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 88

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 88

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EDWIN J. SEIGLEY, deceased, was born in 1842, in Summit County. Ohio, where his father, Joseph Seigley, still resides. In his boyhood he attended Heidelberg College at Tiffin, Ohio, and resided for some time with his brother, B. F. Seigley, in Bloom Township. He was married, in September, 1862, to Miss Sarah Koller, who was born in Bloom Township, this county, in 1843, a daughter of Simon Koller. The children born to this union are Mrs. Izora V. Fry. Earl E. and Jessie M. Mr. and Mrs. Seigley resided in this

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township for three years, and then located at Melmore, Eden Township, this county, where he died in August, 1867. His widow now resides at her home north of Bloomville. She is a member of the Reformed Church, a lady of exalted Christian character, respected and esteemed by all who know her, and who has carefully reared her family to become intelligent, influential citizens of this township.

JOHN SEITZ (deceased) was born in Rockingham County, Va .. October 28, 1790, and came to Fairfield County, Ohio, with his parents in 1801. There he was united in marriage, in 1811, with Miss Magdalena Spitler, a native of what is now Page County, Va. They located permanently in Bloom Township, this county. in 1823, Mr. Seitz having come out the previous year, bought land and built a house, and named Bloom Township. Of the eight children born to this union four are now living: Abram (residing in Sacramento, Cal.), Lewis (a resident of Wyandot County, Ohio), Daniel and Isaac. Four died in this county: Mrs. Mary Perkey, Mrs. Anna Kagy, Josiah and Mrs. Elizabeth Bretz. John Seitz was serving as county commissioner when the first court house was built in Tiffin, in 1834, and filled the office of justice of the peace about fifteen years. He died September 27, 1874, his wife having preceded him in 1862. They were upright pioneers and helped develop the resources of Seneca County, and their names will long be revered by the citizens of Bloom Township. They were Primitive Baptists.

DANIEL SEITZ, farmer. P. O. Bloomville. a son of John and Magdalena (Spitler) Seitz, was born May 5, 1825, the first white male child to see the light of day in Bloom Township, and now the oldest resident of the same. He acquired his education in the old log schoolhouse within a few steps of his father's home, and took part in the usual work that fell to the lot of the pio- neers' sons of that early day. He married. February 4, 1862, Miss Barbara E. Bretz, born in Bloom Township. this county, September 12, 1834, a daugh- ter of David and Frances Bretz. natives of Virginia. who also came here from Fairfield County, Ohio. in early times. To this union were born Cassius M. and Cora Belle (twins), Wade Hampton and Jesse W. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Seitz lived on the family homestead until 1874, when they moved to their present farm adjoining, and here they have a fine farm of eighty-seven and a half acres of well improved land. Mr. Seitz is an earnest Republican, having cast his first vote for Van Buren for President. He has served the township as trustee several terms. He is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families in Bloom Township, and is a citizen of much influence.

ELDER LEWIS SEITZ, retired, Bloomville, was born October 21. 1802, in Fairfield County, Ohio. His parents. Lewis and Anna (Beery) Seitz, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., were married in York County, and after living eleven years in Rockingham County, Va., made a permanent settlement in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1801. Ten of their fourteen children were born in Virginia: all were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and the youngest was over fifty years of age before their rank was broken by death, our subject and his sister, Mrs. Rebecca Friesner, of Shelby County, Ill., being now the only survivors. The others are resting " their life's journey o'er," at various places throughout Ohio and the West. Our subject married, August 24. 1823, Miss Barbara Kagy, who died September 27. 1848, and of the fourteen children born to this union, six are deceased. Mr. Lewis was baptized by an "Old School" or Primitive Baptist the year following his marriage (March. 1824); he moved to Bloomville Township, this county, October 17, 1825, and here be- gan life in the wilderness; the Indians, who were quite numerous here at that time, always found in him a warm friend. Elder Seitz, now in his eighty-third

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year, began preaching at twenty-five years of age, and has labored in the Lord's vineyard almost continuously ever since, and yet preaches one hour or more at a stretch. He has traveled many miles through the dangers of a new country. and asked for no compensation for his time. He was married, on second occa- sion, January 16, 1849, to Mrs Martha Hershberger, who died September 22, 1883. Elder Seitz has cleared up and developed a large farm; has led a very active life, and his name will long be honored by the residents of Bloom Town- ship.

