History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 151

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 151

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).

MICHAEL LICHTENWALTER, farmer; P. O. Pierce. The subject of this sketch is one of the most active and energetic farmers of Pike Pp .; he was born in Canton Tp. Stark Co., D.c. 16, 1823; his father, Michael Lich- tenwalter, was born in 1272, in Lancaster Co., Pa. and in 1809, settled in Canton Tp .; he married Mary Oyster, and they were the par- ents of nine children-Rebecca married Ber- jamin Bowers, and died in Van Wert Co .; Catharine, now Mrs. Abraham Kinney, of Kosciusko Co., Ind .; John of Canton Tp .; Abraham Lichtenwalter, of Crawford Co., Elizabeth never married; Michael, of Pike

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

860

Tp .; Christiana married Samuel Shatzer, and is now deceased; Mary, now Mrs. David Stultz; Harriet, now Mrs. Douglas Pierson ; Michael, Sr., died Jan. 29, 1844, and his wife, many years afterward, in February, 1866. Michael, the subject of this sketch, was raised in Can- ton Tp., receiving a common-school educa- tion; he remained with his mother until about four years after his father's death, and in 1848 moved to the farm now owned by Squire Yant, and after living there eight years sold it, with the intention of going West, but gave up the idea and purchased his present farm; first 163 aeres, of Peter Becher, and afterward 80 acres of Thomas Ayers; he afterward bought other small tracts, and now owns 260 acres; he was married Oct. 21, 1847, to Mary Ann Howenstine, who was born November 28, 1827. She was the daughter of Jacob Howenstine. Mr. and Mrs. Lichtenwal- ter are connected with the Luthern Church, being members of the Melshei- mer congregration; they are the parents of nine children; two died in infancy, seven are living, as follows-John Calvin, of Pike; Mary Catharine, now Mrs. F. M. Young, of Pike; Hilary, now Mrs. Peter Yant, of Pike; Wil- liam, Daniel, Emory, Maggie and Viola. Mr. Lichtenwalter is a Republican, and at the present time one of the Directors of the Pike Tp. Insurance Company.

WASHINGTON MCKINNEY, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Pierce; was born Dec. 3, 1847, in Pike Tp., where he was raised and educated, continuing on his father's farm until he became of age, when, after working for different parties for some months, he en- tered the store of F. M. Shaffer, at Sparta, and when his employer was stricken with the sınall-pox nursed him until he died. Wash- ington was then employed by the administra- tor of Shaffer's estate to close out the stock of goods on hand, and the next spring, in con- nection with Samuel Cable, opened a store un- der the firm name of Cable & McKinney. In October, 1874, the latter sold his interest in the establishment, and the next spring moved to his farm west of Sparta, where he remained with his family until they removed to their present residence in the village. In 1874 Mr. MeKinney was chosen Treasurer of Pike Tp., serving in this position for seven years. He is a director at the present time of the

Pike Township Insurance Company, which he was greatly instrumental in organizing. For some ten years he purchased wool at Sparta each spring, and in later years has paid consid- erable attention to buying and selling stock. He was married March 9, 1875, to Miss Mary Rager, who was raised by John Carnes, formerly of Pike Tp., and they have three children-Chloe Camilla, Mervin Monroe and Blanche Grace. Martin McKinney, grand- father of Washington, was born in Franklin Co., Penn., just previous to the Revolutionary War; during this struggle his father entered the American army and fell in battle; Martin was raised among strangers; he married Susan Benedit about 1804, and in the spring of 1816 they removed to Pike Tp. with their family, settling on land now owned hy William Williams; Martin was the father of seven children-Elizabeth, married William Tee- ples; Daniel, of Pike; Samuel, deceased; John, of Canton; Peter and Silas, of Pike; and Polly, now Mrs. John Williams, of Pike. Daniel, the second child, father of the subject of this sketch, was born November 4, 1808, and re- ceived but a limited education in consequence of the poor school facilities in those early days. He was married in 1835 to Miss Hester Guest, daughter of Rev. Pitney Guest, an early settler of Pike Tp .; some two years afterward Daniel was chosen Justice of the Peace and served for five terms or fifteen years. He was Constable previous to his marriage and also served as Clerk several terms, Trustee many years and Treasurer for some six terms. Daniel and wife are the parents of nine chil- dren-Mary, John, died aged 20; Isaac, died aged 8; Catharine, now Mrs. Leonard H. Stands, Lanson, of Sparta, Washington, Altha, Elizabeth, now Mrs. Wesley Miller and Nancy Anu.

