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 126

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 126

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JAMES SANDERS, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Stark County, Ohio. April 5, 1829; son of Anthony and Mary A. Sanders, natives of Pen- sylvania, where they were married and first settled; thence they came to Ohio. locating in Stark County; and from there moved to Seneca County, where they remained until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, May

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24, 1855, with Ellen M. M. Conaghan, born in Stark County, Ohio, August 28, 1836, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Conaghan (whose sketch appears else- where). Mr. and Mrs. Sanders are the parents of eight children, of whom six survive: Julius J., Cora M., Arthur A., Ethel L., Eunice C. and Raymond D .; the deceased are Jessie M .. born September 23, 1861, and Nellie I., born July 4, 1863. Our subject is serving his second term as infirmary director of the county and has filled the office of trustee of his township. He and his wife are consistent members of the Catholic Church.

WILLIAM SHELDON, farmer, P. O. Mccutchenville, Wyandot County, was born in England May 9, 1835, a son of John and Elizabeth Sheldon, natives of England, where they remained until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, March 25, 1858, with Ellen King, also a native of England, born November 25, 1840: her parents died when she was but a child. Our subject and wife were married in their native land, and immigrated to America and to this county in 1861. where they have since resided. This un- ion has been blessed with six children: Henry, born June 21, 1859; Anna M., born December 2. 1860; Hettie E., born September 13, 1862: John N., born April 11, 1865; George W. P., born October 29, 1872, died March 19, 1885; and Edith M., born October 3, 1877. Mr. Sheldon was engaged in farming in England, and has followed agricultural pursuits since coming to Seneca County.

JACOB ULRICH STAIB, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, February 13, 1815: a son of Jacob and Elizabeth C. Staib, also natives of Germany, who immigrated to America and to Ohio in 1835, locat- ing in this county, where they remained until death, the former dying March 12, 1867, aged eighty seven, and the latter October 16, 1880, aged ninety- seven years. Our subject came to Ohio in 1833, and was married in this county. July 2, 1846, to Sarah C. Houck, born in Germany January 11, 1815, a daughter of Christian and Magdalene Houck. To Mr. and Mrs. Staib were born six children, of whom five are now living: Caroline. Jacob, Thusmelda (wife of Valentine Huffman), Catharine (wife of Carl Wittig) and Elizabeth; Magdalena is deceased. Our subject owns 117 acres of good land, mostly im- proved, all acquired by his own industry. He and his family are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Staib had the misfortune to lose his wife November 10, 1883. She was kind and faithful to him, and was a loving mother to her children.

GEORGE SWIGART, farmer, P.O. Tiffin, was born in Maryland December 20, 1825. His parents, Joseph and Susanna Swigart, natives of Maryland, came to Seneca County, Ohio, in June. 1837, first settling in Bloom Township, but afterward moving to Eden Township, where Mrs. Swigart died. Joseph Swi- gart married a second time. and is now deceased; his widow still survives him. Our subject was united in marriage, in August, 1850, with Sarah A. Ralston, born in Virginia June 25, 1825, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Ralston, natives of Virginia, and who came to this county in March, 1834. Mr. Ralston diel January 4, 1868; his widow is still living. To our subject and wife was born one child, George M., now deceased. Mr. Swigart is a miller by trade, an occupation he followed until four years ago, since when he has been engaged in farming. He owns 124 acres of improved land, where he and his wife reside. He is a F. & A. M. Mrs. Swigart is a consistent member of the United Brethren Church.

CHRISTOPHER TERFLINGER, farmer, P. O. Mccutchenville, Wyandot County, was born October 5, 1836, on the farm where he and his family now reside. in Seneca Township, this county. His parents were Jacob and Eliza-

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beth Terflinger, the former a native of Perry County, Ohio, the latter of the town of Bretzerville. Canton of Basel, Switzerland. They were married in Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, and settled in this county, where they re- mained until death. Our subject was united in marriage, March 17, 1880, with Julia Shober, born in Maryland, July 3, 1851, daughter of Frederick and Malinda Shober, natives of the old country, who immigrated to Maryland and from there to Wyandot County. Ohio. where they lived until about 1860, when they moved to Adrian, this county, and there remained until Mr. Shober's death. His widow still survives him. Our subject was reared on a farm and now owns 109 acres of land mostly improved, where he and his wife reside. They are consistent members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Terflinger is a member of the I. O. O. F.

