USA > Ohio > Richland County > History of Richland County, Ohio, from 1808 to 1908, Vol. II > Part 48
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South Dakota; W. S., of this review; Hattie S., deceased; Florence C., the wife of William Logan, of Lexington; and Mary, the wife of Martin Kyner, of Lexington.
Walter S. Walker was reared on the home farm, early becoming familiar with the duties incident to the cultivation of the fields and garden. He received a common-school education, supplemented by one year's study in early manhood he worked for his father and came with his parents to Lexington. Here he purchased his father's hardware business, and con- ducted it until 1903, when he sold that store and removed across the street, purchasing two large store buildings, one of which is a story in height and the other two stories. Here he put in a fine stock of hardware, stoves and tinware, and also does tin and slate work. The store is a credit to the town, for he carries a large and carefully selected stock, which is tastefully arranged, and the business methods which he follows are such as commend him to the confidence and support of the general public. He is widely known here as an enterprising merchant and is considered a valuable addition to the com- mercial circles of the town.
His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party, but he has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business, in which he is now meeting with signal success. His social qualities render him popular with his many friends, and he has a very wide acquaintance in the county, which has been his place of residence since his birth.
DAVID ARNOLD.
David Arnold, who in conjunction with his mother, owns and operates two hundred acres of land in Franklin township, was born in Blooming Grove township, April 22, 1860, the son of John and Catherine (Bricker)
Arnold. His father died in 1861, at the early age of twenty-six years, and he, an only child, was reared by his mother. Mrs. Arnold is the daughter of Levi and Catherine (Warner) Bricker, both of whom were natives of Penn- sylvania. Her father was one of the early settlers of the county, and at the time of his death, in 1882, was a large landowner.
David Arnold, when fourteen years of age, removed to the present farm in company with his mother, and they have resided here continuously since. The house in which they live was built by his maternal grandfather in 1848 and is still in a good state of preservation. Mr. Arnold is indebted to the district schools of the county for his education. He early developed a spirit of independence and self-reliance, partly as a result of his ancestry, and largely from the fact that he was thrown upon his own resources in making decisions regarding the conduct of the farming interests to which he succeeded. If he made mistakes he profited by them in the experience he gained, and as a result he has developed into a man of sound judgment and good business
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. HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY
ability, and one whose counsel is regarded as well worth heeding, as he is considered an authority in matters pertaining to the agricultural interests of the county. He engages in mixed farming, and considers that scientific farm- ing and stock-raising is worthy of a man's best intellectual efforts.
In 1887 Mr. Arnold was united in marriage to Miss Arah Whitmire, who was born in Franklin township. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Arnold has voted the democratic ticket. For the past sixteen years he has served as justice of the peace, and for the past five years has been a member of the board of education.
MRS. MARY M. SWITZER.
Mrs. Mary M. Switzer, residing in Lucas, has lived to see six generations since she started on the journey of life, including her grandfather, father, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Now, at the age of seventy- one years, she is extraordinarily active in body and mind and few recognize the fact that she has passed beyond the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten. She is especially entitled to representation in this volume from the fact that she is one of Richland county's native daughters, and few there are who have so long resided within the borders of the county, or have wit- nessed its growth and progress for so extended a period.
Her birth occurred in Monroe township on the 11th of January, 1837, her parents being Daniel and Ada (Schmeer) Cromer. Her father, Daniel Cromer, was a son of Philip and Elizabeth Cromer, who were natives of Mary- land and settled in Richland county when but a few white settlers had pene- trated into this then western wilderness. Charles Schmeer, her maternal grandfather, was a soldier of the war of 1812. He was born in 1776, while the Revolutionary war was in progress, and when the country again became engaged in hostilities with the mother country he represented the interests of the republic. His wife was also born in 1776, and both died in Richland county. Daniel Cromer, father of Mrs. Switzer, took an active and helpful part in the early development of this portion of the state, and for a long period was connected with its agricultural interests. Unto him and his wife were born five children : Serena, now deceased; John, who died in 1860; Solomon and Henry, both of whom died in the Civil war; and Mrs. Mary M. Switzer.
The last named spent her girlhood days under the parental roof and acquired her education in the common schools and was trained to the work of the household, as she assisted her mother in the care and labors of the home. On the 19th of April, 1857, she gave her hand in marriage to Josiah Switzer, who was born in Mifflin township, this county, July 25, 1824, and was also a representative of one of the oldest families here. His parents were Frederick and Elizabeth (Steele) Switzer. He followed the occupation of farming, was a man of good business ability and carefully conducted the work of the fields, at all times keeping in touch with the spirit of progressive agriculture, which in the nineteenth century entirely revolutionized the methods of farming that
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had been practiced with little change for many centuries. He was also inter- ested and active in community affairs and served on the school board for twenty years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He advocated the improvement of the schools and lived to see the structures, which were little more than shanties, replaced by the roomy and well equipped brick schoolhouses which stand today. They are a monument to his public spirit and his stalwart devotion to the general good. In politics he was a life- long democrat, and such was his influence in the community, because of the unshaken faith which his fellow townsmen had in him, that it was said what- ever Josiah Switzer advocated was done and whichever way he voted the township went.
