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 114
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and to which he belonged until 1864, when he entered the 100 days' service. He is now serving his sixth year as member of the town council. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN H. NORRIS, physician. Fostoria, was born in Perry Township, Wood Co., Ohio, May 13, 1855, son of Hon. John and Rebecca C. (Cuthbert- son) Norris, who were among the pioneers of that township. Our subject's father. who was a prominent citizen of Wood County, and served once from there as representative to the State Legislature, has been a resident of Fos- toria since 1880. Our subject was reared on a farm and educated in the nor- mal school at Republic. In 1874 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. J. C. Lincoln, of Bowling Green, Ohio, with whom he remained three years; graduated from the medical department of the Wooster University, Cleveland, Ohio, February 27. 1877, and began the practice of medicine at Bowling Green, in March of the same year, and there remained two and a half years. March 1, 1880, he received a post-graduate degree from Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York, and in 1881 he located at Fostoria, where he has been in active practice ever since. Dr. Norris was married. September 20, 1882, to Anna B., daughter of Robert Middaugh, of Canton, Ohio. Polit- ically the Doctor is a Republican. He is an active member of the Masonic fraternity.
JOHN F. O'BRIEN, dentist, Fostoria, was born in Loudon Township, this county, July 4. 1855, son of Thomas and Margaret (McCarty) O' Brien. natives of Ireland, who settled in Loudon Township, this county. in May, 1851. clearing and improving a farm on which they resided up to 1870, when they removed to Fostoria. Here Thomas O'Brien engaged in railroad contracting, and built and graded a part of the Ohio Central, Baltimore & Ohio, and New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroads; he died in May, 1878, at the age of sixty-nine years. Of his twelve children, nine attained maturity: James, Ellen (Mrs. George Emerine, deceased), Mary (Mrs. Alvin Starns), Patrick W., Mar- garet (wife of Rev. Thomas Parker). Kate (Mrs. O. V. Wood), Thomas and Ter- rence (twins). and John F. Our subject was reared in Loudon Township, and educated in the Union Schools of Fostoria. In 1876 he began the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. T. K. Williams, of Fostoria, with whom he re- mained fifteen months, when Dr. Williams died and he then conducted the busi- ness thereafter for one year. In 1878 he entered the Ohio Dental College, at Cincinnati, and in 1879 received a diploma from the State Board of Dental Ex- aminers, and in April of the same year, began the practice of dentistry with W. P. Howell. with whom he has been associated to the present time. From a careful and thorough study of dentistry Dr. O'Brien has attained a thorough knowledge of his profession and bears the reputation of being a skillful and superior operator.
EPHRAIM J. PADGHAM, book-keeper, Fostoria, was born in Tenterden, county of Kent, England, June 10, 1828, son of John and Mary A. Padgham. He was reared and educated in his native land and there married, December 25, 1850, Susannah, daughter of William and Sophia Boorman, by whom he had four children. one of whom survives, Elizabeth Jane. This wife died in 1856 and our subject was again married in 1857. this time to Mrs. Eliza John- son, widow of Samuel Johnson and daughter of Michael and Caroline Longer- necker. of this county, by whom he has two children: Silas S. and Zoa D. Mr. Padgham came to America in 1853 and located in Fostoria, Ohio, where he clerked in the grain warehouse of Foster & Co. and was associated with the firm for several years. He was the first agent for the United States Express Company at this place, and also the first ticket and freight agent for the Fremont
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& Indiana Railroad, which position he filled for nearly twenty years. This rail- road changed its name four times while he was agent. Mr. Padgham was then appointed agent for the Columbus & Toledo Railroad and served two years. He then formed a partnership with John P. Warner and conducted a grist-mill for two years. He then engaged as book-keeper for the Fostoria spoke and bending factory, a position he now occupies. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics, and at pres- ent is serving his third term as member of the city council.