AARON SEITZ, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born March 12. 1844, in Bloom Township, this county, and is a son of the pioneer Elder Lewis Seitz. He was married October 24, 1864, to Miss Eliza Shock, born July 18. 1842, in Bloom Township. this county, daughter of Jacob Shock, a native of Stark County, Ohio, and who early settled in Bloom Township, dying in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Seitz settled where they now reside in 1872, and here have a fine farm of 1863 acres of well-improved land. Their children are Irvin L., Alvin J., Mattie May, Myrtie Blanche. Our subject and his worthy wife are members of the Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Seitz is an enterprising farmer and a citizen of strict integrity.

JOHN SHONTZ, proprietor of steam flouring-mill. Bloomville, was born in 1823. in Stark County, Ohio. His father, Henry Shontz, of Bedford County, Penn .. was married to Sarah Williard. of Armstrong County, Penn .. and moved to Stark County, Ohio, in 1823, thence to Jackson Township. this county, in 1834, where they resided the remainder of their lives. Mr. Shontz died in 1871, aged eighty-two, his wife having preceded him in 1865, at the age of sixty-six years. Of their nine children our subject

is the fourth. He married, December 16. 1847, Miss Rebecca Rinebolt, of London Township. this county, and to this union were born seven children, now living: Mrs. Melissa Smith, Elias, Alpheus J .. Mrs. Angeline Hartline. Neri, Arie and Lucinda. Mr. Shontz united with the German Baptist Church Sep- tember 30, 1849; was elected to the office of deacon May 22, 1859; chosen to the ministry October 1. 1860, and advanced to the second degree of the ministry September 22, 1874. During this time he preached in several of the surround- ing counties, having his home, however, located in the portage district until No- vember 10, 1861, when he was stationed at the Seneca Church near Bloomville, and at that time moved on his farm west of Bloomville. In June, 1878, he and his son purchased the Koller Mill, north of Bloomville, which they operated un- til the fall of 1879, when they built a large mill in Bloomville, the only grist and flouring-mill in the township, and which they are now conducting. en- joying a very extensive custom.

MARTIN J. SPITLER, farmer. P. O. Bloomville, was born May 10, 1824. in Fairfield County, Ohio. His parents, Jacob and Catharine (Seitz) Spitler, natives of Shenandoah County. Va., came to Fairfield County. Ohio. about 1802, where they grew up and were married. They located in Bloon Township, this county, in 1850; were consistent members of the Primitive Baptist Church. They were parents of seventeen children, fifteen of whom attained maturity: Lewis; Mrs. Rachel Clevenger, a resident of Allen County, Ohio: Mrs. Anna Mesnard (deceased); Mrs. Catharine Siple (deceased); Elder Noah (deceased); Jacob, killed by lightning: Daniel: Benjamin: Mrs. Eliza- beth Donald, of Iowa; Martin J. ; Mrs. Sophia Crawford, of Hancock County, Ohio; Eli; Mrs. Lydia Pearsall (deceased): Mahala (deceased); Mrs. Emily Einsel; and an infant (deceased). Jacob Spitler's useful life ended July 7, 1865, his wife having preceded him January 21, 1863. At their death they left 127 descendants. They were an upright pioneer couple; respected by all.

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Martin J., our subject, located in Bloom Township, this county, in the fall of 1845. Here he married. July 24, 1853, Miss' Mary E. Slee, of Crawford County, Ohio, born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1826, coming to Crawford County in 1837 with her parents, Francis and Mary Slee. who resided there until death. Mr. and Mrs. Spitler have resided in Bloom Township, since marriage. and on their present farm since April 10, 1873. Here they have a fine property of 246 acres of well improved land. The names of their chil- dren are as follows: Winfield Taylor; Mrs. Frances Ellen Segrist, of Henry County, Ohio; Fremont Dayton; Wilmot Hamlin; Brough Anderson; Nettie Belle (deceased); Sherman Grant; Minnie Alice; and Foster. Mr. and Mrs. Spitler are members of the Primitive Baptist Church. They have acquired their property entirely by their own industry and good management .. Mr. Spitler is one of the few living original Republicans, which party he continues to support.

