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 96

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 96

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O. T. LOCKE, editor and proprietor of the Tribune, and postmaster of Tiffin, was born in Killawog, Cortland Co., N. Y., February 27, 1842, and is descended of a line of pioneer New Englanders. from England. his great- grandfather having served as a British officer in early colonial times. His father, Nathaniel R. Locke, a tanner and shoe-maker by occupation, a native of Vermont, served in the war of 1812 and afterward settled in Cortland County, N. Y. O. T. Locke after receiving a common school education in his native State, and when eighteen years old. "went West" and engaged as "typo" in the office of the Bucyrus Journal. at Bucyrus, Ohio (D. R. Locke, proprietor); here he completed his apprenticeship and, in 1863, with another brother, C. N. Locke (now deceased), bought the Findlay Jeffersonian, at Findlay, Ohio. and conducted it till 1868, when they with Mr. W. G. Blymer (who had joined then at Findlay) bought out his present paper, the Tribune. Mr. Locke was mar- ried in Findlay, in 1866. to Miss Maria C. Porch, second daughter of Henry Porch, Esq., of Findlay, Ohio, and by her he has two daughters and one son: Carrie, Sallie and John. He is a member of the Masonic order.

JAMES W. LOVE, president of the city council of Tiffin, was born near Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio. November 2. 1828. His parents, Andrew and Mary (Swayze) Love, the former of Lancaster, Penn .. and the latter of Vir- ginia, were married in Pennsylvania and located in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1812, and in about the year 1830, moved to Seneca County and settled in Tiffin. They reared a family of six children-two sons and four daughters-of whom one son. James W., and two daughters, Mrs. Sarah Reem, of Lancaster, Ohio. and Mrs. Abigail Rex, of Wells County, Ind., survive. The subject of our sketch learned the trades of spinning-wheel and cabinet furniture making in his father's shop, which was among the first established in Tiffin. Upon the death of his father, in 1841, he carried on his business for several years. He afterward was employed by Mr. John Fiege (subsequently Fiege Bros.) for twenty-four years in the manufacture of furniture. In 1881 he was one of the incorporaters of the Enterprise Manufacturing Company. in whose employ he is at present. Mr. Love married in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in 1853. Miss

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Elizabeth, daughter of John and Catherine (Hugg) Tripp, pioneers of Wyan dot County, Ohio, but formerly of Philadelphia, Penn .. and by this union has one son. Vietor J .. a journalist and "typo" connected with the Toledo Bee. of Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Love is an ardent supporter of all measures tending to the developement of his city, and has served with credit in its councils. and for the last four years has been its presiding officer. He is a time-honored Odd Fel- low. a member of Seneca Lodge No. 35. also a member of Hobah Encamp- ment No. 19, I. O. O. F .. and has served as its scribe for the last fifteen years; is also one of the charter members of the K. of P .. Lodge No. SO. of Tiffin. In matters of religion. although not connected with any sects or creeds, our subject is a liberal supporter of the Reformed Church. of which Mrs. Love is an active member.

ROBERT LYSLE, notary public, .general insurance and real estate busi- ness, Tiffin, was born in Chester County. Penn., March 26, 1833. son of Roh- ert and Eliza A. (Walker) Lysle. both of Irish ancestry. The grandfather, Lieut. James Lysle, left his native country, Ireland, and arriving in America settled in Chester County. Penn. He was by occupation a teacher; served under Gen. Anthony Wayne during the Revolutionary war and was with him at the storming of Stonington: he died of quick consumption in 1806. Our subject's grandparents left Chester County, Penn., and moved to Sewickley, Penn., in 1801. Our subject's father was born in Chester County, Penn .. and returning there bought the homestead in 1826. Our subject's mother comes of pioneer stock in Pennsylvania. among whom are many tanners and curriers on the maternal. and paper manufacturers on the paternal side. The subject of our sketch. one of a family of three sons and six daughters fall liv- ing in Philadelphia and vicinity. except himself and one sister, who died in 1846), was reared to paper-making (the business of his father) and in com- pany with his brother. James W .. carried on the " old mill." In 1860 he sold his interest in the business and came West. and in April. 1861, located with his family in Tiffin. He engaged in book-keeping for a time and subsequently became a knight of the road in commercial business. in which capacity he was favorably known for ten years. retiring in 1877 to take up his present vocation. He received a commission as notary public from Gov. Hayes and has had it renewed under Govs. Foster and Hoadly. Mr. Lysle was married in Chester County, Penn., to Hannah Kimble Brown. daughter of Phineas and Louisa (Kimble) Brown. by whom he has three sons and three danghters: Florence May. wife of J. W. Andrews. of Toledo: Walter Barnes, stock dealer of Ida Grove, Iowa: Lillie Brown: Olive Louisa: Robert Walker, a young lad of excellent attainments; and George Kimble, born July 29, 1885. Mr. Lysle and family are worthy members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has served as member of the board of elders and president of the board of trustees. He is a F. & A. M. and has passed all the chairs to the commandery: is pres- ent Captain General in De Molay Commandery No. 9. K. T. He is president of the library association, and has altogether been foremost in the support of Tiffin's many literary and educational institutions. During the late war of the Rebellion Mr. Lysle did honorable service, enlisting, June. 1862. in Com- pany I. One Hundred and First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry: was com- missioned first lieutenant August 11 of that year. and did active service till January 25, 1863. when he was compelled to resign on accout of ill health. Regaining his health he set about organizing Company I, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. which he took in the field as captain July 14. 1863. and was in active service again till February 10, 1864. when the regiment was mustered ont.