ABRAHAM PETER (deceased) was born in Bindersheim, Palatinate Frankenthal, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, February 5, 1821, son of Abra- ham and Barbara (Shobach) Peter, who came to America in 1840 and settled in Loudon Township. this county. Our subject was reared and educated in Germany and came with his parents to this country when nineteen years of age. December 24, 1843, he married Mary A .. daughter of John and Eliza- beth (Smilsmer) Vesper, who settled in Loudon Township in 1840, and by thi ; union there were thirteen children, of whom nine survive: Elizabeth (Mrs. John Romig), Margaret (Mrs. Henry Reis), Mary (MIrs. Andrew Herbert). Louisa (Mrs. Ephraim Stahl), Charlotte (Mrs. Abraham Fruth). John A., Jacob, Philip and Sarah. After his marriage Mr. Peter engaged in agricult- ure on a rented farm for five years. In 1848 he purchased a fine farm of 175 acres on Sections 16 and 21, on which he made many improvements, residing there most of the time until 1883, when he retired from farming and moved to Fostoria. In 1852 he went to California and again in 1854, and while there engaged in stock buying and mining. He made these trips there overland. returning by water. He died in Fostoria May 7, 1883. at the age of sixty-two years. Though he started in life a poor boy, by industry, frugality and economy he accumulated a fine property. Mr. Peter was widely known in Fostoria and surrounding country as an upright, honest citizen. He was a respected and worthy member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he was a Democrat.
JOHN PETER, farmer, P. O. Fostoria, was born in Bavaria. Germany, May 13. 1830. son of Abraham and Barbara (Shobach) Peter, who came to America in 1840 and settled in Loudon Township, this county, on eighty acres of land now owned by E. Kinney, former of whom died in Big Spring Town- ship in 1871, in his eighty-first year, latter in 1840, eleven weeks after her arrival in this country. They had a family of nine children: Philip; Abraham, deceased: Catherine. Mrs. Nicholas Findel: Margaret. deceased; Maria, Mrs. Jacob Heiserman: Civilla, deceased; Barbara, Mrs. Abraham Rinebold; John; Charlotte, Mrs. Adam Helfrick. Our subject was reared in Loudon Township. this county, and lived at home with his father until he was twenty-three years old. He then rented the old homestead for seven years; in 1860 he moved to Henry County. Ohio, where he remained four years; returned to Loudon Township in 1865 and purchased the old homestead, living here four years. and in 1869 purchased the farm of 150 acres he now occupies, fifty-five acres of which he has cleared himself, making all the improvements in buildings. April 7. 1854, Mr. Peter married Margaret, daughter of Jacob Helfrick, of Loudon Township, and by this union has four children: John J., Mary I. (Mrs. Warren Seever). Emma C. (Mrs. Adam Weasner) and Philip W. Mr. Peter and family are members of the Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Democrat.
JOHN J. PETER. farmer, P. O. Fostoria, was born in Loudon Township, this county, July 13. 1855, son of John and Margaret (Helfrick) Peter. He was reared and educated in Loudon Township. June 9, 1881, he was married
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to Ella R .. daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Alsbaugh) Ruse, of Hopewell Township, this county, and by her he has two children: Otto M. and Charles A. Since his marriage Mr. Peter has been engaged in agriculture on the farm he now occupies. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Mr. Peter, who is one of the promi- nent young farmers of the township, is now serving his second term as town- ship assessor. Politically he is a Democrat.
JOHN A. PETER. clerk, Fostoria, was born in London Township, this county, February 15, 1854, son of Abraham and Mary A. (Vesper) Peter. His paternal grandfather, Abraham Peter, a native of Germany and a soldier under Napoleon I. came to America in 1840 and settled in Loudon Township. this county, where he resided until his death. His maternal grandfather, John Vesper. also a native of Germany, was among the pioneers of Loudon Township. Our subject was reared and educated in his native township. In 1877 he located in Fostoria and engaged as clerk in the clothing store of John Wagner, with whom he remained three years. In 1SSO he entered the employ of Peter & Fruth in the same capacity, remaining with the firm and its suc- cessor. A. Fruth. to the present time. He was married. August 22, 1878, to Lucy, daughter of Nathan and Lavina (Carbaugh) Wade, of London Township, and by her he has one child, Mary Luema. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Peter was Abner Wade, who settled in Loudon Township in 1832, and was one of the organizers of the township and one of its first officials. Her maternal grandfather was Samuel Carbaugh, also a pioneer of London Township. Mr. Peter is a member of the German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat.
PHILIP PETER, clerk. Fostoria. was born in Loudon Township, this county, April 16. 1863, son of Abraham and Mary A. (Vesper) Peter. Our subject, who was reared and educated in his native township, located in Fos- toria in 1879, and entered the employ of Foster, Snyder & Co .. serving in the capacity of clerk for two years. In 1SS1 he engaged with Weaver & Adams as clerk, with whom he remained until the spring of ISS5. when he engaged in the same capacity with A. Weaver, successor to Weaver & Adams, with whom he is at present. December 1, 1882. Mr. Peter was united in marriage with Anna, daughter of George and Ellen (O'Brien) Emerine. of Fostoria. this county, and to this union has been born one child Lulu M. Mr. Peter is one of the worthy and representative citizens of Fostoria. Politically he is a Democrat.