SAMUEL MILLER, proprietor portable saw-mill; P. O. North Industry; was born in Stark Co., near Alliance, Dec. 25, 1834; the son of Rev. Michael A. Miller, who has been a minister of the German Reformed Church for forty years, during which time he has faith- fully labored in the Master's cause. Samuel was married July 4, 1858, to Martha, daugh- ter of John and Magdalena (Buchtel) Grove, who were the parents of four children; Joseph, died in 1871, aged 39; John J., of Pike; Samuel, of Bethlehem Tp .; and Martha,

861

PIKE TOWNSHIP.

wife of the subject of this sketch. After their marriage Mr. an | Mrs. Miller lived in Portage Co. for one year; then moved to Canton where they resided two or three years, Samuel being employed in the Aultman shops; they then removed to Uniontown, Stark Co., where Mr. Miller was engaged in the foundry, remaining there nine years; then settled in Pike Tp., and after two years occupied their present home where they have lived for nine years. For the past two years Mr. Miller has been engagol running a portable saw-mill. He is the father of four children-Louis, Emma, Ida C., and Maggie E. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the United Brethren Church; residing with them at the present time is their mother, Magdalena (Buchtel) Grove, whose father, Peter Bachtel, was a soldier during the war of 1812, and died at Sandusky City; she is an aunt of the noted John R. Buchtel, of Akrou, founder of Buch- tel college; is at the present time over 80 years of age, and has been a resident of Stark Co. seventy years.

SIMON RICE, farmer; P. O. Pierce, was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., about the year 1827; son of John and Rebecca (Wible) Riee. Simon was raised in the " Key-stone State," receiving a common school education. He remained with his father until he attained his sixteenth year; then worked for other people, several seasons. He removed to Kosciusko Co., Ind., remaining there several years; grubbing, mauling rails, clearing up land, and at other hard work. On the 20th of March, 1850, he left Warsaw, Indiana, with Several companions for California; two died of the cholera during the journey, and Mr. Rice was sick for a short time, but reached his destination Sept. 9, 1850, having walked 2,000 miles during this time, the entire dis- tance except 25 miles. After remaining one year in the gold regions, he returned home by the Nicaragua route, and was for some months in Carroll Co., where he purchased 1.0 acres of land. In March, 1853, he left again for California, via, the Panama route, returning to the States in June, 1854. During these two trips he suffered severe pri- vations, and met with many adventures. `Ile relates now many interesting incidents of which he had a personal knowledge. IIe saved $2,400 of the funds obtained in Cali-

fornia, and by industry and good management of his resources he has secured a competeney, owning at the present time 368 acres in Pike Tp., 150 in Tuscarawas Co., and 225 in Carroll Co .; total 243 acres. Mr. Rice was married Nov. 18, 1854, to Miss Sarah A., daughter of John Truxal, of Westmoreland Co., Pa .; they removed to Carroll Co. in 1855, remaining there until the spring of 1824, when he settled in Pike Tp. He was for many years an extensive stoek dealer in Carroll Co., but at the present time has discontinued operations to a great extent. Ile is the father of six children-Silas, now of Tuscarawas Co .; John T., now in the hardware business at Mineral Point; Lewis H., of Pike Tp; Lilly, James A. and Emina who reside at home with their parents. His two daughters are connected with the Metho- dist Church of Sparta. Mr. Rice states that politically he is an "Old Hickory " Demo- crat. He served for several terms as Trustee while a resident of Carroll Co.

