USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. II > Part 43
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deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in the business world, for, starting out in life at an early age, he has brooked no obstacles that could be overcome by honest effort and has steadily worked his way upward until, having left the ranks of the many, he stands today among the successful few.
DAVID E. KEISER.
The attractiveness of Richland county as a place of residence is indicated by the fact that many of her native sons have remained within its borders, feeling content to enjoy the opportunities here afforded and the chances for business advancement which are here given to the energetic, ambitious man. Of this class David E. Keiser is a representative, his birth having occurred in the city of Mansfield on the 14th of October, 1850. His parents were Michael and Harriet (Strickler) Keiser. The father was born in Ashland county, Ohio, in 1826, and the mother's birth occurred in Pennsylvania in the same year. She came to Richland county with her parents in 1834 and Michael Keiser arrived in this county in 1842. When the war with Mexico was in- augurated he espoused the American cause and joined the army in defense of the interests of this country. He went to the front and although on active duty was never injured. When he returned to this county in 1849 he learned the shoemaker's trade under the direction of David Wise, of Mansfield, but the year following-1850-attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he started on the overland trip to the coast. There he remained for two years, returning by way of the water route to New York and thence to Rich- land county. As the years passed he became recognized as one of the sub- stantial and enterprising citizens of this county, being engaged in the shoe business in Mansfield until the outbreak of the Civil war. He then again responded to his country's call for troops and, enlisting in the Union army, became a captain and did duty with Sherman's brigade. He was at the front until the close of hostilities and participated in several hard fought battles. While entering the battle of Chattanooga his horse fell and Mr. Keiser's leg was broken. He was then taken to the hospital, where he remained for two months. He had the same limb broken three times while serving as a soldier in the Union Army.
In writing to his wife from Bardstown, Kentucky, he said, "We had a very fine march from Louisville to this place; not one man gave out in our company, although the boys had to carry their knapsacks and all their cloth- ing, bedding and accouterments. We have improved in drill very much since we left home and three Indiana regiments have been attached to our brigade, which makes five regiments." From camp near Lebanon, Ken- tucky, February 11, 1862, Captain Keiser wrote: "We returned here again from Hall's Gap, marched Friday, Saturday and Sunday and arrived here at two o'clock and are camping in a large field. Hall's Gap is about forty-five miles from Lebanon on the top of a mountain." From Bowling Green, Ken-
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tucky, March 16, 1862, he wrote, "We are now on our road to Nashville, Tennessee, where we expect to arrive in six days. We left Munfordsville on last Sunday a week, arrived four miles this side of Bowling Green, and stayed there until yesterday, when we were ordered to cross the river. So many troops here that we had to wait till our turn. It was slow work crossing the river on the ferry. We are now one mile out of town and drawing our rations to last us until we reach Nashville. I was all through the town and the forts that the rebels had built and went down to the railroad depot, where they burned everything. I saw a good many curiosities. The citizens in this part of the country are very distant toward us." From camp near Pittsburg Landing, April 21, 1862, Captain Keiser wrote, “We arrived here on Satur- day last at two o'clock. We started for camp through mud knee-deep. We had a fine old time when we arrived at camp. I gave the boys their things that were sent to them. They were so pleased that they forgot all about the
dark, dreary, gloomy weather that was hanging over them. Beside the horrible sights on the battlefield, thousands of fresh graves can be seen all over the country of the poor fellows that fell on the field; the trees split and slivered by cannon balls and the country strewn with pieces of artillery wagons, broken guns, clothes, blankets and harness that was dropped or de- destroyed in battle. I came all the way from Cincinnati to this place by water." At Pine Run, between Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama, July 7, 1862, Captain Keiser wrote the following: "Last evening the captain was appointed major of our regiment and I was appointed captain of Company A, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry." From camp near Winchester, Ten- nessee, August 5, 1862, he wrote: "On Sunday morning I took command of the company and the same day major and I took an invoice of the company's property. On Monday he received orders from General Wood to join his regiment at Stevenson. . I am now acting as provo marshal of the sixth division, quite a responsible and honorable position for a young boy like I am, but I am good for it. General Wood congratulates me and says that I have the honor to command the best and finest company in his whole division." A letter from camp near Manchester, Tennessee, August 16, 1862, reads : "We left Deckart, Winchester Station, where we were stationed last on the 14th instant and arrived here. My company of sixty-six men are with me and seven men away on detached duty. This is a much larger company than the majority of those in the army." From headquarters, sixth division, near McMinnville, Tennessee, August 28, 1862, Captain Keiser wrote, “We were camped in a little town, Vervilla, and on Saturday night at twelve o'clock the general orderly came and waked me, saying that we have to pack up and leave. I awakened our men, tore down our tents and gathered our cooking utensils and company goods generally, loaded everything in fine order and hitched up our six mules and the company formed ready to march, every man with his gun loaded, by 12:30 o'clock. The general told me to march my company out on the road to form his troops. I did so and at the same time had twenty-two bushwhackers to guard, but I led the column, and trotting my 'butternuts' (a northern term for southern prisoners) along in good time, we arrived at McMinnville by daybreak." The above quotations
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from letters give some indication of the experience which the soldier meets at the front.