DAVID PETER. farmer, P. O. Fostoria. was born in Loudon Township, this county, March 27, 1842, son of John J. and Elizabeth (Hahn) Peter, natives of Rhinebiern, Germany, and who came to this county in 1833, settling in Loudon Township, and entering eighty acres of land from the Government, which they cleared and improved. The father died in 1878, at the age of sixty-eight years. The mother survives him at the age of seventy-six. They had a family of nine children. of whom five survive: Henry, David. Elizabeth, Philebena (Mrs. Melcher Fruth) and Mary (Mrs. John Fruth). Our subject was reared in London Township, receiving a limited education in the common school. May 25, 1863, he married Susannah, daughter of Jacob and Civilla (Schraden) Fruth. of Loudon Township, this county, by whom he has four children living: John W .. Louisa J .. Margaret E. and David A. In August, 1866, Mr. Peter settled in Henry County. Ohio, where he engaged in farming. lumbering and teaming up to the fall of 1872, when he returned to London Township, purchasing the farm he now occupies, a part of which he has cleared and whereon he has made many improvements in buildings, etc. He is one of
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the prominent farmers of Loudon Township; has held the office of township trustee three terms. In politics he is a Republican.
NICHOLAS PORTZ, hardware merchant, Fostoria, was born in Jackson Township, this county. March 1, 1839, son of John and Magdalena (Bohna) Portz, natives of Prussia, who located in Jackson Township, in 1838, where they engaged in farming. In 1840 they settled in Fostoria, where John Portz, a wagon-maker, followed his trade until his death; he died in June, 1873, at the age of sixty-six years; he had a family of seven children, who grew to maturity: Magdalena (deceased), Catherine (Mrs. George Bridgeford), Ann M. (Mrs. Joseph Haines), Nicholas, Eva (Mrs. George Huth), George (died in the army during the late war of the Rebellion) and John. Our subject was reared and received a common school education in Fostoria. At the age of twelve years he entered the store of Foster & Son, clerking for them up to 1863, when he was admitted as a partner in the general store under the firm name of Foster, Olmsted & Co .. which partnership existed up to 1867, when he retired from the firm and embarked in the hardware business with Hon. Charles Foster, with whom he has been associated to the present time, under firm name of Portz & Co. The names of Foster & Portz have also been connected in the more extensive business known as the Fostoria Foundry and Machine Works. These works have recently been reorganized, adding another partner ( Walter S. Payne) with extensive lines of machinery and fixtures for manufacturing brass goods and water works' supplies, all under the name of Walter S. Payne & Co. In this enterprise Mr. Portz will be recognized as the financial man- ager. Mr. Portz was married. January 16, 1867, to Hannah, daughter of Lewis and Mary (Youngker) Adams, of Findlay, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Portz are members of the Catholic Church. Politically he is a Republican.
JAMES W. QUINN. baker and grocer, Fostoria, was born in Ireland, May 8, 1837, son of James and Mary (Madigan) Quinu, natives of County Limerick. Ireland, and who came to this county in 1851, settling in Tiffin, where the father, a blacksmith by trade, which he followed sixty-two years, engaged in business until his death: he died in 1859, at the age of seventy- eight years. Of their family of eleven children, four attained maturity: John (now deceased): James W. ; David, a resident of Tiffin, and Eugene, re- siding in Michigan. Our subject was reared in Tiffin, Ohio, from twelve years of age and there received a common school education. At the age of sixteen. he entered a bakery at Tiffin, serving an apprenticeship of three years, after which he engaged in bridge-building for two seasons. He then clerked for several years in different branches of business and conducted a bakery in Tiffin for several years more. He located in Fostoria, this county, in 1871, and embarked in the grocery and bakery business on his own account. In 1884 he erected the fine brick building he now occupies (known as the " Quinn Block"), one of the handsomest business edifices in the city. Mr. Quinn was married. in November. 1857. to Mary, daughter of Benjamin Quinlaw, of Ire- land. and by her he has had eight children, six now living: James. Anna, Clara. Jessie, John and Julia. Mr. Quinn and family are members of the Catholic Church. Politically he is a Democrat.