FREDERICK SPONSELLER, farmer, P. O. Bloomville. was born Novem- ber 11, 1815, in Stark County, Ohio. His father, John Sponseller, of Colum- biana County, Ohio, was one of the earliest settlers of Stark County, Ohio, going there when there were but two or three houses at Canton, and there he married Miss Catherine Harpster, a native of Pennsylvania. and of their eight children seven are living; of these Frederick, John and Mrs. Catherine Sellers reside in this county. John Sponseller died in 1873 after a useful life of nearly eighty-five years; his widow still lives at the homestead and is ninety- two years old. Our subject was married. February 12, 1840. to Elizabeth Prouse, born September 13, 1818. in Stark County, where her parents, Will- iam and Hannah (Dock) Prouse, of Pennsylvania, early settled, and there lived and died, the former in 1872, aged eighty-three; the latter in 1879, aged seventy-eight. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sponseller turned their faces Westward and located on their present farm in Bloom Township, this county. Here they began clearing their farm, enduring all the struggles and hardships of pioneer life. They have been industrious and successful, having acquired a fine farm of 240 acres well-improved land, and have given their chil- dren a good start in life. Their children are William, deceassd; John, died at thirty-one years of age: Philip; Abraham: Elisha. deceased; David; Levi; and Hannah C .. deceased. M. and Mrs. Sponseller are members of the Lutheran Church.

ABRAHAM SPONSELLER, farmer. P. O. Bloomville, was born April 20. 1845, in Bloom Township. this county. a son of the well known pioneer, Fred. Sponseller. After completing a common school course in the home dis- trict, he attended the academy at Republic, Ohio. He was successfully engaged as a teacher one term in Bloom Township, this county, and one term in Chatfield Township, Crawford Co .. Ohio. He married, March 10. 1867, Miss Catherine Bessey. born July 3. 1842. in Seneca County, Ohio. daughter of Jacob and Rosa Bessey. natives of Germany, who, after living some time in Bloom Township. this county, moved to Huron County, finally settled in Bloom Township in 1855, and here Mr. Bessey died, July 31. 1867. His widow now resides in Crawford County. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bessey's chil- dren are Mrs. Rosa Sweitzer, of Barry County, Mich .; George. of Crawford County, Ohio; Mrs. Christine Swanders, of Iowa: Jacob. of Ionia County, Mich. : Jeremiah C., in Harper County, Kas .; Mrs. Mary A. Brillhart. of Chatfield Township, Crawford Co., Ohio; and Mrs. Sponseller. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sponseller resided in Crawford County five years, and then located in Bloom Township, this county, and have lived in their present home since 1882. where they have a well-improved farm of 100 acres. Their

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children are Minnie Ellen; Rosa Elizabeth; Mary Florence; Henry Earl, who died October 31, 1881, aged six years, and one infant (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Sponseller are Free-Will Baptists. He is a Democrat in politics, and takes an active interest in public affairs. He has been called upon to serve his township three terms in succession as trustee.

ADAM STINEBAUGH, retired, P. O. Rockaway, was born February 20, 1799, in Lancaster County, Penn. He lost his father when he was but a year and a half old, and his widowed mother moved with him over into Washington County, Md., where he was brought up. There he was married, February 5, 1829, to Miss Susanna Bowser, sister of the well known citizen and pioneer, Capt. Jacob Bowser. A few weeks after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Stinebaugh started, in company with her father, John Bowser, for this county, arriving in April, 1829. Here our subject purchased a tract of land. comprising sixty acres, where Republic now stands, and which he sold in 1835 to parties for the purpose of establishing that town. In 1836 he purchased a farm in Bloom Township of Henry Valentine, which was then a comparatively new farm, but well improved for those early days, having about thirty-five acres cleared. Here they made a permanent settlement. and Mrs. Stinebaugh died August 28, 1856. Their only child, Isaac B., was born November 14, 1829, on the site of Republic, Ohio. In 1841 our subject turned over the care of the farm to this son, who has added 160 acres to the original eighty acres, and has erected fine buildings, etc., until it is now one of the best improved places in the township. July 3, 1856. Isaac B. Stinebaugh married Miss Nancy Long, and to this union were born six children: Mrs. Susan Cooley, Mrs. Sceva N. Walker, Isaac L., Maggie J., Charles E. and Lillie D. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac B. Stinebaugh are consistent members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, in which he takes an act- ive interest, being also a worker in the Sabbath-school. He was successfully engaged in teaching in early life, beginning at sixteen years of age, and his eldest three children have followed in his footsteps, having established a fine reputation as successful and popular instructors.

