History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 158

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 158

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899

PLAIN TOWNSHIP.

DANIEL WARSTLER, retired; P. O. Canton. Is a son of Christian and Barbara (Bair) Warstler, who were natives of Adams Co., Pa., where Christian was engaged in farming. In 1803 he left his native town in Pennsylvania for the purpose of making a new home in the far West (as it was so considered in those days). He settled in Columbiana Co., O., where he remained until 1807, when he came to Plain Tp. and purchased a farm of 250 acres, now owned by our subject, situated near the church which bears his name. He was thrice married; first to the above named lady, then to Elizabeth Schaffer, the third being a Mrs. Dake. He died Dee. 26, 1858, at the ripe age of 89 years. The subject of these few lines was born in Columbiana Co., O., Sept. 24, 1804, and in 1807 came to Plain Tp. with his parents. He lived on the farm they settled on until 1875, when he retired from farming, and is nov living a retired hfe. In 1831 he married Catharine Lind, who bore him eleven children, eight of whom are living, viz :- Isaac, John, Christian, Aaron, David, Levi, Catharine and Daniel. Mr. and Mrs. Warstler are members of the Lutheran church, and have been for fifty-five years.

R. Z. WISE, farmer and county surveyor; P. O. Middle Branch; is a son of Peter M., and Catharine Wise. The mother was a na- tive of Cumberland Co., Pa., and Peter MI., was born in Washington Co., Pa., where he was engaged in farming with his parents, and came to Ohio in 1811; he soon after returned, and in 1819, settled on a farm in the north- vast corner of Plain Tp., where he lived up to the time of his death. In 1836 he repre- sented the district, including Stark Co., in the Legislature. and was one of the most prominent men of his county; he died in 1876, at the age of 82 years. Our subject was born in Plain Tp, Stark Co .. O .. Aug. 26, 1836. His childhood was spent on the farm, and in attending the common schools and the col- lege of Mt. Union. After completing his education he taught school for several terms, in Plain and in the adjoining town- ships. In 1880 he was elected surveyor of Stark Co., on the republican ticket. In 1860 he was united in marriage to Lydia, daughter of Benjamin Gans, of Lake Tp. Mrs. Wise died in 1822 leaving five children. In 1829 h . married for his second wife, Rebecca A .. .

daughter of Charles and Susanna Poe, of Na- varre, this county.

JONATHAN WARSHTLER, farmer ; P. O. New Berlin; was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., in January, 1810. His youth was spent at home on the farm, where he lived until he became of age. He received his education in the common schools of his neighborhood, they affording but poor opportunities. At the age of 22 he rented a farm in Plain Tp., where he lived but one year, and then bought a farm of 115 acres, and has lived on the same ever since. In addition to attending to his farming duties, he worked at the carpenter's trade for several years. In 1833 he was married to Mary Hossler of Marlborough Tp. From that marriage there were eleven children, four of whom are living, viz :- George of Clark Co., Ill., Matilda, wife of Christ Stoner, of Canton; Lucinda, wife of Levi Druckenbrode, and Cyrus. Mr. and Mrs. Warshtler are members of the Presbyterian Church.

PETER ( WISE miller; Middle Branch; was born in Holmes Co., O., in 1846. Ifis parents, George and Susanna (Christ) Wise, were natives of Pennsylvania. Peter, our subject, came to Lake Tp., with his parents at an carly date, his childhood being spent on the farm. At the age of 22 he apprenticed himself to the miller's trade, serving an ap- prenticeship of three years in the Snow Flake mills at Canton. He then took charge of the Middle Branch mill. and has remained there since. In 1881 he purchased the mill, and is now doing a good business. In 1848 he was married to Louise Minser, of Stark Co. Mr. Wise, although a young man, has excellent business qualifications, being one of the best millers in the county-a master of his trade.

CYRUS YOUNG, farmer; P. O. Canton; is the third in a family of nine children born to Samuel and Susan Fonser) Young, who were natives of Lancaster Co., Pa. Samuel Young worked at the cooper's trade in his na- tive State for some time before he came to Summit Co., which was at an early date. Ile first settled in Summit Co., where he worked at his trade for ten or twelve years. He then leased a coal bank and did a successful business for several years, when he removed to Stark Co., and has remained a citizen of the same up to the present time. Our subject, Cyrus Young, was born in Lake Tp., Stark Co., O., in

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

December, 1840. His childhood was spent at home, receiving a common school education, and when large enough, was set to work in a coal bank. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 115th Regiment, O. V. I .; was in many en- gagements, doing his duty faithfully, and at the close of the war returned to Plain Tp., and commenced farming; he also working

for two years in the works of Aultman, Mil- ler & Co., of Canton. He bought a farm of 63 aeres in 1873, and has lived on the same since that time. In 1866 he was married to Louisa Voglegesang, of Stark Co. Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the Evangelical Association.

NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP.

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NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP

B. T. BERLIEN, nurseryman ; P. O. Louis- vill : is a son of Isaac and Rebecca (Trump) Berlien. and grandson of John Berlien, who was born in York Co., Pa., Jan. 8, 1227. IIe was married to Elizabeth Mourer, in Pennsyl- vania, and by her had eleven coildren. He came to Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 182%, and emi- grated from there to Perry Co., Ohio, in 1$33. From Perry Co. he moved to Butler Co., Pa., and from thence came to Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in 1863, where he lived and finally died, at the advanced age of 101 years, two months and twenty-seven days. Isaac Berlien was born in York Co .. Pa., in 1810. Ile came with his parents to Trumbull Co., Ohio, in 1822, and soon afterwards came with his brother to Stark Co., where they engaged in making shingles, roofing, building, etc. IIe was married in 1836 to Rebecca Trump, and by her had a family of eight :- B. T., Sarah, Mary, Josiah. deceased, Resugus, Rebecca, Henry, deceased, and Eliza, deceased. He started in life a poor boy, but at his death left what is far better than gold-an honorable re- cord. His death occurred Jan. 28, 1876. His widow is yet living. The subject of this biog- raphy, was born in Nimisbillen Jan. 26, 1837. His early life was passe I in hard labor on the farm. His first marriage was to Sarah Gehman, Aug. 13, 1865; this lady died Feb. 2, 1524, leaving her husband one son-Henry, who was born March 12, 1866. Mr. Berlien's sec- ond marriage was with Leah (Miller) Wolf, widow of William Wolf, and was celebrated Oct. 1, 1st4. By her first husband Mrs. Ber- lien had two children-Harvey and Mary. The former was born September 20, 1864. and the latter April 23, 1>66. Mr. Berlien followed carpentering in Louisville and neigh- borhood until he engaged in his present occu- pation; he now owns one of the largest and best selected stocks of fruit trees, shrubbery, berry plants, rhubarb, etc., of any nursery in Stark Co. He expects to steadily keep on enlarging and improving his stock, so that the people of Stark and adjoining counties will find it to their interest to patronize home nurseries. DR. W. O. BAKER, physician: Louisville;

was born in Northampton Co., Penn., Dec. 12, 1827. He is the youngest son of Jacob H. and Anna (Overholt) Baker, who were pa- rents of three children-George, Susan and William Overholt. The father, Jacob II., was a shoemaker by trade. In 1836 he and family came to Wadsworth Tp., Medina Co., Ohio, it then being a new country. Ile is vet living in Medina Co., hale and hearty. Mrs. Baker has been some time deceased. Dr. Baker's early life was one of labor and self-denial. He received a common educa- tion in youth, and the winter he was 20 years of age, taught his first term of school. Hav- ing an uncle practicing medicine in Wooster, Mr. Baker determined to make that his voca- tion in life, much against his parents' wishes. When 21 he commenced his studies, and the winter of 1852-53 attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia. His financial resources failing, he was com- pelled to discontinue school and go to teach- ing. For two years he taught school, during which time he still continued his studies. In 1855 he came to Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, and commenced the practice of medicine. In 1858 he came to Louisville, purchased property, and has remained here since that time. In 1856 Dr. Baker and Miss Rebecca Utt were united in marriage. Mrs. Baker is a daughter of Elias U'tt, of New Jersey. She was born in Pennsylvania, in September. 1833, and is of English descent. Dr. Baker's grand- father, George Baker, was descen led from German ancestors, but his mother's people were of German-English descent. There is nothing that particularly characterizes the Bakers. They were of that honorable class of yeomanry that is only found in the better grade of American society. The Overholts were people of a larger mental capacity, taking to books and professions more than physical labor. There has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Baker, nine children-Alfred J., Anna E., Amanda C., Mary E., John W., Ada, Charles W., Minnie, and one that died un- named. Of these, only Annie E., Amanda C., Mary E. and Charles W. are living. Dr.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Baker has been quite successful in his prac- tice; is a member of the United Brethren in Christ Church, of which denomination he is a local exhorter.