Mr. Keiser was considered one of the most prominent captains from the state of Ohio and his contagious zeal for the cause inspired his men to deeds of valor and loyalty. In days of peace he was equally faithful to the country and was a citizen who had the entire respect and confidence of all who knew him. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity at Mansfield and in his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft. Both he and his wife were devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their memory is yet enshrined in the hearts of those who knew them. Captain Keiser died March 19, 1885, while his wife passed away December 27, 1877, both being laid to rest in the Mansfield cemetery. They were the parents of three children: William, who was born in 1848 and is living in Mans- field; David E., of this review; and Annie Laura, who was born in 1860 and died in 1864.
David E. Keiser, whose name introduces this review, pursued his educa- tion in the public schools of Mansfield and remained with his father until he attained his majority, after which he operated the old homestead farm on shares until 1888. He then came into possession of the farm and has made his home here continuously since. It is a tract of one hundred and five acres in Madison township, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indi- cates the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner. Mr. Keiser has always made a specialty of raising and feeding stock to a greater or less extent in connection with farming and has led an active, useful and busy life, wherein his labors have brought to him a fair measure of prosperity.
On the 12th of October, 1872, David E. Keiser was married to Miss Alice S. Neal, who was born in Springfield township, Richland county, in 1850, a daughter of John and Mary (Leppo) Neal. The parents were natives of Hagerstown, Maryland, and came to Richland county with their respective parents in early life. The father and mother died on the same day in 1897, their deaths occurring but two hours apart. They were married in Spring- field township, this county, and after their marriage took up their abode on a farm in a log cabin with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. For sixty years they lived on the same farm and there celebrated their fiftieth wedding anni- versary. In 1888 they retired from that farm and removed to the city of Mansfield, where they spent their last days. Their family numbered ten children.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keiser have been born three children, but the young- est died in infancy. Harvey M. is now acting as merchant police in Mans- field and is married and makes his home in the city. Alice M. is the wife of Walter C. Fitzsimmons, who for four years has been a clerk in the Mansfield postoffice. They have one son, Harvey McCoy Fitzsimmons, named for his two uncles. Mr. and Mrs. Keiser are members of the Christian church and are widely and favorably known in this community. Mr. Keiser is respected by all with whom he has come in contact as one of the worthy and representa- tive men of Madison township. He helped his father to improve the old homestead, developing it from timber land to its present attractive condition,
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it being today one of the finest farms of this part of the county, attractive in its appearance by reason of its substantial buildings, its well tilled fields and the air of neatness and thrift which pervades every part of it.
SAMUEL E. HUENERFAUTH.
Samuel E. Huenerfauth, in his business career making that steady advancement which results from carefully applied energy, is now superin- tendent of the Ideal Electric Company at Mansfield. He was born July 30, 1866, at Pomeroy, Ohio. His father was a native of Germany, born in 1818, and came to America in 1838, settling at West Union, Ohio, where he remained about a year. He afterward removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and a year later went to Pomeroy, where he was employed at his trade of blacksmithing in the boat-yards of that place. His death occurred in 1887. His wife, who was also of German birth, having come to America from the fatherland at the age of seven years, died in Pomeroy, Ohio, in 1883.
