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 83

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 83

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GEORGE R. STRICKLING, P. O. Tiffin, was born July 19, 1819, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Whitestine) Strickling, natives of Virginia and Ger- many, respectively. former of Welsh, and latter of German descent. They were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, where they remained until October, 1829, then moved to this county, settling in Clinton Township, where they leased land for a few years. From there they went to Scipio Township. and in 1837 came to Adams Township, and entered the land upon which our subject now resides, and which they improved. They were the parents of eleven chil- dren, those now living being George R., Catharine G .. Daniel H., John W. and Michael N. Thomas Strickling died in 1846, aged fifty-six years, and his widow in 1854, aged sixty-two years. George R. Strickling, the subject of this sketch, was married, November 17, 1842, to Miss Sarah Egbert, of Pleas- ant Township. this county, born in Franklin County, Ohio, May 1, 1821, daughter of Uriah and Susannah (Williams) Egbert, who were married in Franklin County, Ohio. in 1815, and who, in 1822, came to this county, where they spent the remainder of their days. They were the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom are now living: Mary, Jeremiah, John D .. Sarah, Thomas W., Eliza, Jesse S., Andrew J., Susan and Priscilla. Mr. Egbert died Oc- tober 9, 1876, aged eighty-four years; Mrs Egbert died May 13. 1875. aged seventy-nine years. To our subject and wife have been born eight children: Eliza J., Sarah E., Thomas U., Theodore S .. Susie E., John W., Rollin J. and Minnie. Mr. Strickling served in the 100 days' enrollment in the late war, in Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer In- fantry. He and his wife have been members for fifty years of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he is officially connected. He was a Democrat in early life, but for the past twenty years has been a Republican.

CESAR TEARE, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, is a native of the Isle of Man. Great Britain, born and baptised February 23, 1809, the son of Cæsar and Esther (Kewin) Teare, who have long since been dead, and of whose fam- ily our subject is the only survivor. He came to this country and this county in 1870 to take possession of the farm in Adams Township he now owns and occupies. and which was left him by the last will and testament of his brother, Thomas Teare, who came to America and settled in Adams Township, this county, about forty years ago. but never lived upon his land, he being a boot and shoe-maker. a trade he followed in the city of Tiffin until his death. He left no offspring, having never been married. Cæsar Teare continues to op- erate the farm with the assistance of the family who live with him npon the same. He has never married.

M. F. VAN BUSKIRK was born in Richland County August 22. 1862. He received his early education in a country school. and afterward completed his schooling at Vermillion Institute, of Hayesville. Ohio, and Otterbein Uni- versity, of Westerville. Ohio. Before he had completed his education he was connected with the Hayesville (Ohio) Journal. In ISSI he purchased the

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Green Spring Times, being then only nineteen years of age. Excellent suc- cess attended his efforts, and in 1884 his uncle, H. J. Ernsberger, went into partnership with him under the firm name of Van Buskirk & Co. The office has gradually grown from an army press and small equipment in a garret, to a steam office, counting room, etc.

JOHN WALES 2d, farmer, P. O. Clyde, Sandusky County, was born in Thompson Township, this county, March 7, 1835. son of Jacob and Catharine (Raus) Wales, natives of Pennsylvania, of Welsh and German descent. On coming to Ohio they settled first in Wayne County, and in 1828 came to this county, where they both died. Their family consisted of five children, three of whom are now living: Elizabeth, in Wood County, Ohio; Jemima Ann D., in Huron County, Ohio, and John. The subject of this sketch resided on his father's farm until he was eighteen years of age and then removed to Mc Henry County, Ill., and entered the employ of his uncle in an extensive mer- chandising business. He remained about six years, during which time he manifested more than ordinary business tact and ability. In 1858 he re- turned to his native county, where he purchased land and a saw-mill, which he operated for about four years: He then disposed of these interests and pur- chased a farm in Section 14, Adams Township, this county, which he has im- proved and upon which he now resides. He now has 190 acres in all. He was married, March 29, 1860, to Miss Sarah J. Guisbert, a native of Adams Township, born in July, 1835, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Whiteman) Guisbert, both of whom are now deceased; they were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, and of German descent. They were among the first settlers in this county and were the parents of a large family of children. of whom six survive: Andrew, Elizabeth, Daniel, John E., Sarah J. and Lilly. Mr. and Mrs. Wales 2d are the parents of seven children: Marcellus W., Libbie C., Leno L. and Lena L., John E., Rosco A. and Waldo V. (the two latter are twins). John Wales 2d is a prominent and ardent advo- cate of the principles of the Republican party. He has filled several of the township offices. He served under the 100 days' call in the late war in Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infan- try. He is a liberal contributor to all benevolent enterprises, a man of good moral principles, although not particularly identified with any denomination or sect. He is a prominent and worthy member of the order of F. & A. M. His wife is a member of the United Brethren Church.

