History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 164

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 164

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).

marks of Stark Co. He and wife are mem- bers of the United Brethren in Christ Church. IJe is an enterprising and influential man, a Republican in politics, and a first-class viti- zen.

JONAS W. WARSTLER, merchant; Marl- borough; of the firm of D. W. Dellenberger & Co., is a son of Jonas and Elizabeth (Ring- er) Warstler, and grandson of Jacob and Mary (Sheffer) Warstler, and is of German descent. The name originally was Wachalar, but by Sax- on usage is now pronounced Warstler. Jacob Warstler was a native of York Co., Pa. To better his condition, financially, he emigrated to near Salem, Ohio, in about 1800, and after living there some time he left his family at this point and pushed still further westward. He finally arrived in what is now Plain Tp., Stark Co., and the soil and " lay of the land " suiting his fancy, he selected a farm on Sec. 44, built a log cabin, and came back to Salem for his family. On his return with his family, Mr. Warstler discovered that the Indians had visited his cabin, and all that was left to mark where it stood was its ashes. Nothing daunt- ed, he again built a cabin, and lived on the farm he first settled until his death. He and wife were parents of nine sons and three daughters, only two-lydia (Ringer), and Elizabeth (Baker)-are yet living. One of their sons, Jonas Warstler, the father of the subject of this biography, was born in Plain Tp., in 1812. He was reared on his father's farm in Plain Tp., and being thrown consid- erably on his own resources, managed to learn the carpenter's, blacksmith's and cabinet- maker's trades. He married Elizabeth Ringer about 1833, and by her had ten children- Sarah, Lydia, Susan (deceased), Mary, Jesse, Jonas, John, Catharine, Jacob and Priscilla. The father died March 24, 18:1, and the mother is yet living. She was born JJuly 22, 1811. Mr. Warstler's life was one of hard labor and self-denial. Though his habits were somewhat retiring, his affections were strong, and benevolence was an ever active principle in his nature. He had many friends and but few enemies. Jonas W. Warstler, his son, was born in Marlborough Tp., Sept. 11, 1844. The July before he was 18 years old, he enlisted in the cause against rebellion in the 104th Reg., Co. B, O. V. 1., serving all through the war, and was finally discharged

934

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

in June, 1865. He bravely participated in all the battles of his regiment, among them being Resaca, Knoxville, Buzzard's Roost, Frank- lin ete. After the war he went to school one year, and on the 29th of Oet. 1868, mar- ried Miss Henrietta L. Geib, and by her had six children-Edwin F., Susan E. (deceased), Lulu, Lillian J., Roscoe J., and one that died in infancy. After his marriage Mr. Warstler taught school and farmed until the fall of 1877, when he formed a partnership with D. W. Dellenberger in a general store at Marlbor- ough. This firm has been quite successful, and they do an average annual business of about $18,000. Mr. Warstler is a Republican in polities. He has held several township offices, and is an energetic, enterprising young man.

J. M. WALKER, stock-raiser and farmer; P. O. Marlborough; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, July 28, 1841. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Huffman) Walker, and grandson of Thomas Walker, and is of Irish- German deseent. His father was a native of Pa., but came to Ohio in 1821, where for a number of years he pursued the occupation of stone-mason and farmer, in Columbiana Co. He first married a Miss Battershell, by whom he had three children, only one-Wil- liam-is yet living. His second and last wife was the mother of our subject; Mrs. Mary (Huffman) Miner, daughter of John Huffman and widow of John Miner. By Mr. Miner Mrs. Walker had three children, only one

of whom, John, is yet living. To the union of Mr. Walker and Mrs. Miner there were born three children-J. M., Thomas J. and one that died in infancy. Thomas married a Miss Lamb, and resides in Elkhart, Indiana. Mr. Walker died in Portage Co., in November, 1841, and Mrs. Walker died in May, 1864. J. M. Walker was reared on a farm, and farın- ing has ever since been his chosen occupation. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A., Ist Ohio Light Artillery, commanded by Cap- tain W. F. 'Goodspeed, and was discharged at Cleveland in July, 1865. In September, 1862, while at Mumfordsville, Kentucky, on detached duty, he was captured, paroled, and afterwards sent home, where he was finally exchanged, and the February following joined his company at Murfreesboro, Tenn. He was an active participant in the battles of Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, and all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, and afterwards at Nash- ville. At the elose of the war he returned home, and November 23, 1865, married Miss Celestine Bloomfield, daughter of Lewis M. Bloomfield, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. To this mar- riage there were born two children -- Zora and Bertha. After his marriage Mr. Walker farmed two years in Portage .Co., and in 1862 purchased his present farm of 72 acres, on which he immediately moved, and where he has resided to the present. He is an enter- prising and go-ahead man. Is a Republican in politics and an excellent citizen.

