History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 155

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 155

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New Berlin; is a daughter of Jacob Gaskins, who was born in slavery in Winchester, Va., in 1492. He was one of 999 slaves owned by a man who at the time of his death gave free- dom to all slaves in his possession, with the exception of those under age, who were obliged to work in bondage until they reached their 21st year, and in that number Mr. Gas- kins was included. He then lived with a man who admired him for his industry and honesty, and after he had attained the age re- quired, was given a certain per cent of the proceeds of the farm, but after working there four years, he came to Ohio, settling in Plain Tp., in 1817 on a small piece of land. By his industry he increased his farm until he owned about 3,5 acres in Plain and Jackson Tps. He lived a retired life for a few years pre- ceding his death, and died in 1873, at the age of 81 years. He was a man respected by all who knew him, for his honesty and indus- try. In 1818 he married Hannah Robinson, who died in 1861. They were the parents of nine children, Eliza being the only one living. She was born in Plain Tp., Jan. 17, 182%. She had always lived at home, and at the time of Mr. Gaskins' death, fell heir to his proper- ty, and is now living a retired life in New Berlin. She is a member of the Church of God.

GEORGE HOLTZ, physician; New Ber- lin; whose portrait appears in this history as one of the selected representatives of Plain Tp., was born in the township where he now resides, in 1816; and is the son of Jolm and Mary (Wortsler) Holtz, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and the parents of the latter be- came residents of Plain Tp., as early as 1806. At the breaking-out of the war of 1812, Joln Holtz entered the service of his country and proved himself to be a patriotic and gallant soldier. Returning to New Berlin, he was made Captain of their home militia company. He engaged in farming, at which he con- tinued until his death, which occurred in 1875, in his 84th year. The early life of the Doctor was spent on his father's farm. He obtained his early education in the common schools of that date, through which he suc- ceeded in fitting himself for a teacher, a busi- ness he followed for about ten years during the winter season. He began the study of medicine in 1844, and finished his course of

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study at the Western Reserve College of Hudson, and at Cleveland. He began prac- tice as early as 1845, though he did not receive the degree of an M. D. until 1850. He began practice in New Berlin, where he met with such flattering success among his native people as to have since remained with them. Much, perhaps, of the Doctor's popu- larity as a physician has been gained by his humane and conscientious principles of prac- tice, and though he has gained a fair compe- tency, it has been done by very modest charges and a large amount of gratutitious practice. In 1842 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Koontz, who bore him several chil- dren, one of whom is living-Miranda, now wife of Ephraim Schaffer, of New Berlin. Mrs. Holtz died in 1849, and subsequently the Doctor married Miss Maria Lininger, who died in 1862, leaving three children, all of whom are living. The Doctor has been for a number of years, a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and since 1847 has held the office of Justice of the Peace. He is now growing old, among a community that has known and respected him for over half a century.

DANIEL HOOVER, farmer; P. O. New Berlin; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Aug. 3, 1823, and is the second in a family of nine children, born to Henry and Margaret Hoover, who were both natives of the above named county, and came to Ohio in 1827. He (Henry) was a blacksmith by trade, and worked at the same for several years at the time of his settlement in Plain Tp., and also worked on a farm of 320 acres, with the determination of converting the forest into a productive farm, which he accomplished after many months of labor. He remained on this farm for several years, and at the time of his death was ** years of age. Daniel, the subject of this sketch, came to Plain Tp. with his parents when but four years old; his childhood was spent at home on the farm, where he re- mained until he was 23 years of age. At the age of 16 he apprenticed himself to the tan- ners' trade. and after a few years he engaged in the business, continuing in the same until 1823, meeting with good success. In 1853 he purchased a farm of 86 acres on Sec. 9, and has lived there ever since, farming the same in addition to the tanning business. In

1847 he was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of Christian Kryder, one of Stark Co.'s early settlers. From that marriage there have been three children-W. H., of New Berlin; J. W., of Canton, and F. K., of Kan- sas City. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover are members of the Lutheran Church.

