History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 165

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 165

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JACOB GARTY, retired; Cairo; was born in Cumberland Co., Pa., June 15, 1808, and his parents, Jacob and Mary (Kriper) Garty, were natives of Frankfort, Germany, where Jacob worked at the blacksmith's trade. In 1800 he emigrated to the United States, settling in Lancaster Co., Pa., where he married the above-named lady. In 1805 he removed to Cumberland Co., Pa., where he worked at his trade. In 1831 he came to Ohio, settling on a farm in Plain Tp., where he remained a short time, and then settled in Lake Tp., where he lived up to the time of his death. Jacob Garty, Jr., spent his early days on the farm, received a common-school education, and in 1831 eame to Ohio with his parents. He lived at home until he was 25 years of age, then engaged in farming, and was engaged in the same until a few years ago, when he re- tired. In 1836 he was united in marriage to Margaret Henney, who died, leaving six child- ren. For his second wife he married Susan widow of Christopher Henney, and from that marriage there were five children, three of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Garty are members of the German Reformed Church.

JEMIMA GAFF; Greentown; is the widow of Samuel Smith, who was a native of Franklin Co., Pa., where his childhood was passed. In 1826 he came to Ohio, settling in Stark Co., where he engaged in the tannery business, which business he successfully eon- ducted for several years. Mr. Smith was a prominent man of Stark Co., and had held many offices of trust and confidence, which he never betrayed, and by his industry and economy had accumulated a handsome fortune. He died in 1866, aged 64 years. His widow. the above-named lady, was born in Armstrong Co., Pa., May 4, 1805, and is the only surviv- ing one in a family of fourteen children, born to James and Elizabeth Gaff, who were na-

tives of Westin reland Co., Pa., where James Gaff was engaged in farming. He located in Armstrong Co. for a short time, and in 1807 he came across the mountains to Ohio, settling in Plain Tp., Stark Co., and was among the first settlers of the township, and experienced many dangers and hardships at that early day. lle remained a resident of Plain Tp. up to the time of his death. Mrs. Smith still lives in Greentown, being left in good circumstan- ces. She enjoys life, and is a pleasure to the people among whom she lives. She is the mother of four children-Matilda, wife of J. A. Borst ; L. E., W. S. and D. G.

LEIDIGH HOUSLEY, farmer; P. O. Greentown. Levi Housley, the father of our subject, was a native of Washington Co .. Md., where he followed farmning as his voca- tion. In 1826 he crossed the mountains, and after a long and tiresome journey, settled on the farm now occupied by our subject. As was the custom in those days, ho settled near a spring. He selected this farm about { mile east of Greentown, cleared the same, and there lived up to the time of his death. He married Miss Mary Lowman who was a native of the above named county and State. They held a prominent position in their community and were universally es- teemed by all who knew them. Young Hous- ley, the subject of this short sketch, was born in Washington Co., Md., Oct. 23, 1814. He inherited from both his parents a physical constitution much above the average. Dur- ing his boyhood, educational facilities were not abundant; hence he was confined to at- tendance on the common schools, supported by subscriptions; but this enabled him to lay the foundation for a good, practical education. When 12 years old he came to Lake Tp. with his parents, and at once was placed in the woods to free them of the massive hickories, and in this way worked until he was 24 years old. He then rented a farm, where he lived 3 years, after which he purchased the old homestead, and has lived there ever since. Mr. Housley has been one of the largest land-owners in the township, but, as his children left home, he gave them valuable assistance. In 1837 he married Miss Nancy, daughter of John and Elizabeth Thompson, with whom he lived happily until death separated them, June 21, 1877. She had borne him 13 children, 10 of

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whom are still living, viz .- Elizabeth, Nancy, Catharine, John, Minerva, Sarah, Daniel, Es- ther, Alice and Jessie. Mr. Housley is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a Re- publican in politics.

