History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 141

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? ed
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1060


USA > Ohio > Stark County > History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio > Part 141


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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MRS. ROSANNA KERSTETTER, farm ing: P.O. Massillen; was born Feb. 21, 1821, in Wurtemberg, Germany; daughter of George and Christina (Abla) Baur, who had a family of four children- Catherine, Gotlieb, Rosanna and Frederica, the last named dying young. The Baur family emigrated to America about the year 1830, going, first, to New York State, where they lived six or seven years, and then moved to Canada, where they re- mained a short time. after which they came to Ohio, and settled in Lawrence Co .; after a twenty years' residence there, they moved to Henry Co., where Mr. Baur died, in 1868, his wife having died in 1831. m 1846. Rosanna was married to Peter Ker- stetter, who was born Oct. 20, 1794, in Center Co., Ponn. Peter was twice married, first, to Anna Mary Young, who died, in 1845, leaving no issue. Mr. Kerstetter, the husband of Rosanna, located in the northeast part of Tuscarawas Township. on 115 acres of land he received from his father, afterward adding 89 acres: was in the war of 1812: he died on his farm Feb. 17, 1866: by his last wife he had five children Matilda C., at home; George W., died in infancy: Mary E., Mrs. Joseph Chapman, died in 1870: Peter B., on the homestead; and David W. at home. He was a member of the Baptist Church at the time of his death, but had formerly been a Lutheran. Mrs. Kerstetter is a Baptist, but the children belong to the United Brethren in Christ Church. Mr. Kerstotter had formerly been a Democrat, but latterly voted the Re- publican ticket. Matilda, who was born Oct.


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3, 1846. married Mr. Hardgrove, and by him had one child. Ranals S., born April 16, 1868. Mrs. Hardgrove resides on the homestead with her mother.


WILLIAM KITZMILLER, farmer: P. O. Massillon: was born in Canton Township. Aug. 1.1. 1S]S. the seventh of a family of ton chil dren. His parents were Jacob and Sarah (Krugg) Kitzmiller: he was born in Adams Co., Penn .. about 1773, and was a son of Mar tin Kitzmiller, whose father emigrated from Germany to Pennsylvania when that country was now. To Martin Kitzmiller was born Jacob. Martin. John and one daughter. Jacob Kitzmiller came to Stark County in the spring of 1814; he was a blacksmith by trade. which he had learned of his father: he set- tled about one mile and a half southeast of Canton, purchasing 160 acres: here he re mained until about the year 1830, when he moved to the edge of Canton (now included within the city limits): he died in 1816. a man highly respected: was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was strong in the prin- ciples embraced by the Whig party. Of the children born him were Maria. who married V. Buckius, and settled in Canton Township (now deceased): Matilda. of Canton: John settled in Lawrence Township, and died in 1SS1: Henry died in Newark, Ohio, in 1865: Rebecca is the wife of John Buckius, of Can- ton; Jacob is in Canton also: William, in Tuscarawas Township; Sarah. Mrs. William Kelly, of Salem, Columbiana Co .: Edward. in Pickaway, Miami Co., this State: Incinda, now the wife of Jacob Booker, of Massillon. William remained with his father until 22 years of age. March 12. 1810, he was mar- ried to Anna Shilling, who was born in this township in 1821, daughter of Adam Shilling. who was born in Franklin Co., Penn .. Feb. 1]. 1792. and came West in 1816. to Stark County, and settled in this township. After Mr. Kitz- miller was married, he lived two years on the homestead: then moved to Lawrence Town ship: lived eleven years: then returned to Canton, where he lived until 1565, when he came to this township: is a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.