Prospering in his undertakings, Mr. Switzer provided a magnificent brick residence for his family, erecting this on the home farm, which since his death has been owned and occupied by his widow. They were the parents of the following children: Serena, now the wife of Jacob Charles, who culti- vates the old homestead; Elnora, the wife of Victor Gladden, a resident farmer of Monroe township; Ida, deceased; Florella, the wife of William Gallagher, a merchant of Mansfield; Daniel, who is engaged in merchandising in Lucas; Sylvia, the wife of Marion Darling, a farmer of Monroe township; Charles, a stonemason living in Kansas; Howard, deceased; Olive, the wife of Charles Hardman, who is foreman at the Barnes Pump Works in Mansfield, Ohio; Curtis, who is living in Mansfield, where he follows merchandising; and Viola, deceased.
Since her husband's death, Mrs. Switzer has displayed excellent business ability in managing her land and conducting her property interests, and her possessions are sufficient to keep her in comfort throughout the remainder of her days. She was always a faithful companion and helpmate to her husband and thus assisted him largely in his business affairs, his success being attribu- table in no small degree to her wise counsel and encouragement. Mr. Switzer enjoyed the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens to the fullest extent, and Mrs. Switzer is held in equally high regard here.
DAVID CULVER.
David Culver, deceased, was born October 29, 1824, in a log cabin, on section 3, Washington township, just across the road from where his daughter Selena now resides. His father, Solomon Culver, who was born in April, 1790, came to Richland county, Ohio, from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, among the early pioneers and entered a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of land from the government, building thereon a log cabin. He died in 1874, after having passed his eighty-fourth year, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Arnet, died May 29, 1879, in her eighty-third year.
David Culver inherited the land which his father entered from the gov- ernment, whereon he made his home until called to his final rest on the 26th of February, 1901. Through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests
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he met with a gratifying measure of prosperity and at the time of his death he left an estate of one hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, one hun- dred acres of which was inherited by his daughter Selena, and eighty by his daughter Catherine. A native son of this county, he had been an interested witness of its development and progress and had borne his full share in the work of upbuilding and improvement.
David Culver wedded Miss Eliza Belle Statemiller, who was born in Penn- sylvania, January 13, 1825, and who passed away February 9, 1884, in the faith of the Christian church. She had accompanied her parents on their removal to Washington township, Richland county, in 1830, and was, there- fore, also an early resident here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Culver were born two daughters, namely: Catherine, the wife of William Mallon; and Selena, whose birth occurred November 6, 1854, and who makes her home with her sister Catherine.
D. A. TAYLOR.
The farm of D. A. Taylor is attractively located in Franklin township not far from Mansfield. Upon the place stands a comfortable residence sur- rounded by well tilled fields, and the entire property presents an appearance that indicates careful supervision and practical, progressive methods on the part of the owner. Mr. Taylor was born in Franklin township, May 22, 1859, upon the place which is now his home, his parents being Robert and Mary (Robinson) Taylor. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1807, and came to Richland county at an early day. He was a very successful man in his business affairs. He was long associated with farming interests in this locality, and his well spent life gained for him the respect and confi- dence of all with whom he was brought in contact. He died in Franklin town- ship in 1890, while his wife passed away in 1884. He had been previously married and his children of the second union are: Elizabeth C., the wife of Simon Small, a contractor and builder in Mansfield; Frank R., who is also living in that city; Marion R., who follows farming near Mansfield; D. A., of this review; and Ida M., the wife of John Hafer, a contractor and builder of Shelby.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for D. A. Taylor in his boyhood and youth. He remained with his parents upon the home farm in Franklin township, where he acquired a public- school education, continuing with his father until eighteen years of age. During that time he gained comprehensive knowledge of the best methods of carrying on the farm work. At the age of twenty-five years he went to Mans- field, where he remained for two years and then returned to the farm. In 1890 he purchased the land which he now owns, comprising ninety acres in Franklin township. He erected his present residence in 1893 and his barn in 1895. The buildings are all substantial and are conveniently arranged for the purposes used.
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In 1884 occurred the marriage of D. A. Taylor to a Miss Mary Bush, a resident of Richland county. They had no children of their own, but are rearing a nephew, Glen E. Bush. Mr. Taylor exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Lutheran church and they are well known in their part of the county as citizens who deserve and receive the confidence and esteem of those with whom business or social relations have brought them in contact.
