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 130

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 130

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WILLIAM HARMAN. dentist, and mayor of Attica, was born in Reading, Penn., November 15, 1846; son of Charles and Barbara Harman, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. former of whom, a machinist by trade, died in 1856 when William, who was the third in a family of five children, all now living, was not quite ten years old. Our subject then clerked in a store until 1863, when he enlisted in Company I. Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volun- teer Infantry. He was shot by a sharpshooter at Cold Harbor, the musket ball passing through his right shoulder and lodging in the right lung, where it still remains He received an honorable discharge by order of the war department, July 25, 1865. Returning home he studied dentistry at Selin's Grove, Penn., and in 1866 commenced to practice his profession in Indiana, where he resided for two years; thence moved to Michigan, and here he remained until 1871, when he came to Attica, where he still continues to practice. Mr. Harman was married, in 1868, to Lucy Graves, a native of Ohio. and of English descent. She is a member of the Universalist Church at Attica. The Doctor has supported himself since ten years of age. He obtained his education by studying at nights and reading the newspapers, having attended school but six weeks in his life. He was elected mayor of Attica in 1980, which position he still fills. He has taken seven degrees in the order of F. & A. M., and has been through all the chairs, and is Noble Grand of the I. O. O. F. He has been a member of these societies for fourteen years. Our subject was also first commander of the G. A. R. He is a member of the State Dental Asso- ciation. In politics he is a Republican.

LEVI HILLIS, farmer, P. O. Attica, was born in Venice Township, this county, October 6, 1848, son of John and Sarah (Cummins) Hillis. natives of Maryland, and of Irish descent. His father, born in Ireland in 1806, came to America and direct to Seneca County, Ohio, settling on a farm in Venice Township in 1846, where he spent the remainder of his life. dying in 1875. He was a successful farmer, and at the time of his death owned 120 acres of

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land. Our subject, the ninth in a family of eleven children, was reared on the farm, and he now owns a farm in Venice Township, whereon he resides. He was united in marriage, in 1878, with Sophia, daughter of Martin Smeltz, of German descent, who has always been a farmer. Politically Mr. Hillis is a Democrat.

ANDREW HOERN, farmer, P. O. Attica, was born in Baden, Germany, February 29. 1828, son of Jacob and Susan (Fry) Hoern. His father, a · blacksmith, and who came from Germany in 1849, settling in Venice Township, this county. had two sons: Andrew, and Jacob, now a farmer in Michigan. Our subject was educated in Germany, and at the age of fourteen learned black- sinithing. He worked at his trade for several years after coming to Venice Township, but has made farming the principal business of his life, having met with marked success, and is now the owner of 360 acres of fine land in this county, 160 being in Reed Township, and the remainder, on which he resides, in Venice Township. He was married, in 1855, to Maria Zntavern, born in Bloom Township, this county, in 1837, daughter of Henry and Maria (Geiger) Zutavern. also natives of Germany. Their children are Jacob and Henry (married and residing on a farm in Reed Township), and Margaret, Susan, Amelia, George. Lucinda, Caroline and Laura (at home). The family are members of the Reformed Church. Politically Mr. Hoern is a Democrat.

DAVID HOLMES. farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Attica, was born in Venice Township, this county, in 1843, and is the youngest of eight children. He received his education in his native county, and was reared on the farm. He learned the blacksmith's trade, but has made agriculture the principal occupation of his life. He owns 250 acres of land in Huron County, Ohio, and has the controlling interest in the home farm of 226 acres, which he manages and on which he resides. Mr. Holmes is a Democrat. He has served as school director and trustee of Venice Township. He took an active interest in the Grange movement. and was Master of a lodge in that order. His father, John Holmes, who resides with him, was born October 30, 1807, in Jefferson County, Ohio, son of John and Sarah (Norris) Holmes, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of whom served all through the Revolutionary war. John Holmes, Jr .. who has been a farmer all his life, was married, in 1829, in Carroll County, Ohio, to Sabina, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Bunton) Hillis, and of Irish descent, and by her he had the following children: Eliza- beth, wife of George D. Moore; Sarah, wife of B. F. Slough; Rebecca W., wife of L. Palmerter; Amos, a resident of Michigan; John Q., a resident of Putnam County, Ohio; Almeda; Emaline (deceased); and David the subject of this sketch.