JOSEPH WEIKER. farmer. P. O. Green Spring, was born in Union County, Penn., in 1807. and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Deal) Weiker, who came to this county in 1834. where they both died several years later. Our subject also came to this county about six years after. He was married in his native county to Nancy Hawkin, a native of Virginia, daughter of George and Hannah (Long) Hawkin. To Mr. and Mrs. Weiker have been born eleven children: John, Sarah, Jacob, David, Isaac, Emanuel, Levi, George, Jonas, Hannah and Valentine. All the boys vote the Democratic ticket, which is a source of great satisfaction to their father. His sons-in-law also vote the same ticket. Mr. Weiker has more than forty grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. On coming into this county he purchased land of Asa Crockett, one of the first pioneers of this county, long since gone to his final resting place. Mr. Weiker suffered many of the hardships of the early days in this county, and has cleared and improved many acres with his own hands. He has now 140 acres of land, after having divided liberally with his sons and daughters, also assisting them in many ways.

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CHARLES WRIGHT. farmer, P. O. Clyde. Sandusky County, is a na- tive of Adams Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, and son of Cyrenus and Di- ana (Cole) Wright; the former a native of New York State and the latter of Montreal, Canada. They settled in this county in 1827 and reared a family of nine children. of whom seven are now living, our subject alone remaining in this county. Cyrenus Wright died in 1872, and his widow in 1880. Charles Wright was married, in 1868, to Olivia Cooper. Four children have been born to this union, three now living: Laura N., Clara N. and Charles Cyrenus. Mrs. Wright departed this life February 9. 1874. and Mr. Wright then mar- ried, in 1875, Elvina Kistler, of Adams Township, this county. He is en- gaged in general farming. In politics he is a Republican.

ALBERT R. YOUNG, furniture manufacturer and dealer, Green Spring, is a native of Adams Township. born February 14, 1851; son of Charles and Catharine (Spangler) Young, who came from Germany in their youth, first settling in Maryland, and in 1845 came to this county, where they died not many years since. Our subject was reared on a farm. and, at the age of eighteen years, went to Dayton, Ohio, where he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and returning to Green Spring the following year he continued work- ing at the same trade for three years. In the spring of 1873 he built a fine hearse and began the undertaking business, which he followed for several years in connection with his trade. In 1878 he was employed by the village council to prepare plans and specifications for the erection of a town hall, the contract for building the same being given to him. He completed the build- ing the following year, and in 1880 he rented room in the same for the furni- ture store which he still carries on. In the same year he, in partnership with his brother. Daniel W., also built a fine four-story frame factory for manufactur- ing furniture; this factory was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1883, entailing a loss of $14.000. Mr. Young is a prominent citizen of Green Spring, gifted with a spirit of public enterprise, and. notwithstanding his being an ardent advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, has filled several of the village offices. the village being largely Republican. Mr. Young was married. September 4. 1873. to Miss Ida J. Miller. of Adams Township, where she was born January 4, 1856. and by her he has three children: Mary B., Charles J. and Bernard G.

JOSIAH YOUNG. farmer and brick and tile manufacturer, P. O. Green Spring, is a native of Adams Township, this county, born December 5, 1852, son of Charles and Mary Catharine (Spangler) Young, and brother of Henry F .. Charles M., Lewis W., John P .. Albert R., Daniel W .. Edward A. and Minerva Young. He was reared on a farm and has since given some attention to farming. He became owner of land at the death of his father, in 1877, and now owns land in both Adams and Pleasant Townships, this county. He also holds property in the village of Green Spring. He followed the carpenter's trade for a short time, and in 1881. he began the manufacture of brick, to which line of business he added. in 1883, that of tile making, all of which he still operates quite extensively. Mr. Young was married, February 18. 1879, to Miss Caroline Schuster, of Adams Township, this county. She is a native of Erie County, N. Y .. born July 3. 1856, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Hauck) Schuster. natives of Germany, and who were married in Erie County, N. Y .: they were parents of seven children, five of whom are still living: Delana. Elizabeth. George H .. Christiana and Caroline. Those deceased are Dewalt and Jacob E., the former of whom was killed in the late war. June 23. 1864: latter died at Wellborn. Fla., September 26. 1883. Mr. Schuster died October 8, ISSO; his widow now resides with her children

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in their several localities. To Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Young has been born one child, Ervin D., born May 27, 1880. Mrs. Young is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Young is a Democrat.

