History of Seneca County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, school, churches, industries, etc., portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of the Northwest territory; history of Ohio; statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc, Part 106

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1088

USA > Ohio > Seneca County > History of Seneca County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, school, churches, industries, etc., portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of the Northwest territory; history of Ohio; statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 106

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MRS. MARY REDFOX, hotel keeper. Bascom. was born in 1833 in Ger- many, and in 1846 came to America, settling in Bascom. this county, where her parents kept the hotel now conducted by herself. She was twice married, her last husband. Speltz Redfox. dying at Bascom. Mrs. Redfox has seven children: Elizabeth. wife of George Wilson (have five children: Flora, Eddie, Ralph, Mary E. and Lena, latter married to John Kepkins); Rosa (wife of Frank Bettinger). Mary, Catharine, Frederick. Louisa and Cora. This family are among the early settlers of Hopewell Township, where they all reside at present.

MILTON D. RICKETTS. farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born November 10, 1836. in Hopewell Township, this county, son of William L. and Elizabeth (Docherty) Ricketts, natives of Pennsylvania. William L. Ricketts, a son of Rezin Ricketts. was born in 1791. and in 1800 came with his parents to Fair- field County. Ohio, where they began as pioneers. Rezin Ricketts was among the early settlers of Ohio. and William Ricketts was one of the first settlers of Hopewell Township, moving in 1828; the latter began life in the woods, where there was no road open between him and Tiffin. He was twice married, and had the following children: Rezin Ricketts. Washington (deceased), Turza (Mrs. Jacob Einoc). Cinderella (deceased wife of J. Adelsberger), Matilda (wife of Joseph Culbertson), Catharine (deceased). Mary (wife of James Van- vleet) and Milton D. Our subject was educated in the schools of this county. He was united in marriage. in 1870. with Annie, the second born in the family of eight children of John Shaferly. He is now occupying the well-improved lands entered by his father, and which are located on the Findlay and Tiffin State road on Section 30, Hopewell Township.

BENONI ROHRER. farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born January 10, 1816, in Berkeley County, Va .. son of Henry and Margaret (Hadrick) Rohrer, natives of Bedford and Lancaster Counties, Penn .. respectively. Henry Rohrer removed to Virginia in an early day and there died. Of his eight children seven are now living: Elizabeth. Benoni. Daniel. Margaret, John H., Maria and Martin. Isaac died in Maryland. Benoni Rohrer, the subject of this sketch, was educated in Virginia. He was united in marriage with Rebecca, daughter of Joseph and Esther (Seeman) Loose, and this union was blessed with two children, both living: Silas W .. married to Esther A. Britt. daughter of one of the early pioneers of this county, and who died, leaving one son -- Wal- ter; and Amanda A., married to Solomon Britt (have four children: Silas, Earl. Mary R. and an infant). Mr. Rohrer has been one of the leading citizens of the township, having filled most of its offices of trust. He has been

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successful as a citizen and as a farmer. From time to time he has made improvements on his farm, until now it is one of the most beautiful in the township. He built a brick residence in 1879 (from the upper part of which a grand view of the surrounding country is to be had), and here he and his ven- erable wife enjoy the fruits of their successful labors.

SILAS W. ROHRER, former, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Berkeley County, Va., April 8, 1845, eldest son of Benoni and Rebecca (Loose) Rohrer. Our subject came to this county with his parents when very young, and was reared to manhood on the homestead farm. He obtained such an education as the common schools of the neighborhood afforded, and has always followed agri- cultural pursuits. February 18, 1879, he was married to Miss Esther A. Britt, daughter of John and Mary Britt, early settlers here. Mrs. Rohrer was born in Hopewell Township, this county, in 1856, and departed this life November 16. 1881, leaving one son-Walter, born March 27, 1880. Mr. Rohrer has devoted himself to agriculture, and has been successful. He gives considerable attention to rearing stock. and keeps a good grade of all kinds. He displays an interest in all enterprises of a public character that are intended to benefit or enrich the community or county. He was chosen trustee of the township, and is now an efficient member of that body. His political affilia- tions are with the Democratic party.

