in Germany, and is a son of Andrew and Catherine Walter.
The Walter family came to America when Andrew X. was seven years old and settled first in Seneca County, Ohio, the father renting a farm not far from Tiffin. On this the family lived from 1865 until 1873, when they came to Mercer County, at which time the father bought a farm of 80 acres in But- ler township. The mother died in 1890, but the father still survives and re- sides at Coldwater. They had nine children and seven of these are still living.
Andrew X. Walter was educated in the district schools of Seneca Coun- ty and was 15 years of age when his father settled in Butler township. He
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continued to carry on farming until 1892 when he engaged in manufacturing brick. His plant covers eight acres and is a large and important industry of the place, its capacity being 20,000 brick per day. In addition to his brick plant, Mr. Walter owns the handsome brick building on Main street, where he resides, and also the frame building which is occupied by the People's Bank.
In 1882 Mr. Walter was married to Mary Gast, a daughter of Ferdinand Gast, and they have had six children, namely: Catherine, a successful teacher in the Coldwater schools, who graduated from the Coldwater High School and has been a teacher for some years both in Seneca and Mercer counties, spending her vacations at Oxford College, Oxford, Ohio; Edward and Julian, who died young; Albert, residing at home; Ferdinand, a student in the Cold- water High School; and Alvena, who is attending the village schools.
Mr. Walter has never been a very active politician but he was elected township treasurer while living in the country and served in that office for four years. He is a member of the Catholic Church. He belongs to the Catholic Knights of Ohio.
F. A. FRANKS
F. A. FRANKS, mayor of Coldwater, who is the owner of a successful tailoring business, was born at Cairo, Illinois, October 8, 1866, and is a son of Joseph and Anna (Vandelft) Franks.
In his childhood, his parents moved to Minster, Ohio, where his father died, leaving him and a brother, Joseph, now residing in Cincinnati. The mother married (second) Henry Bowman, and at her death, in 1871 left a son, Charles, also residing in Cincinnati.
In 1870 F. A. Franks accompanied his mother to Cincinnati where he was placed in the Orphans' Home. There he was educated and taught the tailor's trade. When 16 years of age he came to Mercer County and worked on a farm in Butler township until he was 21 years old, and then established himself as a tailor at Montpelier, Indiana. After six years in Montpelier, in 1895, he came to Coldwater and embarked in a general tailoring business.
Mr. Franks has always taken an interest in politics and has been identified with the Democratic party ever since his majority, and has been very active in public affairs since coming to Coldwater. His firm position on some local questions of importance resulted in his being chosen the standard-bearer of the Democrats and his election to the mayoralty in 1898. He gave the village so excellent an administration that, although against his wish, he was elected a second time in 1905.
In 1890 Mr. Franks was married in Butler township, to Pauline Will, a
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daughter of George and Barbara Will, and they have had seven children, namely: Stella, George, Charles, Mary, Martha (deceased at the age of two weeks), William and Robert. Mr. Franks is a member of the Catholic Church and carefully rears his family in that faith. Fraternally he is an Eagle.
Mayor Franks is an example of a self-made man. Left an orphan in childhood, he had no home surroundings in early youth and from the age of 16 years has made his own way in the world with a manly independence which commands respect. He has not only secured a prominent place in the busi- ness world, but has so gained the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens that they have twice given him the highest position in the village's gift.
REV. ANTHONY C. TABKE
REV. ANTHONY C. TABKE, pastor of the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, at Chickasaw, was born February 24, 1873, in Bakum, Oldenburg, Germany, and is a son of Clemens and Bernardina (Westendorf) Tabke.
The parents of Father Tabke were of German birth and ancestry. The father died in 1883, but the mother still survives and, with one son, George, who is a teacher, lives in Germany. There were five children in the family, ' but three died in infancy.
Father Tabke was the eldest born in his father's family. Until he was 16 years of age, the most of his time was spent at school. He then came: to America and entered upon his training for the priesthood, first at Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, then at St. Meinrad, in Indiana, and then at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati. He was ordained in 1899 and his first charge was at Holy Trinity, Dayton, Ohio, and then he was sent to St. Au- gustine, at Cincinnati, where he remained for three and a half years. In October, 1903, he became the first pastor of the Church of the Most Precious Blood, at Chickasaw.
Father Tabke found here a comfortable church edifice which had been remodeled in 1903, but which he has found many ways to improve. In 1904 he built a parsonage at a cost of about $4,000. His congregation consists of 70 German families and he ministers to their spiritual needs with the zeal and faithfulness of a true priest. In his own congregation he is honored and beloved and outside it he is held in high esteem. Where there is need of charity and benevolence, he may be found taking an active interest, making himself a valued citizen of the place where duty has stationed him.
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HENRY HOYNG
HENRY HOYNG, a highly-esteemed resident ,of Coldwater, who owns a fine farm of 80 acres in section 34, Butler township, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, January 28, 1842, and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Ster- volt) Hoyng.
Henry Hoyng was reared in Shelby County and farmed for his father until 1868, when he came to Mercer County, purchasing a farm of 80 acres adjoining the one he now owns. Some 20 acres had been cleared and a good, two-story frame dwelling had been built, but all the subsequent clearing and improving were done by Mr. Hoyng himself, after which he sold and bought the old home place of his father-in-law, consisting of 80 acres. He carried on general farming and stock-raising until 1899, enjoying the independent life of a successful agriculturist. He then bought a house and an acre of land, at Coldwater, and removed with his wife to the village.