G. F. BAUMANN & SONS, Merchants, Louisville. Gustavus F. Baumann was born in Baden, Germany, in 1828. He is a son of Carl and Sophia (Regenokl) Baumann, who were natives of Germany, and the parents of four children. The father was a physician, and served some time in the French army un- der Napoleon. At the age of 15 Gusta- vus apprenticed himself to a tin and copper- smith to learn the tin trade; and after serving three years, mastered this business, and the fo !- lowing three years traveled and worked at his trade. In 1848 he participated in the German Revolution of that date. Mr. Baumann was taken prisoner, with a number of others, and after Iving four months in prison, his trial came off. When captured Mr. Baumann had no arms in his possession, and this fact alone saved him a heavy penalty. In April, 1849, he took passage for the United States on board a sail-vessel, and after a voyage of six weeks arrived in New York. Through the in- fluence of a fellow traveler, Mr. Baumann was induced to come to Canton, Stark Co., O., where for six months he worked for Henry Bockius. In February, 1860, he came to Louisville, which has been his home and place of business until the present. Mr. Baumann first started in Louisville with a small to shop, such as his means at that time would allow. After working a time he would peddle his goods out to the citizens. By economy and close attention to business, he soon made enough to enlarge his buildings as his increase of trade demanded, and is now considered among the leading business men of his town. In 1849 he was united in mar- riage with Mary Ann Wang, of Canton, but formerly of Germany. To this union were born nine children-Josephine, Gustavus, Charles, Henry. Louis, Theresa, Mary and Anna, twins, and one that died in infancy. As soon as his sons became of age, Mr. Bau- mann admitted them to a partnership in the business, the firm name now being G. F. Baumann & Sons. Mr. Baumann started in life with but very little means at his com- mand, but by his own labor he has acquired one of the best trades of any house in Louis-

ville. Besides a general tin and stove trade, this firm makes a specialty of slate and tin roof- ing, galvanized cornice-work, spouting, &c., during the summer season. It would be safe to say, there are no firms of this kind in Stark Co. that do a more extensive business, or have the confidence of the public any more than G. F. Baumann and Sons. Mr. Bau- mann is a member of the A., F. & A. M. of Louisville.

ISRAEL BIXLER, stock-raiser and far- mer; P. O. Louisville; was born in Lake Tp,. Stark Co., Ohio, in 1828. His father, David L. Bixler, was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., his birth occurring in 1796. His parents were in indigent circumstances, and he being one in a family of ten, induced him to come to Ohio, that he might not deprive his younger brothers and sisters of comforts that would be divided with him were he among them. In 1810, he together with the Markley family, came to Stark Co., locating in Lake Tp. For three years succeeding his arrival, young Bix- ler worked for the Markleys, sending all his earnings home to his parents in Pennsylvania. Hle then commenced working for the neigh- bors at odd jobs, and being a sober and in- dustrious youth, saved up his earnings, so that when 21 he was able to make some good improvements on a farm he had entered about that time. About 1816 he was united in mar- riage with Elizabeth Markle, and by her had five children. This lady died, and Mr. Bix- ler's second and last wife was C'atharine Rich- ard, who bore him nine children, of whom the subject of this sketeh was the first. Mr. Bix- ler died in 1867, and his widow in 1871. He was one of the leading citizens of his local- ity. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a German Baptist. Israel Bixler be- gan for himself when 19 years old, by going to Miami Co., Ind., where he hired out to a farmer and nurseryman at $120 per year. He was at this business about two and a half years, but during the first year's service man- aged to buy 80 acres of land for $300, which at the end of two years he sold for $500. With this amount he went to New York, where he embarked for Panama. After cross- ing the isthinus, he took passage on board the ship " Croton " for San Francisco. While sail- ing for that port, they met with adverse storms, which hore them far out of their course, and

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NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP.

only in the most dilapidated circumstances reached their destination, after sixty-nine days. On his arrival, all Mr. Bixler had of the $500 was $1.50, and that amount just lacked fifty cents of being enough to pay for one meal. Hle immediately engaged his services as a day laborer at $12 per day, continuing at this until he had $400. He then went to Sacramento, and from there to Marysville, working at each place about ten days. Then in company with others went to the middle branch of Feather River, where he began mining. Ile remained here six months only, making about $3 or $4 per day. Not finding this very satisfactory, he went to the west branch of the same river, and working at mining made in eight months $5,000. Then in company with four others, Mr. Bixler pur- chased the " fowa City Claim " on the middle branch, paying $15,000 for the same. They went to considerable expense in digging a race, through which they turned the river's course, and then began operations in the orig- inal river's bed. This movement proved finan- cially a failure, Mr. Bixler losing about all he had previously made. He then worked on a saw-mill at $6 per day, until his collateral amounted to about $800, and then formed a partnership with O. W. Sowers in the "pack- ing" business. They would buy their own provisions in Marysville, and pack them on mules' backs to the miners in the mountains, where they would make an admirable profit on their investments. This business proved very remunerative, until they were attacked by Indians, and lost twenty-seven mules with their packs. After this loss Mr. Bixler again worked on the saw-mill until he had about $1,500, when he returned to Ohio, and the first eleven weeks succeeding his arrival at- tended school. This was the greatest amount of schooling Mr. Bixler ever received at one time. Ile was married Jan. 8, 1853 to Sarah MI. Smith, and by her had ten children-Mar- tha, Leona, Orlando, Sarah, Cora, Loretta, Byron, Ellsworth, Elmer and Ida, deceased. Soon after his marriage Mr. Bixler rented his father-in-law's farm, which he finally pur- chased in June, 1817. He now owns 241 acres of excellent land. Ile is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Evangelical Church.