LEWIS TERFLINGER. farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 14, 1824; a son of Christopher and Elizabeth Terflinger, natives of Virginia, where they were married and where they settled for a number of years ; then moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, and resided twenty years on the same farm; from there moved to Wyandot County and dwelt two years with their son, Daniel; from Wyandot County they came to this county in 1830, and lived on the farm where our subject and wife now reside, and here the mother died in April, 1865, and the father in March, 1866. Our subject was united in marriage, April 16, 1872, with Margaret Kenner, born in Wur- temberg, Germany, April 12, 1826. Mr. Terflinger, who was raised on a farm, has engaged in agricultural pursuits nearly all his life, and has lived fifty-four years on his present farm which comprises 120 acres of fine land. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

THEOBALD WAGNER (deceased) was born in Germany, March 19, 1821. His parents, Theobald and Catharine Wagner, immigrated to America, coming direct to Seneca County, Ohio, about 1833, and here remained until the death of Theobald Wagner, Sr., which occurred in 1847; his widow sur- vives him. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, December 3, 1848, with Margaret Diehl, born in Germany, December 20, 1829, a daughter of Abraham and Catharine Diehl, also natives of Germany, and who immi grated to Hancock County, Ohio, about 1833, where they remained until death. the former dying in 1871, the latter in 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Wagner were born nine children, of whom six are now living: Alpheus, Josephine, George F., John A., Charles T. and Franklin D. The deceased are Mary, Catharine and an infant. Our subject and wife, after they were married, first settled in Hancock County, Ohio, and there remained until 1860, when they came to Seneca Township, this county, and here resided until his death which occurred July 17, 1884. At the time of his death he owned 193 acres of good land where his widow and family now reside. He was a consistent member of the Reformed Church, to which his widow also belongs.

JOSEPH C. WEHRLE, P. O. Berwick, one of the industrious young farmers of Seneca County, Ohio, was born in Big Spring Township, this county, July 5. 1861; a son of George and Elizabeth (Long) Wehrle, former born in Riegel, Germany, March 4, 1820, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Wehrle, both natives of Germany; latter born in Bairon, Germany, June 6, 1827, daughter of David and Margaret Long, also natives of Germany, the former of whom was born in 1791, died in 1857, the latter born May 1. 1801. died November 22, 1866. George Wehrle and Elizabeth Long were united in marriage in New Riegel. Seneca Co., Ohio, June 14, 1847, and were the parents of fourteen children, of whom seven are now living: Mary, wife of George Emerine, born February 1, 1849; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Feck, born

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September S, 1851; Agatha, wife of William Beilhartz, born February 6, 1858; John J., born April 6, 1859; Joseph C .; Frank E., born November 9. 1863, and George E., born March 3. 1870. Our subject was reared on a farm and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He has been a resident of Seneca Township for five years. He is a member of the Catholic Church.

ADAM WEIKERT, farmer, P. O. Berwick, is a native of Seneca Town- ship. this county. born April 3, 1836, son of Peter and Susan Weikert, natives of Ohio: they were married in Wyandot County, that State, subsequently, in 1876, locating near Tiffin. Ohio, where they reside at present. Our subject was united in marriage. December 1, 1870, with Sarah A. Dice, born in Stark County, Ohio, July 16. 1843. where her parents Jacob and Maria Dice, natives of Pennsylvania, were united in marriage, and where they first settled; they afterward moved to this county, where Mrs. Dice died March 16, 1879; her husband survives her. To Mr. and Mrs. Weikert has been born one child. Charles O. Our subject was reared on a farm and has followed agricultural pursuits the greater portion of his life; he owns eighty acres of land, on which there is a beautiful residence where he and his family reside. Mr. Weikert, during his younger days, engaged in teaching school for a few years. He has filled the offices of assessor and trustee of this township. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

JOSEPH WEISENBERGER. farmer, P. O. New Riegel. was born in France, March 17, 1826, son of Matthias and Josephine Weisenberger, who immigrated to Seneca Township, this county. in 1833. and here lived and died. the former in 1846, the latter in 1836. Our subject was united in marriage. August 16. 1848, with Elizabeth Young. also a native of France, and who came with her people to this county in 1846, where they lived the residue of their lives; Mrs. Weisenberger died July 12. 187S. She was a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Weisenberger on second occasion, November 28, 1882, was married to Mary Long, a native of this county, born September 21, 1837, a daughter of John F. and Elizabeth Long. natives of Switzerland, who im- migrated to this county, in a very early day, and have here remained ever since. Our subject was the father of seven children, of whom four are now living: Margaret, wife of Frederick Hoffer: Joseph P .; Mary, wife of Joseph Plance; and Magdalene. Mr. Weisenberger owns 242 acres of improved land where he resides. He and his wife and family are faithful members of the Catholic Church.