JOHN SPAYDE.
John Spayde is one of the few remaining veterans of the Civil war and he is also entitled to credit as a self-made man, for he today owns a valuable tract of land comprising one hundred and eighty-five acres situated in Jef- ferson township. He was born on a farm a mile and a half south of Bell- ville, June 26, 1830, a son of William and Catherine (Houston) Spayde. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, but came as a small boy to Rich- land county and here spent his remaining days, passing away in Jefferson township. His family numbered eight children, of whom three are deceased, the living members being: John, of this review; Daniel, now living retired in Butler, this state; Elizabeth, a resident of Washington township; Emma, of Jefferson township; and Alice, who makes her home in Pennsylvania.
John Spayde, whose name introduces this record, acquired his education in the common schools and in early life learned the cooper's trade under the direction of his father, following that pursuit for twenty years in Richland county. He later engaged in farming, purchasing thirty-five acres of land in Worthington township, where he lived during the three succeeding years, after which he removed to Washington township, where he made his home for a quarter of a century and then removed to Jefferson township, where he has since made his home. At one time he was the owner of more than three hundred acres of land, but this he has divided among his sons until he now retains possession of but one hundred and eighty-five acres, this being well improved and in a good state of cultivation. He is engaged in general farm- ing and also makes a specialty of the raising of stock, shipping to the city markets.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Spayde put aside all business and per- sonal considerations and enlisted for service as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-third Regiment of Volunteers, joining the company in July, 1864. He enlisted as a private but was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant and was serving in that capacity at the time of his dis- charge. He gave to his country faithful service, being ever known as a loyal defender of the stars and stripes.
Mr. Spayde has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Catherine Secrist, who became the mother of six children, of whom two died in infancy. The four sons who survive are: William, a farmer who resides
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JOHN SPAYDE.
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near the home of our subject; Charles, who is engaged in railroading and makes his home in Bellville; Sanford L., a farmer of Morrow county, Ohio; and Monroe, who follows farming in Washington township. Mr. Spayde's second marriage was with Elizabeth Carter, by whom he has four children: Guy, Alma, Glen and Mertie, all still under the parental roof.
Mr. Spayde is a stalwart advocate of republican principles, while his fraternal relations are with the Grange at Jefferson, and as a memoir of the troublous times of 1861-1865 he affiliates with the Bellville G. A. R. He is a self-made man, who without any special advantages at the commence- ment of life has battled earnestly and energetically and by indomitable cour- age and integrity has achieved both character and fortune and is today numbered among the leading citizens of Richland county.
GEORGE HENRY WEIDNER.
On the roster of county officials appears the name of George Henry Weidner, for he is now filling the position of county auditor, and in the dis- charge of his duties, has won high encomiums by his prompt and faithful service. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, March 4, 1857.
His father, William Weidner, was a native of Germany and came to America when two years of age, the paternal grandfather locating in Sharon township seventy-four years ago, when seventeen years of age. William Weidner removed to Mansfield and has resided in the city continuously since, covering a period of almost six decades. He is a carpenter by trade, and was long identified with building operations, but is now living retired at the age of seventy-six years. He married Barbara Englehart, who came to Mansfield at the age of seventeen years from her native land of Germany. She also survives, and has reached the age of seventy-three years. They have now travled life's journey together for a long period, sharing with each other the joys `and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which have come to them. Their family numbered four sons and three daughters, and with the exception of one daughter all are yet living, namely: William E., who is engaged in the dry-goods business in Salt Lake City, Utah; Charles, a blacksmith and carriage- maker at Harrison, Michigan; Frank, a barber at Dunnegan, California; Mrs. William Massa, of Mansfield; and Emma, at home.
The other member of the family is Mr. Weidner of this review, who was educated in the public schools of Mansfield, and at the age of fourteen years began to learn the carpenter's trade. He worked at house building and at the Aultman-Taylor works for a quarter of a century, but retired from that line of business in December, 1896, when he was appointed mail carrier after having served as a substitute for three years previous. He continued as a regular carrier for three months, or until May 1, 1897, when he resigned to accept a position as deputy county auditor under Charles W. Fritz. In the fall of 1901 he was elected auditor of Richland county, and entered upon his duties for that position on the third Monday of October, 1902. In this
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capacity he is still serving, having been reelected for a second term in Novem- ber, 1904. During his first term the new system of public accounting was installed under a state enactment establishing a uniform system of public accounts.
Aside from his official duties Mr. Weidner has various interests, being one of the directors of the Security Savings & Trust Company of Mansfield; secretary and treasurer of the Koch & Fish Company, dealers in books, sta- tionery supplies, etc. He is also interested to some extent in city property, and owns his home, at No. 127 Sturgis avenue, which he built about twenty-eight years ago.