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EPHRAIM J. MCCOLLUM, M. D., physician and surgeon, Tiffin, was born in Richland County, Ohio, in June, 1825. He is the third in the fam- ily of five children of John and Sarah (Barber) McCollum, and was born on his father's farm. When five years of age his father died, and he was taken by his grandfather McCollum, who was a farmer in Columbia County, Penn. There he attended school, and later worked on the farm during the summer months. In 1842 he taught school, which he continued to do for four years. In 1846 he began the study of medicine, with Dr. William Marr, of Washing- ton, Penn. In 1847-48 he attended lectures at Jefferson College, Philadelphia. In 1849 he commenced the practice of his chosen profession in Mccutchen- ville, Ohio, where he continued for three years. In 1852-53 he again attended a course of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, and was graduated therefrom in March, 1853. The same month he was married to Margaret Marr, a sister of Dr. Marr. with whom he had studied. He immediately located himself in Tiffin, Ohio, which has ever since been his residence. In 1854, during the cholera epidemic in Tiffin, the Doctor became a victim. but fortunately recov- ered. The time was a trying one, for in the little town of 3,000 population from ten to fifteen were dying every day. The Doctor is one of the oldest physicians in Tiffin. His practice has been large, successful, and remunera- tive. On the opening of the Chicago Division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad he received the appointment as surgeon for that road, as well as of the Northwestern Ohio Railroad (now the Toledo Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad). These positions he has held for many years; has been health offi- cer of Tiffin: president of the County Medical Society; and a member of the Northwestern Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, and the Amer- ican Medical Society. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since about twenty-five years of age. His son, Leon, born in 1856, studied with him, took two courses in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keo- kuk, lowa, where he graduated, and settled in the practice of medicine at Lodi. Seneca County. He is now in practice with his father at Tiffin. The Doctor. by both parents, is of Scotch descent. His grandfather, Ephraim McCollum, who was born in the United States, was the son of a Sotchman. On his mother's side he can trace his ancestry in Scotland back to the time of Queen Elizabeth. These records. in possession of the Doctor, are of remark- able interest. His maternal grandmother was a Kennedy, one of the descend- ants of Roland de Garrick, who was himself a direct descendant of the old Scottish kings. The authentic record says: "In early part of fourteenth century the descendants of Roland de Garrick adopted the name of Kennedy as a surname." Scotch history is full of mention of members of this family. James Kennedy. archbishop of St. Andrews, was cousin to James II, of Scotland, and was one of the most powerful statesmen of Scotland, of his time. We find mention of high church dignitaries, great generals, and states- men. One of the women of the family stands out conspicuous in history. from the fact that she was one of the two ladies in waiting who were allowed to attend the unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots, at her execution. The Ken- nedys. though at first somewhat divided, early threw their influence in favor of the reformed religion. In 1538 Alexander Kennedy. a finely educated young gentleman, was burned at the stake, in Glasgow, for writing a poetical satire against the Franciscan friars. Branches of the Kennedy family migrated to Ireland, and from thence, at a later date, to America. In America, as in Scotland. they have become stanch Presbyterians in religious faith.