WILLIAM WENNER, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., September 5, 1824, son of William and Elizabeth Wenner, natives of Pennsylvania. where they remained until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, in Pennsylvania, February 7. 1565, with Mary Stopp. born in Lehigh County. Penn .. March 22, 1840. In 1867 they moved to Sen- eca County. Ohio, settling on the farm where they now reside and which con- sists of 120 acres of fine land. To this union were born six children. of whom only two survive: Ellen S., born July 27, 1871, and Mary A .. born September 16, 1880. Our subject has been a farmer all his life. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church, and are considered among the best people of the county.

MARTIN WERLING, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Stark County, Ohio, September 28. 1832, son of Nicholas and Susan Werling, natives of Belgium, where they were married; thence they emigrated to America and to Stark County, Ohio, in 1831, and after remaining there five years they moved to Seneca County and then to Indiana in 1867. where Mr. Werling lost his wife by death in 1573, he remaining until 1880. when he came to this county

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and made his home with his son until 1881, when he. too, died. Our subject was united in marriage, September 10, 1861, with Mary Lonsway, born in Sen- eca County. Ohio. May 14, 1843, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah A. Lonsway, the former living. latter now deceased. To our subject and wife have been born eleven children. ten of whom are now living: Joseph A., Sarah A .. Emma E., Rosa A .. Susan K .. Lewis S., Leander M., George E .. Leo A. and Mary M. Emily is deceased. Our subject acquired the means to make a start in life in the mines of California, and now owns 173 acres of land, mostly im- proved. where he and his family reside. They are members of the Catholic Church.

AARON YAMBERT. minister, postoffice Mccutchenville, Wyandot County, a native of Berks County, Penn .. was born February 14, 1809, son of John H. and Sibylla (Glick) Yambert, natives of Pennsylvania, where they married and set- tled, and where Mrs. Yambert died. John H. Yambert subsequently married Catharine (Cooney) Yambert, also a native of Pennsylvania, and with his family moved to Seneca Township. Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1831. where he resided until his death. which occurred May 24. 1863. He had four children by his first wife: John H .. Aaron, Sarah and Mary: and seven by his second wife: John. Daniel, Samuel. Solomon. Lydia, William and Susannah. His father was a native of Saxony. a physician of prominence, who emigrated to this country in the colonial period. and served as an officer in the Revolutionary war. Our subject was reared on a farm until eighteen years old. after which he worked several years at the carpenter's trade. At the age of twenty years he was converted, and at about twenty-one became a member of the Evangelical Association under Conrad Kring's administration. In 1832 Mr. Yambert was licensed by the conference as an itinerant minister, and commenced his minis- terial labors in Lancaster and Pickaway Counties. Ohio, and continued in this calling for twenty-seven successive years, during much of which time he experi- enced the hardships and privations incident to ministerial pioneer life. After traveling a few years in this State, he returned to Pennsylvania and traveled one year on a circuit, called Somerset, which was located partly in Pennsyl- vania. Virginia and Maryland: then Erie Circuit. Penn. (in what is now Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties), and here, on one occasion, rode sixty miles through a bold, rough country in one day, and preached at his regular appoint- ment that night. In 1837 he assisted Rev. Jacob Bose in conducting the first protracted meeting ever held by the Evangelical Association. The man, at whose house the meetings were held. was not a believer, and talked of not let- ting the meetings go on there much longer. when one night Mr. Yambert. in a ser mon, so graphically described the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden by the serpent. that it made a deep impression on his mind. This man kept & still-house, and the next morning the first thing that met his eyes on opening the still-house door was a large serpent coiled in a beer hogshead. He was so confounded by the coincidence that he re- turned to the house, told what had occurred to those present, ate nothing that day. and the following morning ascended to the meeting room upstairs and began praying, finally became fully converted, and did not return to the still-house during the meeting. Thence Mr. Yambert was sent to Miami Cir- cuit, and while there was married. He remained on that circuit two years in all, and then returned to Wayne Circuit, thence to Pickaway County. While on a circuit in Marion County, he went to the Whetstone Settlement and set- tled a dispute. concerning lightning rods, between the class leader and ox- horter rs. some of the members, who, in their superstition regarded any pre- cautionary measures as defying the power of God. He traveled for many

