History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 160

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 160

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911

NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP.

The Menegays are noted for their honesty and hard labor. In politics they are Demo- crats.

DANIEL MATHIAS, Ir., deceased. There is no greater pleasure for the hand and pen of the historian or biographer to perform, than in recording notable events in the lives of the first settlers of a locality, tracing their steps from comfortable homes in the East, to the dangers and hardships of the vast forests of the West. In the spring of 1806, Daniel Mathias, Sr., and his two sons, Jacob and Dan- iel, together with their respective families, started overland from Fayette Co., Penn., with one wagon, to seek homes in the State of Kentucky. When near Wellsville, Ohio, their wagon stuck fast in the ice and mud, and was only with the utmost difficulty extricated. This event changed their views regarding their journey to Kentucky, and instead of continu- ing, as was their intention, they crossed the Ohio river, and pushed westward into Ohio. After they reached what was known as the Alexander settlement in Columbiana County, all traces of a trail or road was lost, and from this point the men were compelled to go ahead of the wagon to clear a route and " blaze " trees, in order to find their way back if so desired. They finally reached what is now lot 14, Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., in the evening. Their first night was passed un- der a tree, with no roof to cover their heads but the blue sky. The next day they erected a rough camp in which they resided until they erected a log house for permanent use. Ja- cob located on what is now lot 3, and Daniel and his father on lot 14. These early pio- neers never returned to the East to live but immediately commenced clearing up their land with an indomitable energy, passing through many hardships and trials incident to that early time. Daniel Mathias, Jr., was married in Pennsylvania to Julyan Sanor, who bore him eight children -- Michael, Catharine, Jacob, Daniel, Ilenry, Lewis, Susanna and Samuel. All of these are living, except Mi- charl and Samuel. Michael married Frances Prifogle, both of whom are dead. Their daughter is the wife of Dr. J. P. Schilling, ap- propriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. Catharine is the widow of John Gilbert, and is yet living in Nimishillen Tp. Jacob married Mary Stambaugh, Daniel mar-

ried Elizabeth Paulus, and both are living in Mich gan. Susanna is the wife of Michael Eshelman, and resides in Nimishillen Tp. Samuel married Polly Hershey, and his wid- ow is living in West Salem, Olio. The fath- er of these was born May 3, 1275, and died Feb. 5, 1859, followed by his widow Sept. 25, 1866. llenry Mathias, whose portrait appears in this history as a representative pioneer, was born in Nimishillen Tp., Sept. 9, 1809. Like his brothers his early years were passed on the home farm where he assisted his parents in clearing and improving the place. When aboat twenty-one years of age he left home and commenced working at the carpenter and joiner trade for about ten years. After this he farmed a number of years, then moved to Louisville, and has ever since resided at that place. He was married Feb. 12, 1832, to Catharine Stami angh. To this union no children were born, but they raised one child- Margaret-who is the wife of William Etch- berger. Mrs. Mathias died August 3, 1880. She was a kind and loving wife, an exemp- lary christian and a true lady in every respect. Henry Mathias, her husband, is yet living in Louisville, where he is widely known and uni- versally respected. Lewis Mathias was born May 3, 1813, in the first log cabin in the township. His marriage with Sophia Gilbert was solemnized May 6, 1832. This union was blessed with nine children-Susanna, B. F., Lucetta, Keziah, Julyan, Henry G., Đ. W. Josephine and Benton. These children are all living except Henry G., who die lin child- hood. Susanna married John Hart ; B. F. married Melissa Etchberger; Lncetta married Joseph Dennis; Keziah married Ephraim (1- linger; Julyan married George Trump; D. W., married Cora Bowen; and Josephine married O. W. Slusser. Benton is yet single. Mr. Mathias is living in the village of Louisville, where he is engaged with his son in buying grain. The Mathias family have always been among the most highly respected citizens of Nimishillen Tp.