HENRY J. LONAS, farmer: P. O. Na- varre: born March 1. 1S40. in Bethlehem


Township, the second child of a family of thirteen children: his father. John W. Lonas, was born in ISI1, in Shenandoah Co., Va .; he married Leah Huntsberger, whose father, John Huntsberger, was a native of Virginia but of German descent. The father of our subject emigrated West, to Ohio, locating in Stark County in the fall of 1839, purchasing several hundred acres of land in Bethlehem township, and remained a constant resident until his death. which occurred Ang. 15, 1$79, while on a visit to Huntington, Ind .; he was a man highly respected in the commu nity: was for many years a member and elder in the German Reformed Church: his wife survived him until May 23, 1876: of the chil- dren born them now living. are Sarah (., the wife of John H. Goseman: Henry J., in Tus carawas Township: Mary J .. married Jacob Erberly. of Bethlehem Township: Barbara R. A .. wife of S. B. Leighley, also of Bethlehem; Webster and John in same township: Samuel, in Perry: Julia Ann. now in Huntington Co., Ind .. the wife of Joseph Adams: Sarah, now Mrs. John HI. Geseman. in Indiana. Henry J .. remained at home until he was 25 years of age: Feb. 28, 1865, married Sarah Geseman, who was born in Lawrence Township. Dec. 15. 1813. being the fourth of a family of sev- en children. born to Samuel and Mary (Har- klerode, Lonas: he was born in Franklin Co., Penn .. in ISIO; she in same State in the year 1813: were married in Pennsylvania. and came West, setthng in Lawrence Township on a farm, remaining here until about IS55, when they moved to Bethlehem Township: since March. ISSI. have resided in Huntington Co., Ind. The children born them are Jolin, Mary, Sarah. Jacob. Margaret, Rebecca and Samuel, all of whom resite in Indiana, except Mrs. Lonas and Mary, who reside in Bethlehem Township. Mr. Lonas moved on the farm he now owns in 1865, having but $250 when he came; afterward received $2,700 from his father; then went in debt $3,750: afterward, $5.400: has now 160 acres, all paid for and well improved, which he has been offered $110 per acre: coal has been found on his land, which has enhanced its value: he has two children -Laura A. and Nettie J .: he is a member of the Reformed Church.


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JACOB LUTZ, farmer; P. O. Massillon; was born Ang. 26, 1817, in Lancaster Co., Penn., the oldest child of Christian Lutz, who married a Lohman, his mother dying when Jacob was but 4 weeks old. Our subject was raised by his uncle, Mr. Foreman, who located in Perry Township when Jacob was 5 years old, and with whom he remained until the uncle died, in 1857. Jacob's father moved out several years afterward, and settled in this county, from where he removed to Craw- ford County, and finally, to Williams County, where he died, in 1870. Jacob Lutz was married, to Polly Riggle, born in Lancaster Co., Penn., daughter of Martin Riggle, from which union has resulted one child, Laura, now Mrs. Adam Miller, of this township; he has 88 acres of excellent land, and is a Re- publican.


WILLIAM MOFFITT, farmer; P. O. Massillon; was born March 12, 1815, in Mid- dletown, Washington Co., Penn., being the third of a family of six children, born to his parents, Peter and Mary (Snce) Moffitt. The grandsire of William was born in England; Ins children were Robert, William, Noah, Peter, Catharine and Mrs. Porter. Peter Moffitt was a native of County Donegal. Ire- land, born about the year 1781; his wife, Mary Snee, was a native of the same county as himself, but born ten years later; she was a daughter of William Snee, whose wife was killed in a storm; their children were as fol- lows: Mary, Nancy, William, James and Sarah. Peter Moffitt emigrated to America about the year 1800, when a single man, landing in Baltimore: his brother, Noah, had preceded him several years. Peter was a chair-maker by trade, which vocation he followed several years in Baltimore; then went to Pittsburgh, Penn., where he was married, about the year 1808, to Mary Snee, and subsequently removed to Washington Co., Penn; thence to Smith- field, Jefferson Co., in 1817, remaining about two years; then to New Philadelphia, Tusca- rawas Co., Ohio, remaining two years; next, to Mt. Eaton, Wayne Co., in 1823, remaining until 1827; thence to Dalton, where he re- mained until his death, which event occurred in 1850. He and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the latter having