J. W. HUFFMAN. farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Attica, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, August 29, 1837, and when two years of age was brought to Venice Township, this county, by his parents, Jacob and Catherine (Weaver) Huffman, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. They had a family of ten children, all of whom attained maturity, J. W. being the ninth born. Jacob Huffman. the father of our subject, who was a farmer, first settled in Ohio in 1825, and died in Venice Township in 1855. Our sub- ject's brother Adam lost his life in the late war of the Rebellion. J. W .. the subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm and during the winter attended the log schoolhouse, receiving at the age of twenty-one years a teacher's cer- tificate. During the late civil war he enlisted, in 1861, in the Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in 1862 on account of disability. In July, 1863, he re enlisted in the Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He now owns a farm of 180 acres, and has made agriculture the business of his

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life. He was married, in 1867, to Sarah L. Moore, of English and German descent. Her father, Maurice Moore, obtained land from the Government, the deed being signed by Gen. Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have five children: Blanche, a teacher: Icedore; Ernest A. W., born August 27, 1871, died April 28, 1872: Ashley J. and Ross. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman and two eldest children are members of the Baptist Church, in which he is deacon. Mr. Huffman takes a deep interest in educational matters.

MICHAEL HULL, retired farmer, P. O. Attica, was born in Bedford County, Penn., September 7, 1807, tenth in the family of fourteen children. of Jacob and Elizabeth (Souder) Hull; the former, a farmer, a native of Germany, the latter a native of England. Michael Hull was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education in Pennsylvania, and has made agriculture the business of his life. He was married, in 1836, to Barbara, daughter of George and Betsey (Forney) Free, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. This marriage has been blessed with ten children-seven boys and three girls: Elizabeth (deceased wife of Christian Lebold); Joanna, wife of Jacob Resh, brother of S. B. Resh, of Venice Township; Otha H., married and farming in Henry County, Ohio: George F .. a farmer near Fostoria, Ohio; Jacob B., living on a farm in Fulton County, Ohio; John W. ; Silas R .; William H. ; Amanda, wife of Milo D. Benton; and A. W. Three of the sons served in the late war of the Rebellion: Otha H. enlisted at the com- mencement of the struggle and served till the close of the war; George F. and Jacob B. were in the 100 days' service. Mr. Hull came to this county in 1834 and bought 560 acres of land on Section 7, in Venice Township, where he still resides. He has been remarkably successful as a farmer and has been able to give each of his daughters $2,000 when they were married, and to each of his sons eighty acres of land. No stranger has ever been turned from their door empty. Mr. and Mrs. Hull were members of the Dunkard Society. The four sons who own farms in Venice Township are as follows:

JOHN W. HULL, who was born June 19, 1846, acquired his education in this county and has made farming the business of his life. His residence is one of the best in the neighborhood. He was married in Hancock County, Ohio, in 1867, to Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew Zimmerman, of German descent, and had six children: Celestia Ann. Joseph A., Ada L. (deceased), Altie I., Alfred H. and Flora Amanda. The family are members of the Eng- lish Reformed Church.

SILAS R. HULL, who resides on his farm, adjoining his father's on the west, was born May 25, 1847, and reared on the farm in Venice Township, and re- ceived his education in the common schools of Seneca County. He was mar- ried, in 1872, to Anne, daughter of John and Almira (Snyder) Rogers, former of whom, of English descent, was one of the early pioneers of this county; latter was of German descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Silas R. Hull were born five children: Perry G., Edward E., Jennie Belle (deceased). David C. and Eva Almira. In politics Mr. Hull is a Republican.

WILLIAM H. HULL, whose farm is located north of his father's, was born December 15, 1848, in Venice Township, this county, and was reared on the farm, acquiring his education in his native county and in the academy at Re- public, and has followed agriculture all his life. He was married, in 1872, to Lorenia, daughter of Samuel and Lorenia (Green) Finch, of English descent. William H. Hull is the only Democrat in his family.

A. W. HULL, the youngest of Michael Hull's children, owns the home farm, where his parents still reside. He was born October 3, 1853, and was edu- cated in Seneca County, Ohio. He was married, in 1879, to Miss M. Lepard,

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daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Woollett) Lepard, of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hull are parents of Aza B., Ida May and Mina Belle. Mrs. Hull is a member of the Baptist Church in Attica. Mr. Hull is a staunch Republican in politics.