PETER KAMP, farmer; P. O. Hartville; is a son of Adam and Catharine (Null) Kamp. Adam was a native of Berks Co., Pa., where the days of his childhood were passed. At a tender age he was apprenticed to the tailor's trade, and at this he worked for a few years, but subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for twenty years. He married Miss Catharine Null, who was a na- tive of Lancaster Co., Pa., with whom he passed many pleasant years. In 1824 he came to Stark Co., Ohio, from Union Co., Pa., and settled on a farm of 320 acres, which he re- ceived in exchange for one in his native State. He remained a resident of Lake Tp., until re- moved by death, in 1842, aged 73 years. His widow survived him until 1847, she dying at the age of 69 years. Peter Kamp, our sub- ject, was born in Union Co., Pa., in February, 1811, and at the age of 14 came to Stark Co., and lived at home almost continuously nntil he was 30 years of age. He farmed the old homestead for one year, then purchased it, and has lived on the same up to the present time. He now owns 302 acres of well improved land. In 1847 he married Miss Mary Brown, who remained a faithful companion to him until 1828, when she died at the age of 61 years. She hore him seven children, viz .- Susanna, Franklin, Sarah, William, Samuel, Levi and Joseph.

C. F. KINSLEY, farmer; P. O. Hartville. Frederick and Mary (Miller) Kinsley, the par- ents of our subject, were natives of Wurtem- berg, Germany; where they were engaged in farming; and in 1831 left their native land to seek a home in the new world, and upon their arrival in this country, they at once started for the fertile lands of Stark Co., Ohio. Frederick purchased a farın in Nimishillen Tp., and there lived until 1856, when he removed to Lake Tp., and lived there until he died. He was an exemplary man, and was much re- spected in the community in which he lived. C. F., the subject of this sketch, was born in Nimishillen Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in March, 1842. The early years of his life were pass- ed on the farm; he received his education in

the common schools, and remained at home until he was of age. One year later he in- herited a piece of land from his father, and has lived on the same up to the present time. In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Wertenberger, who bore him nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Kinsley are consis- t nt members of the German Baptist Church.

DR. L. MOULTON, physician; Hartville; is a son of Anson and Dephna (Minard) Moul- ton. Anson was a native of Boston, Mass., where he passed the early years of his life; he attended the public schools of that city, and acquired a thorough education; and at the age of 1" came to Portage Co., Ohio, with his father's family, his father being Judge Jeremiah Moulton, who was judge of Portage Co. for fourteen consecutive years. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and by his death Portage Co., lost one of its ablest and most eminent men. Dr. L. Moulton, our subject, was born in Portage Co., Ohio, April 8, 1837; his youth was spent on the farm, and in going to school, although the facilities were but poor for gaining an education; at the age of 18 years he entered Oberlin Col- lege, where he remained some time, and where he distinguished himself for his brilliancy. After leaving college he entered the office of Dr. S. J. Ward, of Suffield, Portage Co., where he remained a diligent student for two years; he subsequently attended lectures at Ann Arbor Medical College, where he re- ceived a thorough knowledge of his profession. He returned to Suffield, his native home, and was induced to practice in that community. Here he remained three years, having from the start a large and successful practice. In 1864 he located at Hartville, and has since remained there in successful practice, and has gained the confidence of the community in which he lives. In 1862 he was appointed Examining Assistant Surgeon of several mili- tary companies, located at Cleveland. The Doctor is a Democrat, and has held many offices of trust in the township.

ISAAC MARKLEY, farmer ; P. O. Green- town ; is the youngest in a family of eleven children, born to John and Susanna (Brum- baugh) Markley. John Markley was born at Morrison's Cove, Pa., where he passed the early years of his life. At the age of 18 years · he came to Lake Tp. with his parents ; at that

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time there was but one building where Canton City now is located. They cleared a passage from that place to the place of settlement, and John assisted his father in the work of the farm, and when 31 years of age returned to Pennsylvania, and was there married to the above-named lady, she being a native of HFun- tington Co., of that State. He then returned to Lake Tp., and remained a resident of that township up to the time of his death. Young Markley, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lake Tp., Stark Co., O., January 3, 1839. The early years of his life were passed on the farm ; he receive | his education in the com- mon schools of his neighborhood, and at the age of 21 he inherited 63 acres of land, but was oblige I to pay other heirs a considerable amount. But with a determined mind he set to work and soon became the possessor. In 1868 he purchased 162 acres of valuable land, where he soon after settled, and has remained there up to the present time. It was an un- dertaking that took a great deal of courage, but in a few years he had become the sole proprietor or owner of the now well-improved farm. In 1866 he married Miss Barbara Yoder, of Nimishillen Tp .; from that marriage there has been one child-Eleanor. Mr. Mark- ley has always been identified with the Re- publican party.