JOSIAH ZIMMERMAN, farmer, P. O. Clyde, Sandusky County, is a native of Adams Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, born October 20, 1847; son of John and Rebecca (Fisher) Zimmerman, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to this State and county more than forty years ago, and here remained until their death. Our subject was reared on a farm, has followed farming all his life, and purchased land in Adams Township, this county, in 1880. He was married, January 1, 1873, to Miss Harriet E. Shellhammer, who is also a native of Adams Township, born December 14, 1848. To this union have been born four children: Clara J., Lena M .. Jesse W. and Vinnie E. (de- ceased). Mrs. Zimmerman is a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Whiteman) Shellhammer, natives of Pennsylvania. They both came to Ohio in an early day, she in 1835, and he in 1842. They were married here and have reared a family of four children: Sarah J., Harriet E., William C. and Viola, all of whom are now married. In politics Mr. Zimmerman has identified himself with the Democratic party.

BIG SPRING TOWNSHIP.

REV. RUDOLPH ABBREDERIS, Catholic priest, New Riegel, was born in the old country, September 18, 1850. His parents, John G. and Mary A. (Matt) Abbrederis, were natives of Germany, where they were married and re- mained until death. They were the parents of five children, of whom our subject is the youngest. After acquiring a classical education in Feldkirch our subject immigrated to Mercer County. Ohio, in January, 1870, and there pursued a the- ological course in college at Carthagena. After his ordination, August 15, 1873, he took charge of a congregation in Mercer County, and then was transferred to Pulaski County. Ind .. thence to Putnam County, Ohio, and finally, in October, 1883. to New Riegel, this county, where he is pastor of St. Peter's Church.

NICHOLAS AREND, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Belgium, November 6. 1814. His parents. Nicholas and Mary A. Arend, were also natives of Belgium. where they married and lived and died. Our subject married, May 4, 1857. Anna Pethe, who was born in Belgium in November. 1832, daughter of Andrew and Margaret Pethe, of same nativity and who remained in their native land until death. Our subject and wife immigrated to America, coming direct to Big Spring Township, this county, in 1857, where they have remained ever since. They are the parents of eight children, seven now living: Nicholas, John, Anna (wife of Peter M. Reinhart), Dominic, Peter, Mary and Andrew; Nicholas is deceased. Our subject now owns eighty acres of fine land, whereon he and his family reside. They are all faithful members of the Catholic Church at St. Nicholas.

NICHOLAS BAKEIS. farmer, P. O. Adrian, was born in Big Spring Township, this county, son of Joseph (a farmer) and Jane (Jenning) Bakeis, natives of Belgium, former born March 7, 1820, latter born May 25, 1825; they were married February 25, 1845, and were the parents of twelve children. six of whom are now living: Joseph, John. Nicholas, Frank, Andrew and Lewis. Joseph Bakeis, the father of this family, died June 5, 1885, aged sixty-five

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years, two months and twenty-nine days. Our subject, along with his brothers. is managing the homestead farm, comprising 152 acres of good land, where the family has resided nearly forty-three years. They are all members of the Catholic Church at St. Nicholas.

JACOB BLACK, farmer, P. O. Adrian, was born in Clinton Township, this county, May 3, 1828; son of Jacob and Sarah Black, natives of Mary- land, who were married and first settled in the East, thence in 1827 moving to Tiffin, this county, and from there to Wyandot County, Ohio, where Mrs. Black departed this life in 1863; Mr. Black lived among his children until his death which occurred in 1877. Our subject was united in marriage, Novem- ber 11, 1852, with Elizabeth Miley, born in this county, March 8, 1838, daughter of John and Magdalena Miley, natives of Virginia, who settled in Seneca County, Ohio. about 1828, and here remained until their death. Mr. Miley dying in 1874 and his wife in 1856. Our subject and wife are the par- ents of four children, of whom two are now living: John H., born Septem- ber 1, 1853, and Albert F., born September 28, 1862; the deceased are Emma A., wife of Frank Johnson, and an infant. Mr. Black owns 173 acres well- improved land. Mrs. Black is a faithful and consistent member of the United Brethren Church.