JOHN SWIGERT, hardware dealer, Bloomville, was born in Franklin County. Penn., March 6, 1817. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Small) Swigert, afterward became citizens of this county, settling on their farm in Scipio Township in 1845, where they resided until George Swigert's death in 1856. His widow died in Bloom Township in 1873. Our subject was mar- ried, in 1839, to Miss Maria I. Smith, of Franklin County, Penn., and to this union were born seven children, of whom four are now living: William, Mrs. Hattie Ogden, Mrs. Florence Moore and Frederick G. The deceased are Mrs. Blanche Tabor, Ann Rebecca and Mrs. Jennie Koller. Mrs. Swigert departed this life August 18, 1884, she was a lady of estimable, Christian character, and her loss was mourned by a large circle of friends. Mr. Swigert followed his trade as carpenter and joiner until 1843, when he came to Ohio, and after liv- ing a few months in Ashland, located on a farm in Scipio Township, this coun- ty; kept hotel at Republic, Ohio, from 1846 to 1850. In 1852 he took a trip

to California. remaining there three years. He then resided on his farm until 1872, when he made a permanent location in Bloomville, where he has carried on his present business ever since. Mr. Swigert keeps a general line of hard- ware, stoves, tinware, agricultural implements, watches, clocks, jewelry and silverware. He has built up an extensive establishment with a large trade in the surrounding community. Since coming here Mr. Swigert has added very materially to the improvement of the town. In 1873 he built the Swigert Block on the southeast corner of Marion and New Haven Streets, and in 1881

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a block on the southwest corner of same streets. These buildings are large. commodious and fire-proof, and are the finest business blocks in Bloomville.

THE VALENTINE FAMILY. GEORGE VALENTINE was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, enlisting from his native State, Pennsylvania, and serving three years and six months under Gen. Washington. He afterward married Miss Mary Grove, of Maryland, whose acquaintance he had made while calling at a farm house for provisions while on the march. They came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1807, where they cleared up a large farm, but lived the latter years of their lives in Bloom Township, this county. Mr. Valentine's grave in Woodland Cemetery is perhaps the only Revolutionary soldier's grave in Sen- eca County.

JOHN VALENTINE, the eldest son of this couple, was married to Miss Sarah Talbott, of Fairfield County, a native of Maryland. He enlisted in the war of 1812, but on account of sickness in his family was compelled to hire a substi- tute to serve out the latter part of his time. Mr. and Mrs. John Valentine set- tled in 1827 on a quarter section of land in Bloom Township, this county, which he had obtained from the Government in 1822. Of their ten children three are living in Bloom Township: John, Mary E. and George; four are in Indiana: Samuel R., Edward Washington, Charles W. and Mrs. Selina Betts; one lives in Michigan, Henry, and two are deceased. James Harvey Valen- tine (deceased) and Charles W. Valentine were both in the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio National Guards, and served till the close of the war of the Rebellion.

THOMAS GEORGE VALENTINE, farmer, P. O. Bloomville, was born February 22, 1826, son of John and Sarah (Talbott) Valentine. He enlisted September 13, 1861, in the Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Army of the Potomac, and taking part in the fierce engagements in and around Virginia. After the battle of Gettysburg he was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, and served in eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia and vicin- ity. He received his discharge in the winter of 1864. having served in all three years and three months. He took part in every battle in which his regi- ment engaged; was always at the front and never sent to hospital. His grand- father, father and himself served altogether nearly eight years in defense of the Government, and not one applied for a pension. Our subject married Miss Katie Ann Baum, of Kosciusko County, Ind .. March 16, 1865, and to this union were born eight children, four of whom are now living: Emmet Irvie, Jesse Alvin, Charley Baum and Myrta May. Mr. Valentine now owns and oc- cupies the quarter section of land originally entered by his father, and which has never been out of the family name since.

ENOCH B. WATSON, farmer. P. O. Carrothers, was born September 24, 1843, in Bloom Township, this county. He grew up on his father's farm in Bloom Township and attended the schools of the home district. During the late war of the Rebellion he enlisted, September, 1861, in the Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served in the Army of the Potomac, participating in the historic battles of Virginia until his regiment was trans- ferred to the Army of the Cumberland, in 1863. He was severely wounded in the head by a piece of shell at the second battle of Bull Run, and in the right hand at Resaca, Ga. (The last wound resulted in his losing his fore finger.) He re-enlisted in his regiment, in 1864, and served until the close of the war. He left an honorable record as a brave and faithful soldier. He was married, March 13, 1866, to Miss Marilda A. Dellinger, a native of Lykens Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, and to this union was born a daughter, Estella E. Mr. Watson is a Republican in politics, taking a deep interest in

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public affairs. He resided some years in Bloomville and held the position of constable two years during that time. He has been a member of the school board of Bloom Township for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are mem- bers of the Protestant Methodist Church.