LAKE TOWNSHIP.

JOHN BOLENDER, cabinet-maker; Lake; is the oldest in a family of ten children, born to George and Margaret (Wise) Bolender. George Bolender was a native of Union Co., Pa., and came to Ohio, settling in Stark Co. at an early date. He worked at the carpen- ter's trade for about five years; and in 1824 he removed to Uniontown and started a hotel, where he remained two years. Mrs. Boien- der was a native of Cumberland Co., Pa., and came to Ohio with her parents in 1815. They were both consistent members of the German

Reformed Church, and were much admired for their true christianity and devotion to their ehureh. John Bolender, our subject, was born in Green Tp., now in Summit Co., Ohio, March 27, 1819 ; his early life being passed on the farm, and with but slight educational facilties. At the age of 16 he was appren- ticed to the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for twenty-two years. Mr. Bolender had in his employ from six to ten men, and did an extensive business in the building line. He built a shop in Uniontown, where he is

935

LAKE TOWNSHIP.

now engaged in the cabinet. ehair-making and undertaking business. In 1843 he united in marriage with Judith Pontius, of Lake Tp. That union has been blessed with seven ebil- dren, six of whom are still living, viz. Sophia, Almira, Sylvester, Lucretia, Charles and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Bolender are devoted members of the German Reformed Church. Mr. Bolen- der is a Democrat in politics, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for fifteen years.

H. K. BRUMBAUGH, fariner; P. O. Cairo. George Brumbaugh, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Huntington Co., Pa., in 1799, and the early years of his life were passed in the labors of the farm, where he remained until 1820, when he was married to Miss Esther Hoover, who was a native of the same State, and came to Ohio with her pa- rents in an early day; the date of the settle- inent of the Brumbaugh family could not be obtained with any degree of certainty. Soon after his marriage he moved to Marlborough Tp., where he opened a farm, and there lived up to the time of his death. He and wife were consistent members of the German Bap- tist church. They were the parents of ten children, II. K. being the sixth. He was born in Stark Co., Dec. 8, 1831, and his child- hood was passed on the farm and in attend- ing the common schools and Mt. Union College. After completing bis education he returned to the farm, where he remained until he was of age. In 1856 he purchased a farm in Lexington Tp., where he remained a short time, and in 1857 he purchased and settled where he now lives. In 1856 he married Miss Mary A. Johnston, and from that union there have been six children-Katie, Milton, Emma, Ida, Liza and Byron. Mr. Brumbaugh has always been identified with the Democratic party.

GEORGE BIXLER, farmer; P. O. Middle Branch. Our subject ranks among the self- made men of Lake Tp. He was born in Lake Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Jan. 1, 1>25, and the early years of his life were passed on the farm. He received his education in the common schools of Stark Co., and was at home with his father until he was 24 years of age, when he rented the old homestead, which he carried on for two years. He was subsequently en- gaged by parties in Massillon to superintend

a warehouse, where he remained a short time. Hle then engaged in farming, and has been engaged in the same vocation ever sinee. In 1849 be united in marriage with Lydia, daughter of George Brumbaugh, of Marl- borough Tp. From that union there have been eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Bixler are consistent members of the German Reformed Church. Mr. Bixler now owns 132 acres of well improved land. David L., and Eliza- beth (Markley) Bixler, came to Lake Tp., from Pennsylvania. Daniel was born in Maryland, and came to Pennsylvania, and thenee to Stark Co., with the Markley family. He was a man much respected for his integ- rity and honesty.