JESSE HARTER, dealer in farming im- plements; New Berlin. The subject of this sketch was born in Stark Co., Ohio, in August, 1818, and is the youngest in a family of 16 children born to Jacob and Mary (Nowlen) HJarter, who were natives of Lancaster Co., Pa., and about 1:94 they removed to Centre Co., where they lived until 1812. Jacob was engaged in farming, and in 1812 he came to Stark Co., setting on a farm in Plain Tp. Section 8. The first four horse team driven over the road leading from Canton to Cairo was driven by him-he clearing the passage. He settled upon a farm which he cleared and lived upon up to the time of his death. He was a man who took a great interest in church and school matters, and delighted himself by promoting the interest of the same. He died in 1850, at the age of it years. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm where he lived until he was 20 years of age; he then farmed his father's farm for 13 years, meeting with good success. He then purchased a farm of 190 acres, where he lived until 1861, he at that time removing to a pleasant home adjoining the village of New Berlin. In the same year (1861) he was employed by C. Aultman & Co., of Canton, O., as traveling salesman for their works, and with this Com- pany remained for several years. He then engaged with P. P. Mast & Co., of Springfield, Ohio, with whom he has done business since, with the exception of a few years when he re- presented Ludlow & Rogers, of the latter uamed city. Mr. Harter is considered a competent salesman, and has during the last twenty years represented the above named companies in every State in the Union of any importance to the trade in which he is engaged. In 1837 he was united in marriage to Deborah Essig, of Plain Tp., and from that marriage there have been twelve children, eight of whom are living.

II. W. HOSSLER, wagon-maker; Canton; is a son of George and Elizabeth (Hershey) Hossler, who were natives of Pennsylvania.

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George came to Ohio when but 11 years of age, and lived in Marlborough Tp., this county, until he reached manhood. He worked at the wagon-maker's trade for several years, then purchased a farm in Nimishillen Tp., where he lived four years. In 1854 he bought the farm where he now lives, consisting of 160 acres of valuable land. They were the parents of seven children, our subject, II. WV., being the oldest. He was born in Stark Co., O., in 1854. He attended the common schools until he was about 18 years of age, then learned the wagon-maker's trade, and worked at the same up to the present time. In 1875 he purchased a farm in Nimishillen Tp., which he rents. In 1871 he was elected Justice of the Peace of Plain Tp., and has held the office up to the present time. He has always voted with the Democratic party.

JOHN HOFFMAN, farmer; P. O. Canton; is a son of Jacob Hoffman, who was a na- tive of Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in farming, and in 1848 eame to Ohio, set- tling on a farm in Canton Tp., this county. He was a very prosperous farmer, an intelli- gent man and a good citizen. Our subject, John Hoffman, was born in Bedford Co., Pa., April 30, 1833, and came to Ohio with his parents in 1848. He obtained his education in the common schools in Pennsylvania, and at the age of 22 years began farming his fath- er's farm, where he remained four years. In 1861 he bought a farm of 160 aeres, where he has since lived, with the exception of two years he lived at Louisville, Stark Co. By industry and good management he has accu- mulated a handsome fortune, and now owns 371 acres of fine land in Plain and Nimishil- Jen townships. In 1855 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of William Bachtel, of Canton. She died in 18:3, leav- ing four children, viz :- David, Sarah, the wife of Henry Keim; Jacob and William. In 1874 he married for his second wife, Catha- rine Thomas, who bore him two children.

W. H. HOOVER, collar manufacturer and tanner; New Berlin; is a son of Daniel Iloov- er, whose sketch appears in this work. W. H. was born in Plain Tp., this county, in Au- gust, 1849, he obtained his education in the common sehools and Mt. Union College. After leaving college, he returned to the farm, and at the age 18 years he went to work in

his father's tannery, where he was employed until 1871, when he purchased the stock of his father, and conducted the business there for two years. He then purchased the tan- nery at New Berlin, in which he now carries on business. In 1875 he began to manufae- ture horse-collars, and is engaged in the same at the present, making the best goods in that part of the State. In 1871 he was married to Susan, daughter of Peter and Catharine Troxel, of Plain Tp., who bore four children. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover are members of the Disciples' Church. In polities he is a Re- publiean, and has always been identified with the party. He is a member of the Odd Fel- lows Lodge, No. 454.