been fifty-eight years a member. William's father being poor, was unable to give his son anything but his blessing and his good will; leaving home at 12, he went to live with his uncle, with whom he lived until 17 years of age; then leaving, apprenticed himself to learn the shoemaker's trade, which he followed some time; afterward sold goods; in 1839, married Lucinda, born in this township, Feb. 26, 1819, on Sec. 23, only daughter of Nathan Eldridge and Elizabeth Thacker, both being natives of Essex Co., N. Y., and came West, in 1811, locating in this township; in 1828, moved to Dalton, and kept store until 1843; then located on northwest quarter of Sec. 23, now owned by Mr. Moffitt, who came here with his father-in-law, and has been a constant resident. Mr. Eldridge died in February, 1851: his wife, Sept. 18, 1864. Elizabeth Thacker was born in 1795; she was a dangh- ter of Stephen, of Essex Co., N. Y. The Thacker family located in Brookfield, this township, in 1815. To Peter Moffitt and wife were born eight children, all of whom grew to man and womanhood, who were Catharine, who was the wife of Rufus Hardy, of Massil- lon; also Valentine, who served as Captain in Company E, 120th O. V. I .; was a prisoner several months in Texas; he had also four sons who served all through the rebellion, and came home unscathed. William died Octo- ber, ISGS. Next in order comes William, then Noah, Benjamin, Wesley, and James, who died in the service of his country; Noah settled in Dalton; Benjamin in Richland County; Wesley in Michigan, Genesee Co .; the last of the family was Ann Eliza, who married John Fletcher. Mr. William Moffitt has had three children born him; but two are living; Elizabeth, Mrs. James Fletcher, of Dalton; Nathan, now on the farm; he was a member of Company I, 76th O. V. I .; was wounded at the battle of Arkansas Bluff, and was discharged on account of disability; Mary died at the age of 20; Mr. Moffitt is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he and wife, and Nathan; daughter and husband of the Presbyterian.


SAMUEL MILLER, farmer; P. O. Mas- sillon; was born Oct. 15, 1528, in this town- ship, the youngest of nine children, born to


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TUSCARAWAS TOWNSHIP.


Frederick and Rebecca (Dewalt-Hess) Miller; he was born in Center Co., Penn., coming West, locating in this township, and purchas- ing 160 acres of land, upon which he remained until he died, which event occurred in Novem- ber, 1857; that of his wife in October, 1867. Samnel, our subjeet, remained at home until 21 years of age. Oet. 24, 1849, he was married to Naney Kurtz, born in Lawrence Township April 27, 1530, daughter of Adam and Rebecca (Steele) Kurtz. After the mar- riage of Samuel, he moved on land his father gave him, npon which he lived until 1876, then moved to where he now lives. He had four children-Absalom, Amanda, wife of Theodore Princehorn, Adam S., Rebecca, Mrs, Peter Kerstetter. Mr. Miller has 325 acres. besides 60 acres of coal land. For several years he labored industriously and persist- ently, and was finally rewarded by the devel- opment of a mine that pays him a heavy roy- alty, reaching as high as $5,000 quarterly. In 1864, he enlisted in Company E, 178th O. V. I., and served until the close of the war. Himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, as were also his mother and father. He has always voted the Republican ticket.


JOHN McMILLEN, farmer; P O. East Greenville; was born Nov. 14, 1517, in Jeffer- son County. near Richmond, the eighth child of John P. and Catharine ( Moore) McMillen, he born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1775, son of John, a native of Ireland, she in Mer- ver Co., Penn .. daughter of John Moore, also a native of the Emerald Isle. John P., the father of our subject. came to Ohio when he was 26 years of age (1501), and located in this county, buying 200 aeres of land, which he afterward traded for mill property, and then sold out and bought 160 acres of land in this township, in 1829. When he came here there was but little improvement, but he settled and remained upon the land until 1846, when he moved to Fredericksburg, Wayne Co., where he lived until his death, which occurred Jan. 20, 1851. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church from his 26th year; was a Whig, and raised the first barn in the township, without whisky : his wife died July 13, 1867; they had five children, four of whom grew to maturity


Mary married Jacob Mandeville, in Morrow County; Alexander died in Lebanon, May 1, 1875; was a physician; John, our subject, on the homestead; James, in Akron. Our sub- ject remained with his parents and farmed, since 1545. Sept. 9, 1845, he was married to Rebecca Krappensberger, born in Tuscarawas County Jan. 1. 1825, daughter of William and Nancy (Beals) Krappensberger; he from Westmoreland Co., Penn., and she from York Co., Penn. Mr. McMillen has been continu- ously on the farm since he has been here; he has four children Warner P., physician, Fort Wayne, Ind .: De Witt H., physician, West Lebanon, Wayne Co .; Hadassah, Mrs. M. F. Brown, a widow; Nancy E., a school- teacher. Mr. McMillen has 160 acres of land: has been a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church since 1859; also Steward of this church; was first a Whig; at present a Re- publican; never missed but one election.


