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 129

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 129

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A. B. BRANT, dealer in grain, seed, salt and baled hay, came to Attica at the time of the building of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and began dealing in lumber and grain, abandoning the former in 1882. He is a native of Cumber- land County, Penn., born July 11, 1843; son of Michael and Elizabeth (Bower- master) Brant. He received his education in the country schools, and began business for himself at seventeen years of age, following farming and stock- dealing until embarking in his present business. He came to Ohio in 1846, and to this county in 1860. He was married, in May, 1866, to Mary J. Myers, who died in 1871, and by her he had one child Millie. 3 His second mar- riage, in March, 1875, was with Loa M. Couch. Mr. Brant is an energetic business man, and has held important positions in Reed and Venice Townships. He is a member of Attica Lodge No. 367. F. & A. M .. also of the chapter at Republic, Ohio.

P. A. BUCHMAN. retired merchant and farmer, Carrothers, was born in Bloom Township, this county, June 18, 1843; son of Adam and Catherine (Fike) Buchman, natives of Bavaria, Germany, who immigrated to America, and located in Pennsylvania, where they resided three years: came then, in 1833. to this county, and settled on a farm in Bloom Township, where Adam Buch-

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man died in 1881. Their family consisted of eight children, three sons and three daughters attaining maturity, five of whom are now living. Our subject. the second born, was reared on the farm, and followed agricultural pursuits until 1874, when he came to Carrothers and opened a general store, subse- quently admitting his brother, Jacob, as partner, to whom he sold his interest in 1875, and who is now conducting the business. Our subject built the first dwel ling house in Carrothers. He has been financially successful, and now owns a farm of 100 acres in Bloom Township, and property in Carrothers, where he resides. He was married, in 1866, to Rosa, daughter of Jacob and Annie (Neice) Brillhart, of German descent. and to this union were born the follow- ing children: William, Ada. Robert, Dellie, Jacob and Early. Mr. and Mrs. Buchman are members of the Reformed Church, of which he is deacon. and of which he served as a member of the building committee. Politically he is a Democrat.

JOHN H. CARPENTER. deputy United States marshal, Attica. was born in Richland Township, Huron Co., Ohio. October 27, 1843; son of Amasa A. and Catherine (Huffman) Carpenter, the former a farmer, born in Steuben County, N. Y., of Scotch descent, the latter a native of Pennsylvania. of Ger- man lineage. Amasa A. Carpenter came to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1845. and lived on a farm until his death in 1855. Our subject. the eldest in a family of four children, was reared on the farm. receiving his education in the Attica schools and academy at Republic. He enlisted during the late Rebellion, in 1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He was twice taken prisoner. on first occasion managing to effect his escape; the second time was just before the close of the war, and he received his discharge in prison. He participated in several battles, and was at Winchester when Gen. Sheridan arrived and turned defeat into victory. After his return Mr. Carpenter farmed for a time. He was married, in 1867, to Susan, daughter of John Sutton, and a sister of Les- ter Sutton, of Attica, by whom he has one son -- Harry E. Mr. and Mrs. Car- penter are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Carpenter came to Attica in 1870, and worked at the carpenter's trade here. He served for a time as constable. and for fourteen years as marshal of Attica, and in 1880 was appointed deputy United States marshal. In connection with his official duties he also deals in real estate.

J. W. CARSON, farmer and buyer and shipper of live-stock, P. O. Attica. was born in Harrison County, Ohio, December 3, 1818; son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wiloughby) Carson. natives of Pennsylvania, members of the Methodist Church; the former. who was a farmer, was born in 17SS. of Irish descent, served in the war of 1812. came to Venice Township, this county. April 11, 1835, and died here in his seventy-ninth year; the latter, of German and English lineage, lived to be seventy-one years old. They were parents of eleven children, eight of whom are now living. Our subject's grandfather, Robert Carson, served as a soldier all through the Revolutionary war and early came to this county, where he died in 1836; his wife died in May. 1836, and was the first one buried in the graveyard, near what is known as the Swamp Church. Our subject received a common school education, and for nearly a quarter of a century has dealt extensively in stock. He is owner of a fine farm of eighty acres on which he resides, and some land in Dakota. He was married. February 4, 1841, to Mary Ann, daughter of Maurice and Hannah (Davis) Moore, the former born in 1797. the latter June 27. 1800, and who had a fam- ily of thirteen children, twelve attaining maturity and nine still living. Mr. Moore, a farmer by occupation, was one of the pioneers of Seneca County. com-

