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 87

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 87

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OSCAR M. HOLCOMB, editor and publisher of the Seneca County Record Bloomville. was born September 8, 1829, in Hamilton County, Ohio. His father, David H. Holcomb, afterward a merchant of Cincinnati, Ohio, came with his parents from Vermont to Hamilton County in 1808. Our subject and his parents resided at Pekin, Ill., and in same county from 1831 to 1843, when they removed to Chicago. There he learned the printer's trade in the office of the Gem of the Prairie. In 1846 he set the first type on the Chicago Trib- une. In 1847 Mr. Holcomb enlisted in Company F, Second Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and went to Mexico under Gen. Scott. He was stationed at Camp Washington, in Vera Cruz, and at Jalapa, receiving an honorable dis- charge at Alton, Ill., in 1848. March 26, 1849, he with his father started across the plains to California, arriving at Sacramento September 13, same year, and there his father died November 18, 1849, his wife having preceded him in 1832 at Pekin, Ill. Our subject returned to Chicago in April, 1852, and re-engaged on the Tribune. He was a delegate to the National Printers' Union at Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1853. He was married September 22, 1853, to Miss Mary A. Leitch, of Warren County, Ohio, and to this union were born Mrs. Ora A. Rowen, of Washington, Iowa; Mrs. Iona E. Loughead, of same place; Orma M., of California; Mrs. L. L. Hodges, of Waterloo, Ind., and William H., of Fort Collins. Col. They spent several years in Iowa, where Mr. Holcomb published the Hardin County Sentinel at Eldora, Iowa. Subsequently they moved to Washington County, where Mr. Holcomb held the position of agent for the Rock Island Railroad Company, at Ainsworth, for nine years. He lost his wife by death November 18, 1867, and subsequently married, August 6, 1868, Miss Mary A. Whiting, by whom he has had five children, all now deceased. They finally located in Bloomville, this county, April 15, 1878, where Mr. Hol- comb purchased the printing office and established the Seneca County Record, which he has built up to a point of success never before attained by any paper in this locality, with a circulation of upward of 700. It is very popular with the best citizens of the county. In the spring of 1884 Mr. Holcomb was elected mayor of Bloomville and justice of the peace, and he fulfils the duties of these offices to the satisfaction of all.

JACOB HOSSLER, of Bloom Township, was born January 31, 1806, at Gettysburg, Adams Co., Penn., and moved with his parents in 1821, to Stark

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County, Ohio. His father. Frederick, and his grandfather, John G., were born in Pennsylvania, the former in 1782, the latter in 1758, and his great-grand- father was born in France, Europe, and immigrated to Philadelphia, Penn., in 1754. September 23, 1830, the subject of this sketch married Anna Funk, of Osnaburg, Stark Co., Ohio. May 30, 1834, Mr. Hossler and wife landed in Bloom Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, on their present farm homestead. consisting of 320 acres, part of which is in Venice Township, at a time when this township was comparatively a wilderness. By industry and economy the twain made this one of the most pleasant and desirable homes in that locality, in a short duration of time. Mr. and Mrs. Hossler reared eleven children-four sons, and seven daughters -- all of whom are men and women of enterprise and usefulness. In 1866 he removed to the village of Bloomville. went into the mercantile trade, and has very recently retired from the activity of business, but enjoys his vigorous old age with every indication of living many years. He was justice of the peace twenty-four years, mayor of Bloom- ville four years, postmaster under part of Grant's administration, and held other positions of honor in the township, all of which he has filled with marked honesty and ability. Also administered the settlement of many decedents estates. One of the most notable events in Bloom Township in 1880, was the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the nuptial vows of Mr. and Mrs. Hoss- ler. Mr. Hossler is a gentleman who enjoys the respect of all who know him, and is an intelligent and upright citizen, and one who takes pride in the pros- perity of his township and county. He is honest and straight forward in busi- ness, his word being equivalent to his bond any day. He is one of the few remaining stanch pioneer settlers of Bloom Township.