DR. A. C. PONTIUS, lentist ; Louisville. The subject of this biography is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born Oct. 14, 1843. Ile is a son of Ezra and Emily (Turney) Pon- tius, grandson of Jacob Pontius, and great- grandson of John Pontius, who was a native of Germany. The time of this family's arri-

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val in America is unknown, but it must have been early in 1:00. For generations previous to Ezra Pontius, the occupation of this family was farming. Our subject's father was a na- tive of eastern Pennsylvania. In about 1812 he removed to Armstrong Co., same State, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. In that county Dr. Pontius was reared. He received the advantage of the common and high schools of his native town, finishing his gen- eral school education with one year at Mead- ville College. The latter part of his school- ing was taken in view of applying it in his study of medicine, which occupation he had chosen as his vocation in life. In March, 1862, he enlisted in the First Board of Trade Battery of Chicago, commanded by Captain Stokes. He served with this Battery through the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga and Nashville, and through ill health was dis- charged for disability in the spring of 1864. He then returned home to Pennsylvania, re- maining there until the fall of the same year, when he re-enlisted as a private in the Fifth Pennsylvania Artillery, but was soon promo- ted to First Lieutenant. Dr. Pontius still has the sword and sash presented him by his Battery. At the close of the war, he returned home, and in the fall of 1865 commenced the study of medicine in his native town under Dr. Hosack. During the winter of 1867-8, he attended lectures at the Michigan Medical College at Ann Arbor, where he graduated the term of 1868-9. After his graduation, Dr. Pontius commenced practicing in Kellers- burg, Pa., but at the end of a year removed to Ellerton, where he still continued his prac- tice. While here his office was used as a dentist's room, and during this time Dr. Pon- tius paid special attention to dentistry. His health being somewhat broken down by ac- tive practice, he concluded to make dentistry his future occupation. In 1876 he came to Louisville, Ohio, where he has since been. His previous practice as a physician, together with his knowledge of dentistry, ranks him among the best dentists in the county. In Jure, 1868, Dr. Pontius and Emily Hastings, were united in marriage. This union has been blessed with two children-Wilda L. P., and Albert A. H. Mrs. Pontius is a daughter of Enoch Hastings, and is of Scotch descent. Dr. Pontius is among the leading

Republicans of Nimishillen, a member of the 1. O. O. F., and a gentleman.

A. V. PONTIUS; Louisville; was born in Plain Tp., Dec. 21, 1840. His father, Peter Pontius, is one of the oldest pioneers of Stark Co., a portrait of whom will be seen in another part of this work, as well as the gen- eral family history. His mother is Catharine (Essig) Pontius, who was also an early resi- dent of the county. A. V. Pontius passed his youth and early manhood on his father's farm, during which time he received the com- mon-school advantages. He was married Oct. 25, 1870, to Maria Yoder, and in the fall of 1875 discontinued farming, moved to Louisville, where he built a fine two-story brick dwelling-house, and has resided here ever since. During the spring of 1881, he leased the Buckeye Brick-yard, and is at present actively engaged in the manufacture of brick in Louisville, running a force of about twelve men. In May, 1841, he formed a partnership with Jacob Geib, under the firm name of Jacob Geib & Co. This firm has now in course of erection, what will be one of the largest grist-mills in Stark Co. They expect to confine their business to merchant milling, and this establishment will be the largest manufacturing house in Louis- ville. Mr. Pontius is a young man of enter- prise, and is among the leading men of his town.

DR. J. H. ROGERS, physician and drug- gist ; Louisville ; is the only son of John and Elizabeth (Hutchison) Rogers, and grandson of Thomas Rogers, who was a native of Ire- land. Thomas and John Rogers came to Wayne Co., in 1816, where the subject of this biography-Dr. Rogers-was born Nov. 23, 1841. He received a common school edu- cation in early years, which was finished at Haysville Academy. In the fall of 1873, he commenced the study of medicine at Frede- ricksburgh, under the instruction of Dr. Barns. During the winter of 1825-6 he attended medical lectures at the University of Wooster, situated at Cleveland, and in the spring of 1876 located at Beach City, where he com- menced practicing. In the fall of 1878, he came to Louisville, where he has ever since remained, practicing his profession, which has rapidly increased from the first. In Septem- ber, 1880, he formed a partnership in the

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NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP.

drug trade with L. Warstler, under the firm name of Rogers & Warstler. In 1865, Dr. Rogers enlisted in Co. C, 184th Regiment, (). V. I., and was employed mostly in guard duty at Nashville and Bridgeport. In 18:1, he was united in marriage with Viola C. Craig, of Missouri. Dr. Rogers is a Republican in politics, a member of the United Brethren Church, and I. O. O. F., and is a genial, intel- ligent gentleman.