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ing here in 1834. He died October 7, 1883, his wife having preceded him Feb- ruary 10, same year. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Carson was blessed with twelve children, nine growing to manhood and womanhood, of whom eight are now living: Margaret Jane, wife of John H. Gaddis, a farmer of Venice Town- ship; Hannah Ann, wife of John L. Retting, a farmer in Huron County, Ohio: Sarah M., wife of John Harter, a farmer in Crawford County, Ohio; S. B., an extensive land agent in Dakota, and also the owner of over 1,000 acres of land on which the town of Carson is located: Eliza A .. wife of Henry Werder, a farmer of Van Wert County, Ohio: Mary F., wife of A. M. Friedley, a mer- chant in Attica; Ida May, wife of Frank C. Myers, a merchant in Attica, and Louetta, wife of Henry S. Hayes. Mrs. Carson is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Carson is a great reader and usually takes from eight to ten newspapers. He has served as assessor and township trustee. Politically he is a Republican.

JAMES L. COUCH, justice of the peace, Attica, was born in Niles Town- ship, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May 5. 1810; son of Joel B. and Phoebe (Ladow) Couch, the former a native of Connecticut. of English descent, the latter of Saratoga County, N. Y., of French lineage. They were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. James L., the fourth born, was reared on the farm. receiving a common school education, and at the age of eighteen learned the wagon-maker's trade, at which he worked for many years. He was married. in 1834, to Celestia. daughter of Asahel Wood, and the children now living that were born to this union are Frances, wife of Isaac Raymond; Joel B., married, living in Napoleon, Henry County. Ohio: Mary E., wife of Williard Green, and Celestia A., wife of David A. Boyle. Mrs. Couch died in 1850, and our subject subsequently married Mary H. Wheeler, a cousin to his first wife. by whom he had three children: Addie E .. wife of A. B. Low; Loa M., wife of A. B. Brant; and Nettie W .. wife of Rev. J. F. Rice, a minister in charge of the Universalist Church, at Attica. Mr. and Mrs. Couch are members of the Universalist Church here. Mr. Couch moved to Huron County. Ohio, in 1837. settling in Bronson Township; in 1848 he located in Norwich Township, Huron County, where he farmed and built a saw-mill, which he ran successfully several years; then came to Attica, in 1872. He is a Democrat in politics and has filled several of the township offices of Bronson and Norwich Townships in Huron County, and Venice Township in this county. He has served as mayor of Attica; three terms as justice of the peace, and also as township and village clerk of Venice and Attica. respectively. He is a F. & A. M., and a member of the I. O. O. F.

CYRUS N. CRABBS, farmer. P. O. Attica. was born in Seneca County, Ohio. October 10. 1857. and is the youngest of the five sons of James Madison and Mary N. (Houston) Crabbs, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of English «lescent, the latter born in Ohio, of Revolutionary parentage. James M. Crabbs was a carpenter by trade, also had possession of a large farm situated in Seneca County. By hard work and exposure to bad weather, he contracted a cold which terminated in death; he left five young boys. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the common schools in Venice Township and obtained a collegiate education at Valparaiso, Ind. He chose teaching as his profession, went to Mansfield. Ohio, took a regular teacher's course and grad- uated in 1879. He has taught in this county every winter, except one, since he was nineteen years of age. Mr. Crabbs is a good scholar, an able debater and a fine political speaker. He is a Republican in politics and took an active part in the campaign of 1884, making several speeches. Our subject has been twice married; on first occasion in 1881, to Ellen, daughter of John Crothers:

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she dying in 1882, Mr. Crabbs was again married, this time in 1884, to Miss Jennie, daughter of Peter Keesy, a prominent farmer of Huron County, Ohio, and of English descent. Mrs. Crabbs is a member of the United Brethren Church.

D. J. DECK, physician, Carrothers, was born in Lebanon County, Penn., August 22, 1855, and is the only son of Jacob and Maria (Wise) Deck, also natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Jacob Deck, who was twice married, has been a farmer all his life. Our subject, who is the youngest of six children, obtained his literary education at Palatinate College, Pennsyl- vania, whence he graduated in 1873. After traveling in the Western States one year he returned to Harrisburg, Penn., studied medicine and was admitted to practice in 1877, having graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, Phila- delphia. He then came to Mccutchenville, Ohio, and the same year to Carro- thers, where he has since remained in active practice. He was married, in 1877, to Almira, daughter of Benjamin and Eliza (Miller) Reeme, who were of German origin, and to this union have been born three children: Reeme, Dessie and Elabel. Mrs. Deck is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Dr. Deck is a Republican. He is a member of the Patriotic Sons of America and of the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of the German Lutheran Church.