HENRY ROSENBERGER. This pioneer and early settler, of Hopewell Township, was born in Shenandoah County, Va., June 28, 1798, and is a son of Anthony and Barbara Rosenberger. He came to Seneca County with his wife and three children December 20, 1823, and settled on 170 acres of land that he had entered the preceding year, located on Section 1, of Hopewell Township, and Section 6. of Clinton Township. Here he soon erected a round-log house 18x20 in size, into which he moved. It is related by him that on his arrival with his family his possessions amounted to one horse, a wagon. a small quantity of pork and 25 cents in money. For the first year and a half they had but one barrel of flour, part of which was spoilt at that. The family subsisted principally on game meat, which was abundant (deer especially, of which he killed many). Corn bread was the great " stand by." His 170 acres of land he cleared up, and in course of time a hewed-log house took the place of the first, and upward of thirty years ago a frame house was built by him, which is now occupied by his son, Jacob, on this farm. The Seneca Indians were his near neighbors, with whom he was always on friendly terms, they sometimes stopping over night with him; one of their " trails " passed through his land. Before leaving Virginia Mr. Rosenberger was a member of the German Reformed Church, and after coming here he joined the United Brethren, but upward of thirty years ago he became a member of the Methodist Church, still retaining his connection with that society, of which he is steward. He largely aided in erecting the Rosenberger Methodist Pro- testant Church that is located on his old farm. In politics he was formerly a Whig, later a stanch Republican, and during the Rebellion he was active in encouraging enlistment and assisting the Union cause. He was married twice. first, April 5, 1818, to Miss Jane Shoul, who bore him the following named children: James, William, Mary E., Harriett, George N .. Anthony D .. Margaret Ann, John B., Martha J., Jacob and Eliza. This wife dying, Mr. Rosenberger married, in 1876, Maria Smith, and by this union there are two children: Lona May and Henry Ellsworth. In 1876 Mr. Rosenberger sold 330 acres, left his farm and moved to Tiffin, where he has since lived in retirement, and although eighty-seven years of age, has, until the past year. been vigorous and healthy. He is one of the very few pioneers still living, and enjoys the respect of all who know him.

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JACKSON SAGER, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born August 27, 182S, in Washington County, Md., son of Jacob and Mary (Newcomb) Sager, also natives of Maryland. Our subject came to Ohio in 1850 and settled in Clinton Township, where he remained for fifteen years: he then moved to Hopewell Township. His father came to Ohio in 1865 and remained with our subject until his death; his wife died in Maryland. They were the parents of ten children, eight now living: Daniel, Benjamin, Jackson. Jacob, Emanuel, Lena (wife of David Miller), Matilda (wife of J. Wolf), and Catharine; Samuel and Sarah are deceased. Our subject was married. in April. 1857, to Sarah, daughter of David Shaw, and by this union there were born six children: Emma G. (wife of J. Shiley), Flemmon (married to Nettie Crayley), Matilda A., George, Charles, Minnie V. In 1969 Mr. Jackson Sager moved on the farm where he now lives, located in the northwestern portion of the township. Mrs. Sager is fifth born in the family of eleven children of David and Jane (Blue) Shaw, who with five children came to Ohio in 1529, settling in Clinton Township, this county, where Mr. Shaw lived the remainder of his days.

GEORGE W. SHOEMAKER, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Lib- erty Township. son of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Starky) Shoemaker, natives of Virginia. Emanuel Shoemaker was born in 1807, his parents being early settlers of Fairfield County, Ohio, where they moved when he was but a babe. He, Emanuel, came to this county in 1845 and located in Liberty Township. afterward moving to Hopewell Township. To him and his wife were born ten children: Matilda. wife of James Hudson: George W .; Absolem, married to Anuis McConnel: Sarah. wife of J. Grosseup; John; Jacob, married to Ellen Garnes; Rebecca. wife of E. Leidey: Ellen; Alice, and Jane. Emanuel Shoe- maker, now seventy-eight years old. resides with his son, George W. Our subject was married November 30, 1865. to Sophia, daughter of William and Clarissa (Wenner) Smoyer, residents of the township, and by this union there were ten children: Nettie L., Harry W., Herbert W., Cora (deceased), John W., Kate (deceased), Iva A., James R .. Olive A. and Homer. Mrs. Shoe- maker is one of following named children born to her parents: Emeline, Caroline, Sophia. Madison and Alice. The mother is still living. Mr. Shoe- maker, with the assistance of his worthy wife. has acquired a valuable farm on which he resides. in Hopewell Township.