DAVID RILEY, farmer; P. O. Pierce; was born Feb. 8, 1845, in Be Hord Co., Pa .; son of James and Rachel (Speaker) Riley. They re- moved to Ohio in 1858, remaining in Madison Co. one year, then settled in Tuscarawas Co., continuing there until the fall of 1863, when they removed to Carroll Co. In the year 1868 they located in Osnaburg Tp., Stark Co. James was then a farmer, but in his early days followed shoemaking for twenty-one years. While a resident of Osnaburg Tp., he was engaged in the coal business, and at the pres- ent time is running a provision store at New Franklin. Ilis children are all residents of Stark Co., except one, who is located in Mis- souri. David, the subject of this sketch, re- ceived a common-school education. Ile as- sisted his father on the farm for many years, and was afterwards engaged in the coal busi- ness in Osnaburg Tp., leasing a mine belong- ing to Daniel Saucer, and mined, with six diggers, an average of 500 bushels per week the entire year. Il> settled in Pike Tp., in 1871, on his present farm, and was married Nov. 26, 1868, to Mary E., daughter of Thomas and Margaret (MeKer) Newhouse. She was born Feb. 24, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Riley are members of the M. E. Church of Sparta. They have two sons, James T. and Hiram; their only daughter, Mary M., died aged 3. David

862

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

was a member of the O. N. G. during the Rebellion, and was in active service for four months in 1864. He was elected Trustee of Pike Tp. in the spring of 1880, and re-elected in 1881; has served on the Township Board of Education five or six years, and has been a Director for many terms. As a man he has been successful in whatever he undertook.

HENRY STANDS, farmer; P. O. North Industry; was born Sept. 24, 1811, in Franklin Co., Pa .; son of Peter and Eve (Albert) Stands, who were natives of the same county. Peter was an invalid for many years previous to his death, being troubled with dropsy; conse- quently he was not able to work, and as he was very poor, his family suffered many hard- ships, being in want frequently of the neces- saries of life. Henry was raised on corn- bread and buckwheat, and got only about three loaves of white bread during the whole of his stay in Franklin Co., for if the young Stands children got plain white bread occa- sionally, they considered themselves happy children. When quite young, Henry was hired out to different parties, by his mother, receiving at first only $1.50 per month, which meager stipend was always collected by his mother and used to buy food for the younger children; when he grew older he earned more wages for the family, and finally learned the weaver's trade. The Stands children were ambitious, and when they grew up, desiring to better their financial condition, Henry re- moved the family to Stark Co., in 1829, where Peter was supported by his son John, until he died, several years after coming to Ohio. llis wife died some two years afterwards, having had five children-John, now of Pike; Leonard, of Canton Tp .; Henry, of Pike; Su- sannah, now Mrs. George Finkenbinder, of Huntington Co., Ind., and Barbara, now Mrs. Jolın Shartzer, of North Industry. After Henry removed to Stark Co., he wove coverlids for three years in a shop, some three miles east of Canton, which formerly belonged to John Feichner; then followed butchering for six mouths, and after taking out cooper lumber for about half a year, he opened a cooper shop, which he ran for two years, hauling barrels to Massillon; then moved to Pike, and com- menced farming on land which he rented from different parties, until he purchased his present farm of 170 acres, most of which be

bought from Joseph Medill. For twenty-five years Mr. Stands was actively engaged buy- ing horses, cattle, and trading in stock gener- ally, at which business he was very success- ful. He was married in 1834, to Lydia, daughter of Michael Holm, who bore him fourteen children, four of whom died young, and ten grew to maturity as follows-Leonard H., of Pike; Caroline, died aged 2"; Isaiah, of Wabash Co., Ind .; Samuel, of Pike; Katy Ann, died aged 32; Mary, now Mrs. George Hoverland, of Pike; Margaret, at home; Sarah, now Mrs. Jacob Yutzy, of Pike; John, of Sumner Co., Kan .; Amanda, now Mrs. Milliard Young, of Pike. Mr. Stands has served as School Director for seventeen years in his district, and has been chosen Town- ship Trustee twice; he has been a member of the United Brethren Church for thirty years, and has held many offices of honor and trust in the community.