PROF. RUSSELL B. DRAKE, superintendent of public schools, Attica, was born in Wood County, Ohio, January 15, 1850, son of Joseph and Ro- sanna (Bowers) Drake, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively, and of English descent. His father, a farmer by occupation, was a pioneer of Wood County, Ohio, and obtained land from the Government, President Jackson (whom he had previously voted for) signing the deed. Our subject, the youngest in a family of seven children, lived on the farm until seventeen years of age, when he graduated at Fostoria High School and commenced teaching school for the purpose of obtaining funds to prosecute a thorough classical education. He then attended Oberlin College, and while at that in- stitution, in 1875, received a favorable offer and accepted the superintendency of the public school at Allouez, Mich., where he remained for two years. He then went to Central Mine, Mich., where he was superintendent of a school for four years. In 1883 the Professor accepted his present position. He was married, March 28, 1873, in Hancock County, Ohio, to Miss Ruth, daughter of J. Redfern, whose parents were natives of England. Her father, a farmer, was one of the early pioneers of Hancock County, Ohio. Mrs. Drake has also taught school and was one of Mr. Drake's assistants while in Michigan. Their children are as follows: Alba A., Lillie A. and William A. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Church, in which he is class leader, and while in Michigan was licensed to preach. Mr. Drake is also teacher in and assistant superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is a member of the I. O. O.F. and A. O. U. W. societies.

JACOB EBERSOLE, retired farmer, Attica, was born in Cumberland County. Penn., September 12, 1807, son of John (a farmer) and Elizabeth (Eberly) Ebersole, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Of their nine children, Jacob, the second born, was reared on a farm, receiving a com- mon school education. He has made farming the business of his life, and has resided in Venice Township, this county, since 1834. He settled in the woods when he came here, and thinks he has cleared 200 acres of heavily timbered land with his own hands, the first being 160 acres, which he obtained from the State, and seventy acres which he purchased and lately sold to Isaac, the second son that is living. Since 1866 Mr. Ebersole has resided in Attica. He

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bought eleven acres of land near the village, when he came here, the most of which he has laid out in town lots. He was married, in 1832, to Mary, daughter of John Rarisk, and of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent. Their children are as follows: Henry, Mary, Elizabeth, Isaac, Amanda, Emma and Andrew. Mrs. Ebersole dying in 1853, our subject was married, on second occasion, to Sophia E. Burns, a native of Kentucky, daughter of Michael and Sarah (Barlow) Burns, of English descent. the latter born in New York, both of whom lived and died in Kentucky. This union has been blessed with one child-Eva. Mrs. Ebersole is a member of the United Brethren Church. Politically Mr. Ebersole is a Republican.

J. B. FALTER, farmer and breeder of fine stock, P. O. Attica, was born in Germany December 20, 1826, son of Philip and Christina (Kerner) Falter, also natives of Germany. who came thence to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1833. Philip Falter, who was a shoe maker in the old country and a farmer here, was twice married, and reared eight children. J. B. being the youngest; the father died in 1842. Our subject was reared on the farm, obtaining his education in the log schoolhouse. He is a good English scholar, and can read, though he cannot write, the German language. Mr. Falter has been very successful. When he started for himself his father gave him $160, and to-day he owns 142 acres of land, well stocked, etc. He was married, in 1853, to Margaret Stein- metz, born in Alsace, France, in 1832, daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Lang) Steinmetz, also natives of Alsace. and who came to America in 1833, and settled on a farm in Seneca County, Ohio. To our subject and wife were born the following children: Philmenia (wife of John C. Worm). Martha (wife of Nathan Worm), John Joseph. Mary Magdalena. Ida, Annie E., William E. and Cornelius, all members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Falter has been school director for eleven years. In politics he is a Democrat.

A. H. FINK, junior member of the firm of Bemenderfer & Co., manu- facturers of sash, doors and blinds, Attica, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, December 6, 1850, son of John R. and Matilda (Miller) Fink, natives of Penn- sylvania and of German descent. His father was a carpenter and a farmer. Our subject, the eldest in a family of eight children, was reared on the farm and attended district school in Huron County, Ohio. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until he entered his present busi- ness. He came to Attica in 1879. Mr. Fink was married, in 1874, to Martha L., daughter of Andrew Sheely, of German descent. by whom he has one child-Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Fink are members of the Methodist Protestant Church at Attica. Although Mr. Fink was reared a Democrat, he is a radical Republican. He has made what he now possesses by his own exertions. He is a man of temperate habits.