GENERAL E. REYNOLDS, druggist, Fostoria, was born in London Town- ship. this county. December 19. 1852, son of Charles L. and Mary (Dillon) Reynolds, who were among the early settlers of Loudon Township, the former of whom, who was a resident of this county for many years, removed in 1878, to Eaton County. Mich., where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Reynolds had five children, of whom three are now living: General E., Jacob and MeClellan. (Mrs. Charles L. Reynolds, previous to her marriage with the
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father of our subject, was the wife of Eli Weaver, one of the pioneers of Loudon Township, this county. and by him had five children, three now liv- ing: George, Rachel (wife of Allen Stevens) and Alphens.) Our subject was reared on his father's farm in Loudon Township, this county, and received a common school education. At the age of eighteen he began teaching school. which occupation he followed for seven years. He then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. C. L. Cass and took one course of lectures at the Physio Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1880 he embarked in the drug busi- ness in Fostoria, this county, in company with Jerry Nestlerode. the partner- ship existing at the present time. He was married, July 4, 1877. to Emma E., daughter of James R. and Rachel Williams. of Fostoria, and by her he has two children living: Nellie and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are mem- bers of the Methodist Protestant Church. Politically he is a Democrat.
JACOB RINEBOLD, farmer. P. O. Fostoria, was born in Perry County, Ohio. October 28, 1821, son of John and Catherine (Wininger) Rinebold, the former, a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter (still living), a native of Ger- many. They came from Richland County to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1834, and settled in Loudon Township. entering 160 acres of land (now occupied by Abraham Rinebold), which they cleared and improved, and where the father died; mother still living. They reared a family of four children: Elizabeth. wife of Henry Stahl: Jacob; Abraham; and Rebecca, wife of John Shontz. Our subject's great-grandfather had two sons, Henry and Matthias, who came from Germany to America and fought in the Revolutionary war, in 1776, under Gen. Washington. Our subject was reared in Loudon Township, from thirteen years of age and received a limited education in the schools of his day. He was married. in December. 1850. to Mary A., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Good) Lambright, of Jackson Township. this county, by whom he has had nine children, seven now living: Noah: Elizabeth, wife of Newton Stearns: Susannah, wife of Cyris Yost: Henry: Mahala. wife of David Smith: Rachel. wife of Philip Wiraugh, and Jacob. Mr. Rinebold is one of the sub- stantial citizens and farmers of Seneca County, where he has cleared and im- proved a part of a farm on Section 16. Jackson Township. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, his wife of the German Reformed Church. Politi- cally Mr. Rinebold is a Democrat.
ABRAHAM RINEBOLD, farmer. P. O. Fostoria, was born in Perry County, Ohio. October 13.1822, son of John and Catherine (Wininger) Rinebold, the former a native of Pennsylvania. the latter of Germany. His paternal grandfather. Matthias Rinebold, a native of Pennsylvania. and his maternal grandfather, Adam Wininger. a native of Germany, were pioneer citizens of Perry County, Ohio, where they lived and died. The parents of our subject came to Seneca County. Ohio. in March, 1834. settling in Loudon Township, on the farm now owned by him. The father died in 1854. at the age of fifty- six years, the mother. who still survives, is eighty-four years old. They were parents of four children: Elizabeth, wife of Henry Stahl; Jacob: Abraham: Rebecca, wife of John Shonts. Our subject received a limited education in the district schools. With the exception of ten years, during which he was a resident of Jackson Township. he has lived on the homestead since 1834, and with his brother, Jacob, assisted his father in clearing 100 acres of the old homestead, which he came in possession of in 1859; he has since purchased land adjoining, and his farm now comprises 434 acres of land. 250 of which is under cultiva- tion. He has made many improvements on his property, erecting his present brick residence in 1871, and in 1875 erected a new frame dwelling. and. also, in 1883. another frame dwelling. Mr. Rinebold has been twice married. By
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his first wife, Elizabeth. daughter of Jacob and Anna E. (Peter) Fruth, of this township. he had two children: Rebecca and John. By his present wife, Bar- bara, daughter of Abraham and Barbara (Shobach) Peter, of Loudon Township. this county, he has eight children : Catherine, wife of George Yochum: Levi, Syvillia E., wife of Frederick Rosen: Abraham: Mary L. : Anna E. ; Ephraim and Henry (latter deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Rinebold and all the family are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a prominent farmer and public spirited citizen. In politics he and all the sons and sons-in-law are Democrats.