PETER BRAYTON, farmer, P. O. Carey, Wyandot County, one of the first settlers of Big Spring Township, this county, was born in Crawford (now Wyandot) County, Ohio. February 7, 1825, son of Elijah and Anna (Holebrook) Brayton, natives of Vermont where they were married and lived for a few years thereafter; thence they moved to Fremont. Ohio, in 1814, and from there to Huron County, Ohio, about 1816, and later to Wyandot County where they remained until about 1831, when they came to Big Spring Town- ship, this county, settling on what is known as the Indian Reserve, and here they resided until death, Elijah Brayton dying in 1868, his wife in 1851. Our subject has been twice married, the first time January 1, 1845, to Mary Ogg. born in Wyandot County. Ohio, August 17, 1826, daughter of Kinsey and Eliza Ogg, natives of Ohio (both now deceased), and to this union were born six children, five now living: Josephine, wife of John Foulk; Jesse; Emily J., wife of Joseph Crislip; Lafayette; Tefronia, wife of Maj. C. Bright; Newton is deceased. Jesse has been twice married, first time to Sarah Boucher, by whom he had one son and one daughter, and second time to Lilla Montgomery, who has born him one son and one daughter. Mrs. Brayton died August 1, 1871. deeply mourned by her husband, family and a host of friends; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. March 19, 1872. Mr. Brayton was again married, this time to Hannah Little, born in Hancock County, Ohio, October 31, 1838, daughter of Solomon and Rachel Little, former of whom. a native of Virginia. died in July. 1864, latter, born in Harrison County, Ohio, is still living. One child. now deceased, was the issue of our subject's last marriage. Mr. Brayton owns 640 acres of good land. He was a member of the Ohio National Guards during the late civil war, enlisting June 29, 1862, in Company C, Forty-ninth Regiment; was detailed for guard duty at Johnson's Island, and received an honorable discharge. August 12, 1862, and returned home. He subsequently provided two substitutes at a cost of $350. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Brayton is a stanch Republican.

S. P. BROSEMER, farmer, P. O. New Riegel. was born in Big Spring Township. this county, October 28, 1846, son of Landelin and Eliza- beth Brosemer, natives of Baden, where they were married; they immigrated to America about 1832, and here settled on the farm where our subject now

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resides in Big Spring Township; thence they moved to New Riegel and there remained until Mrs. Brosemer's death, May 4, 1881, caused by a team of horses running away. Landelin Brosemer was born September 8, 1803, died July 25, 1885. Our subject was united in marriage, April 9, 1869, with Mary Thiel, born in Seneca County, Ohio, in December, 1851, daughter of Matthias (deceased) and Anna Thiel, and by this union have been born ten children, nine now living: Matthias, Stephen, Charles, Henry, Joseph, Leo, Anna, Otto and Louie A. ; Andrew is deceased. Our subject owns eighty acres of good land. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.

ISAAC W. CLINE, farmer, P. O. Adrian, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 9, 1837; son of David and Rebecca Cline, the former a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born April 8. 1812, the latter a native of Virginia, born in February, 1813; after their marriage they first settled in Fairfield County, and from there came to this county, January 16, 1849, where they remained until death. David Cline died March 9, 1880, his widow December 10, 1881. Our subject was united in marriage, December 16, 1860, with Elizabeth Johnson, born in this county May 27, 1837, daughter of Archibald and Catharine John- son, natives of Pennsylvania, former of whom was killed by lightning in 1845; his widow survived him until 1879. when she passed away from earth. Mr. and Mrs. Cline have one daughter, Nettie J., born May 15, 1865. Mr. Cline has been very prosperous since starting out for himself. He learned carpentering of his father, who followed that vocation, and, after working at his trade eleven years, purchased property in Adrian, opened a general store and since 1870 has continued in merchandising. He now owns the old homestead, comprising eighty acres of land in Seneca Township, this county. Mr. Cline has filled the office of trustee three terms, and is now serving his third term as justice of the peace of Big Spring Township. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

FRANK COLLET, farmer, P. O. Adrian, was born in Belgium, Novem- ber 25, 1826; son of Theodore and Margaret Collet, natives of Belgium, where they lived and died. Our subject immigrated to America in 1853 and arrived at Tiffin, this county, in 1854. He was united in marriage, in 1854. with Victoria Guillam, born in Belgium in 1830, daughter of Nicholas and Mary A. Guillam, who died in Seneca County, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Collet were born eight children: Josephine (wife of John Windaw), Theodore (married), Laura, Frank, Augusta and John, living, and Josephine and Jacob, deceased. Mrs. Collet de- parted this life October 30, 1872, leaving her family and a large concourse of friends to mourn her loss. In 1875 Mr. Collet returned to his native land and there married Mary Ballom, born in Belgium November 15, 1844, daughter of Nicholas and Margaret Ballom. the former of whom is still living, the latter deceased. By this union there are five children: Philemean, Nicholas, Will- iam. Joseph and Peter. Mr. Collet owns 120 acres mostly improved land, where he resides. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church at St. Nicholas, in which he has served as one of the trustees for six years.