SAMUEL B. HOSSLER, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born April 12, 1842, in Bloom Township, this county, a son of the well known pioneer, Jacob Hossler. He completed his education under Prof. Aaron Schuyler in the Seneca County Academy at Republic, adopting the profession of teacher before he was nineteen years of age, and teaching seven terms almost in succession in Bloom Township. During the late war of the Rebellion he spent four months, in 1864, as a soldier in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guards. Our subject married, April 11, 1865, Miss Jennie Lomiller, a native of Scipio Township, this county. After living one year at Bloomville and eleven years at his father's homestead, our subject and family finally settled where they now reside, owning a well improved farm of 100 acres. Their children are Nellie, J. Schuyler, Mary A. and Anna C. Mr. Hossler is an earnest Republican. In 1873 he was called upon to serve his township as assessor. In 1880 he was chosen land appraiser, the difficult duties of which position he filled to the general satisfaction of the people. He held the office of township trustee two terms (from 1881 to 1883) and in addition he has done an extensive business as executor and administra- tor, settling decedents' estates. He is one of the leading public spirited, enterprising citizens of Bloom Township.

ABRAHAM KAGY, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born in Shenandoah County, Va., December 23, 1803. He came to Fairfield County, Ohio, at seven- teen years of age with his parents, Christian and Hannah Kagy, former of whom died in Fairfield County, and latter in Bloom Township, this county, when over ninety years of age. Abraham Kagy married Miss Elizabeth Ruch, of Fairfield County, Ohio, and, in 1823, settled in Bloom Township, this county, where they cleared up and developed a farm. They were industrious and successful, at one time owning over 1,000 acres of land, 640 of which were in Bloom Township. To them were born the following children: Mrs. Hannah

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Spitler; Christian, who died July 29, 1829, aged three years; John; Mary, who died June 30, 1829, aged one year; Mrs. Barbara Martin; Mrs. Lavina Saul; Mrs. Eliza Hershberger, of Warsaw, Ind. ; George, who died February 28, 1863, aged twenty-nine years; Lewis; Cameron; Martha, who died, aged six years; Benjamin, a resident of Putnam County, Ohio; Elijah; Stephen; and Leander in Oregon. Mrs. Kagy died August 9, 1863. Our subject now resides on the homestead at the advanced age of eighty-one years. He is a member of the Old School Baptist Church; is an upright pioneer citizen and is now living in the peace and quiet of an honored old age. John Kagy, our subject's son, has lived most of his life in Bloom Township. He takes an active interest in public affairs, having served the township in several responsible positions. He has held the office of justice of the peace, fulfilling the important duties of this office to the entire satisfaction of the people. He now resides on the farm south of Bloomville.

HENRY KIRGIS, farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Bloomville, was born January 16, 1840, in Seneca Township, this county. His father, Jacob Kirgis, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. came to this county in 1833 with his parents, who died in Seneca Township, this county. He, Jacob, married Mary Shafer of Reed Township, a native of Baden, Germany. Our subject was reared in Lykens Township. Crawford Co., Ohio, where his parents had located when he was seven years old. His educational opportunities were limited, but he improved them to good advantage and has been an extensive reader. He married. February 6, 1862, Miss Mary Ann Shellhorn, whose parents were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and lived some years in Stark County, Ohio, before locating in Lykens Township, Crawford County. Mr. and Mrs. Kirgis have resided in Bloom Township since their marriage. They have, by industry and good management, acquired 500 acres of land. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Their children are Mrs. Caroline A. Haines, William, Anna M. and Henry M. Mr. Kirgis is a Democrat, politi- cally, and a close observer of public affairs. He has for the past eight years devoted his attention principally to raising and dealing in stock. He is giving his children good educational advantages. His daughter, Anna, is an accomplished and efficient teacher, having taught very successfully six terms in the schools of the home district.

SIMON KOLLER (deceased) was born February 8, 1802, in York County Penn .. where he grew to manhood. He was married in his native county to Mrs. Mary Magdalena Bricker, also a native of York County, Penn .. born January 6. 1810. In 1838 they turned their faces westward, attracted by the advantages for new settlers in the climate and soil of Ohio. They re- mained about two years in Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1846 settled per- manently on Honey Creek, Bloom Township, this county. Here they bought 160 acres of land which they increased the next year to 320 acres. They reared an intelligent and influential family, five of their eight children are now living: Josiah, residing at Napoleon, Ohio; Mrs. Maria Zeigler, residing at Bucyrus. Ohio; Mrs. Sarah Seigley: Martin; and Mrs. Leah Benenderfer. Mr. Koller was a man of wonderful industry and energy. Besides his extensive farm interests he established a saw-mill on his place and afterward built a grist- mill, near by, which he operated until 1865. He added to his landed property until he owned in all about 550 acres in this county. As a citizen Mr. Koller was known far and wide for his generosity and liberality to the poor. It is said that even those who had done him great injury received favors from his hand. Mr. Koller died February 13, 1882, his wife having preceded him September. 6. 1881. They were pious members of the Reformed Church, Mr.