R. T. ROTHROCK, tailor; Louisville; was bora in Mifflin Co., Pa., in Isit. He is one of the following family, born to John Adam and Susanna Rothrock-Drusilla, Mary, R. T .. . . Melona. The parents were natives of Pimpisvavania, but they were descended from an ol land honored family in Germany. When the subject of this biography was but 2 years old, his father died, and when 13 years old he began life's battle on his own responsibility. Il. commenced learning the tanner's trade, but at the end of two years, discontinued that occupation, and apprenticed himself to a tailor in Perryville (now Milford), with whom he remained about five years. He opened a shop of his own in 1838, at Mogadore, Sum- mit C'o., Ohio, and since then has worked in a number of other places, but has been mostly at Canton and Kent. While working in the former place, the war was in progress, and Mr. Rothrock was indueed to enter the ser- vice in the 76th Regiment, Co. K., O. V. I. | He participated in the engagements of Ft. Donelson and Shiloh, and also in a number of skirmishes. After serving over a year he was discharged for disabilities. In April, 1873, he came to Louisville, opened a shop, and meeting with considerable success at tailoring, has remained there ever since. Mr. Rothrock has been twice married, his first wife being Nancy Ann Newburg, who bore him four children, only one-Louisa-of whom is yet living. She is the wife of J. L. Wood- ard, and lives in Kont. His wife died in 1865, and in June, 18;I, Mr. Rothroek mar- ried Lucy (Bliss) Bruner, a widow of G. W. Bruner, and the mother of four children. Mr. Rothroek is a first-class tailor in every re- speet, and is giving good satisfaction where he is now living. He is a Democrat in poli- ties, and he and his wife are members of the I'nited Brethren Church.

JONAS SPANGLER, retired; Louisville.

The subject of this notice was orn in Adams Co., Penn., Sept. 11, 1810. His parents, Jonas and Susanna (Rosenmiller) Spanger were pa- rents of six children, whose names are-Chris- tina, Sophia, Barbara, Jonas, David and one that died in infahey without being named. He is a grandson of Rudolph Spingler, who came from Ger vary to the United States, and set- tled in Pennsylvania. Oursubject came with his parents to Stark Co., Ohio in 1832. locat- ing in Osnaburg Tp., where they lived two years on a rented farm. At the conclusion of that time. they moved to the farm now owned by Jonas spangler, Jr .. it being at that early time almost covered with timber. Mr. Spang- ler was a thrifty, hard-working, sober man. When he came to the county, he was in straitened circumstances, but at the time of his death I. ft a good home. He was a Dem- oerat in polities, and a member of the Luther- an Church. His death occurred in 1835. and Mrs. Spangler's in 1846. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and farming has always been his vocation. In youth his education was very limited, as his father was very poor, and unable to spare the money to give him the education he craved. Nothing daunted however, he would work for the neighbors, splitting rails, and with the pro- ceeds go to school. Since arriving at years of diseretion, he has, by self-instruction, ac- quired a good practical education, and is a teacher of several terms' experience. In 1969, he was united in marriage with Anna Rutger, and since his arrival in Nimishillen Tp., has always made that his place of residence. He now owns a tract of 120 acres of nicely im- proved land, on which he and bis estimable lady live a quiet, retired life. Truly - labor has its own reward."

D. M. SLUSSER. merchant; Louisville; is a native of Canton Tp., Stark Co., O., and was born in 182%. He is one in a family of twelve, born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Min- chick) Slusser, and their names respectively are-Jesse, Catharine, John, Jacob, Elizabeth, George, Rebecca, Eli, Michael, Dani I, Bon- jamin and David. All these are living ex- cept John, Benjamin, Michael, Jesse and George. The parents were of Germanic de- scent, but were born in Pennsylvania. This family came to Canton Tp .. Stark Co .. Ohio, in 1804, settling in a forest in which but few

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settlers then lived. The father had very poor health, and he remained almost all the time in the house working at his trade-shoemak- ing-while he hired his out-door work done until his boys were old enough to do it. The family lived here in the woods, clearing and improving the place, until Mr. Slusser's death, which occurred in 1837, aged thirty-seven years. The fall before he was twenty years of age, D. M. Slusser went to Indiana, where he lived two years. Learning that he could obtain land partially cleared just as cheap n Ohio as Indiana, he returned to Stark Co., working on the old homestead one year. He then formed a partnership with his brother-in -law in the provision business at Louisville, under the firm name of Slusser & Holdwick, with stock valued at about $1,000. This partnership continued for five years and was then dissolved; Mr. SInsser clerking in the retail store of Lawrence & Mathias. He re- mained with this firm two years, and then, in 1868, started the manufacturing of baskets in Louisville, a business he followed with suc- cess for some time, and from that business again started in the provision trade. He now owns one of the best grocery stores in town, and does a general dealing in produce. In 1879, he admitted as a partner his son, O. W., and the firm name now is D. M. Slusser & Son. The year before he came to Louisville, Mr. Slusser was united in marriage with Lydia Hollwick, daughter of one of Canton Tp.'s early pioneers. To this union were born nine children-O. W., A. O., Alice, Lucy, Harvey, Lincoln, Cora, Ada and Mary E. The last-named was first born but has since died. Mr. Slusser is one of Louisville's substan- tial and leading citizens. He is a Republi- can, and the Slussers adhere to the United Brethren Church in their religious views.