JACOB HARMAN, farmer; P. O. Canton; was born in Columbiana Co., O., Oct. 5, 1812, and is a son of Fredrick and Elizabeth Har- man, who came to Columbiana Co., in an early day. Fredriek was a Lieutenant in the war of 1812, serving his country with commend- able gallantry. Elizabeth Shenabarger, the mother of our subjeet, was born while her parents were crossing the ocean coming to this country. They settled in Columbiana Co., where both father and mother died. Our subjeet lived at home until he was 21 years of age, when he apprenticed himself to the pot- ter's trade, and after serving three years he started in business, and was engaged in the manufacture of stone-ware for twenty-one years. He then built a steam saw-mill, and after being engaged in the latter named busi- ness for two years, removed to Stark Co., set- tling in Plain Tp., on 145 acres, where he has since resided. In 1837 he married Annie, daughter of Abram Shellenbarger, of Colum- biana Co. From that marriage there have been ten children, seven of whom are living, namely-Rachel, Harriet, Ellen, Elizabeth, Lovina, Almira and John. Mr. and Mrs. Harman are members of the Lutheran Church.

H. H. HOUSEL, farmer ; P. O. Middle Branch. The subject of this sketel was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., O., August, 1840, and is the son of Anthony and Mary (Hoover) Ilousel. Anthony Housel was a native of Union Co., Pa., and came to Stark Co. with his parents in 1812 ; the year following, he returned to his native Staw, and there remain- ed two years, being engaged in farming ; in 1814 he returned to Plain Tp., and settled

PLAIN TOWNSHIP.

on a farm of 240 acres, where he lived up to the time of his death. He was a prominent man, holding many offices of trust. He di d in 1869, at the age of 87 years ; Mrs. Ilonsel died in 1853, aged 56 years. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm and in oh- taining a common school education. At the age of 21 he began farming the homestead, which he now owns. In 1864 he entered the United States service as a Captain in the 162d Regiment O. N. G., and was out until the close of the war. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Elmira, daughter of Henry Fire- stone, of Plain Tp., and from that marriage there are three children. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 60, C'anton, and has always been identified with the Republi- can party.

M. J. HOLTZ, farmer ; P. O. Middle Branch ; is a son of John and Mary Holtz, whose sketch appears with that of Dr. Holtz. Our subject was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., O., June 23. 1827. He attended the common schools of his neighborhood, where he obtain- ed a liberal education. Ile remained at home on the farm until he was 25 years of age. Ile then commenced farming the homestead, where he remained for several years, farming for a certain per cent of the proceeds, and at the time of his father's death was working thus ; he now owns 130 acres of valuable land. In September. 1851, he was united in marriage to Emily, daughter of David Fol- som, of Ashtabula Co. From that marriage there have been born four children, three of whom are living-Elesta A., wife of James M. Spangler, of Plain Tp .; Francis M. and Minnie A., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Holtz are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Holtz has always voted with the Democratic party.

JACOB HOLL, farmer; P. O. New Berlin; is the third in a family of eight children, born to Daniel and Barbara (Leib) Holl, who were natives of Lancaster Co., l'a., where Daniel was engaged in farming the greater part of his life. In 1832 he came to Stark Co., sot- tling on a farm of 160 acres in Plain Tp Hle there remained until 1859. when he set- tled on a small farm, and there lived until 18;0, when he departed this life at the age of 65 years. Hlis widow survives him, and is living in New Berlin. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., in

1821. His childhood was spent at home, and in 1832 he came to Plain Tp., with his par- ents, where he attended the schools of the neighborhood, and received a liberal educa- tion, and also taught for several years. In 1848 he began life for himself; he first farmed the old homestead for ten years, and finally purchased 100 acres of the same, where he remained several years; afterward purchasing the 80 acre farm where he now resides. In 1847 he married Rachel Soll, of Lake Tp., who bore him three children, two of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Holl are members of the German Reformed Church.

JOIN HILL, retired merchant; Middle Branch; was born in Baltimore C'o., Md., May 1, 1816. His youth was spent on the farm of his father, Richard Hill, who came to Stark Co. in 1818. Young Hill lived at home until he was 21 years of age. Ile then began to work at the shoemaker's trade, and worked at the same business for several years. In 1839 he took charge of a dry goods store in New Berlin, for a Canton merchant. This lasted but one year. The following year he began business for himself, and continued for three years. He then built the New Berlin hotel, and was engaged in farming. Ile re- moved to Middle Branch, and was engaged in mercantile pursuits for about eight years. In 1881 he removed one-half mite north to the village of Middle Branch, the post-office be- ing removed at that time. In 1841 he mar- ried Margaret Smith, who bore him eight children, of whom the following are living, viz :- John S., George W., Vincent and Lewis L. The last named three are engaged in the mercantile business at Middle Branch, and the youngest son, J. B., is in C'anton.