WILLIAM CASSLER, retired; Cairo. Is a son of Lewis D. and Naney (Wise) Cass- ler. Lewis was a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., where he worked at the shoemaker's trade. He married Miss Naney Wise, who was a native of Christine, now within the limits of the City of Philadelphia, but soon after their marriage they emigrated to Ohio, settling on a farm in Lake Tp. They lived in a stable for sometime, until they were able to build a more spacious cabin. He (Lewis) worked at his trade for several years, and died in 1850, aged 65 years; his widow survived him until 1858, dying at the age of 72 years. William, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lancaster Co., March 3, 1814. Ilis child- hood was passed at home, obtaining his edu- cation in the common schools, and at the age of 13 he was placed on the bench to learn the trade of his father, and worked at the same for several years. In 1834 he came to Ohio with his parents, and assisted in elearing the farm, and lived at home until he was 26 years of age; he then engaged in farming on the homestead, and soon after bought the same, and there lived until 18:5, when he retired to a pleasant home. In 1840 he married Eliza- beth Miller, who was a native of Lake Tp. From that marriage there were six children, viz. -Nancy, the deceased wife of J. C. Corey, of Massillon; Lovina, wife of P. D. Machamer, of Lake Tp .; Lafayette, Margaret, Lewis, Elizabeth, the deceased wife of A. W. Mach- amer, of Lake.

DR. J. E. DOUGHERTY, physician; Green - town. Ina family of four children born to John and Elizabeth (Crail) Dougherty, onr

936

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

subject is the oldest, his birth occurring March 13, 1820, in Beaver Co., Pa. At the age of 11 years he was left an orphan, and went to live with his grandfather, who, one year after, put young Dougherty on the bench to learn the shoemaker's trade. He worked at this until he was 17 years of age, with the excep- tion of a few months of each year, when he attended school. Hle taught school for some time, and afterward attended the Richmond Classical Institute. He began the study of medicine under Dr. E. M. Pyle, of Richmond, and after remaining there four years, began to practice in Beaver Co., Pa., in 1843. Af- ter remaining there five years he located in Jefferson Co., Ohio; from thence went to Summit Co., and in May, 1849, he located in Greentown, and has remained there ever since. He has had an extensive practice, and in 1879 he took his son, L. E., in as part- ner, and although a young man he is a mas- ter of his profession. At the organization of the 162d O. N. G., he was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the : ame, and in 1864 was called into active service. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Phoebe Thompson, of Carroll Co., Ohio, who died in 184", leaving one son- William T. In 1849 he married for his sec- ond wife Angeline, daughter of Thomas Gor- gas, of Greentown. From that marriage there have been eight children, six of whom are living, viz .- Charles A., L. E., J. E., J. F., Mary E., and Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Greentown.

D. F. EBIE, farmer; P. O. Cairo; is a son of John and Margaret (Hossler) Ebie. John Ebie was a native of Lake Tp., his parents settling there previous to 1814. He spent his childhood in the woods of Lake Tp., and remaine.l at home until he reached manhood. He married Miss Hossler, who was a native of Union Co., P'a., and came to Stark Co., in an early day. After his marriage he removed to Marlborough Tp., this county, and settled on a farm of 185 acres, where he still resides. D. F., the subject of these few lines, is the oldest in a family of eighteen children, his birth occurring July 24, 1839, in Stark Co. His early days were passed like most farmer's sons, on the farm, and as he was the oldest in the family, much of the farm labor fell to him. He attended the common schools of his

neighborhood, the Greensburgh Academy and Canton high schools, and after completing his education, he taught school for several terms, and subsequently turned his attention to farming, which business he is still engaged in, owning 70 acres of cell improved land in Lake Tp. In 1863 he married Lovina Show- alter, of Medina Co., who bore him seven chil- dren, six of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Ebie are members of the German Baptist Church.

GEORGE FRANK, Justice of the Peace; Lake; is a son of George Jacob Frank, who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, Feb. 29, 1794. While in his infancy his father was called away by death, and before he he attained the age of + years he was deprived of his mother's care by the same stern mes- senger. His early training devolved entirely on an aunt, with whom he remained until he was 14 years of age, when he was appren- ticed to the cabinet-maker's trade. In 1812, he was drafted into the German army, and con- tinued to serve his country with faithfulness while England and Germany were allied against France, and until the final downfall of Napoleon. During his army life he saw many of the prominent men of that day; among them were the Duke of Wellington, the hero of Waterloo, and his much beloved La Fayette. The year after he was released from service (1816), he united in marriage with Miss Eva Weimer, and with her resided in Hoffen, un- til 1837, when he embarked for America. Upon his arrival in this country he located in Lake Tp., where he spent 34 years of his life. In October, 1870, his faithful wife died. After the death of his wife he went to live with his son George (our subject), and with him remain- ed until Feb. 27, 1881, when he was called to his final home, at the age of 87 years. Early in life he associated himself with the Lutheran Church and continued a faithful member to the end. George Frank, the subject of this sketch, was born in Alsace, France, May 2, 1829, and in 1837 came to Stark Co., with his parents. He attended the common schools of his neighborhood, where he acquired a good education, and at the age of 21 he engaged in farming for himself, and in this continued for 10 years. In 1850, he engaged in the stock business, dealing in sheep, wholly, and has been engaged in the same up to the present