years of age' he went to live with Dr. John Dillenbaugh, with whom he resided until 22 years old; and while with him, read medicine to a considerable extent, and the last year practiced in connection with him. Abont 1846, he moved to Fremont, Ohio, where he practiced medicine for three years; and from there moved to Huntington, Ohio. At the latter place Dr. Sheets' health failed from over-work and exposure, and he was com- pelled to relinquish active labor in order to recuperate his broken constitution. After a lengthy time passed in treatment with some of the leading physicians of New York, Bos- tou and Philadelphia, without success, he de- termined to try a sea-faring life for a time; which he did for about six months. This was the main action that resulted in his recovery. In 1852 he came to Harrisburg, Stark Co., Ohio, where he formed a partnership with Dr. Frifogle. On the breaking-out of the war, this partnership was dissolved, Dr. Frifogle entering the army. Dr. Sheets has ever since carried on the business alone. In later years he has devoted some attention to farming in connection with his practice. He was mar- ried in March, 1859, to Phebe A. Thomas, and to this union were born-Sally, Charles, Franklin, Whitman and George. Mrs. Sheets is a member of the United Brethren Church, while the Doctor is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal. Dr. Sheets is an honest, up- right man, and a staunch Republican.

DR. JOHN SCHILLING, Louisville. The subject of this biography was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, Oct. 10, 1794. His early life was passed chiefly in going to school and in the acquire- ment of knowledge. He received an excel- lent classical education, and when about twenty-five years of age commenced the study of medicine. Mr. Schilling received instruc- tions from the best medical professors of Europe, among whom was the celebrated specialist, Prof. Schoenlein. He finally, about 1836, graduated with honors at Wurtzburg Medical College. For ten years succeeding his graduation, Dr. Schilling practiced medi- cine in Germany. A spirit of enterprise then taking possession of him, be determined on crossing the Atlantic, to seek a home and fortune in America. During the spring of

DR. A. S. SHEETS, farmer and physician; P. O. Barryville. Dr. Sheets was born in Columbiana Co., O., in 1824. He is a son of Samuel and Matilda (Grice) Sheets, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and the parents of two children-Sarah and A. S. The father was a farmer, and when our subject was but six months old was thrown from a horse and killed. After remaining a widow about two years, Mrs. Sheets married Aaron Duble, and soon after her marriage our subject was given to the neighbors to raise. When about nine . 1837 he came to the United States via Havre

NIMISHILLEN TOWNSHIP.

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and Baltimore, and from the latter place came to Bolivar, Tuscarawas Co .. O., where he practiced about eight months. He then came to Louisville, Ohio, where he remained until 18f1, and then removed to Osnaburg, where ke still continued practicing. In 1852 his health failed from over-exertion and exposure. To avoid his large practice he moved to Crestline, Ohio, engaging in the drug trade. After a residence there of eighteen months he returned to Louisville, where he again actively engaged in medical pursuits, con- tinuing so until 1815, when he retired from active life, his son, J. P., superseding him. During his early career, Dr. Schilling's prac- tiee extended over a large territory. He made a specialty of diseases of the eye, operating for cataract quite frequently by what is known as the " lateral operation," all of which were successful. He also paid considerable atten- tion to deformities, such as club-foot, hair-lip, etc., often being called far beyond his usual practice to attend to such eases. He was one of the earliest and most successful practition- ers of Nimishillen Tp. He was married in Germany, in 1835, to Elizabeth Schroeder, and by her had seven children-Catharine, Conrad, J. P., John, John, Edward and Tillie. Only Catherine, J. P., Edward and Tillie are now living. Catharine is the wife of J. G. Prenot ; . f. P. married Kate Mathias ; Edward married Ella MeGregor ; Tillie is single, and all are living in Louisville. J. P. Schilling commeneed the study of medicine under his father about 1852, and in 1860 took a course of lectures at the Western Reserve College in Cleveland. He graduated from the Starling Medical College at Columbus during the winter of 1863-4. In May, 1864, he on- listed in the 34th Rog. O. V. M. J. as assist- ant surgeon, and served with that regiment until it was captured in January, 1865, at Beverly, West Virginia. He then served under contract for six weeks at Camp Chase, after which he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 88th O. V. I., and was finally discharged at the close of the war. His mar- riage with Miss Mathias was celebrated No- vember 13, 1866. To this union were born- Charles, Frederick and Ida May. The drug store of J. Schilling and Son was established in 1853, and is among the leading business houses of Louisville.