ALFRED FORCE, physician, Attica, was born in the State of New York, June 8, 1822, son of Benjamin (a farmer) and Sophia (Caswell) Force, natives of New York and Massachusetts, respectively, and of English descent. Their family consisted of six children, of whom Alfred is the fourth. Our subject was reared on the farm, receiving his early education in his native State. He was united in marriage. in 1844. with Lucinda, daughter of Lewis Davison, and of English descent, and their children are Alice, wife of S. Tackbury; Clarence C., a physician, and Winfield S., a medical student in Attica. In 1852 our subject came to this county and commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Franklin. at Tiffin, subsequently attending the Medical Col- lege, Cincinnati, Ohio. He was in active practice till 1864, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was appointed assistant surgeon of the regiment: most of the time, however. he

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filled the position of surgeon-major. At the close of the war he was mustered out of service. The Doctor then practiced in the State of New York until 1881. when he came to Attica, where he has since followed his profession. Dr. Force is a member of the Universalist Church.

A. M. FRIEDLEY, a member of the firm of Friedley Bros .. dealers in dry goods, groceries and queensware. Attica. was born in Venice Township, this county, Jannary 1. 1853, son of J. J. and Barbara (Link) Friedley. latter of whom was born in Germany: her parents came to America when she was only two years old, and were among the first settlers of this county: her father. Jacob Link, en- tered 240 acres of land, part of which is now owned by H. F. Myers. of Attica, and part by John Link. Our subject's grandfather. Ludwick Friedley. was born in Pennsylvania, of German descent, and was a farmer by occupation. settling in Venice Township, this county, in 1838. dying in 1871. J. J. Friedley (sub- ject's father) resided here from 183S. He was a farmer, and at his death owned 230 acres of well-improved land. He died in ISS1. aged fifty-three years. A. M. Friedley, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest in a family of nine children seven boys and two girls. He received his education in this county, and followed agricultural pursuits until 1880. when he embarked in his present business. He was married. in 1875, to Mary F. Carson. of Eng- lish descent, daughter of J. W. Carson, and to this union have been born Alva J .. Ida May, Myrtie Belle and Dessie Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Friedley are members of the United Brethren Church. Politically he is a Republican.

JOHN L. FRIEDLEY, of the firm of Friedley Bros., dealers in dry goods. groceries and queensware, Attica, was born in Venice Township, this county. January 19, 1855. son of J. J. and Barbara ( Link) Friedley. He was educated at the normal school. Valparaiso, Ind .. and resided on the farm with his parents until twenty-three years of age. He then came to Attica, this county, and clerked in the store of S. A. Ringle for two years. He and his brother. A. M. Friedley, then bought the stock and continued doing business in the same building. John L. Friedley was married, in 1882, to Jennie. daughter of Rev. Peter Tendrick, a minister of the Reformed Church. and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Friedley have but one child. Grace B. They are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Our subject has served three years as a member of the town council. In politics he is a Democrat.

S. C. GATES, a member of the firm of Bemenderfer & Co., manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds, Attica, was born July 21, 1840, in New London, Ohio, son of John and Rachel (Earl) Gates, natives of New York. and of Eng- lish descent. Our subject. the second of three children. received his educa- tion in the common schools of his native State. and followed droving from 1855 (cattle in summer and horses in winter, selling in portions of Pennsylva- nia, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland), until 1861. when he enlisted in Company C, Sixty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served three years and was mustered out as orderly-sergeant of his company. He participated in the battles fought at Pittsburgh Landing and Chattanooga, Tenn., and in several other engagements. At the close of the war he came to Ohio and settled in Huron County, where he remained until 1868, when he removed to Seneca County, and in 1869 to Attica, where he manufactured carriages and wagons, and worked at the carpenter's trade until 1874. since when he has successfully engaged in his present business. Mr. Gates was married, in 1867, to Sarah Carpenter, of English descent, and by her he has one child. Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Gates are members of the Baptist Church at Attica. of which he is trus- tee and treasurer. In politics he is a Republican; has served as trustee of the township, and as a member of the school board.