JOHN RINEBOLD, farmer. P. O .. Fostoria, was born in Jackson Town- ship, this county, October 16, 1850, son of Abraham and Ann Elizabeth (Fruth) Rinebold. His paternal grandfather. John Rinebold, settled in Loudon Township, this county, in 1834. and his maternal grandfather. a native of Germany, settled in same township in 1832. Our subject was reared in Jackson and Loudon Townships and was educated in the common schools. March 21. 1872, he married Anna M., daughter of George and Margaret (Niner) Kisling, of Jackson Township, this county, and by her he had one child-George A. After his marriage Mr. Rinebold engaged in farming on the Rinebold homestead, in Loudon Township. living there until 1881. when he purchased the farm whereon he now resides. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He is one of the representative young farmers of the township. Politically he is a Democrat.
JOHN F. RITCHART, painter. Fostoria. was born in Westmoreland County, Penn .. July 7, 1820, son of David and Mary (Johnson) Ritchart. who settled in Loudon Township. this county, in 1847. and here lived and died. They had six children who grew to manhood and womanhood: John F., James (deceased). William H., Harriet (Mrs. P. D. Caples). Catherine (Mrs. Wash- ington Wade) and David (latter deceased). Our subject remained in Pennsyl- vania until fourteen years of age, when he removed to Wayne County. Ohio, with his parents. He is a natural born mechanic, and during his minority learned cabinet-making, which he followed for several years. He settled in Fostoria. this county. in 1854, since which time he has been engaged exten- sively in carriage and house painting. December 23. 1847, he married Eliza. daughter of Kinzie and Catherine (Kimmel) Cox, of Wayne County. Ohio. and by her he has had three children: Emma (deceased), Ella (Mrs. W. D. Robbins) and Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchart are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which they have been connected upward of thirty years and of which he is one of the trustees. He has served as mayor of Fostoria two terms. eighteen years as a member of the council, member of the school board eight- een years in succession, and as cemetery trustee for twenty-five years. Politi- cally he is a Republican.
WILLIAM H. RITCHART. farmer, P. O. Fostoria, was born in Somer- set County, Penn .. March 26. 1827. son of David and Mary (Johnson) Ritch- art, who settled in Wayne County. Ohio, about 1833. and came to this county in 1847, locating in London Township, where they resided until their death. Their children were seven in number: John F .. James F. (deceased). Harriet (Mrs. P. D. Caples), William H., Eliza (deceased). Catherine (Mrs. Washing- ton Wade) and David (deceased). Our subject was reared in Wayne County from six years of age. and from the age of fifteen to twenty-one drove stage on the route from Wooster to Cleveland. He spent the summer of 1848 in this county, when he returned to Wayne County, continuing the occupation of driving stage till 1850, when he went overland to California, engaged in min- ing and in various other lines of business up to 1854. when he took passage on the steamer "Winfield Scott" for home; was wrecked when two days out from
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San Francisco, and was on the island of Anacape for seven days. He arrived home safely, however: again went to California overland, returning by water the same year. In the spring of 1855 he settled in Loudon Township, this county, where he remained for four years on the farm now owned and occupied by Patrick Duffy. He then moved to Fostoria and engaged in teaming; was also interested in the lightning-rod business with J. L. Mickey. During the late war of the Rebellion Mr. Ritchart enlisted, December 1. 1861, in Company D. Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was on detached duty, and had charge of the horses of the regiment. He was honorably discharged on account of disability at Memphis, Tenn., March 26, 1863. He then returned to Fostoria and was appointed street commissioner by the city council, a posi- tion he held for two years. In 1867 he purchased the farm he now occupies. He was married, July 4, 1858 to Martha A., eldest daughter of John and Nancy (Musser) Fritcher, of Wood County. Ohio, and by this union has two children, John and Eugene R. Mr. Ritchart is a leading farmer and citizen of Loudon Township. In politics he is a Democrat.
AARON K. RUSE, retired farmer, Fostoria, was born in Franklin County. Ohio. July 10, 1834, son of Jonathan and Margaret (Kalb) Ruse, natives of Virginia and Maryland, respectively, and pioneers of Franklin County. Our subject was reared in his native county, where he received a limited education in the schools of his day. He came to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1860. settling in Loudon Township, where he cleared 240 acres of land, on which he resided up to the fall of 1884, when he removed to Fostoria. Mr. Ruse has been twice married. first. on July 17. 1860, to Lavarna, daughter of John and Rebecca (Pyles) Halbert. of Franklin County, Ohio, and by her he had three children: Albert W., Laura E. and an infant son deceased. November 2. 1872, he married his present wife Mary Matilda, daughter of Daniel R. and Anna M. (Simmons) Henry, of Loudon Township, this county, and by this union there are three children: Charles W .. William K. and Aaron E. Mr. and Mrs. Ruse are members of the Protestant Methodist Church. In politics he is a Republican.
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