JOSEPHI SCHILLIG, deceased ; was born in Alsace, France, in 1812. When 15 years oll he came with his parents to the United States, locating in Columbiana Co., where his parents lived the remainder of their lives. For the first two years succeeding his arrival, Mr. Schillig engaged his services as hostler in a tavern in New Garden. He then went to Pittsburgh, engaging in the same business for twelve consecutive years with one man. While here he was head hostler for most of the time, obtaining this position through his integrity of character and close attention to business. In 1838 he married Sophia Cup- per, and by her had a family of ten children -Joseph, Catharine, Mary Ann, Magdalena, Josephine : John, deceased ; Jacob, deceased ; John, Adam and Emeline. The year of his marriage, Mr. Schillig purchased the farm now owned by his widow on Sec. 12, Nimi- shillen Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, on which he moved in 1841. He was a hard-working man, industrious and honest; was a Democrat in politics, and he and wife were members of the Roman Catholic Church. His death occurred Nov. 16, 1863. His widow is yet living on the old homestead. Joseph Schillig, the old- est son, was born in Nimishillen Tp., April 18, 1841. He was reared on a farm, and farm- ing has always been his chosen ocenpation. In 1869 he purchased and moved on his pres- ent farm, which consists of 80 acres, on Sec. 16, where he has since resided. He was umni- ted in marriage, Jan. 9, 1868, with Miss Lon- is Menegay, and to this union has been born John, Clara, deceased ; and Mary Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Schillig are of the same religious faith as their forefathers, strictly adhering to the doctrines taught by the Church of Rome. In polities Mr. Schillig is a Democrat. He has twice held the office of Township Clerk, and is the present Township Assessor. The Schilligs are descended from an old and hon- ored race of people, who were noted for their honorable conduct and uprightness of charac- ter. The present generation have a like rep- utation, and are considered among the leading citizens, in whatever locality they reside.

WILLIAM SHAFFER, stock-raiser and farmer; P. O. Louisville; was born Nov. 18, 1839, in Washington Tp., Stark Co., Ohio. Ile is a son of John and Margaret (Cairns) Shaffer, who were parents of a family of five

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-William, Andrew J., Joseph, James, and Jane. The mother of these was a native of Scotland, and the father was born in Wash- ington Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in 1819. The subject of this biography is a grandson of William Shaffer, who came to Stark Co. about 1815, from Pennsylvania. John Shaf- fer was a farmer. He was an honest and up- right citizen, and a man highly respected. His death occurred in 1866; his widow being yet living on the old farm in Washington Tp. William Shaffer passed his youth and early manhood with his parents on the farm, and since has made farming his occupation. He received a good common-school and aca- demical education, and in March, 1865, mar- ried Lydia, daughter of Peter and Catharine (Shaffer) Trump. By her he has a family of eight children-Ida J., Ella, Lillie, Charles, Ada, Clara L., Elmer and Nettie. Mrs. Shaf- fer was born April 14, 1841. In 1865 Mr. Shaffer moved on, and purchased 68 aeres of the farm he now owns, which he has increased to a fine farm of 139 acres. He started out in life with but little means at his command, but with the help of his wife, has made a valuable and pleasant home. Mr. Shaffer is a teacher of nine terms' experience in the public schools. He is a Democrat, and has held various township offices. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Church, and are respected and intelligent citizens.

ISAAC SHAFFER, conductor, P., Ft. W. & C. R. R .; Louisville; was born in what was then Freedom, now Alliance, July 8, 1845. He is a son of Samuel and Mary M. (Berger) Shaffer, a detailed sketch of whom will be found in the biographical department of Lex- ington Tp. Isaae Shaffer was reared in his native town until he was 17 years of age. He then (1862) left home and went to Chi- cago, where he had a brother on the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., as conductor. Obtaining a position on the same road as brakeman, he remained here some eight months, and was then transferred to Alliance, where he re- mained about nine months as brakeman. He was then promoted to conductor of through freight. He remained in this capacity until 1869, when he was appointed conductor of the construction and wreck-train running be- tween Salem and Wooster, with headquarters at Louisville. He has been ever since at this,

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 160

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