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Koller being almost the main support in building the church here; they were among the township's best known and most highly respected pioneers and their memory will long be honored by the citizens.

JOHN KOLLER (deceased) was a native of York County, Penn., where he married Eve Reigle. In June, 1834, they settled on Honey Creek, Bloom Township, this county, where they cleared up a farm and reared their family of three children. Mr. Koller was an old-time democrat, and took an active part in public affairs, serving his township as trustee for several terms. He was devoted to the improvement of his home, and built the first brick house in Bloom Township, and the first fine residence of any kind on Honey Creek. He was a very useful and valuable citizen and his early death, February 18, 1845, when but thirty-six years of age, was deeply lamented by the whole community. His widow, who subsequently married William Watson, died October 25, 1863.

NATHANIEL KOLLER, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born December 24. 1834, and is the eldest of the three children born to John and Eve (Reigle) Koller. He was united in marriage, February 29, 1856. with Miss Magdalena Hossler, daughter of the well known pioneer, Jacob Hossler. Mr. and Mrs. Koller settled on their present farm in February, 1859, where they have a comfortable home and sixty-three acres of well improved land. They have one daughter, Mary Ettie, wife of James G. Potteiger, and they have one daughter, Ella M. Mr. Koller is a Republican in politics. Mrs. Koller is a member of the United Brethren Church.

SAMUEL A. B. MCCLELLAND, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born June 7, 1818. in Centre County, Penn. His father, Hugh McClelland, died about 1823, and his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth (Boyd) McClelland, came to Eden Township. this county, with her young family, in 1830. They settled on a new farm which they at once began to clear up and develop. The names of their children are William H. ; Mrs. Nancy J. Clark, in Hancock County: Sarah I., (deceased); S. A. B. ; Mrs. Mary H. Moe; and Mrs. Margaret F. Watson. Our subject married, July 26, 1849, Miss Catherine Ralston, born March 31, 1828. in Brooke County, Va., daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Parks) Ralston, who settled in Bloom Township, this county, in 1834. Mr. Ralston died January 4, 1867, and his widow still lives in Bloom Township. Two of their sons gave their lives in defense of their country, Joseph M. C. being a member of the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment, and Robert of the Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland settled in Bloom Town- ship, this county, in 1853. Their children are Salomon Chase, of Michigan; William H., in Kosciusko County, Ind. ; Samuel; Ward B .; Hugh; and Ida E. Mr. McClelland has been an ardent Republican since the organization of the party. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN MCCLELLAND, a native of Fayette County, Penn., was married in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1832, to Miss Elizabeth Hannah, a native of Cumber- land County, Penn. They settled in Venice Township, this county, in 1836. Of their twelve children Thomas A., the only one residing in Bloom Town- ship, married, August 23, 1866, Miss Catherine Wilson. Her father. John W. Wilson, was born in Fayette County, Penn., in 1821, and came to Ohio with his father, Rev. James Wilson, a native of England and a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John W. Wilson married Miss Hannah J. Mc Williams, of Richland County, Ohio, and resided on their farm until 1875, when they located in Bloomville, where Mr. Wilson died, in November, 1880; his widow now resides at her home.

NATHAN MARTIN (deceased), son of William and Hannah (Chapman) Martin, was born in Mifflin County, Penn., November 6, 1785; enlisted in Dear-

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born's command in 1812. and served during that war; was discharged and paid off at Fort Niagara, then went to York (Toronto) to visit his mother's sisters who resided there, and became a resident of that district. He was married there to Miss Elizabeth Devins, and engaged in agriculture in Canada until May, 1839. when he moved to Bloom Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, where his two brothers had settled at an earlier date. His wife and children-five boys and three girls - accompanied him hither. On arriving in Bloom, June 1. he nego- tiated for the purchase of a farm, and went to reside on it (Section 19) July 1, 1839. He was trustee of Bloom Township for many years previous to his death, which occurred February 11, 1862, his demise being attributed to worry. caused by the war. His widow died in January, 1870.