J. P. MOORE, farmer and merchant ; Greentown. Jos .ph Moore, Sr., the grand- father of our subject, was a native of Lan- caster C'., P'a., where he was born in 1761. At a tender age he enlisted in the war of the Revolution, and served his country in that great struggle with no degree of unfaithful- ness. Ilo heard the reading of the Declara- tion of Independence-something he never forgot. In 1812 he crossed the mountains in his native Stato, and after a journey of sev- eral days, reache ] Plain Tp., Stark Co. He settled in the woods, and cleared a farm, where he lived several years; then removed to Port- age Co., where he died. Joseph Moore, Jr., the father of our subject, was born in Lancas- ter Co., Pa .. where he passed his childhood, and at the age of 18 years, came to Stark Co. with his parents. He assisted on the farm where he lived several years and then removed to Portage Co., thence to Greentown, this county, where he died. He was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a

man universally esteemed for his sterling in- tegrity and kindness. J. P. Moore, the sub- jeet of this sketch, was born in Lake Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Oct. 11, 1827. The early years of his life were passed on the farm, but slightly interrupted by educational pursuits. Hle worked at home until he was 22 years of age ; he then farmed the homestead for 16 years, and in 1864 he bought the same, con- sisting of 124 acres. In 1880, in company with J. C. Pontius, he engaged in the grocery business in Greentown. In 1849 he married Miss Rebecca, daughter of George and Eliza- beth York, of Stark Co. From that marriage there were born eleven children, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ABRAHAM MILLER, farmer; P. O. Greentown; is a son of John and Elizabeth (York) Miller, who were natives of Maryland. They removed to Pennsylvania, where they lived a few years, and in 1812 came to Stark Co., settling on a farm, which was then part of a dense forest. John Miller was a carpenter by trade, and worked at the same for several years, in connection with farming. He soon abandoned the trad ., however, and engaged in farming, which business he was engaged in up to the time of his death. He was a man who could not bear to see a neighbor in trouble, and it is said that in the early days of Plain Tp., when people were leaving their homes in the East to seek their fortunes in the West, it was then he showed his manli- dess and true Christian spirit by dealing out to the poor part of his own products of the farm. He died in 1876 at the advanced age of 90 years. He was twice married. From the first marriage there were three children- Abraham, Jacob, of Canton, and Lewis, of Akron. Abraham, the subject of these few lines, was born in Greentown, the county, in 1824. His childhood was spent on the farm, where he remained until he was 21 years of age; he then removed to Plain Tp., where he rented a farm, and soon after purchased quite a valuable one, and after living there seven years he returned to Lake Tp., remaining here ever since. In 1844 he married Miss Lydia Kreighbaum, who bore him five children, viz .- William, Nelson, Ira, Mary (deceased), and Lewis (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Lutheran Church.

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GEORGE MACHAMER, merchant; Hart- ville; is the fifth in the family of thirteen child- ren, born to George and Catharine (Wolf) Machamer, who were natives of Pennsylvania, where the father of our subject was engaged in farming. In 1821 he came to Stark Co., settling on land in Lake Tp .; he cleared a farm and re- mained a citizen of Lake Tp. up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1864, at the age of 69 years. George, Jr., our subject, was born in Lake Tp., this County, in July, 1823, his early years being passed on the farm. He attended the common school of his neighborhood, where he acquired a good education. At the age of 21 he purchased a farm of 120 acres, where he resided until 1866, when he engaged in hotel-keeping, and in 1867 engaged in the mercantile business in Hartville, and has been engaged in the same up to the present time. In 1844, he married Catharine, daughter of Levi and Mary Hous- ley, of Lake Tp. From that marriage there have been eight children, five of whom are living. In 1862 he was appointed Postmaster of Hart- ville, and has held the appointment up to the present time, with the exception of one year.

D. T. MACHAMER, merchant; Cairo; was born in Lake Tp, Stark Co., Ohio, Aug. 7, 1837. His boyhood was spent on the farm, where he remained until he was 23 years of age, in the meantime receiving a common- school education in the schools of Lake Tp. In 1860 he rented a farm, and was engaged in farming five years, being successful in his undertaking. In 1866 he conceived the idea that the people of that community were in need of a store; receiving some encourage- ment, young Machamer set to work and soon had a spacious building ready for the goods which he had on the way. Commencing with a small capital he drove close bargains, and was his own clerk and errand boy. His trade in- creased, until now he carries a fine stock of goods. In 1879 he bought a farm of 70 acres, which is also under his superintendence. In 1878 he was appointed Postmaster of the above named place. In 1858 Miss Hannah Wertenberger became his wife, and has been a faithful and congenial companion to him. She bore him four children, three of whom are living, viz: A. W., Emma and Frances. He votes with the Democratic party, and has held many offices of trust in the township.