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years afterward in the western portion of the State, on different circuits. On one occasion, after preaching in Bettsville in the forenoon, he attempted to cross to Mud Creek Prairie, which was in sight, to meet an appointment there. He could see the house, and on horseback started to cross direct, but the ground was wet and the grass as high as his head. His horse got stuck in the mud, slipped and fell, throwing Mr. Yambert off and completely covering him with mud; in that condition he arrived at his destination and preached just as he was. At another time. after starting to go through a dense forest in search of a new preaching place, he lost his way. He started Monday morning be- fore breakfast, although requested to take refreshment, saying "no, old Adam might fast," expecting to get through by noon: wandered around in the woods and did not find his way until the next morning. when he broke his fast for the first time, and his text afterward was for "more light." He subsequently preached on Michigan Circuit. in Michigan, Ohio, etc. He now owns 161 acres of good land in this township and 170 in Illinois, and is a local minister of the Evangelical Association of which his family are also members. Mr. Yambert was married. February 10. 1839. to Sarah Huffer. of Pickaway County, Ohio, also a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born December 28. 1813, daughter of Isaac and Julia Huffer, who were born in Pennsylvania. but in the course of time moved to Pickaway County. Ohio, and there lived and died. To the union of our subject and wife were born thirteen children- nine of whom are now living: Caroline (wife of George W. Rosier), Mary (wife of Chancey Boucher). Lavina, Joshua J .. Aaron H., Sarah C. (wife of George Ingman). Susanna (wife of J. W. Boucher). Sibylla J .. Julia M. (wife of Rev. Daniel Elenburger).

LEANDER ZEIS. farmer and stock-dealer. P. O. Tiffin. one of the well- to-do farmers and stock-dealers of Seneca Township. was born in this county, December 25. 1845. son of Jacob and Elizabeth M. Zeis, who. in 1828. settled in this county, when it was mostly a wilderness, and here remained until their death. Jacob Zeis was born in Baden. Germany, died August 17, 1876: and Elizabeth M. Zeis was born in Bavaria, Germany, died October 9, 1878. Leander Zeis was reared on a farm. and has followed agricultural pursuits since the death of his father. He acquired a good common school education and taught ten terms of school. He was married, February 1, 1872. to Sarah C .. daughter of Jacob and Sarah Martin. natives of Pennsylvania. who settled ili Seneca County. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Zeis have had two children: Benjamin H., born February 7. 1875. and Ica. born December 15. 1883. Our subject has a nice farm. consisting of 103 acres, where he and his family reside. H filled the office of justice of the peace two terms in Seneca Township with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents.

CASPER ZIEGLER. farmer. P. O. Berwick. was born in Bavaria. Ger- many, September 13. 1829, son of Paul and Margaret Ziegler. who were married in Germany. Our subject came to this country and to Seneca County from Bavaria in 1846. and was united in marriage, September 24. 1855, with Emma Bartz. also a native of Bavaria. born August 31, 1836, daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Bartz, of same nativity, and who immigrated to Seneca County, Ohio. in 1840, and here lived and died. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler eight are now living: Christian, Frank, Daniel. Nancy. Margaret, Henry. Emma and Grover E. The deceased are John and Eliza- beth. Our subject. who was raised on a farm, now owns 300 acres of fine land with good buildings thereon. He started for himself with nothing. but by in- dustry and perseverance has accumulated a comfortable competency. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.

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WILLIAM F. BENNEHOFF, farmer, P. O. Bellevue, Huron County, was born August 20. 1842, in Lehigh County, Penn. His father. Solomon Benne- hoff, a native of Lehigh County, Penn., married Ann Rader. and they came to Adams Township, this county, in 1843, where Mrs. Bennehoff died in 1855. In 1858 Solomon Bennehoff located in Scipio Township, this county, where he remained until his death. which occurred June 17. 1884, in his seventy-eighth year. The subject of this sketch, the third in a family of eight children. received his education in the schools of the home district. December 25, 1871. he married Miss Barbara Ellen Royer, a native of Thompson Township, this county, and a daughter of Samuel Royer. Mr. and Mrs. Bennehoff have re- sided in Thompson Township ever since their marriage. Their children are Calvin Arthur, who died at three years of age; Anna M .; Jennie T. and Jessie Irena. Mr. Bennehoff held the position of clerk of Thompson Township from 1875 to 1880, discharging his duties faithfully and to the satisfaction of the people. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN BOLIN, farmer, P. O. West Lodi, was born August 5, 1838, in Thompson Township. this county; a son of George and Mary Bolin. He now owns the old family homestead. where he was born and brought up. He mar- ried Miss Mary Snavely, November 30, 1865, and they have two daughters Emma Jane and Elmira. and one son-Enoch. Mrs. Bolin is a member of the German Baptist Church. Mr. Bolin is a life-long Democrat. and a leading and highly respected citizen of Thompson Township.