-4

937

LAKE TOWNSHIP.

time. In 1550 he married Miss Mary Bushong, of Lake Tp. From that union there has been six children, four of whom are living, viz .- Em- cline, Milton G., William J. and John C. Mr. and Mrs. Frank are devout church members; he is a Democrat in politics, and has been identified with many positions of trust, which he faithfully filled.

JOHN FRANK, retired ; Lake ; was born in Washington Co., Pa., May 20, 1806 ; his parents, George and Margaret (Hewitt) Frank, were natives of the above-named county in Pennsylvania, and in 1809 came across the country to Ohio, settling on 160 acres, then in the wilderness of Lake Tp., and it was on this farm that he lived until he retired from the farm. The last few years preceding his death were spent in Greensburgh. He died in 1854, aged 76 years. John Frank pass- ed the early years of his life at farm labor, obtaining but little education. At the age of 22 he left home for the purpose of earn- ing some money to enable him to lay the foundation for wealth and prosperity, which he afterward reached. He worked by the month for a short time, subsequently farmed the homestead. and then bought 100 acres of land in Lake Tp., and there lived sey- eral years. He then bought 180 acres, where he lived until he retired from farming. In 1860 he engaged in the stock business, both buying, selling and feeding. He is consider- ed one of the best sheep men of the county. In 1828 ho united in marriage with Miss Mar- garet Thompson, of Lake Tp .. an estimable lady, who bore him seven children, six of whom are living-Keziah, Isaac, Mary A., David, John and Milton. Mrs. Frank died in 1854, and in 185; he married Miss Sevilla Reynolds, who bore him one child-Elva ; she resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Frank are de- vont members of the Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat and a stalwart of the party.

ISAAC FRANK, stock-feeder and ship- per ; Lake; is a son of John Frank, whose sketch appears in this work. Our subject was born in Stark Co., Ohio, May 31, 1834. The early years of his life were passed on the farm, where he remained until he was 22 years of age ; he then rented farms for five years in Lake Tp. In 1859 he began feeding sheep, and continued to buy and feed for

three years, when he began shipping, and has continued in that business up to the present time. He has been very successful, and owes his success largely to the manner in which he ferds his sheep. Mr. Frank has one of the best, if not the best, sheep farms in the State of Ohio. He has also been engaged exten- sively in farming. In 1855 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary, daughter of John Moore, of Springfield, Sinmit Co., and from that marriage there have been two children- - Magaret J. and Lewis E. Mr. Frank is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Lodge No. 83, Akron.

ABRAM FOUSE, farmer ; P. O. Hartville; is the only son in a family of five children born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Miller) Fouse. Jacob Fouse was a native of Huntington Co., Pa., where he spent his childhood. In ISH he left his comfortable home in his native county, for the purpose of finding a new home in the wilderness of Stark Co. (it was nothing more at that time). He settled on 113 acres of Sec. 3 of Lake Tp., and there erected a log cabin, which the family occupied until a more spacious house adorned the site. He remained a resident of Lake Tp. up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1845. Abram Fouse, our subject, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, April 6, 1820. The early years of young Fouse's life were spent in the labors of the farm. interrupted but slightly by his attendance at school. At the age of 26 years he purchased 113 acres of the heirs, and has since lived on the same. In 1848 he united in marriage with Mary A., daughter of Daniel Rudy. She died in 1866, leaving five child- ren, viz .- Barbara. Elizabeth, Frank, Ellen and Daniel. Mr. Fouse has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for several years.