JOHN SIFFERT, farmer; P. O. Canton; was born at the farm upon which he now resides, June 7, 1817; son of Philip and Esther (Jarvis) Siffert. Philip was a native of Westmoreland Co., Pa., and Esther was born in New Jersey; they were married in the east, and came to Ohio in 1806. For a short time they lived in a tent near what is now Canton, but afterwards removed to Pike Tp., and entered the land now owned by their son John. He afterwards purchased 160 acres in Wayne, 160 acres in Hancock, and 160 acres in Wood Cos. When Philip first settled in Pike, the country was very wild, the woods were full of bears and deer, and they were frequently visited by the Indians, but had plenty to eat, drink, and wear; it was neces- sary however, to visit Steubenville and other markets still farther off, in order to purchase their supplies. Philip and his wife were members of the United Brethren Church, and at an early day, their home was the center of the religious efforts of this denomination in the neighborhood; quarterly meetings being frequently held here; also several camp meet- ings were conducted in the woods upon the Siffert farm, which was in that early day, a place where the banner of the Lord was ever unfurled to the breeze. Philip died May 16, 1853, aged 75 years, 11 months and 6 days; his wife dying some ten years previous. They i were the parents of eleven children-Margaret

863

PIKE TOWNSHIP.

married Jacob Simons, and removed to Put- nam Co., but returned and died in Stark; Elizabeth died in childhood; Rosannah mar- ried John Keel and died in Putnam Co .; Joseph died in Bethlehem Tp., where he resided; Eliza married David Wolf, and died while a resident of Coshocton Co .: Johu, sub- ject of this sketch; Nancy married Jacob Ruthraugh and died early in life; Philip was drowned, in infancy; Hester also married David Wolf, and died in Coshocton Co .; William, now a resident of Whitley Co., Ind .; and Samuel died at 18 years of age. John Siffert, the subject of this sketch, was raised and educated in Pike Tp., anl has been a farmer all his life. When 30 years of age he was licensed to preach the gospel, and was received by the Muskingum Annual Confer- ence of the United Brethren Church, as a minister; he traveled for two years on Crooked Run Circuit, in Tuscarawas Co., and then for one year on Nimishillen Circuit in Stark Co. At the present time he is connected with Otterbein Chapel of Pike Tp., but for many years has not been an active minister of the Church. Ile was married in November, 1849, to Amanda, daughter of Richard Ilughs, and was by her, the father of five children-Mary Ellen married William Teaby, and died Feb. 4, 1881, leaving two children-Charles Ells- worth, and Walter W .; Melancthon P., a school teacher; Angeline, Ida, Olive, and John E. at home with their parents. Ilis first wife died April 12, 1865, and he was married a second time, to Miss Auna, daughter of Christopher Bender, of North Industry. She is the mother of three children-Della Belle, Thurman C., and Cora Alice.

JOHN SMITH, farmer; P. O. Pierce; born in Chester Co. Pa., Dec. 12, 1818; son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Watson) Smith, who removed to Pike Tp. in the spring of 1829, settling on 30 acres of land now owned by Leonard Shrover; after remaining some twen- ty years, Jacob removed to Washington Tp., where he died in May, 1875; he was the father of five children, one died aged 18, four are living as follows-Lawrence B. and John of Pike To .: Elizabeth, now Mrs. George Hud- son, of Nebraska; Warren G., of Alliance. When the Smith family first moved to Pike Tp., the facilities for acquiring an education were very poor, but the subject of this sketch