CLAYTON HOLL, coal and lime opera- tor and farmer; P. 0). New Berlin; is a son of Jacob and Rachel Holl, whose sketch ap- pears in this work. Clayton was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, April 4, 1849. 11e attended the common schools and the Greens- burg Academy, where he procured a good education, after which he returned to the old homestead, where he remained until he was 25 years of age. lle then purchased 56 acres of land, where he now resides, th . land being made valuable by the amount of coal and limestone it contains, which Mr. Holl, for the last few years, has been developing quite ex-

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tensively. In 1874 he was united in mar- riage to Samantha J., daughter of David Hess, of Stark Co. From that marriage there have been born four children.

DAVID KUTZNER, farmer; P. O. Cairo; is the eldest in a family of six children, born to Isaac and Mary Kutzner, who were natives of Franklin Co., Pa., where Isaac was engaged in the distilling business. In 1823 he came to Stark Co., settling on a farm in Plain Tp., where he lived until 1852, when he removed to DeKalb Co., Ind., where he and his wife both live. David, our subject, was born in Franklin Co., Pa., June, 1821, and in 1823 came to Plain Tp. with his parents, with whom he lived until he was 24 years of age. He then purchased a farm of 160 acres, where he lived 19 years, and in 1868 he purchased the farm he now lives on. Mr. Kutzner has been a hard-working man, and by his indus- try and economical habits has secured consid- erable property. In 1845 he was married to Annie, daughter of Ilenry Hoover, of Plain Tp., and from that marriage there have been four children, three of whom are living, viz .: Mary, widow of J. J. Smith; Calvin, and Ida, wife of Edward Wise; Calvin, the only son, remains on the farm with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. K. are members of the Lutheran Church.

JOSEPH KLINKER, farmer; P. O. Can- ton. This gentleman is a son of John and Sarah (Lawrence) Klinker, who were natives of Northampton Co., Pa. They were the par- ents of eight children ; our subject being the sixth, was born in Northampton Co., Pa., Aug. 13, 1822. He received a common school education, and at the age of 5 years he went to live with his grandfather, after his father's death, and with him remained until his mother again married; he then lived with his stepfather until 1844, when he came to Stark Co., Ohio. He learned the carpenter's trade and worked at the same for several years, when he purchased a small farm of 30 acres in Pike Tp., where he remained two years ; thence to Perry Tp., where he lived eleven years, and in 1867 he bought the farm where he now lives. Mr. Klinker commenced life a poor boy, and by diligence and econ- omy has become one of Plain Township's most successful farmers. In 1850 he was united in marriage to Catharine Kryder, an estimable

lady, who bore him five children-Theodore, Sarah, Emma, Warren and Joseph. Mr. Klinker has always voted the Democratic ticket.

L. W. KAMP, farmer; P. O. Middle Branch; is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Frey- berger) Kamp, who were natives of the Key- stone State. Jacob came from Union Co., Pa., to Stark Co .. at any early date, and lived at home with his parents until he reached manhood, when he began life for himself as a farmer, in Lake Tp., where he lived several years. He was a man of great ambition, and not being satisfied with the advantages of Lake Tp., removed to De Kalb Co., Ind., where he lived until 1867-dying at that time at an advaneed age. Our subject was born in Lake Tp., Starke Co., O., in November, 1827; his youth was spent on the farm, where he re- mained until he was 18 years of age. He then worked by the month for several years, and by his economical habits accumulated means sufficient to enable him to purchase the 100 acre farm in Lake Tp., where he lived until 1864, when he bought and settled on the farm where he now resides In 1851 he was united in marriage to Mary Kahler, a native of Lancaster Co., Pa. From that marriage there have been eleven children born, six of whom are living-John, Sarah C., Milton, Lib- bie, William, and Cora C. Mr. Kamp has al- ways been identified with the Democratic party.

PETER LOUTZENIEISER, farmer ; P. O. Canton. This venerable pioneer of Stark Co., and whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Beaver Co., now Lawrence Co., Pa., April 13, 1800, and is the third in a family of nine children born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Weaver) Loutzenheiser, who were natives of the Keystone State. Jacob was a carpenter by trade, and worked at the same for several years previous to coming to Ohio, in connec- tion with running a small grist-mill, which was operated by his wife in his absence. In 1806 they came to Stark Co., settling on Sec- tion 34 in Plain Tp., there being but two oth- er families of whites in the township at that time. The Indians were numerous, and very frequently surrounded the Loutzenheiser cab- in, so attached were they to the family. Ja- cob was the first Justice of the Peace ever in Stark Co. He died in 1810, and his widow

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PLAIN TOWNSHIP.