On the 9th of December, 1879, Mr. Weidner was married in Mansfield to Miss Effie M. Hunt, a daughter of James Hunt, a brick manufacturer of this city. They have two children; Effie Louise, the wife of E. J. Koerper, foreman of the Phoenix Electrical Works, in the brass department; and Florence L., who is bookkeeper in her father's office.
Mr. Weidner is a member of St. Luke's Lutheran church, and for many years was one of its trustees. His political allegiance is given to the democracy, and he has always taken an active part in city and county politics, doing everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks and with the Foresters, and his brethren in these organizations find him a worthy representative. He is well known in this city for the sterling qualities which he has displayed in the various relations of life and is, moreover, entitled to representation in this volume as a member of one of the old pioneer families.
I. J. CASSEL.
The agricultural interests of Springfield township are well represented by I. J. Cassel, who owns a well improved property comprising one hundred acres, on which are found substantial buildings, and the farm, in its neat and well kept appearance, indicates the progressive methods of the owner.
Mr. Cassel was born in Sandusky township, Richland county, Ohio, in 1851, a son of John and Sarah Ann (Stow) Cassel, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The Cassel and Stow families were neighbors in the Keystone state, and the friendship of the young couple eventually ripened into love. However, the father of John Cassel decided to remove with his family to the west, and accordingly he made preparations and started on the overland journey, which at that early day was the method of travel. After they had continued their journey several days they overtook the Stow family, who were traveling in like manner to the west, although neither knew of the others intentions upon leaving the Keystone state. The two families then traveled together for several days, when Mr. Cassel's son Joseph was taken ill, and this forced them to discontinue their journey for a time. The Stow family, however, continued on their way until they reached Richland county, and being pleased with this section of the country they made a settlement
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in Springfield township, near Ontario. When the condition of Joseph Cassel had improved sufficiently for the family to resume their journey they started once more and when they reached Richland county they learned that the Stow family had made a settlement here. Mr. Cassel, however, at that time was not favorably impressed with this section, but his son John insisted on locating here, although doubtless he was more deeply concerned in his own social relations in settling near the Stow family than he was in regard to the financial interests of his father. The father consented, and the two families were once more neighbors, while in due course of time John Cassel and Sarah Ann Stow were united in marriage and established a home of their own. Their union was blessed with eleven children, as follows: Mary Ann, who became the wife of Hiram Taylor, but is now deceased; George F., who has passed away; Abraham J., who was a railroad man and died at Peru, Ohio; David H., who is engaged in the hardware business in Crestline, Ohio; Sarah E., who is the wife of W. S. Brandt, a farmer of Washington township, Rich- land county ; Samuel A., who is deceased; Catherine, the wife of John Altdaffer, a retired citizen of Crestline; I. J., whose name introduces this review; Frank J. E., who is employed on the railroad as baggagemaster and makes his home in Crestline; one who died in infancy; and W. A., a farmer of Sandusky township. Both the parents of these children have passed away, the father dying in 1899, in the faith of the English Lutheran church, while the mother survived for several years and passed away in 1905. Both lie buried in the Crestline cemetery.
I. J. Cassel, the fifth son and eighth child in his father's family, was reared on the home farm in Sandusky township, while his education was pursued in the district schools. He was early trained to the duties of the home place, assisting his father in the fields from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in late autumn. He remained with his father until he had reached the age of thirty-five years, at which time he purchased his present place, comprising one hundred acres of rich and valuable land, this property being located in Springfield township. He has made many improve- ments in the way of building a good residence and substantial barn and out- buildings, so that he today has one of the valuable farms of this portion of Richland county. He ever follows progressive ideas of agriculture, so that excellent results follow his labors, and each year he annually gathers good crops.
In 1874 occurred the marriage of Mr. Cassel and Miss Mary Ellen Baker, who is also a native of Sandusky township, and by her marriage she has become the mother of five children, but the two eldest, Maud May and Will- iam Edward are deceased. Maud May married C. C. Lohr, and at her death left a little daughter, Glenna, who makes her home with Mr. Cassel. Those of the family still living are: Mary Ellen, the wife of Frank Herdman, who follows railroading and makes his home in Mount Vernon, Ohio; Fred J., who is a stationary engineer and resides with his parents; and Mossie Marie, who is also under the parental roof.
Mr. Cassel, following in the political footsteps of his father, gives his support to the men and measures of the democratic party. For seven years
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he filled the office of township trustee, while for fifteen years he acted as a member of the school board. He and his wife are members of the English Lutheran church, while his fraternal relations are with Crestline Lodge, No. 266, K. P. Having spent their entire lives in Richland county, Mr. and Mrs. Cassel have many friends and acquaintances who esteem them highly for their many good traits of character, while in business circles Mr. Cassel is known for his straightforward and honorable methods.
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