PETER SHULTZ. farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born March 7. 1821, in Bel- gium, son of Henry and Mary (Mulliton) Shultz, who had a family of five children, three of whom are living in America: Henry, Catherine (Mrs. Peter Lucius) and Peter. Our subject immigrated to America in 1843, and came direct to Tiffin. Ohio. where he worked at his trade (shoe-making) until 1846, when he enlisted and served through the Mexican war. He then returned to Seneca County. where he remained until 1849, in which year, the gold fever raging in California. Mr. Shultz crossed the plains, and after enduring much suffering reached the land of gold. where he labored until 1859, and then came back to Seneca County and bought the farm on which he now lives. Mr. Shultz was married, in 1859. to Jane, daughter of Martin Mann. and by her he has the following children: Henry, August, John, Martin. Peter, Nicho- las, Charles. Jacob, Joseph and Jane, and one deceased in infancy. Mr. Shultz is a pleasant farmer, well fixed in life, and has a jolly set of boys, all working on the home farm. Mr. Shultz states that he has made shoes for the Wyandot Indians, who were here when he first came to Ohio.

JOHN SLOSSER. farmer. P. O. Tiffin. was born October 10, 1811, in Jefferson County, now in West Virginia, son of George and Ann Mary (Pan- ther) Slosser, natives of Washington County, Md .. and Germany. respectively.

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and who crossed the Ohio River at Wellsburg October 10, 1830, coming direct by team to this county, locating east of Tiffin for over fifteen months. February 2, 1832, they removed to Hopewell Township, this county, where Mr. Slosser had entered 160 acres of unimproved land, the roads not yet being cut through, and had built a cabin the previous fall, which he chinked and daubed in January. Mr. and Mrs. George Slosser were members of the German Reformed and Tunker Churches; they had nine children when they arrived here, two married at that time: Peter and Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Boner; John;Susannah, married to Isaac Miller (she died in September, 1884, leaving six children); Henry; Mary A., married to Robert McCormick (have one child); George; Catharine, who was twice married, first to Wesley Freeze (by whom she had two children), and at his decease to Rev. Souder; and Daniel. Our subject has been twice married, the first time May 15, 1845, to Emeline A. Woolf, by whom there are no living children. His second marriage May 23, 1867, was with Louisa, fourth in the family of six children of Samuel H. Woolf, a resident of Virginia, and who was an early settler of Muskingum County, Ohio. By this union there are two children: Vernon W. and Daisy E. John Slosser received a meager education in his native State. He has been a successful farmer; has held the offices of township clerk and was justice of the peace for twelve years. He now occupies the old homestead farm. His father thought much of his family, and at the age of seventy-one said he wanted to see all his children before he died, saddled his horse and started on the journey and had visited the second. when he was taken sick at the house of his daughter, Mary. and died there in 1843. His wife had preceded him three years before.

SAMUEL SMITH. farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born November 8, 1806, in Kent County, Del. His parents, Benjamin and Rachael (Thistlewood) Smith. came to Ohio and settled in Fairfield County, where the former rented land and where they reared a large family of children: the father afterward bought land in Madison County where he spent the balance of his days; their children were nine in number, six of them now living. Our subject, one of the pioneers of this county. came here in June, 1830, and soon after entered land near Tiffin, where he still lives. He was twice married; on first occasion, November 25, 1832, to Elizabeth Sice, who bore him the following children: Calvin, Rachael. Christena, Martin, Harriet, Maryann (deceased), Samuel, Sidney (deceased), Martha. Delila, John W., Benjamin F. and Elizabeth. Mr. Smith was married, on second occasion, October 17, 1872, to Mary Stoltz. Our sub- ject, who has done his share toward clearing and improving this county, has divided his property among his children. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOSEPH G. STAUB, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born November 18, 1825, in Adams County, Penn., son of Philip and Margaret (Kuhn) Staub, also natives of Pennsylvania. Philip Staub came to Ohio in 1833, and purchased land near the old Fort Seneca, built one of the first cabins in the township, and was a resident here when the Indians were removed. He helped establish schools and churches, and aided in the general improvement of the county. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 and assisted in sinking three English ships in Chesapeake Bay. His children, who had but limited school advantages, have been successful in life and those living are among the leading farmers in the county. Their names are as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. Hayes) deceased, Annie (Mrs. Handley Tracy), Joseph G., Malinda, Agatha, Mary J. (Mrs. Sonders), John P. and James. Our subject was married, in 1853, to Lucy Strausbaugh, who bore him seven children: Lovina (Mrs. Ulman), Henry,

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Clara, William and Emma living: and two deceased, Ella and Nora. Mr. Staub lost this wife August 19, 1870, and subsequentty married, October 30, 1871, Miss Agnes. daughter of Jacob Boner, an old settler and pioneer, and to this union were born two children: Francis May and Sylvester. Mr. Staub has just built a handsome brick residence on his farm in this township.