WILLIAM BORGER. farmer, P. O. Bellevue. Huron County, was born October 18. 1823. in Union County, Penn. His father, John Borger, served his country faithfully in the war of 1812, after which he married Sarah Boyer. They came to Flat Rock, this county, in 1833, and after spending six months in Sandusky County, settled permanently in Thompson Township, this county ; the father died in 1859, and the mother August 18, 1879, aged eighty-one years. Their children are Mrs. Maria Eberhard, Henry, William, Betsey. George. Mrs. Susan Eberhard and Mrs. Lovina Wright, now living, and three now deceased. Our subject, who passed most of his life in Thompson Town- ship, this county, married. April 25, 1847. Miss Catherine Dewald, who was born in Union County, Penn .. March 12. 1819. Mr. and Mrs. Borger have lived in Thompson Township ever since their marriage. Their children are Mrs. Catherine Jane Buck, William H .. James L., and Reuben Isaac (deceased). They own a farm of 125 acres of well-improved land. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Borger is a worthy representative of one of the most highly respected pioneer families.

BENJAMIN F. BUNN, farmer, P. O. Flat Rock, was born November 5, 1837. in Thompson Township, this county. After taking the common school course in the home district. he completed his education at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio. He married Miss Mary Matilda Hachenberg December 24. 1868, and they have been living ever since their marriage on their present farm, a fine place of 165 acres of well-improved land, the old homestead of his parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Bunn have been born three children: Cora Elmina, who departed

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this life July 24, 1883, aged thirteen years, eight months and seven days; Jacob Elmer, a bright and promising lad. still at home; and Samuel Warren, who died July 9, 1883, aged two years, six months and five days. Mr. and Mrs. Bunn are members of the Reformed Church. He is a citizen of public spirit, and has rendered valuable service in advancing the educational interests of the community.

JOHN BURMAN. farmer. P. O. Bellevue, Huron County, was born December 6, 1818, in New Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio. His father, John Burman, of Pennsylvania, came with his parents to Ohio in a very early day; and during the war of 1812 worked at his trade as gunsmith for the Gov- ernment at Franklinton, where Columbus now stands; he married Miss Catharine Fisher, of Fairfield County, also a native of Pennsylvania, and set- tled seven miles north of Findlay, Hancock County, in 1830, and there remained until their death. They were upright pioneers and left an honored name to posterity. Our subject is the third in their family of eleven children. He came to Flat Rock, this county, in 1843. He worked several years at his trade as carpenter, after which he established a steam saw-mill, and operated it for seven years on the place which he now occupies. He then settled down to farming, which has been his occupation ever since. He has acquired a fine farm of 110 acres of well-improved land. He has an excellent water supply on his place, which has never been known to fail. April 21. 1844. Mr. Burman married Miss Catharine Korner, daughter of Jacob Korner, and to this union were born following named children: Mrs. Melissa Buljer, Alonzo, Mrs. Fidelia Smith, Mrs. Adeline Reeves and Mrs. Olive Swindler. Mr. Burman is a life-long Democrat. He leads a life of useful industry, and is highly respected by the entire community.

WILLIAM CLEMENS (deceased) was born July 12, 1824, in Union County, Pennsylvania. His father, John Clemens, a soldier of the war of 1812, settled in Huron County, Ohio, near the Seneca County line, in 1831, and he and his wife finally moved to Adams Township, this county. where they remained until their death. William Clemens married, November 11. 1849, Miss Mary Ann Alexander, born March 31, 1829, in Coshocton County. Ohio. They lived in Huron County until 1862 when they settled on the present homestead in Thompson Township, this county. Here they acquired a fine farm of 340 acres of well-improved land in this and Huron Counties. This they obtained entirely by their own efforts. Their children are Lyman, Mrs. Clara Loffand, Mrs. Lucinda Thompson, Mrs. Rose A. Haywood, Charles, Mrs. Julia Higgins and Alice. Mr. Clemens was killed in the railroad disaster at Ashtabula, Ohio, December 29, 1876. He was an extensive dealer in stock during the last few years of his life. He took an active interest in the educational affairs of the country, and held the position of school director in both counties for many years. Seneca County lost one of its most useful and influential citizens when he came to his untimely death. His widow now resides on the family home- stead. She is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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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