JOHN J. GANS, farmer; P. O. Middle Branch. Benjamin Gans, the father of our subject, was born in Nimishillen Tp., this county, Oct. 15, 1807, and is the second white child born in Stark Co. His parents, John and Catharine (Sheidler) Gans, were natives of Fayette Co., Pa., and in 1804 left their comfortable home in their native >-ato to en- counter the dangers and hardships which set- tlers at that date encountered. From George- town he (John Gans) was compelled to cut and elcar a passage to the place of settle- ment, which was in Nimishillen Tp. He set-

938

BIOGRAPHIICAL SKETCHES:

tled on a farm of 160 acres, where he lived several years. The first peach orchard in the county was on his farm. He was a preacher in the German Baptist Church, and was the first preacher in Nimishillen Tp. He died in 1821 at the age of 51 or 52 years. His faithful wife lived to reach the ripe age of 80 years. They were the pare its of eight children, Benjamin being the third. The early years of his life were passed in the wilderness; his education was neglected, there being schools but of an inferior order in the region of his home. How- ever, he acquired a good education, whether at home or at school matters little. At the age of 24, he left home and engaged in farm- ing on a farm which he rented for twelve years. He then purchased the same, and has lived on the farm up to the present time. In 1831 he was united in marriage to Miss Su- sanna Williams. This union was blessed with eleven children, four of whom are living, viz .- Dr. Alpheus, of Navarre; John J., our subject; Marietta and Eliza. In May, 1881, they cele- brated their golden wedding at their home, where they entertained a host of congratula- ting friends. Mr. Gans has always been identified with the Democratic party. John J. Gans, our subject, was born in Lake Tp., Feb. 2, 1840, where he spent his childhood. He attended the schools of his neighborhood, and Mt. Union College. After comple- ting his education he engaged in teaching. In 1866 he engaged in farming, purchasing 80 acres, where he lived two years; then he purchased the Squire Nees farm in Marlbor- ough, where he lived untii 1881, when he bought and settled on the old homestead. In 1865 he married Miss Lizzie Wolf, daughter of Samuel Wolf, of Lake Tp. From that marriage there have been five children, viz .- Thomas, Emmet, Willie, Daniel and Maybelle.

HENRY GROSENBAUGH, merchant; Hartville. Jacob Grosenbaugh now a wealthy farmer of Stark Co., and the father of our sub- ject was born in Rhinebyer, Germany, about the year 1810, his parents accompanied by himself, emigrated to this country in 1822. Jacob passed the early years of his life in as- sisting his father's family, who were in hum- ble circumstances. At the age of 21 he be- gan farming on his own responsibility in Plain Tp .; he worked diligently and soon became the possessor of a fine farm, and in this way

worked until 1881, when he removed to Hart- ville. He commenced life a poor boy, and now ranks among the wealthiest men of the county. This is but an example of the truth, that honest industry will bring its reward. In early manhood he married Miss Catharine Herbruck. sister of the Rev. Mr. Herbruck, of Canton. From that marriage there have been ten children, Henry, our subject being the second. He was born in Plain Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in August, 1854. The early years of his life were passed on the farm. He at- tended the common schools in his neighbor- hood, and latterly the Canton Academy, where he acquired a good education. He subse- quently entered the commercial department of Mt. Union College, where he remained some time. After completing his commer- cial course he entered into partnership with Peter Shollenberger, a merchant of Hartville, after a clerkship of six months. This part- nership lasted until 1879, when he bought Mr. Shollenberger's interest, and has since con- ducted the business successfully. He has one of the best general stores in the county, doing business to the amount of $18,000 per year. He has always been connected with the Dem- ocratic party, and has held many offices of trust in the township.

S. S. GEIB, farmer ; P. O. Hartville. "You just go to Squire Geib and he will tell you all about it"-this was the language of many old settlers when asked by the writer in regard to the early days of Lake Tp. The gen- eral opinion seemed to be that the proper source for reliable information would be one who during a residence of many years in the township, had occupied such positions in the community as proved him to be a man of rare ability and intelligence. Mr. Geib was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Oct. 19, 1827 ; his child- hood was spent on the farm in his native state. In 1836 he came to Stark Co. with his parents. At the age of 12 years he was hired out to a farmer, and in this way passed five years of his life. At the age of 17, he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and worked at the same for fifteen years, and after serving his appren- ticeship, he taught school for several terms. In 1863, he settled on the farm he now lives on, and has remained on the farm ever since. In 1878, he served as Treasurer of Stark Co. for a short term, and in the same year he

939

LAKE TOWNSHIP.

was admitted to the Bar and has had a fair practice since, although he is devoting most of his attention to farming. In 1848, he was united in marriage with Susanna Brown, who died in 1869, leaving seven children. In 1828, he married his second wife, Miss Catharine Wise, and from this union there have been six children. Mr. and Mrs. Geib are devout mnem- bers of the Catholic church of Randolph, Por- tage Co. Mr. Gicb has always been identified with the Democratic party.

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 164

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