History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 173

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 173

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).

985

BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP.

the field to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., where he died Jan. IS, IS63. To his mar- riage with Miss Hawkins there were born a family of seven-George H., Joseph J., Char- lotte M .. Mary A., William A., Louisa M. and Thomas F. The mother is yet living, and re- sides in Navarre. George H., our subject. received a common-school education in youth. and, when 13. commeneed life's battles on his own responsibility; he continued his father's business candle-making together with farming. until 17 years of age; in 1563, he went to New York City, where he engaged his services to Kuh & Silverman, wholesale clothing merchants, with whom he remained until 1975, and then came to Navarre and en gaged in the dry goods trade, where he has since resided. as one of the town's leading merchants. His success in business is due mainly to his energy and close attention to business: he carries a stock of about $5,000. and, in connection with his trade, carries on morehant tailoring. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and is a Republican in politics. He was married. April 17, 1878, to Miss Sarah Klinker, who was born in Stark Co .. Ohio. June 10. 1554.

ALEX GARVER. druggist, Navarre: was born in the village of Navarre. Ohio. Feb. 24, 1\39; he is a son of John W. and Elizabeth (Weisbroad) Garver. the former being a native of Baden, Germany, and the latter of Berne, Switzerland. The father was a carpenter by trade, and, when a young man, went to Swit- zerland to obtain more work. and while there married our subject's mother. Ho resided in this beautiful little republic until about 1831. when, seeing thousands of his countrymen flocking West ward, he determined to eross the Atlantic with his family, to that new El Do. rado that was draining Europe of all its free- dom-loving people: he located in Navarro. Ohio. on his arrival in the United States, and for a time found employment on the Ohio ('anal: for many years preceding his death, he worked at his trade, and at one time, while building a dam across the Tuscarawas River. was severely injured by an accident. Pre- vious to the breaking-out of our great civil war. Mr. Garver advocated the Democratic canse, but. when he saw Republicans adher-

ing with fidelity to the Union, his views changed, and he became a Republican, and as such remained until his death. He was an honest. upright citizen, and a man highly es- teemed by all who knew him: his death or- eurred Oct. 28, 1879; his widow still survives him, and resides in Navarre. Alex Garver is one in a family of eleven children, nine of whom are yet living: when 12 years of age. he began working in a hotel in his native vil- lage, but. at the end of three years, discon- tinved this and entered the employ of Dr. Leeper as clerk in his drug store: at the end of six years, he purchased the stock of his employer, and has ever since continued the business. Jan. 1. 1561, he was united in mar- riago with Miss Chrissie Stahl, and to their union were born three children Laura G .. Milton S. and Cora B .: the last named is dead. Mrs. Garver was born in Navarro. Ohio, May 9. 1842. In 1560, Mr. Garver was appointed Postmaster at Navarre, a position he has since held. with the exception of a short time during President Johnson's admin- istration: he has held various town and town- ship offices: is a stanch Republican in politics. and a successful business man.

JOSEPH GOEPFERT, Navarre. This gon- tleman was born in Alsace, France, in 1921: he is one of a family of four children born to John and Mary ( Hartman) Goopfert. When Joseph was a small boy, his father died, and in 1835 the mother, with the family, came to the United States. They stopped for about a year in New York, and then came to Ohio and located in Stark County. The family were in limited circumstances, and for some years on- dured numeroas privations and hardships. The mother died in IS62; she was a wont of great executive ability. a kind and loving mother and a consistent Christian. Joseph. during his youth, received but little education: as he grew older, he saw the need of an edu cation, and, by applying himself to his studies at odd times, acquired quite a good education. When about 19 years of age, he began work ing on the Ohio Canal. in the employ of the State: he remained in the employ of the State some eighteen years, his services being highly prized: fow men have done more honest work for the State than Mr. Goopfert. and few

986

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

have the confidence of the people to a greater extent. He was married, in 1842, to Miss Margaret Armstrong, who was born in Tusca- rawas Co., Ohio. June 10. 1816; five ehildren were born to this union-Joseph, Matilda and Melissa, living; John and Mary, deceased. Mrs. Goepfert died in 1880. Mr. Goepfert was married to Mrs. Mary Halterman July 5. 1881; she was born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in 1525. Mr. Goepfert began life as a poor box. and is, in the fullest sense of the word. a self-made man: he owns 109 acres of well- improved land; he is a Demoerat in polities. and has held positions of honor and trust in Bethlehem Township. The county would be much better off had it more such men as Mr. Goenfert.