SAMUEL MACHAMER, farmer; P. O. Hartville; is the seventh in the family, of thirteen children born to George and Cath- arine (Wolf) Machamer, mention of whom is made in the sketch of George Machamer. Samuel, our subject, was born in Lake Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, Nov. 13, 1827. The early years of young Machamer's life were passed on the farm and were but little interrupted by educational pursuits, facilities of that kind being seanty, and of an inferior order about him; however, he received a good practi- cal education, and remained at home until he was 22 years of age. In 1854 he purchased the homestead, which consisted of 202 acres, and there remained until 1866, when he re- moved to the farm he now occupies. Mr. Machamer now owns 322 acres of valuable and well improved land. This goes to show that by industry and economical habits, he has become one of the wealthy farmers of Lake Tp. In 1851 he was united in mar- riage to Miss Christina Kauffman, an estimable lady of Lake Tp., who has been a congenial companion through life. From that mar- riage there have been five children, four of whom are living, Morgan, Urias, Daniel and Charley; Ellen was the name of the one de- ceased. Mr. Machamer has always been iden- tified with the Democratic party.

DANIEL MYERS, farmer and stock- shipper; P. O. Greentown; is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Myers, who were natives of Centre Co., Pa., and about 1825 came to Ohio, settling in Portage Co. Young Myers was born in Brimfield, Por- tage Co., Ohio, Feb. 18, 1838, and had the misfortune to be left motherless at a very tender age. He was taken to raise by an unele, with whom he lived until he was 17 years of age. He attended the common schools, and in them acquired a good education. At the age of 17 he began working for farmers, and in this way worked for five years; he then rented a farm and remained there eight years. During these eight years he accumulated considera- ble money, and purchased a farm of 180 acres, where he resided for some time, and then bought the Kreighbaum farm. In 1866 he began speeulating in stock, and has been a very successful buyer and shipper since that time. In 1859 he united in marriage with Matilda, daughter of William and Sarah

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LAKE TOWNSHIP.

Kreighbaum, of Lake Tp. From that mar- riage there is one child, a daughter, Ella.

W. H. NEES, merchant; Lake; is the youngest in a family of ten children, born to Jacob and Elizabeth Nees, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and eame to Stark Co., Ohio, at an carly period. Jacob carried on the distilling business in Canton for several years, the last few years of his life being spent on a farm in Marlborough Tp., where he died at an advanced age. W. II. Nees, the subject of this sketch, was born in Marlborough Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, in 1835. The early years of his life were passed on his father's farm, and in attending the schools of his neighborhood, acquiring a liberal education; he then attended Mt. Union College for several terms. At the age of 21 he came to Uniontown, and apprenticed himself to the tinner's trade. After working a short time he entered into partnership with David Hossler, and two and one-half years later purchased the remaining interest, and has continued in the same up to the present time. In 1874 he opened a dry goods and grocery store, and since that time has done a successful busi- ness; he also owns half interest in a grocery store in Akron. Mr. Nees has been very suc- cessful, and by his gentlemanly bearing and fair dealing, he has become a popular man. In 1856 he was united in marriage to Caro- line Shriver, of Marlborough Tp. From that marriage there has been four children, three of whom are living-Alfaretta, Forest and Maud; Martha J. was the name of the one de- ceased. Mr. Nees has always been identi- fied with the Republican party.

S. P. PONTIUS, retired ; Greentown ; is the second in a family of nine children, born to Peter and Magdalena (Raber) Pontius, who were natives of Centre Co., Pa., where Peter worked at the cabinet-maker's trade. In 1811 he came to Stark Co., settling in Lake Tp., on a farm of 160 acres, where he toiled until he converted the forest farm into a productive homestead, and where he lived up to the time of his death ; he died at the age of 65 years, his widow surviving him until 1866, when she died at the age of 8? years. They were both con- sistent members of the Presbyterian Church. | Our subject, S. P. Pontius, was born in Lake Tp., Stark Co., O., March 14, IS15, his child-

hood was spent in the log cabin of his father on the farm, but slightly interrupted by ed- ucational pursuits, facilities of that kind being but scanty and of an inferior order at that time. At the age of 22 years he bought 50 acres of land in Springfield Tp., and upon this piece of ground began life for himself. At about that time he was married to Catharine, daughter of John and Barbara Wise, who proved herself to be a true and dutiful wife and a pleasant companion. After his marriage he lived in Summit Co. for five years, then returned to Lake Tp., and has re- mained a resident of the same up to the pres- ent time. Mr. Pontius has been successful in life, and by his industry and economical habits has accumulated considerable property. In 1813 he left the farm, and has since that time been living a retired life. From that union there have been cleven children, nine of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Pontius are consis- tent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church uniting with the same several years ago.