wishing a more thorough knowledge of the different branches of science than could be obtained near home, walked to Canton cach morning carrying his dinner and returning in the evening; thus he acquired an education which has been transmitted to very many of his descendants; he early learned the trade of a shoemaker, which occupation he followed many years. About the year 1849 he was chosen Justice of the Peace, and served one term, after six years was re-elected, and serv- ed for two terms; he has also been Clerk and Assessor for several terms, and is Township Treasurer at the present time. Ile was mar- ried May 12, 1839, to Miss Martha, daughter of Peter Hockensmith. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, are members of the Methodist Church of Bolivar; they are the parents of cleven living children, as follows-Jacob, of Pike; Margaret, now Mrs. Jeremiah Culler, of Can- ton Tp .; Mary Jane, at home; Charity, now Mrs. James Walz, of Pike; William H., of Dakota Territory; Caroline, now Mrs. John Lash, of Bolivar; Wesley, of Sparta; Benja- min, Elmer, James and Ollie. Jacob Smith, the eldest son was born in Pike Tp., April 5, 1810, where he was raised and educated, after- ward teaching school for three terms; he learn- ed the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until 1870, since which year he has been en- gaged as a carpenter and contractor, putting up houses and barns. August 2, 1862, he en- listed for three years in the 107th Ohio, and served until June 20, 1865, when the Rebell- ion having been subdued, he was discharged. During this period he served for one year with the army of the Potomac; the bal- ance of the time in South Carolina and Flo- rida. He was married Sept. 19, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth Aun Shell, who was raised by Wil- liam Groves, Sr. He is the father of five chil- dren-Flora Ellen, Jennie Lillian, Margaret Pearl, Bertha Mabel and Ethel Agnes. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are connected with the M. E. Church, of Bolivar. Wesley Smith, son of Jacob, was born Feb. 11, 1853; elected Justice of the Peace in the fall of 1879; Mar- ried April 11, 1880, to Miss Sadie, daughter of Phillip and Sophia (Elsass) Smith.

ISAAC SICKAFOOSE, farmer; P. O. North Industry; was born in Sandy Tp., S.pt. 30, 1825. Ilis father, George Sickafoose, a native of Westmoreland Co., Pa., removed to Stark

864

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCIIES:

Co. in 1813, and settled in Sandy Tp. on 160 acres of land, which he purchased from the government. He was a soldier during the war of 1812; was a member of the Lutheran Church, and died in July, 1840. His wife, formerly Miss Margaret Wagner, died in December, 1857. She was the mother of ten children- Tena, now Mrs. George Howenstine, of Pike Tp .; Samuel, of Whitley Co., Ind .; George, died Janu ry, 1876, near Freeport, Ill .; Mich- ael, of Whitley Co., Ind .; Mary Ann, married Barton Blythe, and died in Sept., 1875; John, of Sandy Tp .; Andrew, of Whitley Co., Ind .; Benjamin, of Sandy Tp .; Isaac, of Pike Tp., and Margaret, now Mrs. James Robinson, of Sandy Tp. Isaac Sickafoose, subject of this sketch, was raised and educated in Sandy Tp., and when his father died, he, in connection with his brother Benjamin, purchased the homestead, which they farmed until some seven years ago, when he sold his interest and rented a farm in Sandy Tp. for one year, then purchased his present land in Pike Tp., from the heirs of Charles Laiblin. During the Rebellion he was a member of the O. N. G., and was in active service for four months in the 162d Regiment under Col. Ball. He was married Nov. 15, 1864, to Mary Ann, daughter of David Read, one of the pioneer settlers of Sandy Tp. They have three child- ren-David Reuben, George Emory and Cur- tis Read. His farm of 91 acres in Pike Tp., is underlaid with a vein of coal, which is in some places three, and in others four feet in thickness.