W. RUSH MCFARLAND, proprietor of restaurant and saloon, Tiffin, only surviving son of the late Dr. John Alexander McFarland. was born in Tiffin, this

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county, January 10, 1846, and after receiving a good education engaged in merchandising, with which he was connected for several years. establishing his present business in 1880. February 29, 1876, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John B. and Margaret (Schaeffer) Graveldinger, the former of Remich, Luxemburg, Germany, and the latter of Dudenbrun, Baden. To this union were born three sons: Alexander Rush, Henry Arthur (buried in the Roman Catholic cemetery here) and William Albert. Mr. and Mrs. McFar- land are members of St. Mary's congregation of the Roman Catholic Church. He is a member of the Bruderbund society, and has been a member of the fire department for eleven years.

AUSTIN MCNEAL, merchant, Tiffin, was born at Fort Ball (now Tiffin), Ohio, June 11, 1830, son of Milton and Maria (Gregory) McNeal. the former of whom was born in Orange County, N. Y., and settled here in 1823: the lat- ter, who came here the following year, was a daughter of Nehemiah and Patience (Brown) Gregory, who settled in Athens County, Ohio, in 1801, from New York State (they were of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and came of Presbyterian Church people, and of Revolutionary stock, the father of Patience Brown serving with marked distinction as a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war). Milton McNeal died in 1834, leaving a son and two daughters; of the latter, Amanda is the wife of James W. Bayard, of Athens County, Ohio, and Laura is the wife of Judge Truman H. Bagby, of Tiffin. Austin, the son, was reared to his father's business (merchandising), and has been prominently identified with the industry here since. He was united in marriage with Sarah Ann, daughter of Dr. Secretary Rawson, of Richfield, Ohio (now of Des Moines, Iowa), and brother of Abel Rawson, this union being blessed with a son and a daugher: Otis R. (whom they buried) and Lucy Maria, now the wife of Don R. Gibson, of Payne, Ohio, son of Dr. Robert McDonald Gibson, brother of Gen. W. H. Gibson, of Tiffin. Mrs. Maria McNeal after living a widow for years was happily married to Abel Rawson, with whom she remained a kind companion until his demise. She is still hale and vigorous, and re- tains in her memory many of the very interesting events of her early life. She is very kindly respected by all who know her as the warm friend of the dis- tressed. the noble woman, kind mother and affectionate wife. While many of her age have passed the more active sphere of their lives, she still continues her domestic duties, milking her cows, making butter as of yore and attending to her household duties. The wonder is how she has carried her years of care and labor.

JAMES V. MAGERS, clerk of the courts of Seneca County, was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 17, 1842. His parents, Joseph E. Magers and Mary A. Sneeringer, settled in this county in 1852, coming from Stark County. The former was a native of Maryland, and of pioneer French descent, and the lat- ter of German pioneer ancestry in Pennsylvania; of their family of eleven children they reared four sons and two daughters. The subject of this sketch (their eldest child) enjoyed the benefits of the common schools, and finished his education at Heidelberg College. He engaged in teaching, with which profession he was prominently identified in this locality for many years. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat. October, 1881, he was elected to his present incumbency, and upon the expiration of his term of office was honorably re-elected. He married, January 7, 1868, at New Riegel. this county, Mary J., daughter of John Adelsperger and Mary A. Albert, pioneers of Loudon Township, the former of whom was a native of Maryland, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr, and Mrs. Magers have two sons and two daugh- ters living: Charles F., Olive I., Camilla E. and Victor L .; and have buried

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two sons: Orville V. and Joseph J. Mr. Magers, while being a very reputa- ble teacher, is an active and enterprising public man and citizen, and contrib- utes in no small degree to the support of his party, as attested to by his popular ability as an official.

J. F. MARQUARDT, druggist, Tiffin, Ohio, born in Aldingen, Wurtem- berg, Germany, November 22, 1839, son of the late Christian Marquardt, of that place. J. F. Marquardt came to America. at the age of fourteen years, through the influence of the late Dr. Jacob Frederick Jeack, under whose guardianship he remained in study. On the death of Dr. Jeack two years later he apprenticed himself to the drug business, and after spending two years at this trade in Toledo returned to Tiffin in 1858, opened a drug store, and has been prominently identified with the drug business ever since. In 1862 he married, in Tiffin, Ardella E. Koller, fourth daughter of Jesse Koller, and by her he has one son: Jesse C., a young man of excellent attainments. a graduate of the Ohio State University, and at present in charge of his father's drug business at New Washington, Ohio. Mr. Marquardt has accumulated a handsome competence in his business, the result of steady, persistent industry. He has always been a liberal contributor to public measures tending to the growth and development of the social and industrial life of his adopted city. He is a worthy Mason, and has attained to the degree of Knight Templar in De Molay Commandery. He is also a member of the K. of H., and of the Royal Arcanum. During the late civil war he pronounced himself in strong accord with the Union, and so extended his services. In 1874 he erected the handsome building in which he does business, and which bears his name. He is also interested in many other enterprises.