WILLIAM C. GRANT, Navarre; was born in Washington Co., Penn .. Feb. 23. 1818; he is one in a family of fourteen born to Joseph and Margaret (Crawford) Grant: Joseph Grant. his father, was a native of New Jersey. from which State he removed with his parents when about 2 years old: during the spring of 1833. he came to Stark Co .. Ohio. locating in Sugar Creek Township, where he began farm- ing. and where he resided until his death. on the 7th of December. 1864. aged 76 years; his widow died May 6, 1879. Mr. Grant was a sober, hard-working man, and an exemplary citizen; he started in life poor. but showed sufficient business sagacity to leave 400 acres of land at his death. Up to Van Buren's ad- ministration, he was a Democrat, but from that time to his death he voted with the Whigs and Republicans. He was a man of sound judgment, with a deep sense of honor and uprightness. William C. Grant was reared upon a farm, receiving a common-school education. At the age of 23. he commenced elerking in a store in Navarre, at which he continned about a year; he then commenced the life of a drover, buying horses, cattle and sheep, and then driving them across the country to Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Lan- caster, where he would dispose of his property at a handsome profit; he continued in this for some fifteen years. during which time he had saved a sufficient amount of his earnings to invest in real estate at different times, until he now has 1,300 acres of land, 465 of which

are in Stark County, 380 acres in Knox Co., Ohio, and the rest near Lansing, Mich. For the past twenty years. he has farmed, raised stock and dealt in real estate. He was united in marriage with Miss Ruth Johnson April 16, 1850, and to them were born six children- James J., Edward L., Horace S., Della, Will- iam V., and Mary I., deceased. Mr. Grant is a Republican in politics, but has steadily re- fused to take an active part. as he wished to eonfine his attention to his farm. He is a pro- gressive and enterprising citizen, and one of the best farmers and citizens of Bethlehem Township.

ROBERT HUG, lumber dealer and planing- mill, Navarre: was born in Switzerland, Canton of Solothurn, Nov. 9, 1840; his parents, Jacob and Trace Hug, were both natives of Switzerland, and Mr. Hug is vet a resident of his native country, employed in the capacity of Postmaster. Robert Hug is one in a family of eleven children, eight of whom are yet living; he attended his native schools until 17 years of age, and then com- menced learning the carpenter's trade, at which he served until he had thoroughly mas- tered all the difficult parts of that trade. In 1868. he emigrated to the United States, and since his arrival has steadily continued at his chosen occupation. In 1874. he purchased the old foundry at Navarre, and, by placing in the latest and best-improved machinery, has made it one of the best planing-mills in the whole country; he has also had affixed a large cider-press, that has a capacity of 150 gallons per day. Besides the planing-mill, Mr. Hug has established a lumber-yard in Navarre, and. with the two combined, carries on quite an extensive business. In 1871, he was united in marriage with Catharine Hug, who was born in Navarre, Ohio, April 17, 1848; their union has been blessed with one child, Otto. Mr. Hug is a Democrat in poli- ties, and is an enterprising, intelligent citizen.

MIRS. ANNA M. KEEHN, Navarre. Among the old and respected pioneer women of Stark County, none are more worthy of special men- tion than the subject of this brief sketch. She was born in Canton Township, this county, Oct. 11, 1807: her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth ( Kaufman) Reed, were natives

987

BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP'.

of the Keystone State, where they were raised, married, and resided until 1806, when they came to this county and located in Canton Township, where they remained some years, and then came to Bethlehem Township, which they ever afterward made their home. At the day when these sturdy people settled here, the country was a dense wilderness. inhabited by Indians and all manner of wild beasts; the log cabin, chinked with mnd, with its punch. con floor. greased-paper windows and mud- stick chimney, afforded the best habitation for these brave adventurers: their furniture was of the rudest kind, and their clothing was of the coarsest material- of home-spun tax and wool, warm and durable, and at that time fashionable. In Mr. and Mrs. Reed's family were twelve children, eight of whom are yet living, and who are respected members of the communities in which they live. MIrs. Anna M. Keehn lived at home until her mar- riage with Mr. Jonathan Koehn, which event took place in 1830. Mr. Keehn was a native of Berks Co., Penn .. where he was born in 1805; in 1810, his father, George Kechn, came to this county with his family, and lo- cated in Bethlehem Township, on the farm which Mrs. Keehn now owns and resides upon; it was upon this farm that Jonathan passed his youth and early manhood, assisting his father; after his marriage, he took charge of the farm, caring for his parents during their okł age, and until their respective deaths; he was a well-educated man for that day, and one of more than ordinary intelligence: he favored and liberally contributed to all enter prises that had a tendency to build up the community in which he lived. or benefit his family or fellow-man: he held a number of positions of honor and trust. and was highly esteemed by his friends and neighbors; he was the fatherof the following family of chil- dren: Susan, Elizabeth, Sarah, George, Mary. Melinda and Caroline, living: Catharine. Magdalena and David, deceased. Mr. Koehn departed this life July 14, 1868; his widow survives him, at the advanced ageof fl years: she has always been a true wife, loving mother. and useful member of society, ever sharing. with patience and fortitude, all Mr. Kechn's adversities, and rejoicing with him in his pros-