JOSIAH L. COY, carpenter and joiner,

and school teacher; Louisville; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., JJan. 30. 1854. He is a son of John and Magdalena (Pence) Cov, a sketch of whom accompanies this work. Josiah came with his parents from Bedford Co. in 1854, to Stark Co., O., and this county has been his home over since. In 1826 he began in life for himself, working at the carpenter's and mason's trades in the summer, and teaching school in the winter. On Feb. 22, 1847, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara A. Wilson, daughter of S. P. Wilson, of Nimishillen Tp., but formerly of Sandy Tp. To this union there were born three children-Bertha E., deceased, John F. and George Van P. Mrs. Coy was born Feb. 3, 1858. Mr. Coy moved to his place in Louisville, where he now resides, in 18 8. In politics he is a Democrat ; was elected Township Clerk in 1879, and since has twice been re-elected. He and wife are members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Coy is an in- telligent, enterprising young man, being a teacher of eight terms experience. He bids fair to be among the most prominent citizens of his township.

JOHN COY, farmer; P. O. Louisville; is a native of Washington Co., Md., his birth oc- curring in July, 1819. Ilis parents were John and Hannah Coy. and his grandfather was Wolentine Coy, who was a native of Ger- many. Mr. Coy was one in a family of twelve, of whom only Joseph, John, David, Daniel, Susanna and Elizabeth, are living. Mr. C'oy's father's occupation was that of a common laborer. He moved from Maryland to Penn- sylvania in 1825, and died about 1848, his mother dying about ten years later. John Coy apprenticed himself to learn the black- smith's trade with David Gantz in 1849; and after serving three and a half years, com- meneed for himself. He first formed a part- nership with a Mr. McClain, in Frederick Co., Md., which continued about two years. The partnership was then dissolved, Mr. Coy fol- lowing the business some seventeen years. Having by this time saved up some money, Mr. Coy came to Ohio (1854), purchased :0 acres of land in Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., paying for the same $2,400, and in the spring of 1855 located on the place which has been his residence ever since. He has since in- creased the farm, until he now owns 90.72

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

acres. This farm is located on section 14, and is a portion of the old Mathias homestead. There is an apple-tree yet growing on the place that must have been planted very near three-quarters of a century ago. Mr. Coy and Miss Magdalena Pence were united in marriage October 24, 1843. To this union there were eight children born : George A., born Feb. 12, 1845, died Aug. 21, 1845; Lewis A., born July 16, 1846, died Dec. 30, 1850; David, born Feb. 12, 1849; Amos, born March 24, 1852; Josiah, born Jan. 30, 1854; Augus- tus, born Nov. 25, 1856; Mary, born June 28, 1859; and Martin, born April 8, 1863. Mrs. Coy was born March 4, 1819; David married Mary A. Felgar, and lives in Stark Co .; Amos married Mary Andric; Josiah married Clara Wilson, and they also live in Stark Co. Au- gustus married Emma Stuckey, and lives with his parents. Mary is the wife of Levi Hart- enstine, and is a resident of Carroll Co., O. Mr. and Mrs. Coy are consistent members of the Reformed Church, and the Coy family is among the best in the township.