JOHN PONTIUS, farmer ; P. O. Lake ; was born in Stark Co., O., May 6, 1818 ; his parents, Peter and Magdalena (Raber) Pontius, were natives of Centre Co., Pa., where Peter worked at the cabinent-maker's trade. Having a desire to see the far West (Ohio was con- sidered a great distance to go from their native county), he started with his family for Stark Co., Ohio, and in the summer of 1811 he settled on a farm of 160 aeres in Lake Tp. It was a dense forest, but by hard work and per- severance he soon made a comfortable home. Ile worked at his trade during the winter months, and pieces of his work may be seen in some of the older families to-day. Our subject passed the early years of his life on the farm, the monotony of which was slight- ly varied by attending the old log cabin coun- try school. At 28 years of age he left home and bought 185 acres of land, and has lived on the same up to the present time. He was married to Elizabeth Hossler in 1848, and she has proven herself a true and faithful com- panion. They are the parents of eight chil- dren, viz: Cyrus, Alexander, Milton, Amanda, Elizabeth, Samuel, Magdalena, and John. Mr. and Mrs. Pontius are consistent members of the Reformed Church.

LEONARD RABER, farmer; P. O. Green- town. " You go and see Squire Raber !"

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

was what many of the citizens of Lake Tp., said to the historian who wrote the his- tory of Lake Tp. He can tell you more than any other man; thinking, no doubt, that a man so long identified with public offices of trust was the only one from whom any reliable in- formation could be ascertained. The gentle- man mentioned was born in Lake Tp., Stark Co., Ohio, July 30, 1823. He comes from old and prominent families. His father, Thomas Raber, was a native of Centre Co., Pa., and the Dickerhoff family, on the mother's side, were natives of Maryland, both families com- ing to Lake Tp. at an early date. Young Ra- ber's youth was spent on the farm, receiving a common-school education in the schools of his neighborhood, and when 17 years of age, was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked nine years, after serving an apprenticeship. He removed to Uniontown, where he was engaged in hotel-keeping for five years. In 1855 he purchased the old homestead, consisting of 187 acres of valua- ble land. After making many improvements he lived there enjoyably until 1881, when he retired from the farm, and now lives in a pleasant home in Greentown. In 1865 he was elected Justice of the Peace of Lake Tp., and has held the office up to the present time, with the exception of three years, when he was one of Stark Co.'s Commissioners. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Catharine, daughter of George Kreighbaum, of Lake Tp. From that marriage there are the fol- lowing children -- Hiram, Clara, Oliver, Milo, Frances, Ida and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Ra- ber are devout members of the German Re- formed Church.

ISAAC RICHARDS, farmer ; P. O. Lake. Samuel Richards, the father of our subject, was a native of Hagerstown, Md., and came to Stark Co., Ohio, with his parents in 1810. He being at that time a single man, he enlisted in the war of 1812, and was stationed at San- dusky, serving with faithfulness in each and every post he held. At the close of the war he returned home and married Nancy Bachtel, whose parents settled in Lake Tp. in 1808. She received at the time of her marriage a valuable farm, where they lived for several years. He died in 1858 ; his faithful widow survived him until 1878. Isaac, our subject, was born in Green Tp. in 1825, and passed

the early years of his life on the farm, and in attending the common schools in the vicinity of his home. When he reached manhood he hired out as a farmn-hand for five years, then returned to the old homestead and farmed the same for thirty years and in 1878 purchased the same of the heirs ; he now owns 315 acres of well-improved land, and is considered one of the most enterprising farmers of the county. In 1847 he married Miss Hannah Engle, of Jackson Tp., and from that marriage there were five children. . Mrs. Richards died in 1864. He married for his second wife a Miss Seisdorf, of Uniontown, who bore him one child, Lula.

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 165

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