JOHN CHAPMAN MARTIN (deceased), was born February 26, 1798. in Mifflin County, Penn. He came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1812, where he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann McCandlish, a native of Water- ford, Ohio. They moved to Bloom Township, this county, in 1828, and entered an eighty-acre tract, north of Honey Creek, which they subsequently increased to 160 acres. They lived at their home on Honey Creek until their death. Mr. Martin died January 8, 1881, his wife December 30, 1870. Of their eleven children four are now living: William, a resident of Des Moines, Iowa: Anthony M., an M. D. in Bloomville, Ohio: George M., living on the homestead on Honey Creek; and Albert, in King City, Mo. Our subject and his worthy wife were among the honored pioneers of Bloom Township, where they lived long and useful lives.

PAUL MILLER, manufacturer, Bloomville, was born May 5. 1840, in Venice Township, this county. His father, John M. Miller, a native of Wur- temberg, Germany, married Miss Rickey Reider, immigrated to America in 1832, and, after living in Medina County, Ohio, about four years, settled per- manantly in Seneca County. Ohio. After his wife's demise, which occurred when she was aged forty-two years and twenty-five days, John M. Miller mar- ried Miss Catherine Kalb, who died February 9, 1878, aged sixty-nine years; he remained a widower the remainder of his life; he died March 29, 1884, aged eighty-two years, nine months and twenty-one days; he was an enter- prising farmer and acquired an estate of 400 acres of land. His children -- nine sons and one daughter are all now living but Aaron, who was drowned in Sandusky River, at Tiffin, Ohio, March 12, 1868. Two of the sons, D. G. and C. C., gave their services in defense of the Government in the war of the Re- bellion, serving four years each. Our subject was employed three months as carpenter by the Government during the Rebellion. He was married, March 10, 1864, to Mary E. Marshall, then located at Richville, Crawford County, Ohio, two years, after which he purchased a saw-mill at Tiffin, Ohio, which he carried on for eight years. He next resided in the southeast corner of Clinton Township. this county, for some time, but finally located in Bloomville in 1875. Here he carries on an extensive saw-mill, planing-mill and lumber business, supplying the home market: has a large railroad trade and is ship- ping extensively to Toledo and other points. This is the only establishment of the kind in Bloomville. He is noted as one of the most enterprising and suc- cessful business men of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Miller's children are John David, Elizabeth Anna, Mary Emma, Benjamin Franklin, Nelson Harry and Iva Pearl. Mrs. Miller is a member of the German Reformed Church.

HERBERT G. OGDEN, merchant, Bloomville, was born August 13. 1843, in Scipio Township, this county. His father, Gilbert M. Ogden, of Tomp- kins County, N. Y., came to this county in 1836, where he was married to Miss Sarah Jopp, of Pleasant Township, who died in 1854. Gilbert M. Ogden

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carried on a mercantile trade in Republic, Ohio, from 1846 to 1863 (when his son took his place in the establishment); spent from 1867 to 1875 among the mines in Nevada, and died at Toledo, Ohio, in September, 1884. Our subject carried on the dry goods store formerly owned by his father in Republic, until 1871, when he located in Green Spring, Ohio. In 1881 he came to Bloom- ville, this county. where he formed the present partnership with G. F. Swi- gert. They carry a full line of dry goods. boots, shoes, notions, etc., and have built up a large and lucrative trade. Mr. Ogden was married, November 19. 1868, to Miss Harriet I. Swigert, by whom he has one son, Fred. Mr. Ogden is a Royal Arch Mason. He is a representative business man and an influential citizen in this community. He enlisted during the late war of the Rebellion, in May, 1861, in Company G. Twenty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, was transferred in August, 1862, to the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served in the Army of the Potomac and took part in many severe engagements fought in West Virginia and Virginia. He was wounded in the left arm at the battle of Cross Keys, W. Va., and resigned on account of disability, with the rank of first lieutenant, in 1863.

LEWIS R. OWEN, farmer. P. O. Bloomville, was born in Milo, Yates Co., N. Y., April 30, 1815. His parents, Nathaniel and Elizabeth Owen, came to Scipio Township, this county, in 1833. and there cleared up a new farm, enduring the hardships and privations of pioneer life. Of their seven children five are now living: Alanson, in Bloom Township: Charles, in Eden Township, this county; Lewis R., in Bloom Township; Mrs. Mary Blackman, in Wisconsin, and Jonathan in Dakota. Nathaniel Owen died in 1846, his widow in 1882, aged ninety years. Our subject. after helping on his father's farm, married Miss Sallie Free, and commenced to clear a farm for himself in Bloom Township, this county. in 1835. Here they acquired a fine property of 240 acres of well improved land. Mrs. Owen died in 1849, leaving three children: John, in Bloom Township: Mrs. Mary Kagy. in Iowa; and William. Our subject was married on second occasion to Miss Almeda Rice, and their children are Ellery, a resident of Iowa; Lasaida (deceased); Sarah Andrews, in Wyandot County, Ohio; Brilla Worm, in Bloom Township. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are members of the Baptist Church. He is an earnest Democrat in politics and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He has been called upon to serve his township as trustee for six years.