WILLIAM MAXHIMER, farmer: P. O. Pigeon Run. Among the prominent farmers and early residents of the township, is Mr. Maxbimer, who was born Aug. 26, 1818, in Franklin Co., Penn., the eldest of a family of eight children, five of whom grew to maturity - William, Eliza, Amanda, John and Bon- jamin, the result of the union of Christian and Nancy (Krider) Maxhimer. Christian was born in 1796, Oct. 10, in Franklin Co., Penn., and was a son of William, who had a family of six children John, Christian, Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary and Catharine. Nancy was born in March, 1796, in Franklin Co., Penn., daughter of George Krider, a native of Virginia. William, our subject, came West, with his parents, when he was 2 years old (1820), and located in this township, living in a stable until better quarters could be ob- tained; they located on Sec. 27, purchasing 160 acres of unimproved land, and with no roads leading to it; he remained on this farm 11 years, removing to Orrville, Wayne Co., in the spring of ISS1; his wife died in 1870; he has been a member of the United Brethren in Christ Church for forty years; was an ardent Whig, but is now a stanch Republican. Our subject has always remained at home; in April, 1814, he married Elizabeth Cole, born in Jefferson Co., Ohio. in 1826, daughter of


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Joslma and Caroline (Armstrong) Cole, he born in east part of that State. in 1800. she in Pennsylvania. Mr. Maxhimer has had five children born to him, four of whom are still living -- Cecelia. Mrs. Nathan Moffitt; Clarinda. Mrs. Leonard Slusser: Franklin F.,, of Wayne County, and Sheridan. Mr. Max- limer has served as Township Trustee sev- eral years, and as Clerk one year: has 90 acres of land with excellent improvements; is a Republican.


REV. S. MASE, minister, Massillon: was born in 1848, in Tuscarawas Township, the second of the children of John and Mary (Crider) Mase; born Dec. 24, 1820: he was born March 9, 1822. in Bethlehem Township, this county, son of William Mase, a native of Pennsylvania. Mary was a daughter of Mar- tin. To John and Mary were born three chil- dren- John. Jr., in Hardin County; Rev. S., Rosanna E., Mrs. George Caylor, this town- ship. Rov. S. left home at the age of 24, when he started first to Mt. Union College. afterward going to Heidelberg, where he com- pleted his course: in 1878, he took charge of four congregations- New Jerusalem and St. Johns, this township: St. James, in Sugar Creek Township, and Christ's, this township: has charge since; he was married, in August. 1880, to Ida C. Hassler, born on the home- stead in 1857, daughter of Joseph and Char- lotte Hassler. Mr. Mase, being raised within the field of his present operations. has proven the old saw, that "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country," to be incor- rect in his case, for he is filling acceptably and giving many evidences of fruitfulness in his work, right in the midst of those who have known him from his cradle.


JOHN McINTOSH, farmer: P. O. Navarre; is a native of Perry Township: born Aug. 10, 1825, being the fourth of the family, and the oldest son of John McIntosh and Elizabeth Donot. John McIntosh was born in Ireland: came to Perry Township about the year 1820: he died about the year 1828: his wife mar- ried Ludwick Young, and the children were put out. Our subject lived some time with Mr. Donot, his relative: afterward with Mr. Bixler: he learned the plasterer's trade, which vocation he followed for thirty years;