DAVID S. JACKSON, proprietor of saw-mill, P. O. Attica, was born in Brooke County, Va., April 7, 1819, son of William and Sarah (Steward) Jack- son, parents of nine children, David S. being the fourth born. His mother was a native of Virginia, of English descent; his father, born in Pennsylvania. of Irish descent, was a farmer and came to Crawford County, Ohio, in 1825. Our subject received a common school education and wisely chose to follow the honest occupation of his father. At present he is owner of ninety-two acres of well-improved land. In 1884 Mr. Jackson moved to Attica and em- barked in the saw-mill business in company with his son-in-law E. D. Work, his present partner. Mr. Jackson was married, in 1840, to Louise M., daughter of Joseph Kennedy, of English descent, and to this union were born the following children: Ozro. Sarah E., Margaret J., Mary Ann, Ezra and Charles. Mrs. Jackson dying in 1853, our subject was again married, this time, in 1853. to Mrs. Margaret Ann (Fansler) Hill, a widow, by whom he has had five children: Clara, Julia (deceased), Laura, David and Melvin. Of these Julia was married, October 16. 1878, to E. D. Work, who was born in Pennsylvania, September 13. 1854, and is the son of John and Mary (Doty) Work (the issue of this union was one child, Leona). Mrs. Work died Janu- ary 23, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are members of the Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat; he served as township trustee when he resided on the farm in Huron County, Ohio.

REV. W. ALLEN KEESY, minister of the United Brethren Church, Attica, was born in Huron County, Ohio, July 25, 1843; son of John and Elizabeth (Gouse) Keesy. (The name Keesy was originally spelled Geesy.) His parents, of German origin, reared a family of ten children in Huron County, Ohio. where the father, John Keesy, a farmer, resided for many years and died in 1859. Our subject enlisted, in 1861, in Company I. Fifty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until 1862, and participated in the follow- ing battles and skirmishes: Moorfield. Franklin, Culpeper, Cross Keys. Strasburg and Bull Run, in Virginia, and was discharged on account of disa- bility; but, in 1864, he again enlisted in his country's defense, serving as a non-commissioned officer in the Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he was present at the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin, and two days at Nashville. He was reared on the farm. attending the common schools, and, on his return from the army, the Normal School at Milan, Erie Co .. Ohio; commenced to teach school on his return from Milan, and taught for five terms. He was admitted as a member of the United Brethren Church in 1864, licensed to exhort in 1867, was admitted to the annual con- ference in 1872, and regularly ordained in 1875. He first took charge of the Huron Mission, next the Honey Creek Circuit, then the Shelby Station, Rich- land Circuit, Chicago Junction (where he remained three years), thence going to Fostoria and Clyde. He has served the conference three years as presiding elder, two years of that time being spent in Sandusky District. He was sta- tioned at Attica in 1883. Rev. W. A. Keesy is an able speaker, convincing orator, a diligent worker and faithful student. He has been twice married, first. in 1868, to Maggie J., daughter of Rev. S. T: Lane, a minister of the United Brethren Church. Of the three children born to this union two are now living: Minerva and Mary. Mr. Keesy lost this wife by death in 1873, and in 1875 he was married to Augusta Charles, by whom he has five children: Flora, Oceola. Leona Silvesta, and Edith and Ethel (twins).

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THOMAS KEMP, farmer, P. O. New Washington, Crawford County, was born in Washington County, Penn., October 2, 1813; son of David and Sarah (Ward) Kemp, former å native of Virginia, of German descent, latter born in Pennsylvania, and of English lineage. His father, David Kemp, who, in an early day was a cabinet-maker, came to this county in 1830, settling in the woods of Venice Township. Our subject, the sixth in a family of twelve children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, was reared on the farm and has always followed agricultural pursuits; at present he is owner of eighty acres of land on which he resides. He was married, in 1841, to Eliza- beth, daughter of Maurice and Hannah (Davis) Moore, and of nine children born to this union seven have been school teachers: William, an attorney in Indiana; Maurice, a carpenter and teacher, residing in Berea, Ohio; George, a farmer and school teacher, residing in Wisconsin; David J., a merchant of Young America, Ind .; Hannah S., a school teacher; John L., a farmer and teacher, residing in this county; Finley L. ; Emily J. and Frank Theodore, a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp are members of the United Brethren Church. Politically he is a Republican.