perity, to which she, by her kind co-operation and interest to the fullest extent contributed. She, with four of her daughters, resides upon the old homestead, surrounded with the com- forts of a well-earned competency. The daughters, like their parents before them, are useful members of society. having the respect of all who know them.

JOHN KEEHN, V. S .; Navarre. This gen- tleman was born Dec. 6. 1822, in Bethlehem Township, this county: he is the son of John and Eizabeth (Traul) Keehn, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. George Kechn, grandfather of our subject, was born at Reading, Ponn., May 7, 1766; his wife, Susan Shalter, was also born at Reading, Aug. 15, 1767; they came with their family to Stark Co., Ohio, in 1815, landing in Both lehem Township on the 20th of September, and settled on Sec. 9 in that township, where they passed the remainder of their days. John Koehn, Sr., was born near Reading, Penn., March 2, 1759: his wife, Elizabeth Traul, was also a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born Feb. 17, 1790: they also came to this county in IS15, and settled on See. 9 in Bethlehem Township; they were hard-working, intelligent people, and raised a family of five sons and three daughters. Mrs. Krohn died May S. 1845, and her husband Sept. 2. 1553. Our subject was raised upon a farm, receiving but a very limited education, for, from a small boy, he was put to hard work, a ud his chances for obtaining an education were few. Hewas united in marriage to Miss Catharine Gerber Ang. 6. 1845; this lady was born in Canton Township. this county, Oct. 1, 1527 : their union has been blessed with the fol- lowing family of children, viz. : Aaron, Sarah, John. Elizabeth, Christina. Levi and Cath- arine. Mr. Kechn now owns the old home farm of 190 aeres, which he has nicely improved. and which, for most part. he has obtained by his own exertions. When quite a small boy. he began treating horses and cattle for differ ent diseases; he was so uniformly successful that he soon had a good practice: he pur- chased books, and, by hard study and close observation, he has become one of the most successful veterinary surgeons in the county ; his practice extends over this, Hohes and

988

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Tuscarawas Counties, and his services are so frequently sought that he finds it difficult to attend all cases where his services are re- quired; he is a close student of pathology, and uses only new and rational remedies, dis- carding all the old fogy notions common to the practice. He is a Democrat, and a useful and honored citizen.

WILLIAM C. KLINE, Navarre; was born in York Co., Penn., Sept. 15, 1829; he is a son of John and Matilda (Haines) Kline, the former being of German and the latter of En- glish descent; the father was a blacksmith by trade. but kept a hotel for some years in Little York, Penn .: he is yet living, his occupation being farming. William H. Kline, our sub- ject. is one in a family of eleven children; having but few advantages in youth, he re- ceived but a common-school education. When 21 years of age, he began coopering, and for twelve years followed that business in his native State. In 1864, he came to Marietta, Ohio, and began prospecting for oil: after fol- lowing this for some time, Mr. Kline failed, losing his all in the enterprise. In 1866, he came to Strasburg, Tuscarawas Co., where he purchased a farm and settled down: after a time, he was induced to take charge of a brew- ory in Parkersburg, W. Va .; after a few months, he disposed of his property and then returned to his farm at Strasburg, where he remained farming until 1868, and, in connec- ion with farming, carried on a hotel and saw- mill afterward at Dearduff Mills, in Tuseara- was County. In 1873, he came to Navarre and took charge of the Navarre House, and, after three and a half years, sold out and en- gaged in coopering. at which he has exten- sively engaged ever since; he now has a force of about fifteen men employed in his factory, and they make from 1,000 to 1,200 barrels per week: the past season, he made over forty thousand barrels. He married Rachel L. Leaming. Feb. 19, 1856, and she was born in Wakefield, Md., Ang. 2, 1834; they have had born to them six children, five of whom are now living. viz .: Sarah, Marian, William, Charles and George.