WASHINGTON WADE, farmer. P. O. Bascom, was born May 26, 1829, in Loudon Township, this county, son of Abner and Temperance (Gorden) Wade, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Abner Wade came to this county in 1826. entered 160 acres of land and began pioneer life. He cnt a road from what is now Tiffin, the entire country being then a wilderness. He was a blacksmith and worked at his trade previous to coming to Ohio; also did a good deal of work for the Indians after coming here. His children were as follows: Benjamin, Nathan (deceased), Washington, Abner, Hannah (Mrs. D. Coner). Rebecca (Mrs. Dr. Rosendale). Matilda (Mrs. L. Coner), Emily (Mrs. H. Chance). James (deceased) and Harriet (deceased). Abner Wade cleared his land, formed a home and there lived the balance of his days. He was a prominent man of his township and served as one of the first justices of the peace. He died December 1. 1853, his widow July 24, 1876. Our subject was married, in 1852, to Catharine Richards, and by this union there have been born six children: William. married to Elizabeth Hoverstick: Harriet, wife of H. Eissler: Oscar, married to Violet Dillen; Catharine, wife of A. Maloy; Lewis, married to Catharine Hoverstick; and Washington at home. In 1852, Mr. Wade went across the plains to California in search of gold, and there re- mained two years; thence returned to Ohio, and three years ago he came to Hopewell Township. where he now owns 170 acres of land.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

WILLIAM ASH, farmer, P. O. Amsden, born in Bedford, Penn., April 14, 1830, is a.son of George and Tishey (Reed) Ash, natives of Pennsylvania, of Pennsylvania-Dutch origin and who settled in this county in 1833. George Ash, the father of our subject, who has been a farmer all his life, resides in Jackson Township, this county, and is now eighty-six years old. William Ash is the fourth in a family of six children. He received his education in the pioneer schoolhouse in Seneca County, Ohio, and has followed farming all his life, being now owner of 600 acres of well-improved land; and for the last fifteen years has been largely interested in the shipping of live stock east, in company with his son, who is still engaged in the business. He married, in 1852. Rebecca Trumbo, a daughter of Enoch Trumbo. This union was blessed with three children, two now living: Ellen (wife of A. Mowery) and Charles. Mr. Ash has held the office of justice of the peace for twenty-eight years; he is a stockholder in the National Bank of Fostoria, and is one of its directors. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN BIGHAM, farmer, P. O. Fostoria, born in Knox County, Ohio, March 5, 1833, is a son of John and Eliza (Lewis) Bigham, natives of Maryland, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent. He came with his parents to Eden Township, this county, in July, 1834, and remained until 1855, then went to Washtenaw County, Mich. He married, September 4. 1855, in Jackson, Mich., Miss Jane Clark. a native of New York, but for

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many years a resident of Michigan. After their marriage the young couple remained in Michigan about one year, and moving to Ohio in 1856 they settled on a farm in Crawford County, where they remained until 1864, and then came to this county, remaining only a short time, when they purchased another farm in Crawford County, and after staying there about six years, finally located permanently, in the fall of 1870, on the farm where they now reside, in Jack- son Township, this county. They are the parents of three children, all born in Crawford County, Ohio: Mary Eliza, born July 25, 1857; Robert, born October 29, 1858: and Martha Jane, born June 23, 1869. Mr. Bigham is the owner of 180 acres of well-improved land, with fine orchard, good buildings, and other improvements, making it one of the most comfortable residences in Jackson Township. He is a practical farmer, has been successful in life, and by industry and economy has acquired a competence.

DAVID BOYD, farmer, P. O. Longley, Wood County, born in Pennsylva- nia February 22, 1822, is a son of Hugh and Margaret (Rogers) Boyd, of Ger- man descent, and who settled in this county in 1844. Our subject married, in 1844, Rosana Weiser, which union has been blessed with two children: Jacob H. C. and Hugh W. A., both farmers. David Boyd was a pioneer black- smith, and has worked at that trade for over fifty years. He has been success- ful in life, owning at one time 360 acres of land in Jackson Township, this county. This land he has divided among his children.

HUGH W. A. BOYD, farmer, P. O. Fostoria, born February 27, 1845, in Jackson Township, this county, is a son of David Boyd, a pioneer black- smith of Jackson Township. Our subject received his education in the com- mon schools of Jackson Township, was reared on a farm, and has been engaged in agriculture all his life. He married, in 1869, Margaret Longley, a daughter of John Longley. and to this union were born Cora A., Ella R., Kit- tie M., Anna M. and Perry O. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. He has held the office of school director, and for fifteen years has held continuously one of the following offices: trustee, township clerk, assessor and justice of the peace. He enlisted in 1863 in Company C, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, served six months, then re-enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry (100 days men), then re-enlisted in Com- pany G, One Hundred and Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war; he was a non-commissioned officer. Mr. Boyd is a member of the G. A. R. As a farmer he has been successful, and is the owner of a good farm on which he has a fine residence.