Mr. Hoyng was married in 1868 to Catherine Kallmeyer, who is a daughter of Henry Kallmeyer, a native of Germany. Mrs. Hoyng was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was brought to Mercer County when she was six years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyng have had 10 children, namely: Henry, who married Anna Lukens and is operating his 80-acre farm in Butler town- ship; Frederick, who married Rosa Kirsch and is a painter and paperhanger at Coldwater; John, who married Matilda Walter and lives on his farm of 40 acres in Butler township; Louis, who married Mary Steggemann, and lives on his father's farm; Joseph, who married Lizzie Pleiman and conducts a tinshop and implement store at Coldwater; Frank, a painter and paper- hanger, who resides at home; Roman, who works with his brother in the tinshop; Herman, who died aged 16 years ; Frances, who died aged two years; and Edward, who died aged one year. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyng have reared a fine, capable family of sons, all of whom are prosperous. They have been brought up in the faith of the Catholic Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Hoyng are consistent members.
WILLIAM CURRY
WILLIAM CURRY, a well-known citizen of Coldwater, formerly a prom- inent farmer and stockraiser in Washington township, still owns a fine farm in section 35, consisting of 1371/2 acres. He was born in Edinburgh, Scot- land, May 9, 1844, and is a son of Alexander and Sarah (Boyd) Curry.
Although Mr. Curry is of Scotch birth, the family is of Irish extraction, both parents having been born in Ireland, where they lived until after their marriage. The father then removed to Scotland, where he was employed on
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a railroad for nine years. In 1848, when William Curry was four years old, the parents emigrated to America, and they were accompanied by their four children, namely: Sarah, who is the wife of Thomas McIntire, a farmer in Randolph County, Illinois; Samuel, who died in St. Clair County, Illinois, in 1890; Mary, who married George Jameson and died in 1900, in Washington township; and William.
After coming to America the Curry family settled at Utica, Ohio, where the father was employed in railroad construction, helping to build what is now the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which was then known as the Newark & Sandusky Railroad. They remained at Utica until 1867, when William Curry came to Mercer County in order to look the land over with an idea of investment, his father having contracted, about 1866, to buy 20 acres of land in Washington township. As he was not ready to make payment at the ap- pointed time, William took the obligation and purchased the land. The father, mother, Mary and William came to the new home, making the journey in a covered wagon. They found some 10 acres cleared and a log house standing, with but few other improvements. William subsequently purchased another 20 acres and this has always been retained as the home place, and here the mother passed away, her death taking place on the 24th of October, 1880. The father survived until the 23d of February, 1890, dying when he was 85 years of age.
William Curry attended school at Utica in his boyhood and is a well-in- formed man. Since coming to Mercer County he has given his whole atten- tion to farming and stock-raising, making a special feature of raising thor- oughbred cattle and sheep. He continued to add to his land until in 1904 he had 2173/4 acres. He has always been a man of great industry and his efforts have been crowned with success. He is ever seeking the best methods in the care of his land and stock, and as an agriculturist he stands among the foremost.
On November 18, 1873, Mr. Curry was united in marriage with Florinda Kantzer, a daughter of Theobald Kantzer, and they have had two daughters, Sarah Elizabeth and Mary Letitia. The former died November 17, 1895, aged 20 years. She was a beautiful, amiable young woman and her death was a severe blow to the family. The younger daughter resides at home. Until March, 1901, Mr. Curry remained on the farm; since then the family has occupied a comfortable home at Coldwater, where they are highly re- spected residents. For many years in the country, Mr. Curry served as school director, and he was always ready to help along in developing and improving his neighborhood. Formerly, before the United Presbyterian Church in Washington township became disorganized, he was one of its leading members.
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ENOS NICHOLAS DRAKE
ENOS NICHOLAS DRAKE, a representative citizen of Union township, residing on a well-developed farm in section 8, was born on the Enos Allen farm in Dublin township, where his mother was visiting her parents at the time of his birth; the home of his parents at the time was located in section 8, Union township. He is a son of Joseph and Phoebe ( Allen) Drake.
Joseph Drake was born in England, near Liverpool, and resided for many years near Liverpool and also in the vicinity of London. He later moved with his parents to Canada, where his father died. Mr. Drake is about 83 years of age; the date of his birth is not known exactly, as the home of his parents, with the record of births, was destroyed by fire. He was mar- ried to Phoebe Allen while still a resident of Canada, and later moved to Mercer County, Ohio, settling in 1856, in Union township, on an unimproved and uncleared farm of 45 acres adjoining the farm of 35 acres where he now resides; as he is still the owner of the first mentioned property, his present farm consists of 80 acres. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Drake, namely: Jane, who married Murray Heath and resides on a farm in Union township; Enos Nich- olas; Sarah, who resides at home with her father; Hannah, deceased; Alex- ander, a blacksmith by trade, living at Mendon, who married Alice Protz- man; and Edward J., a dealer in agricultural implements at Mendon, who married Lizzie Martin. Mrs. Drake's death occurred in 1899 in her 63rd year.
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