JOHN J. KRICHBAUM. This gentleman was born in the township in which he now resides July 14, 1830; he is the grandson of

John Krichbaum, who came from Pennsyl- vania with his wife and six sons and two daughters, and located on Sec. 13, in this township, in 1813. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Thomas Traul, who came to this county from Pennsylvania in 1814, and purchased a piece of land adjoining Mr. Krichbaum's; in his family were three sons and four daughters. Of the fifteen children in the paternal and maternal grandparents' families, but three are now living. The Krich- banms and Trauls underwent all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, and it is to such people as these that the people of to-day enjoy the blessings that surround them: their descendants to-day are among the most useful and honored citizens of the county, fully at- testing to the morality and wisdom of the or- iginal stock. Our subject's parents, John and Hannah (Traul) Krichbaum, were raised amid the wild surroundings of their wilderness homes: they were married in Stark County, and to them were born a family of six sons and one daughter, five of whom are now liv- ing. The father died June 28, 1872, and the mother April 30, 1874: it can truly be said of them that they were among the most intelli- gent and progressive people of their day, and that the country would be much better off had it contained more such people. John J. Krich- baum received a common-school education, and remained at home assisting his father until he was of age: he then learned the car- penter's trade, which, for most part, he has since followed: he has built, during his life, over sixty bank barns, besides numerous dwell- ing houses and other buildings: he is a com- plete master of his trade, and his services are eagerly sought; perhaps there is not a man in the county who has built as many barns as Mr. Krichbaum. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Buchtel Sept. 21. 1854; this lady was born in Bethlehem Township, this county, in 1832; from this union there is one child, viz., Joseph F. Mr. Krichbaum is a Democrat in politics, though liberal in his veiws. He is an honored member of society, and a useful citizen.

JOHN LOEW, merchant, Navarre; was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, Oct. 11, 1830; he is a son of Augustine and Elizabeth (Gnau)

989

BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP.

Loew, who were natives of Germany and par- ents of three chiklren: the father was a farni- er in the old country. In 1854. he. together with his family. emigrated to the United States. locating at Navarre, Stark Co., Ohio, where he died the year of his arrival. The subject who forms the head of this notice left his native home two years previous to his parents' emi gration. and commenced working at the coop- er's trade: after his father's death. in 1554. he took the head of the family. He was mar- ried. in 1856. to Margaret Rhein. and by her had two children - Philip, living, and Mary, deceased. The mother was born in Stark Co .. Ohio, in 1833, and died in 1559. Mr. Loow's second and present wife was Catharine Smith, to whom he was married in 1867: to this union was born one son. William. Mr. Loew for- lowed coopering until 1869. when he engaged in mercantile pursnits in Navarre, at which he has since been engaged: he is a Demo rat in politics, and a member of the Catholic Church: he has held all the township offices, and has been Justice of the Peace twelve years: he now is a commissioned Notary Pub- lic, and is always ready and willing to do any- thing in his line of business that he may be called upon to perform. Mr. Loew is one of the best and most enterprising citizens of - Na varre: he has been very liberal in his dona- tions to educational. charitable and religious enterprises, and he is one of the prncipal con tributors to the new Catholic Church: he began in life a poor boy, and in every sense of the word he is a self-made man.

MASE FAMILY, Navarre. Michael Mase and his wife, Christina Spangler. were both natives of the Keystone State, their native county being Lebanon: they were married in Pennsylvania and, in 1831. to better their cir- enmstances, came to Stark Co., Ohio, locating in Sugar Creek Township: they hore pur- chased SO acres of one Jacob Fisher, for which they were to pay $700: after residing in Su- gar Creek Township four years. they sokt ont and removed to Bethlehem Township. where they ever afterward resided. Mr. Mase was a tailor by trade, at which he worked to a considerable extent, as his health was too bad for much out-door labor: he was a steady going, honest. straightforward gentleman. In