Samuel E. Huenerfauth was educated in the common schools and made his initial step in the business world as an employe in the rolling mills of his native town. He afterward went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and next engaged as telephone inspector, in which capacity he came to Mansfield in December, 1887. In 1889 he was transferred to the managership of the Gallipolis office, and afterward he was made manager at Newark, Ohio. In 1890, at his own request, he was returned to Mansfield. The following year he accepted the appointment of superintendent of the Mansfield Electric Light & Street Rail- way Company and remained in that position until January, 1894, when he became associated with the Cord Electric Company as road representative. This company was later merged into the Phoenix Electric Company, with which he remained up to 1903, when in association with S. Glenn Vincent he organized the Ideal Electric Company, which has become one of the city's important industries, manufacturing an extensive line of electrical apparatus. Their new plant, a model of its kind, was erected in 1906. Mr. Huenerfauth has extended his efforts to other fields of business activity. He is one of the proprietors of the Buckeye Tempered Copper & Brass Foundry, and is like- wise the owner of a fine residence at No. 30 Penn avenue. His success is evidence of his business ability, his improvement of opportunities, and his well directed energy.
On the 12th of November, 1889, Mr. Huenerfauth was married to Miss Laura B. Collingwood, a daughter of Elias Collingwood, a retired business man of Mansfield and one of its well known and highly respected citizens, who died in 1887. Mrs. Huenerfauth is a member of the Ladies' Guild of St. Luke's church and takes an active interest in social affairs and charitable work in the city. There are three children of this marriage: Lucy May, seven- teen years of age, who is a graduate of the Mansfield high school and an accom- plished musician ; Grace Lillian, twelve years of age, now attending grammar school; and George Edward, a little lad of six years.
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In his political views Mr. Huenerfauth is a republican, but while keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, as every true American citizen should do, he has never sought nor desired office as a reward for his fidelity to party. He belongs to St. Luke's Lutheran church and is well known and popular in various other organizations. He is a member of Mansfield Lodge, No. 35, A. F. & A. M., and has attained the Knight Templar degree in Masonry. He likewise belongs to Mansfield Lodge, No. 56, B. P. O. E., and to the Knights of Pythias Lodge and the United Commercial Travelers. Well known in Mansfield, where he has made his home continuously since 1890, in every relation of life he has commanded the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens, while in business he has won gratifying success.
LEWIS BRUCKER.
Lewis Brucker, an attorney of Mansfield, was born near the village of Bridgeport, in Saginaw county, Michigan, October 30, 1855. He was grad- uated at the Ann Arbor Law School, at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in March, 1881, and has engaged in the practice of law in the city of Mansfield since March 1, 1886.
Mr. Brucker was married, June 10, 1884, to Mary Jane Cummins, at Shelby, Ohio. He has been continuously connected with legal interests in Mansfield for twenty-two years. He was elected to the office of probate judge and served from February 9, 1891, until February 1, 1897, and upon his retirement from the probate bench immediately resumed the practice of law, in which he is still engaged.
JOHN WILLIAM KERN.
John William Kern, deceased, was born in Germany in 1841, and landed in America on the 14th of May, 1857. He immediately became connected with the butchering business at Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, being suc- cessfully engaged in that line of activity until the time of his death in 1895. During the last few years of his business life he conducted his establishment under the firm name of William Kern & Son.
In March, 1868, Mr. Kern was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Catharine Gerisch, whose birth occurred in Germany in 1844, her father being Adam Gerisch, likewise a native of the fatherland. The latter spent his entire life in the country of his nativity, where he was a man of wealth and much importance, owning a farm of three hundred acres and a large flouring mill. He likewise served as mayor for several years. Mrs. Kern, who was born of her father's second marriage, arrived in the United States on the 3d of Sep- tember, 1866, and subsequently gave her hand in marriage to John William Kern, to whom she proved a faithful and loving helpmate. Her children are
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five in number, namely: Mrs. Anna Harrison, George Louis, Lenora, William and Adam.