THOMAS WEST (deceased) was born April 15, 1800, near Binghampton. N. Y., and moved to Bloom Township, this county, in 1823. Here he was married. in 1824, to Miss Margaret C. Donnell. who was born January 10. 1804, in Centre County, Penn .. and came to Bloom Township with her parents, John and Mary (Boyd) Donnell in 1822. Mr. and Mrs. West resided on their farm, five miles west of Bloomville, for several years and there Mrs. West died September 10, 1836, leaving six children: Henry and Franklin, residents of Barry County, Mich. ; Mrs. Martha Turner; Alexander. fatally injured by a premature blast in the France Stone Quarry, Bloom Township. this county, November 10, 1884. and died on the 13th of the same month; John A. : and Dr. Thomas J .. of Tiffin. Ohio. Mr. West was married. on the second occasion, June 5, 1837, to Mrs. Eve Schultz. who died about 1841. He afterward married, November 21. 1844, Miss Nancy B. Boyd, who was born in Centre County, Penn., May 15. 1806, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hughes) Boyd. who located on Honey Creek in 1822, being the first permanent settlers in Bloom Township and resided on their farm until their death; Mrs. Boyd dying August 30, 1834. Mr. Boyd, November 27. 1847. Their children were Capt. James Boyd (deceased): Mrs. Nancy B. West: Jesse, a resident of Clark County, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Munsel (deceased); Samuel, a soldier of the Mexican war and who died in California; T. Jefferson (deceased); and Mrs. Ann Eliza Pettit, of Benzonia, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas West located in Bloomville in 1861, and here Mr. West died. April 2. 1879; his widow, who still resides at the family homestead, is the only repre- sentative of her father's family in this county and the second oldest pioneer in the township.

JOHN A. WEST, auctioneer and stock dealer, Bloomville, son of Thomas and Margaret C. (Donnell) West, was born April 22, 1834. in Venice Township, this county, and has resided in Bloom Township since he was six years of age. He finished his education under Prof. Schuyler at Republic, Ohio. He early engaged as an auctioneer, which employment he has followed continuously till the present time. He also does a good insurance business. representing a few standard companies, including Cooper and Firemens, of Dayton, Ohio. John A. West was married, December 4. 1862, to Miss Maria Smeltz, of Venice Township, this county, and by her has two sons: Martin Bernard and Frank Turner. Mr. West is an upright. worthy citizen. highly respected by the entire community.

J. D. WILSEY. manufacturer, Bloomville, was born November 9. 1828. in Broome County, N. Y., son of Tunis and Nancy A. Wilsey, the former died at Le Roy, Minn., in 1870. The latter is now living with her son, J. D. Our subject's boyhood was spent principally in Wayne County, Penn .. and there he began the manufacture of boat oars, which he has made his life occupation. At twenty-two years of age he moved to Erie County, Penn., where he established and carried on a manufactory of oars at Pageville for eleven years. There he was married, July 23, 1853, to Miss Calfunia Otis, by whom he has six chil- dren: Jay F. and F. D., engaged as partners in the oar business: Ora T. : John H .; Blanche; and Glades. Mr. Wilsey located at Riceville, Penn .. in 1862, thence moved to Ohio, in 1864, and here carried on his manufactory in Defiance County, until 1874, when he located in Bloomville. this county, which he has made his home, moving his factory, however, to suit the lumber

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supply, and it is now located in Wood County, Ohio, with headquarters at office 69 West Street, New York City, where our subject spends a considerable portion of his time. The firm is known there as the New York Boat Oar Com- pany, and does a business aggregating from $75,000 to $125,000 per year, shipping their goods to almost every civilized nation on the globe. The firm in Ohio is known as J. D. Wilsey & Son. Besides his manufacturing, Mr. Wilsey manages extensive farming interests in this county and in Kansas. He also operates a stone quarry on his farm in Bloom Township. He is one of the leading business men of Bloomville, and has done much toward building it up and securing its prosperity.

FREDERICK ZIMMERMAN, grocer, Bloomville, was born February 27, 1822, in Baden, Germany. After receiving his education in his native land, he immigrated to America, and located in Canal Dover, Tuscarawas Co .. Ohio, in 1843, where he followed his trade, that of a painter. There he was mar- ried August 1, 1844, to Miss Mary A. Oswald. They settled in Bloomville, this county, in June 1847. Here Mr. Zimmerman followed his trade for ten years, and established a grocery and provision store, which he has carried on ever since, and which is one of the oldest business houses in Bloomville. His several partners have been as follows: Dr. J. R. Buckingham. Henry Dittenhafer, Squire James Turner, James Ayres, and lastly, George W. Moore, who, in Feb- ruary, 1883, entered the firm, which is now known as Zimmerman & Moore. They carry a full line of groceries, provisions, queensware, etc., and by strict attention to business have built up a large trade with the surrounding com- munity. Mr. Zimmerman is a leading and influential citizen. For twenty- seven years he and his worthy wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a steward.

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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