In 1812. Peter, the subject of this sketch, ( ... to Ohio when but 6 years of age ; his v. ildhood was spent in the woods of Plain Tp., and at the age of 14 he was apprenticed to the showmaker's trade, serving three years apprenticeship, at which trade he worked sev- en years. In 1824 he commenced farming the old homestead, where he remained until 1833 ; he then removed to the place where he now lives. He has owned several hundred acres of land, which he disposed of as he ap- proached old age. He served as Associate Judge of Stark ('o. for two terms, and Justice of the Prace for over twenty consecutive years, filling both positions with the best of satisfaction. He was elected President of the Stark Co. Pioncer Associa ion, still having the honor of being a resi lent of S ark Co. longer than any other man therein. In 1823 he uni- ted in marriage with Rebecca Kimmel, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and from that marriage there have been eleven children, nine of whom are living, viz :- William, Ja- cob, Joseph, George, John, Hannah, Peter V. B., Amanda and Rebecca. Mr. and Mrs. Loutzenheiser are members of the German Reformed Church. He has been a life-long Democrat, and has held many offices of trust in the county and township.

first marriage there were five sons, three of wnom are living - Daniel, a pavsielan; W. H . and Jacob, all residents of Illinois. The five sons enlisted, the oldest one being promoted to First Lieutenant, and died in New Or- leans. From the second marriage there are two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Leinty are members o' the Evangelical Church.

WILLIAM LESHI, retired; P. O. New Berlin; was born in York Co., Pa., Dec. 1. 1813. and came to Ohio with his parents when but 3 months old. le obta'ne i his education in the common schools, which in those days afforded but poor opportunities of receiving an education of much advantage. He lived at home on the farm until he was 21 years of age, when he went to work in Nimishillen Tp., and after working at shingle- waking for sev- eral years, he bought a farin in the same town- ship, where he lived several years, when he bought another farm, and thore remained until 1875, when he removed to New Berlin, where he still resides. He owns two valuable farms and considerable town property. In 1838 he married Catharine A. Young, of Canton, and from that marriage there were four chil- dren, two of whom are living. Mrs. Lesh died in 1846. For his second wife he married Sarah Schlott, of New Berlin, who died in 1873; she bore him three children. He mar- ried for his third wife, Mary, widow of William Shook, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Lesh is a mem- ber of the Reformed Church, and Mrs. Lesh of the Disciples.

BENJAMIN LEILITY, coverlet-weaver; P. O. New Berlin; was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Aug. 30, 1811. His parents, John and Mary Bassler) Leihty, were natives of Switzerland, and came to the Keystone State, where the father was engaged in farming, and there lived JAMES McDOWELL, farmer and stock- raiser; P'. O. Canton. The subject of this sketch, and whose portrait appears in this his- tory, as a representative pioneer of Plain Tp., was born in Cumberland Co., Pa., Sept. 9, 1809, and was the fourth child of a family of five children, born to James and Elizabeth (Kearns) McDowell, who were of Scotch par- entage, though they were born in the North of Ireland. They remained residents of their native land until 1802, in which year they were married, and shortly after this event emigrated to America and settled in Cumber- land Co., Pa. They remained in that State until 1820, and then came to Stark Co., and and settled in Tuscarawas Tp., where they resided for three years, and then removed to Richland Co., Ohio, where they resided until up to the time of his death. Our subject spent his youth on the farm, and obtained his edu- cation in the common schools. At the age of 17, he was apprenticed to a coverlet-weaver to learn the trade, and served two years at the same. He then worked at the trade for two years, and in 1832 came to Ohio, settling in Stark Co., and after remaining there three years removed to Bristol, and was there about nine years. During this time he had started a shop, and employing several men. He then settled on a farm in Jackson Tp., and re- mained on the same until 1861, when he re- moved to New Berlin, and has remained there ever since. In 1836 he was married to Sarah, daughter of Samuel Schlott, of Lancaster Co., Pa. She died in 1858, and he soon after mar- ried Susan Myers, of Canton Tp. From the their death, his occuring in 1843, his widow

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 155

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