polities, he strictly adhered to the principles advocated by the national Democratic party, and in religions matters was a member of the German Reformed Church, having been Elder in that organization several years before his death: he died Oct. 13. 1858: his widow still survives him, and resides with Samnel Mase. There were born to Michael and Christina (Spangler) Mase a family of four sons -- Henry. born in Lebanon Co., Penn .. Nov. 4. 1821: John, born in same county and State Oct 3. 1527: Sammel. born in Bethlehem Tp., Stark Co., Ohio. Sept. 5, 1835; and Jonathan, who was born Oct. 19. 1811. also in Bothle- hem Township. The oldest. Henry. as were his three brothers, were raised on the farm, receiving but a common-school education: he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Kerns, Jan. 13, IS45: this lady was born in Stark Co .. Ohio. March 1. 1529: to their union were born one son and two daughters Ehnina, wife of William Stamm. of Portage Co., Ohio; Amos B .. who married Miss Esther Baker, and resides on the home farm: and Christina, wife of Levi R. Lash. of Bethlehem Town- ship. Mr. Mase has always followed farming, at which he has been quite successful: he now owns 121 acres of land: he has liberally given to his children. and is one of the promi- nont men of his township. John Maso was raised to hard labor. Feb. 19. 1850, ho married Miss Elizabeth Knagy. daughter of Abraham and Susanna (Cease) Knagy, of Tuscarawas County: no children have been born to them, but. filling the void of which nature has deprived them, they have reared and educated four children: the first was Sarah Kondig, of Navarre. now Mrs. Will- iam Deardoorf: the second was Rebecca Miller, now Mrs. Steward Hickman: the third was George Henry Knagy, who has since died; the last is Frank N. Beabout, who yet resides with Mr. Mase. This gentleman has made farming his chosen occupation: when he first started. he only had a team of horses, with the privilege of farming his father's farm on shares: he now owns 155 acres, which he pur- chased in 1857, and on which he has resided to the present: he is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Reformed Church. Samuel Mase, the third son. is now living

990

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

on and owns the farm on which he was born; his marriage with Miss Catharine Dinius was solemnized Dec. 27, 1857; this lady was born in Bethlehem Township Nov. 28, 1837; to their union there have been born two children -Simon P. and Mary E. Mr. Mase worked for his brother John at very low wages when he began for himself; he now has 290 acres of fine land in southern Bethlehem. Jonathan Mase, when 18 years old, was left fatherless, and a guardian appointed for him; he saved his earnings carefully until he reached his majority. He was married, Dec. 1, 1863, to Miss Martha L. Shell, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Leighly) Shell, who was born in Bethlehem Township July 8. 1839; their union has been blessed with the birth of three children-Robert F., born Sept. 11, 1867; Irene M., born May 15. 1870; and Samuel O., born Dec. 21, 1873. Jonathan sold his interest in the old homestead, and in 1866 purchased his present farm, which con- sists of 107 acres; he is an enterprising man, and one of the leading citizens of his neigh- borhood. The present generation of the Mase family have not deteriorated from the good example set them by their father, the pioneer of that name in Stark County. The four sons are among the most prominent men in Bethlehem Township; like their father before them, they are Democratic in their political views, the most of them having held posi- tions of honor and trust in the gift of that party: they have been hard-working men, having learned how to work, and how not to needlessly spend their earnings in youth; they liberally contribute to enterprises that have the appearance of a benefit to themselves. neighbors, or the community in which they reside. In conclusion, we can say that they are among the leading citizens of their town- ship, and each family commands the respect of their neighbors and the community in which they roside.

JOHN P. MILLER, farmer and stock- raiser: P. O. Navarre; is a son of Peter and Barbara (Farnsler) Miller, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and the parents of a large family of eleven children. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were married in their native State, and after there were born to them three children

they concluded to come West in order to better their circumstances; accordingly, in about 1810, they, together with two other families, pushed Westward into the wilderness until they reached what is now Perry Township, in Stark Co., Ohio, where they built a log cabin and commenced life as only the pioneers of early times know how; they lived here in peace with the Indians, clearing and improv- ing their place and undergoing the usual hardships incident to pioneer life until the breaking-out of the war of 1812, when the In- dians, incited by the British with whisky, commenced a general massacre of the whites on the borders: at one time, the news came in Mr. Miller's neighborhood that the Indians were coming, and many of the families, in- cluding that of Mr. Miller, gathered together what they readily could and commenced a rapid flight to the East; arriving in Pennsyl- vania in safety, they resided here about a year before they returned, and, during that time, our subject's birth occurred; on their return to Ohio, they found everything pretty much as it had been left. John P. Miller was born Jan. 19, 1813; his early years were passed on the home farm, during which time he received but a moderate education. In 1840, he mar- ried Maria Keplinger, and to their marriage were born the following family: William, Peter, Eliza. Lydia Ann, Mary E., Rebecca E., Clarissa C., Elizabeth M., James B., John C., and one who died in infancy. Throughout life, Mr. Miller had been known as a hard-working citizen; he started in life with but very little means at his command, put, by industry and perseverance, he has ac- quired a good home, embracing 100 acres of good land. In politics, he is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the U. B. Church. The Miller family are among the most favor- ably known in Bethlehem Township.

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 173

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