Oct. 23, 1849, was married to Anna Bixler, who was born Feb. 15, 1831, in Perry Town- ship, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Mock) Bixler, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Bixler was among the early settlers; he assisted building the Ohio Canal. The first land Mr. McIntosh purchased was 25 acres in Bethlehem Township. afterward adding to the same: came to this township in 1866, pur- chasing 95 acres at $75 per acre, of Mr. Cres- inger. Ten children were born, eight living -- Almira, wife of John Whitmore; Frances, wife of Mr. Miller, in Sugar Creek Township; Samuel, Amanda, Sarah, John S. (telegraph operator), Milton J. and Clara A. Those who died were Franklin. when a babe, and Peter, who was nearly IS years of age at the time of his death. Mr. McIntosh has now 168 acres of land, which is located in the southeast quarter of Sec. 36; is a member of the Re- formed Church. Mr. Bixler, father of Mrs. McIntosh: resides in Bethlehem Township, and is now 86 years of age.


DAVID MILLER. farmer; P. O. West Brookfield: was born in Center Co .. Penn., Aug. 22, 1815, the fourth child born to Fred- erick Miller. David came West, with his parents, when 3 years of age, and settled in this township. David stayed at home until 21 years of age. and at 22 married Sarah Oberlin. born in this township July 22, 1818, daughter of John Oberlin, and sister of C. N. Oberlin, of Massillon. After marriage, they moved to this place, where they have since resided. He began farming for others on the "shares." but now owns 114 acres of good land: he has eleven children Frederick, at


home; John, this township; Rebecca, Mrs. John Packard, this township: Catharine, Mrs. Jacob Myers, this township: Amelia, Mrs. George Kendrick, in Crawford Co., Ill .; Israel, same county: Caroline. Mrs. John Asleman, in Kansas; Alice, Mrs. David Mattey, Jeffer- son; David, at home; Sarah, at home. Mr. Miller sent three sons to the war, all of whom came safely home: he and wife are members of the German Reformed Church.


JACOB NEWSTETTER, farmer: P. O. Massillon: was born April 9, 1830, in this township, ou Sec. 12; son of Henry and Snsan (Voris) Newstetter. Jacob remained


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under the parental roof until 23 years of age: , ship, daughter of Joseph Hassler; has one in June, 1853, he was married to Amanda child Anson Leroy: is a member of the Reformed Church, and a Democrat; has aban- doned teaching, and is giving his time entire ly to farming. Kurtz, who was born Feb. 18, 1846, in Law- rence Township, daughter of Adam Kurtz and Rebecca Steele: in the fall of 1854, he moved to Lawrence Township, where he lived nine years on the Kurtz farm: returned to this township in the fall of 1865, locating on the Grattz farm, sitnated on the northeast quar- ter of Sec. 21, where he has since lived: has 121 acres: has had three children born him, two living-David F .. married, and resides in Greenville; Menetty. at home. The New- stetter family are all loval Republicans from the ancestors down to the last generation.


W. DALLAS OBERLIN. farmer; P'. (). Dalton: is a son of Peter Oberlin, who was born in this township. on Sec. 19. Jan. 29. 1820, and raised in this township. He mar- ried Lydia Lichty, who was born in Pennsyl- vania. a daughter of John and Mary (Schloot ) Lichty, who raised four children -- Abram L., Susan. Martha and Lydia. Susan married John Cully, of Sugar Creek Tp., Wayne Co .. Ohio; Martha, wife of Jacob Slavman. and resides in Carroll Co., Ill .; Abram L. resides in the same county and State. The Lichty family came West, to Ohio, about the year 1825. Peter Oberlin removed to Wood County. this State, about 1846, where he ro- mained several years: then located, several years, in Sugar Creek Tp .. Wayne Co .; finally located permanently in this township, on the northwest quarter of See. 25. in this township. where he remained until his death, which oc curred in February, IS72: he was a member of the Reformed Church, and Elder in the same for several years, and was an activo worker in the Sunday-school cause: was Superintend- dent: his wife vet survives him, and remains on the homestead. in this township. They had five children Sumantha, W. Dallas, Otilia, wife of Peter Poorman. in Sugar Creek Township, this county, Joseph and Ira J. W. Dallas was born in Wood County, this State; received the advantages of the common schools and the high school, at Smithville and Lexington: at the age of 19, he began teaching, and has taught twelve terms and Is a successful teacher. June. 1869. he married Hadassah Hassler, who was born in this town-