JOSEPH M. D'OSTROPH, farmer and merchant; P. O. Louisville; one of the lead- ing French residents of Stark Co., Ohio, is the subject of this biography. He was born in Lorraine, France, in 1835, and is of French parentage. Joseph D'Ostroph, his father, was the proprietor of a large glass factory in Lorraine, which he sold, and moved to Aus- tria, when our subject was but two years old. After a residence there of six years, he con- cluded to come to America; consequently about 1844 he came to the United States, and established a glass factory in Vermont. Not succeeding very well there, he sold out, and went to Williamsport, N. Y., where he and two others started a glass factory. After some time he found he was losing instead of making money, and he accordingly re- turned to Austria, where he still continued the business, and where he died in 186%. Jo- seph M., is one of a family of three-Mary, Catharine and Joseph M., the last one being the only one of the family living. He was raised mostly in New York, and during his youth received an excellent edueation. He studied for the priesthood, but after his grad- uation at Fordham College, he concluded to relinquish his intentions and assist his father, who was then needing his assistance. Not

returning to Austria with his parent, he was sent by Bishop DeCharbonell, of Toronto, to Brantford, Canada, where he organized the first Catholic school at that place. After teaching here two years he removed to Buf- falo, N. Y., and from there to Dunkirk, same State, teaching at each place about one year. He then went to Kenosha, Wis., and after teaching one year there was employed by the United States Government, through President Buchanan, as a teacher among the Menomo- nee Indians. He remained with them two years, and then resigned his position to fill the office of Clerk of Courts of Shawano Co. While in Wisconsin Mr. D'Ostroph held various positions of honor and trust, among which we mention his being Postmaster at Kershena, Clerk of Courts, State Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, and Township Trustee. In 1866 he came to Stark Co., where he was employed in the Catholic school of Louisville, and in teaching music. When he first commenced the school was in a very poor condition, but with his usual characteristic energy, Mr. D'Ostroph institu- ted reforms and new rules, so that at the end of a year it was considered among the best of its kind in the State. In 1857 he married Margaret Hawkins, who bore him three child- ren-Edward, Arthur and Mary. The mother died in 1865. Two years after that event he married Victoire Gladieux, widow of John B. Menegay. To this union there was born one son- - Louis. Mr. D'Ostroph is one of the leading business men of Louisville. He owns a provision store, which he carries on in con- nection with his farm (115 acres), and besides this be owns town property in Shawano, Wis., and another store building in Louisville. Without flattering Mr. D'Ostroph, we can say he is one of the best educated men in Louis- ville, as it was demonstrated by his receiving the Indian Commission over thirty-three com- petitors. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, and an enterprising citizen.

ELIAS ESSIG, P. O. Louisville; son of Adam Essig, and grandson of Simon Essig, was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Sept. 6, 1833, and is one of a family of twelve chil- dren. Adamı Essig was a native of York Co., Pa .. his birth occurring in 1787. At the age of 18, he left home and came west to Ohio, locating in Plain Tp., Stark Co., where his father previously purchased a tract of land.

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NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP.

Mr. Essig was a poor boy when he came to Ohio, the only property of which he was pos- sessor being the land given him by his father. He immediately settled on his land, and with the energy characteristic of the Plain Tp. pio- neers, began improving an| tilling the land he possessed, suffering ma y hardships and privations that are inenlent to the early set- tlers' life. At the age of about 26 he was united in marriage with our subject's mother- Catharine Lichtenwalter. During the war of 1812 he was called out and served for some time in that war. After a long life of usefulness, Mr. Essig died in 1-86, and Mrs. Essig in 1864. Elias Essig passed his youth and early manhood on the old farm in Plain Tp., re- ceiving the benefits of the common schools. Oct. 28, 1560 he married Melinda Lesh, daughter of Jacob Lesh, an ol I settler of Nim- ishillen Tp., and to this union were born two children-Eila and Phoebe B. When his father (lied the farm was sold, and Mr. Essig then took charge of a saw-mill for his father- in-law one year. In January, 1869, he pur- chased an interest in the planing mill at Lou- isville, and has ever since remained a partner. Mr. Essig has been one of the leading men of Louisville for the last ten years. Ile as- sisted in establishing the woolen factory at this place, and is also at present a partner in the manufacture of baskets. He is a member of the Town Council and School Board of Louisville. The Essigs are of German de- seent, but it is not definitely known when they came to America. Simon Essig was one of the brave and tried men who fought for the freedom of the colonies in the war of the Revolution.

JOSEPH FRANTZ, farmer; P. O. Louis- ville. In taking notes of the history of the Frantz family, we find that it was mainly through their influence that induced the first French settlement in Stark Co., Ohio. Jo- seph Frantz is a native of Lorraine, France, and was born Feb. 12, 1822. His parents were named respectively Thiebaud and Frances (Menegay) Frautz. This couple were parents of twelve children, whose names are-Joseph, deceased : John P., Therese, Mary Ann, Margaret, Peter E., Loui Frances, Christina, Catharine and Joseph, and one that died quite young. Mr. Frantz was an agent in the employ of the canal company there,

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 158

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