JOHN H. EWING, carpenter, Adrian, was born in Adams County, Penn., September 6, 1834; son of Anderson and Julia Ewing, natives of Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1840, then moved to Seneca County, Ohio, residing here until Mrs. Ewing's death, which occurred in 1847. Anderson Ewing was subsequently married to Lucretia Crooks, and moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, where he died in 1875, and where his widow still resides. Our subject was united in marriage, June 6, 1861, with Lavenia Mccullough, born in Seneca County. Ohio, January 23. 1844, daughter of Mack and Eliza Mccullough, who first settled in Seneca County, Ohio, thence moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing are the parents of five children: Alva. Anna,

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Emmet and Omar, living, and an infant, deceased. Our subject owns nice town property : is a carpenter by trade, an occupation he has followed nearly all his life. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company D, Forty- ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served from 1862 until August. 1865, participating in several serious engagements. He is a F. & A. M., and a member of the I. O. O. F.

WILLIAM H. FOCHT, M. S., M. D., New Riegel, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., January 18, 1858. His parents, James F. and Polly A. Focht. were also natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married and remained until November 10, 1870, when they moved to Seneca County, Ohio, where they have since resided. They are the parents of three children: William H., James D. and Charles E. Our subject, who is the eldest, pursued a scientific course of study at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio, graduating June 17, 1880. He then read medicine with Dr. A. B. Hovey (now deceased), and, March 1, 1883. graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Baltimore, Md, and located March 9, same year, at New Riegel, this county, where he has since been following his profession, having now the best practice of any physi- cian in Big Spring Township. On the 21st of June, 1883, the trustees of Heidelberg College conferred upon him the degree of Master of Science.

THEODORE M. FRINK, retired farmer, P. O. New Riegel, is one of the pioneers of Seneca County, Ohio. and was born in West Springfield, Hampden Co., Mass., November 2, 1804. a son of Luther and Phœbe Frink, also natives of Massachusetts, where they were married and there remained until death. Our subject was united in marriage in his native State, April 25. 1832, with Sabrina Torrey, born in Hampshire County. Mass., July 22, 1808, and to this union were born four children: Ellen, wife of Henry Pepper; Elvira. wife of William Ames; James and Henry. Mrs. Frink departed this life February 3. 1855. Our subject was married on second occasion, July 3, 1862. with Frederica Kopp. born in Wurtemburg, Germany, February 28, 1831. daughter of Jacob and Frederica Kopp, who both died in Wurtemberg, and by this mar- riage there was born April 3, 1866. one child. Sophia L. Mr. Frink owns eighty acres of fine land, whereon he and his family reside. He filled the office of trustee eight years, and has been one of the justices of the peace of Big Spring Township for thirty-one years. Mrs. Frink is a member of the Lutheran Church.

ALBERT FUCHS, farmer, P. O. Adrian, an enterprising young man, was born in Sandusky City, Ohio, August 3. 1855, his parents being Sebastian and Agatha Fuchs, natives of Baden, Germany. Sebastian Fuchs is from the vil- lage of Gindlingen, Baden Co., Old Breisach. Mrs. Agatha Fuchs, former name Agatha Kraus, wife of Sebastian Fuchs, was from the village Eshbach, Baden Co., Staufen. They immigrated to Ohio, settling in Big Spring Township, Seneca County. about 1854, where they remained until the death of Mrs. Fuchs, April 12, 1875; Mr. Fuchs now resides with his son Albert. Our subject was united in marriage, June 12, 1877, with Catherine Kin, born in the village Hachy, County D'Etalle, Province de Luxemburg, Belgium, August 28, 1855. daughter of John and Mary Kin, former a resident of Kirby, Wyandot Co., Ohio; latter deceased. To our subject and wife were born four children: Mary L., born June 29, 1878, died August 29, 1878; John S., born October 11, 1879; Margarette, born October 30, 1881, and John H., born September 11, 1883. Mr. Fuchs has met with good success, and now owns 120 acres of land, mostly improved. whereon he resides. He and his family are members of the St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Mr. Fuchs is serving on the school board of Big Spring Township.

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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