JACOB MARSHAL, retired farmer and one of the old pioneers of the county, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Biron, Germany, September 23, 1815, son of George and Elizabeth Marshal, who immigrated to America direct to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1834, and here remained until their death. Our subject was married, August 28, 1836, to Sophia Bishop, born in Germany July 23, 1809, daughter of Nicholas and Eve Bishop, who died in Germany. To our subject and wife have been born eight children. five now living: George. Jacob, Mary (wife of Paul Miller). Susan (wife of Jonas Hoblits), Elizabeth (wife of Fred- erick Meyers). The deceased are David, Margaret and an infant. Our subject, who has been a farmer all his life, owns nearly 100 acres of land. He and his wife are faithful members of the Reformed Church.

CHARLES MARTIN, dealer in groceries, Tiffin, was born in Hondingen, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, in 1837, and was apprenticed to the cabinet- making trade there. In 1853 he came to America and located in the following year in Melmore, this county, where he was connected with merchandising till 1862, when he came to Tiffin and followed the same occupation till in 1864, when, upon the organization of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio National Guards, he enlisted in Company A. and did duty during its term of service. In December of 1864 he formed a partnership in the grocery business with Mr. Nighswander, which continued until 1868, when Mr. Negele purchased an interest (Mr. Nighswander retiring), and the firm has since been favorably known as Martin & Negele. Besides a regular trade the firm have introduced an important feature in the enterprise of coffee roasting and grind- ing, as well as spice grinding, which has proved no small addition to their business. Mr. Martin was married at Melmore, in 1860, to Miss Sophia Pfau, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, daughter of Frederick Pfau, a native of Wurtemberg. Germany. They have two sons and three daughters: James G. (in mercantile trale at Hayward, Wis. ). Emma. Elsie. Flora and Silas.

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Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the former has been an official for several years. He is a member of the different Masonic bodies in Tiffin. also K. of H., Royal Arcanum and A. L. of H. Mr. Martin has always felt averse to holding public office, but has served his ward (Fourth) in the councils of the city.

JAMES F. MARTIN. son of Nathan Martin, of Pennsylvania, and Eliza- beth Devins, of York County, Canada, was born in Canada May 6, 1830, and came to Seneca County with his parents in 1839. He was educated in Bloom Township, and at the Seneca County Academy; worked on the home- stead farm until August, 1850, when he was severely injured by a threshing machine; he then attended the Seneca County Academy, and in 1853 taught school in Bloom Township, which he followed until 1865, when he was elected county recorder. He was re-elected in 1868, and served until the close of 1871. In 1874 he was chosen assistant sergeant-at-arms, at Columbus, for the Legislature. Mr. Martin was married on Christmas day, 1855, to Miss Julia Engle, of Thompson Township. This lady died March 20, 1874, leaving four children. Of these two daughters have died since that time.

DR. JOHN W. MARTIN, dentist. Tiffin, was born in Clinton Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, March 3, 1832. His parents, John and Barbara (Broad- beck) Martin, were early settlers in this county, having moved from Freder- ick County, Md., in 1826; the former was born in Frederick County, Md., and the latter near York, Penn. The subject of our sketch was reared on the farm and followed agricultural pursuits till he was twenty- six years of age. when he commenced the study of dentistry. After a short practice at Westerville, Ohio, he located in Tiffin, this county, in 1861, and has been favorably identified with professional work here since. He was united in marriage, in 1853, with Rachael A., daughter of John and Lydia (Reem) Berkey, of Liberty Township, this county; she passed away her young life, leaving one daughter, Rachael. now the wife of H. H. Neligh, a dentist. Dr. Martin was married on second occasion, in 1861, to Elizabeth A., daughter of Rev. John and Elizabeth (Walker) Souder; she also departed this life Decem- ber 17, 1884, leaving no issue. Dr. Martin is a worthy citizen, a clever dental surgeon and an enterprising public spirited business man. He is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN MERKELBACH, grocer, Tiffin, born in Granzhausen, in the duke- dom of Nassau, April 5, 1826; is a son of Jacob William and Elizabeth (Remi) Merkelbach. who had four sons and four daughters, of whom one son and two daughters came to America: Catharine (wife of Jacob Cæsar, of New York City, have four sons and four daughters); Wilhemina (wife of Frederick Her- ner, of Allentown, Penn., have three sons and two daughters), and John. The subject of this sketch learned painting in his native land, and upon coming to Tiffin, Ohio, in 1853, he carried on his trade and acquired a handsome compe- tence. In 1876 he embarked in the grocery business, which he still carries on. February 4, 1855, he married Catharine. daughter of Andrew Albrecht, and by her has eleven children-two sons and nine daughters: Louisa, wife of James George, of Tiffin; Anna, wife of George Dutt, of Tiffin; Mina, who carries on the store: Emma, a lady of excellent attainments, a teacher in the schools of Tiffin: Eva; Mary: John Frederick, a painter; Lizzie; Ida; Charlie and Cora. The family attend the German Reformed Church. Mr. Merkelbach is a mem- ber of the Bruderbund society, of which he has served as its honored president.