EDWARD KINNEY, farmer, P. O. Attica, was born in Scipio Township, this county, April 3, 1833; son of Patrick and Jane (Sweney) Kinney, natives of Ireland, who had a family of six children, five attaining maturity. His father came from Ireland to America when a young man, and was married in the city of Philadelphia, Penn .; came to this county in 1829 and owned a farm in Scipio Township where his son, Edward, who was next to the eldest child, lived until seventeen years of age. In 1852 the subject of this sketch started across the plains for California, remaining in the mining regions of the Pacific coast for seven years. During this time his father lost his eye- sight, and, on receiving the sad news, Edward, who was a dutiful son, immediately returned and lived with his father until the latter's death in 1873. In the fall of the same year Edward Kinney was united in marriage with Mary A., daughter of Matthew Delaney, of Irish origin, and to this union were born two children: Anna Bertha and John F. They are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Kinney is owner of 100 acres of well-improved land whereon he resides. In politics he is a Democrat.

A. W. KNIGHT, physician and surgeon, Attica, was born near Tiffin, this county, May 31, 1856; son of Thomas and Mary (Powell) Knight, also native Ohioans, of English descent, who were the parents of seven children, of whom A. W. is third. His father, a farmer, and still a resident of this county, took great interest in educating his children, giving them the advantages of the best schools. Our subject graduated from Wooster University in 1879, receiv- ing the degree of B. S., and has since had the degree of M. S. conferred upon him by that institution. He commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. J. F. E. Fanning, but after remaining there only five months entered Miami College, Cincinnati, where he graduated in 1884. He then commenced and has since continued practice in Attica, this county. Politically the Doctor is a Republican.

NOAH LAPHAM, retired farmer, P.O. Attica, was among the early pioneers of this county, where he has resided since 1826. He is a native of the State of New York, born August 4, 1813; third in the family of ten children of Joseph and Levina (Holland) Lapham, natives of Massachusetts, and of English descent. Joseph Lapham came to Scipio Township, this county, in 1826, ob- tained land from the Government, the deed being signed by Gen. Jackson, and here resided on the farm. He and his family traveled via the Erie Canal to Buffalo, N. Y., thence to Sandusky, Ohio, on lake, and from there to Venice

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Township by team, and here lived for a time in a tent. Joseph Lapham was eighty-five and Levina Lapham eighty-eight years old when they died. Our subject acquired his education in his native State. When twenty-three years old he was married to Sarah Chase, a native of Massachusetts, and of English descent. Seven children were born to this union, three now living: John M., who served as a soldier in the army during the late war of the Rebellion; Ada- laide and Henry T. This wife died in 1875, and in 1876 Mr. Lapham married Miss Artie Brown, who lived but three years after. His present wife, Celia, daughter of Russell True, was a native of New York, of English descent. and the widow of Philo Bugbee. One of Mr. Lapham's sons, Joseph C., was a member of Company H, One Hundred and First Regiment Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, and was killed at the battle of Resaca, Ga .. May 15, 1864. Mr. Lapham is a member of the Universalist Church. In politics he is a Republican. He has filled the offices of assessor, trustee, school director, etc., of this township. He is the owner at present of 110 acres of farm land and some town property.

JACOB FREDERICK LEBOLD, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Attica, was born in Germany, April 10. 1829, eldest child of John C. and Christianna (Eichenhofer) Lebold, natives of Germany, who settled on a farm in Tuscara- was County, Ohio. in 1830, and there resided until 1842, thence moving to Section 16, Venice Township. this county, where John C. Lebold (the father) bought 340 acres of land, on a portion of which he still resides: of their family of ten children six attained maturity. Our subject has made farming the business of his life, and at present owns a well-improved farm. He was mar- ried. in 1855. to Rachel McKibben. daughter of James, Sr., and Rachel (Mc- Cord) Mckibben, former of whom, a farmer, died in 1861 in this county, where he had resided since 1834 (they were natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and Scotch descent). To our subject and wife was born one child-Christianna Maria, now the wife of Frederick L. Smeltz. who is engaged in farming in Venice Township. this county. Mrs. Lebold taught school eleven terms before her marriage. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Lebold was formerly a Whig in politics, and is now a Republican.