In his political views Mr. Kern was a stanch democrat, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in St. Paul's Lutheran church. In 1895 he met a sudden death, either by accident or foul means, as his lifeless and mutilated body was found beside the Pennsylvania Railroad track about three miles from Lucas. He had been out all day buying cattle, and it was while returning on foot early in the evening that the accident occurred. The exact cause of his death has remained a mystery, but many of his friends are quite certain that he was foully dealt with. No money was found upon him, but a few silver coins were scattered on the ground where his body lay.
Mrs. Kern still resides in Mansfield and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community in which she has so long resided, her many excellent traits of heart and mind having won her an extensive circle of friends.
STACY B. OPDYKE.
Stacy B. Opdyke is numbered among the progressive agriculturists of Plymouth township, owning a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 8. The family originated in Holland and its genealogy dates back to the year 1261, when the name was spelled Op den Dycks. The first representative of the name came to America in 1638, locating in the east.
Stacy B. Opdyke, whose name introduces this review, was born on a farm in Kingwood township, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, August 9, 1830. He was a son of John and Esther (Little) Opdyke, both of whom were natives of New Jersey, the former born in 1802. In 1836 he removed with his family to Richland county, Ohio, where he purchased two hundred and fifteen acres of land that was covered with timber. He cleared and improved this land and made his home thereon throughout his remaining days, both he and his wife passing away in Richland county. He had a brother, George Opdyke, who served as mayor of New York city from 1861 until 1863. The family of Mr. and Mrs. John Opdyke numbered seven children, as follows: Christy L., deceased; George, who has also passed away; Stacy B., of this review; Rachel, who became the wife of Edward Orr, but both are now deceased; William H., who has also passed away; Mrs. Mary B. Ward, a widow residing in Lorain, Ohio; and John Scott, a resident of Attica, this state.
Mr. Opdyke was a little lad of six years at the time of the parents' removal to this state. They made the journey from New Jersey by wagon, it requiring three weeks to make the trip, and it rained almost every day during the entire time. The family home was established on a farm north of Shiloh, in Rich- land county, and it was on that place that the son was reared. But little of the land had been cleared, while a log cabin containing but one room stood on the place. The son was educated in the district schools, attending in the winter months, while in the summer season he assisted in the development and
STACY B. OPDYKE.
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improvement of the home place. In 1860 he made a trip to the Rocky mountains in search of gold, but remained there only a brief period, when he returned to his home in Richland county.
The year following, in 1861, Mr. Opdyke established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Kate Baumgartner, who was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1828, coming to Ohio with her parents, William and Mary (Wistler) Baumgartner, when fifteen years of age. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm which is his present home. This property comprises one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 8, Plymouth town- ship. All the buildings have been placed here by Mr. Opdyke, he having built a fine home containing ten rooms, in 1886, while in that year he also erected a barn, forty by seventy-two feet, with twenty foot posts. He has also placed the land under a high state of cultivation and in addition to carry- ing on general agricultural pursuits he is also engaged in stock-raising, both branches of his business proving a profitable source of income.
Two children blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Opdyke, but the daughter, Mary, died at the age of six years. The elder, Lester, owns one hundred and thirty acres of land in New Haven township, Huron county, which was given him by his father. He was married in 1905 to Miss Olive Hollenbaugh, a native of Cass township, this county, and a daughter of Isaac and Susan (Gush) Hollenbaugh. Mrs. Opdyke passed away in 1872.
Mr. Opdyke gives his political support to the republican party, casting his first presidential vote for Fremont, and he has supported each candidate of the party since that time. Having spent the greater part of his life in Richland county, Mr. Opdyke is familiar with its history. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of highest commendation.
W. S. ROUSH.
W. S. Roush, who is successfully engaged in general merchandising at Ganges, was born in Williams county, Ohio, September 23, 1869, his parents being Jacob and Sarah (Finnegal) Roush. The former is a native of Jack- son township, Richland county, his father being among the earliest settlers here. In 1867 Jacob Roush removed to Williams county but in 1871 returned to this county, where he has since resided, his home being in Franklin town- ship. Our subject has but one brother, Lester C., who lives on a farm adjoining that of his father.