JOHN T. REID, retired farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born January 1, 1807, in Frederick County, Md. His father, Archibald Reid, a native of England, was married to Catherine Talbott, of Maryland. and died in about 1809, the widow then locating with her family in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1814, where she resided until her death in 1835. One of their sons, Benjamin, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject came to Fairfield County with his uncle in 1813 and to Bloom Township, this county, in 1831, and here he began clearing up a farm in the western part of the township. He was married, April 25, 1833, to Miss Eliza B. Watson, who was born March 14, 1810, in Center County, Penn., and came to Eden Township, this county, at twenty years of age with her widowed mother, Mrs. Elizabeth McClelland. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Reid have resided in Bloom Township. Their children are Benjamin F., of Westport. Cal .; Mary Elizabeth, who died at three years of age: William L., in Bloom Township, this county; and Mrs. Margaret E. Marquis. also in Bloom Township. Mr. and Mrs. Reid have been leading a retired life in Bloomville since 1873. They are members of the Presbyterian Church and are devoted to the temperance cause, upright pioneer people, respected by the entire community.

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WILLIAM L. REID, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born January 14, 1838, in Bloom Towuship, this county, and is a son of John T. and Eliza B. (Watson) Reid. Our subject received his education in the schools of the home district, but, as was common among the sons of the settlers of those early times, his educational advantages were necessarily limited, owing to the demand for his help on the farm. He was united in marriage. April 25, 1861, with Miss Martha C. Hershberger, whose parents, Jonas and Martha Hershberger, moved from Shenandoah County, Va., and settled in Eden Township, this county, in 1833. To Mr. and Mrs. Reid have been born three children: Mrs. Ellen Bliss, Eliza and Wilbert (deceased). During the late war of the Rebellion, our subject served about five months, in 1864, as a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He has resided on the old family homestead ever since his marriage. Mr. Reid is a life-long Repub lican. takes an active interest in public affairs, and is at present a trustee of Bloom Township.

JOHN RICE, farmer, P. O. Attica, was born March 22, 1823. in Yates County, N. Y., son of William and Luceba (Blodgett) Rice, who settled in Reed Township, this county. in 1829, and there resided until the death of William Rice, which occurred August 20, 1835. His widow survived him until 1863. Our subject was married, March 28, 1844, to Susan Henrietta Hall, born in Steuben County, N. Y .. January 21, 1826, daughter of Rev. Henry F. and Susan (Sellon) Hall, who settled in the corner of Bloom Township in 1835. Mr. Hall was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being ordained in 1832 by Bishop Hedding. He was a man of much eloquence and power, and preached a great deal in the surrounding communities. He ended his use- ful life March 5, 1858, aged sixty-nine years. His widow survived him until March 23. 1871. She had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for sixty years. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Rice lived in Reed Township. three years; in Wyandot County, seven years, and finally settled, in 1854, where they now reside, on the old family homestead of Rev. Mr. Hall. They have a fine place of 200 acres, which is one of the best improved farms in the township. Their children are Sidney Herbert, of St. Joseph, Mo .; Francis Leroy, of Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Nettie Pinger, of Barry, Ill. ; Bert E. and Charles A. reside on the old farm. Mr. and Mrs. Rice are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which the former has been connected since twelve. and the latter since eighteen years of age. He is an earnest Republican, taking a deep interest in public affairs, and is recognized as one of the leading citizens of Seneca County. Mrs. Rice is a literary writer. contributing many valuable articles to the papers. She has been called upon to deliver addresses before the Temple Grange, Masonic and Odd Fellow lodges. Seneca County Farmers' Institute and other representative bodies. She is an effective and popular writer, striking with force at the vices and follies of our day. She was an active member of the well known woman's crusade against the whisky traffic. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have three cottages at Lakeside camp ground, one of them being the best in the place, and Mr. Rice is one of the leading officers of that institution.

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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