JEREMIAH STEINER, farmer and stock- man; P. O. Pierce; was born Jan. 29, 1835, in Westmoreland Co., Pa. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Thomas) Steiner, were natives of the same county where Jacob followed his trade as a hatter for over thirty years at Adamsville. In 1853 he moved to Stark Co. with his family, purchasing the farmn now owned by his son Jeremiah and Benj. Whit- mer. Jacob served as Treasurer of Pike Tp. many terms; was a member of the Lutheran Church; his wife was a Presbyterian. He died Jan. 1, 1862; she in April, 1879. They were the parents of eleven children; three died in infancy, eight grew to maturity, as follows-George G., of Pike; Jacob, of Des Moines, Ia .; Jeremiah, of Pike; Barnett T. was Captain of the 107th Regiment O. V. I.,

during the Rebellion, was wounded at Gettys- burg, and died shortly afterwards from the in- juries; William, now of Sandoval, 11 .; Eliza- beth, now Mrs. Aaron Skelton, of Pike; Jane M., now Mrs. George Hines, of Pike; Char- lotte S., now Mrs. Benj. Whitmer, of Pike. Jeremiah was raised in Adamsburg, and re- ceived a common school education; removed with his parents to Pike Tp., remaining on the farm until about 21 years of age. He then embarked in business as a drover; was employed first as an assistant by other par- ties, but soon commenced purchasing stock and driving them east on his own account, and since then he has been engaged in this business with considerable success. Formerly cattle were driven from Stark Co. through Pennsylvania to the eastern market, and it required four weeks to make the trip. Mr. Steiner has made many trips over the Alle- gheny Mountains driving cattle. The last. time was in 1863, when the animals were nearly captured by the Rebels. He pur- chased the farm of 120 acres, upon which he now resides, in 1862; and also owns 105 acres purchased from his father's heirs. His pres- ent residence was built during the summer of 1881. He was in the 100 days' service during the war; was married in February, 1861, to Miss Nancy, daughter of James Carnes, and they have six children-Barnett, Emina, Ed- ward, William, Hattie and James.

MAHLON SLUTS, farmer, P. O. North Industry; was born in Tusearawas Co., July 17, 1812, son of Samuel and Sarah (Hague) Slutz. Samuel was born in Frederick Co., Md., March 6, 1783. He was the son of John Shits, whose father came from Germany, and settled in Baltimore. John was the father of eighteen children, fifteen growing to maturity and raising families. He was a wheel wright by trade, served in the Revolutionary War, and settled with his family near Steubenville in 1806. His son Samuel was married Oct. 26, 1810, to Sarah Hague, who was born July 15, 1788. She was raised a Quaker, and by him the mother of four children, viz :- Mahlon, of Pike; Susan, married Benjamin L. Critchet and now deceased; Mahala died aged three; William also deceased; Samuel settled in Tuscarawas County with his wife in 1811, and died there Nov. 27, 1821. His widow was married in 1824, to Peter Houseman,

865

PIKE TOWNSHIP.

They had four children. She died May 17, 1857, at Dunkirk, Ohio. Mahlon Sluts, the subject of this sketch lived in Tuscarawas Co., until he was 13 years of age; his father being dead, he lived with his Uncle James, then a resident of Sugar Creek Tp., continu- ing with this kinsman until March 23, 1834, when he married Rebecca Wallburn. After living a few months in Holmes County, they bought 130 acres in Sugar Creek, upon which tract they lived over three years; then moved to Carroll County, remaining there ten years, on two different farms. September 14, 1848, the family settled in Pike Tp., purchasing 75 aeres at first, to which was added other tracts until Mr. Sluts owned 323 aeres. He trans- ferred some of this to his son, and now owns 212 acres. Mr. Sluts and wife have been members of the Methodist Church for over 23 years. Previous to this they were connected with the United Brethren de- nomination. He has been Class Leader, Trustee and Steward in the congregation, and represented the Society at conference, and was School Director for fourteen years. He was the father of seven children; two died before they reached maturity, five are living, as follows-Samuel, of Pike; Sarah Ann, now Mrs. Win. M. Howenstine, of Huntington Co., Ind .; George J., of Pike; Rebecca Jane, at home with her parents; William L., grad- uated at Mt. Union, and during the past eight years has been a minister of the M. E. Church, and located at Colorado Springs.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 151

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

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