CONRAD LEBOLD, farmer, P. O. Attica, was born in Lawrence Town- ship, Tuscarawas Co .. Ohio, April 2, 1839: son of John C. and Christiana (Auchenhofer) Lebold, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and a brother of Jacob F. Lebold. His father, one of the early settlers of this county, still re- sides in Venice Township. Our subject was reared on the farm, educated in the common schools and has followed agricultural pursuits to the present time. He is the owner of 100 acres of land near Attica, on which he resides. He was married, in 1855, to Lucinda. daughter of Jacob Henry and Margaret (Geiger) Zutavern, natives of Germany, and among the early settlers of this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Lebold were born the following children: Sherman F., Henry C., Alvin B. and Clara Bertha. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Lebold is a Republican.

JOHN LEBOLD, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Attica, was born in Tus- carawas County, Ohio, January 30, 1842: son of J. C. Lebold, a pioneer farmer, who still resides in Venice Township. Our subject's parents, natives of Ger- many, moved to Seneca County when he was a child. He was reared on the farm, acquired a common school education. and chose agriculture as his occu- pation, at which he has been very successful, being at present the owner of 120 acres of well-improved land. At the commencement of the war, in 1861, Mr. Lebold promptly enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volun- teer Infantry. He was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, taken prisoner, but released on account of his wound. He participated in several engage-

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ments, and after serving for three years was honorably discharged, returned home and again took up farming. Mr. Lebold was united in marriage, in 1869, with Annie, daughter of Jacob Free, by whom he has two children: Earl and Iden. Mr. Lebold is a member of the G. A. R. Politically he is a Republican.

AVERY LEONARD. farmer, Attica, one of the early settlers of Venice Township who still survive, was born in Washington County, Penn., July 30. 1798. His parents were natives of Connecticut. The father, Caleb Leonard, was a descendant from the Puritans that landed on Plymouth Rock, and the mother, Sarah (Hale) Leonard, was of English descent, being a daughter of Gideon Hale, who served under Gen. Wolfe, when he fell at the taking of Quebec from the French. His father died at the ripe age of eighty-seven, in Washington County, Penn., and the mother in her eighty-second year, in Seneca County, Ohio. Our subject received his education in the common schools, and early learned the blacksmith trade. He was married, in 1820, to Nancy. daughter of Samuel Smith, also a native of Washington County, Penn., being of German and Spanish descent, and who died in 1872. in Seneca County, Ohio. To this union were born nine children-seven sons and two daughters: Samuel H., Sarahann, William F., Verden W., Hiram S., Levi, Avery H., Jonathan and Sarah Angeline. Verden W. was killed by a falling tree in his eleventh year; Sarahann, died in her seventeenth year, and Sarah Angeline, at the age of three months. The other six are still living-two in this county and four in Huron County-all having been engaged in farming a part of their lives. Three are still active farmers, and three are ministers of the Gospel. Avery Leonard came to Venice Township, this county, with his family, in the year 1834, and settled in the woods, where his children were educated in the log-schoolhouse. In politics the father and sons are all Republicans. The sub- ject of this memoir in religion was raised a Presbyterian, and on Christmas day, 1823, under a deep conviction of sin, he gave his hand to the Methodist Episcopal Church as a seeker of the pearl of great price, and in the month of June, 1824. being in his twenty-sixth year, after seven months of terrible strug- gle, he realized that he was made a new creature in Christ Jesus. He remained a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church until the Methodist Protestant broke off from the mother church, when he became a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. About a year after locating in this township, he and his companion, with five others, united in forming a Methodist Protestant class in the community where they lived, since which time he has changed his church relation to that of the United Brethren, where he now holds his membership. Mr. Leonard is now in his eighty-eighth year, enjoying a good old age with his son, W. F., with whom he makes his home.

SAMUEL H. LEONARD, farmer, near Attica, was born in Deersville, Harrison Co., Ohio. He is a son of Avery and Nancy (Smith) Leonard. In 1834 he immigrated to this county with his father. Mr. Leonard owns the farm settled by his father, and upon it he now resides. Being the eldest of nine children his education was somewhat neglected. his services being required in the duties of the farm-his instruction in the schoolroom being given principally before the age of nine. Farming has been the calling of his life, and he is the owner of 536 acres of land, 160 acres being in Dakota. October 26. 1854, records the event of his marriage with Mary M. Baily, who was born in London, England, and was the daughter of Benjamin and Ann (Powel) Baily. Mr. Baily was a member of the "Great East India Tea Company." After the dissolution of the company he came to this country and settled in this township in 1836, where he spent the greater part of the remainder of his

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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