WILLIAM E. OBERLIN. Massillon: was born in Tuscarawas Township, March 9, 1822, the sixth son in order of birth, born to Peter and Susanna (Cramer) Oberlin. Our subject was raised to farming, attending the district schools, and finishing his education in the academy, at Wooster: for some time taught school and clerked for various firms, after which he went to Wooster to school, and there resumed teaching, having taught. all told, sixteen terms. In October, 1852. he married Susan Dague, born in Lancaster Co .. Pen., in 1832. daughter of Jacob and Maria (Over- ley) Dague. The Dague family came to Wayne County in 1837. After the marriage of our subject, he purchased a small piece of land. on which he lived five years, when he sold it and moved to his present place. of 70 acres. known as "Stand's Farm," having in all about HO acres: he has four children Otto E., Albert B., Charles D. and Jennie M. Mr. Oberlin was elected Township Assessor about 1854, and served three torms; served also as Justice of the Peace from 1857. and was re-elected in 1SS1: also as Township Treasurer nineteen years: has administrated on several estates, and been guardian for ten persons; he has always been a Democrat, and is a member of the Reformed Church.


JOSEPH OBERLIN, farmer: P. O. West Brookfield: was born July 5. 1826, on Sec. 19, Tuscarawas Tp., Stark Co., Ohio. He is the seventh son born to Peter Oberlin, who was a son of Adam and Eve Oberlin, who were among the early pioneers of Tuscarawas Township. Joseph was raised to man's estate under the parental roof, having received good school advantages, he improved the same, by teaching the young ideas of the neighborhood for several years. In February. 1553, he caught the gokl fever and spent four years and a half in California, where he was mostly engaged in mining, returning to Stark County in 1857. Dec. 20, 1560, he married Mary Christman, born JJuly 30, 1535, in this town- ship, daughter of John Christman, whose


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wife's maiden name was Margaret Fisher. Jolin Christman was born Feb. 17, 1811. in Mt. Pleasant Tp .. Westmoreland Co .. Pen., son of JJacob, who had seven children born him. John being the eldest. John Christman was married May 16. 1833, to Margaret Fisher. who was born in 1811. in Westmore- land County. Mr. Christman emigrated to this State in 1835. and purchased 160 acres in Tuscarawas Township. upon which he has since lived Mrs. Oberlin died June 9. 1879. leaving four children --- Arthur C., Anna M., Inez R. and Mary L. After Mr. Oberlin's marriage he moved on the homestead. where he lived several years. He has now 100 acres on Sec. 19. Since 1869, he has resided with his father-in-law. Mr. Christman. Mr. Ober- lin is a member of the German Reformed Church.


JOHN POORMAN, farmer; P. O. Massillon: was born Feb. 7, 1825, near Chambersburg. Franklin Co., Penn., the youngest of a family of ten children. His parents were Peter and Mary (Richard) Poorman. Our subject came to this township with his parents in the fall of 1828. his father purchasing 320 acres of land located on Sec. 28, for which he paid $8 per acre. The farm was then in a wild con- dition. a large portion of which he made pro- ductive. remaining on the same until Febru- ary. 1842; his wife survived him just twenty years. Of nine children left at their decease, were Rachel. wife of Jacob Humberger. of Massillon: Leah. Mrs. Jacob Culler: Char- lotte, Mrs. Joseph Hassler and John of this township: David. in Defiance County: Mary. now Mrs. Joshua Kilgore. of Noble Co., Ind. ; Susanna, wife of Jacob Stair, of Elkhart Co., Ind .: Barbara married George Feighuer, of Macomb Co .. Mich .: Peter, in Effingham Co., Ill. Our subject was raised on the farm he now lives upon. In November. 1844. he was married to Caroline Kelker, who was born in 1824. in Franklin County, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Schertzer) Kelker, who came West to Ohio about the year 1835, locating in Richland County, where they resided about two years, then moved to Springfield, and subsequently to this township where they died. Mrs. Poorman died in August, 1871, leaving seven children -- Jacob L., Martha,




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