DANIEL COCHARD, farmer, P. O. Longley, Wood County, was born in Dolphin County, Penn .. February 26, 1832, and is a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Heller) Cochard, natives of Pennsylvania, being Pennsylvania-Dutch. Jacob Cochard, who was a carpenter, reared two children, Daniel being the eldest. Our subject received a common school education in Pennsylvania and learned farming, which he has made the main occupation of his life. He has a fine farm of 415 acres of land where he now resides. He married, in 1857, Mary Ann Shaffer, daughter of Philip Shaffer, a Pennsylvania-Dutch farmer. This union has been blessed with thirteen children, ten of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Cochard are members of the Evangelical Church, of which Mr. Cochard has been treasurer and trustee. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been school director for sixteen years in the school district where he now lives.

JOHN CRAUN, farmer, P. O. Kansas, born in Franklin County, Ohio, May 12, 1825. is third in the family of eleven children of Abraham and

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Rosana (Miller) Craun, natives of New Jersey, of German descent. Abraham Craun was a farmer, and came with his family to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1835. He entered land. and passed the remaining portion of his life here. His wife died in 1878, aged seventy-six years, and he died in 1883, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Abraham's father was in the Revolu- tionary war. He died in Franklin County, Ohio. Mrs. Craun's father lived to the age of one hundred and fifteen years, and died in Franklin County, Ohio. . John Craun was reared on a farm, received a common school edu- cation, and chose agriculture as an occupation. He has resided in Seneca County since 1835. He began working by the month, to get a start in life, and, unaided. has made his own way in the world. He married, in 1836. Nancy Kinsey. a daughter of Joseph and Maria (Kiser) Kinsey, of Pennsyl- vania-Dutch extraction, and this union has been blessed with eight children: Samuel, a farmer and married; Jeremiah; Andrew, deceased, was a farmer, he left a family: Cornelius, a carpenter. in Kansas, Ohio, and married; Abraham, dealer in farming implements; Martha J., wife of Peter Stainbrook; Joseph, still residing with his parents; and Peter, a farmer and married. Mr. and Mrs. Craun are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been a class leader for many years: has also been Sabbath-school superintend- ent. Mr. Craun enlisted in 1864, in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty- second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. for three years, and was mustered out at the close of the war. In politics he is a Republican.

PETER EATON. farmer, P. O. Fostoria, born in Chenango County, N. Y., November 15, 1812, is a son of William and Ann (Stricker) Eaton, the former a farmer. of Scotch descent, and the latter of German. William Eaton reared a family of twelve children, Peter and his twin brother who resides in Cuyahoga. Ohio, being the sixth birth in the family: both grew to manhood and followed farming in Jackson Township, this county. The sub- ject of our sketch received a limited education in the old log schoolhouse, and has been engaged in farming all his life. In 1840 he entered land in Jackson Township, this county. He has been twice married, first in 1834, to Miss Louisa Torry. who died without issue in 1835. In 1839 Mr. Eaton married for his second wife. Rebecca, daughter of Reuben and Elanore (Benschotter) Brooks, of German descent, and by her he has five children; Flavilla. wife of J. W. Deacon, and Reuben E., a farmer in Jackson Township, are in this county. In politics Mr. Eaton is a Democrat.

REUBEN E. EATON, farmer, P. O. Fostoria, is a native of Jackson Township, Seneca Co., Ohio. Peter Eaton. the father of our subject, had five children, Renben E. being the only son. Our subject was reared on a farm. attended the common school, and has been engaged in agriculture all his life. He is the owner of a fine farm of seventy-five acres, where he now resides, near Fostoria. He married, in 1873, Martha Johnson, daughter of Henry F. Johnson, and by this union there are two children: Leona E. and Margaret A. Politically Mr. Eaton is a Democrat.

JOHN FEASEL, farmer, P. O. Fostoria, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 12, 1828. is a son of George and Jane (Anderson) Feasel, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Dutch, and the latter of Irish descent. George Feasel was a farmer all his life, and an early settler in Seneca County, Ohio. He reared a family of eleven children, John being third. Our subject received his education in the common schools, has been engaged in farming all his life, and is now the owner of a well-improved farm. He was married, in 1860, to Rebecca Stahl. daughter of Henry Stahl, and their children are Clara Alize, Charlie Elsworth. Willie Franklin. Ester Ann. John Leroy and Irvin Larue.

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Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1088

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1088