W. S. Roush acquired his education in the district schools of Franklin township and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. For ten years afterward he was alternately engaged in farming and teaching, following the former vocation during the summer months, while in the winter seasons he devoted his time and energies to the instruction of the young. Subsequently he became connected with mercantile interests,
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forming a partnership with W. A. St. John for the conduct of a store in Ganges. He at first intended to carry only a stock of hardware but the busi- ness has developed so materially that he now carries a general line of mer- chandise to meet the demands of his patrons. On the 1st of January, 1907, he severed his connection with Mr. St. John and has since carried on the business alone, meeting with a gratifying and well merited success in his undertaking. He also has a farm of eighty-five acres just south of Ganges, and owns the fine building in which he conducts his business, it being a store and residence combined. He likewise has other real-estate holdings in Ganges, and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and progressive citizens and business men of the county.
In 1890 Mr. Roush was united in marriage to Miss Alice Bare, who was born and reared just south of Ganges. Their children are: Walter, whose birth occurred June 10, 1893; and Hazel, born April 12, 1895.
Mr. Roush is a democrat in his political views and has served as clerk of Franklin township for four years, while at present he is a trustee of Blooming Grove township and also a member of the school board. He is a member of Shiloh Lodge, No. 544, A. F. & A. M., of which he is senior warden, and is also connected with Lodge No. 3575, M. W. A., at Shelby. His wife is identi- fied with the German Baptist church, in the work of which she takes an active and helpful interest. Having spent almost his entire life in this county, he is well and favorably known here and is moreover entitled to representation with its enterprising and successful citizens.
JOSEPH GRUBB.
Joseph Grubb is now practically living retired in Butler but in former years was closely associated with various lines of business and in their conduct has demonstrated his excellent business ability and executive force. He is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Pike township, Knox county, on the 24th of January, 1848, and his parents were Samuel and Mary (Zook) Grubb. The father was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1824, and died in Butler in 1890. The mother passed away in Knox county, at the age of fifty-six years. Samuel Grubb, who devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits, lived for a long time in Knox county but the last two years of his life were spent in honorable retirement in Butler. In his family were seven children, of whom five are now living: David, a resident of Butler; Joseph, of this review ; Elizabeth, the wife of Isaac Hess, of Butler ; Daniel G., who makes his home in Butler; and Mrs. Amanda Sokol, of Monmouth, Jackson county, Iowa.
As boy and youth Joseph Grubb remained upon the home farm in Knox county and at the usual age was sent as a pupil to the public schools, where he mastered the branches of English learning taught through public instruc- tion. He gave his father the benefit of his services until he attained his majority, when he left home and started out in life on his own account. He
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had no capital but he possessed willing hands and a strong heart and indomi- table energy. Entering the employ of a man at Mount Vernon, he engaged in driving a huckster wagon, continuing in that service until he had saved from his earnings the sum of five hundred dollars, or rather this sum was due him, but he was able to collect only two hundred and forty dollars of it. With this limited capital he went to Mansfield, was married and established a flour and feed business in connection with an uncle, with whom he continued for a year. On the expiration of that period he removed to Ankenytown, Knox county, where he engaged in clerking in a dry-goods store for five years. He then went to Mount Vernon, where he was in the county recorder's office for one year, and through the succeeding year he engaged in conducting a draying business. In April, 1881, he established his home in Butler and for a year thereafter conducted a bakery. His next business venture was made in connection with his brother-in-law, Isaac Hess. Together they purchased a furniture and undertaking establishment and for four years Mr. Grubb con- tinued in business along that line, after which he sold out and turned his attention to painting and paper hanging. Soon he secured a liberal patron- age in that line and continued the business until 1898. He bought and shipped both live and dressed poultry. In 1898 he invested in forty acres of land near Butler and his time has since been occupied with the care of this property. His life has always been a busy and useful one and with unfalter- ing purpose he has worked steadily upward and is now numbered among the substantial residents of the community. He was formerly secretary of the bank in Butler before it was changed to a national bank, is now one of its stockholders and is also a director of the steel furnace factory at Butler.
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