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SYLVANUS GRIFFITH, retired, Attica, was born in Madison County, N. Y., March 19. 1806, son of Doan and Lucinda (Eaton) Griffith, natives of New York and of Welsh descent, and whose family consisted of eleven children, nine of whom attained maturity, Sylvanus being the next eldest. Doan Grif- fith was a weaver by trade, and also engaged in farming. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education in his native State, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. In 1835 he settled in the woods of Huron County, Ohio, and improved a farm where he lived until he retired from active pursuits in 1872, and bought and moved on his property in Attica, this county. He has been twice married, first in 1833, to Elizabeth Abell, born in Vermont, of English descent, and who died in 1880. She was a mem- ber of the Methodist Church. Mr. Griffith was married, on second occasion, to Mrs. Electa (Beard) Richard, who had three children; Wilson, a farmer of Wood County, Ohio: George, a farmer, and Emma. Mr. Griffith was formerly a Methodist, but since 1877 has been a member of the United Brethren Church at Attica. and was a member of the building committee when the new church was erected. His wife has been an active member of this church for several years.

J. W. HALL, member of the firm of Hall & Myers, proprietors of foundry and machine shops. Attica, was born in Niles Township, Tompkins Co., N. Y., July 11, 1828, and is next youngest of the seven children born to William and Mary (Goodwin) Hall, natives of New Jersey and of English descent. His father came from New York and settled in Scipio Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, among the early pioneers. Our subject acquired a common school edu- cation, and attended the academy at Republic. He remained on the farm until seventeen years of age; then learned blacksmithing, and after serving an ap- prenticeship as machinist also learned the molder's trade. serving in all fourteen years, and is master of his vocation. He came to Attica in 1866, and em- barked in his present business. He manufactured for a time the iron bean plow which had an extensive sale. but he is now making a speciality of the land roller, an invention of his own. Mr. Hall was united in marriage, in 1851. with Hannah Ryno, a native of Steuben County, N. Y., and of English descent. and their children are William H .. a lumber dealer; Warren R., a molder by trade; Alcamena. wife of William Smeltz; George, living at Tiffin, Ohio, and Elera. Mrs. Hall is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Hall has served as trustee of Reed Township, this county.

GEORGE H. HAMILTON, dealer in groceries, and insurance agent. Attica, was born in Venice Township, this county, January 11, 1852, son of D. F. and Margaret (Carson) Hamilton, natives of Ohio and of English descent. Our subject, the fourth in a family of ten children, received his education in the academy at Republic and Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio. At the age of seventeen years he commenced teaching school, a voca- tion he followed until he was twenty-two years old, and in 1873 embarked in his present business in Attica. He was united in marriage, in 1872, with Clara, daughter of David S. Jackson, and to this union were born the following chil- dren: Ora M., Stewart F. and Clara Belva. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, in which he has served as super- intendent of the Sabbath-school for the past seven years. Mr. Hamilton is representing the Ohio Mutual Life Insurance Company, and the Washington Fire and Marine Insurance Company. In connection with his grocery busi- ness he deals extensively in poultry.

JAMES HANNA, retired farmer, P. O. St. Stephen, prominent among the early pioneers of Seneca County, Ohio, was born in Cumberland County,

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Penn., January 28, 1804, son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Orr) Hanna, natives of Ireland. His father, a weaver by trade, immigrated to America in 1799 and settled in Cumberland County, Penn. Our subject is the third born and the only survivor in a family of four children. His early means for obtaining an education were limited by his location in a newly settled country. In 1834 he came to this county, entered land, and although the country then abounded with wild game, never turned his attention to hunting, but devoted his time exclusively to farming. He has been very successful and owns 219 acres of . land on which he resides. He was married, in 1829, to Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Ellen (Crooks) McClelland, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch descent, and to this union were born Hugh R., residing at Fostoria; Samuel McClelland (deceased): William, married and engaged in farming and teach- ing school: James, married and farming in Illinois; Sylvanus, married and farming in Paulding County, Ohio; Thomas S., previously in business at Bloomville, this county, is now taking charge of the home farm; John, farm- ing in Wood County, Ohio: Martha E., wife of George Hull, of Fostoria; Sarah, wife of Frank Free, a farmer, and Elizabeth. wife of Thomas Web- ster. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna have together borne the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and by industry aud prudent management of their resources have accumulated a handsome competency which will enable them to pass the residue of their lives in ease and comfort. They are members of the Presby- terian Church, in which Mr. Hanna has been deacon for many years. He has served his township as school director and assessor. Politically he is a Demo- crat.

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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