PETER MILLER, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., September 16, 1833, son of Daniel W. and Anna Miller, who were united in marriage in the State of New York, and who moved to Seneca County, Ohio,

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in 1837, where they remained until the death of the latter. Daniel W. Miller afterward married Sarah Raber, and they now reside in Clinton Township. Our subject was married March 2, 1854, to Levina Robenalt, born in this county September 12, 1832, daughter of Solomon and Catharine Robenalt, natives of Pennsylvania, and who were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, moving to Seneca County in 1829, and there remaining until their death; the father died in 1863 and the mother in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of seven children, of whom six are now living: Frank P., born October 1, 1856; Orlando A., born March 12, 1858; Daniel W .. born August 1, 1859; Alice V., born October 25, 1860; Burton R. and Anna M., born November 16, 1864. The deceased, Gideon A., was born January 4, 1855, and died April 22, 1862. Mr. Miller is a cooper, a trade he followed for several years, and then became engaged in farming. He owns 288 acres of land, nearly all improved. He is trustee of the township, a position he has filled for six years with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

P. L. MORCHER, proprietor of bakery, confectionery and dining hall, Tiffin, was born in Fort Seneca, Pleasant Township, this county, May 29, 1854. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Rehm) Morcher, former of whom came from Wurtemberg, Germany, when a lad of fourteen, and here learned shoe- making, which he carried on at Fort Seneca till his death, which occurred in January, 1870; the latter was a native of Bierne, Bavaria, daughter of Philip Lorenzo and Elizabeth (Mechsdesheimer) Rehm, who located at Fort Seneca, this county, in 1845. Jacob and Elizabeth (Rehm) Morcher had a family of six sons and one daughter: John William, of Tiffin; Philip Lorenzo; George Henry, a baker; Frank Albert, a farmer and lumber dealer; Charles Jacob, a baker; Frances Elizabeth, now Mrs. Charles Purcel, in bakery and restaurant business at Fostoria, and Jacob Udel, with Philip Lorenzo. The subject of our sketch learned shoe-making, which he followed till he was twenty-six years of age, when he engaged in his present business, which he has successfully carried on since. He was married, December 6, 1881, to Matilda, daughter of Charles and Catharine (Bechle) Wendler. He and his wife are worthy mem. bers of the First Reformed Church. Mr. Morcher is a member of the K. of P. and of P. O. of A.

BENJAMIN F. MYERS, Tiffin, is a descendant of the German pioneers of Ohio from Maryland and Pennsylvania. Conrad Myers, his grandfather, coming from Maryland, settled in Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1796. His father, whose name was Conrad, was married to Miss Leah Rauch, of Penn- sylvania. In 1845 they came to this county and made their home on a farm in Jackson Township, where a family of five sons and three daughters grew up around them. The subject of this sketch was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, May 2, 1833. His early education was acquired in the district schools in his neighborhood. He made such advancement that at the age of sixteen he taught his first term of school. Afterward he attended Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio, where he prosecuted the studies of the scientific course. Leaving college he engaged in teaching, and has ever since been prominently connected with the educational interests of his county. After a successful experience of seventeen years in the district schools, he accepted a position in the public schools of the city of Tiffin, where he became principal of the Second Ward, and assistant superintendent. This position Mr. Myers has held since 1866. During the last nineteen years he has served as a member of the board of county school examiners for Seneca County. In 1856 Mr. Myers was married to Miss Leah A. Faulk, of Columbiana County, Ohio, and they have one son

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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