History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 174

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 174

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DAVID MENTZER, Navarre. There is no greater pleasure for the hand and pen of the historian or biographer to perform than in re- cording notable events in the lives of the old residents of a locality, tracing their steps from homes of ease and comfort in the East to dangers and hardships amid the almost un- broken forests of the West. The subject of this sketch is a native of Washington Tp.,

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Franklin Co .. Ponn .. his birth occurring July 16. 1811: he is the only child born to Joseph and Catharine (Hess) Mentzer; the father was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Maryland: they were married in the latter State, but soon after that event took up their residence in Franklin Co., Poun. When David was S months old, his mother died, and his father took up his residence with his mother. David remained with his grandmother until 6 years of age. when his father died. In 1522. he went to Maryland with the purpose of liv- ing with his mother's people, and. after a resi- dence there of about two years, Mr. John Lind was appointed his guardian, with whom he resided until manhood. In 1827, Mr. Lind emigrated to Stark Co., Ohio, locating in Plain Township. Young Mentzer was hired out to the neighbors here, and for several years he worked faithfully for his employers, saving his money and getting a few months of school- ing: when about IS years oldl. he passed one entire year at school. under private instruction. after which he began to teach during the winters, and in the summer farming. and sometimes teaching. In about 1837. he had saved a sufficient share of his earnings to pur chase 101 acres in Pike Township, which he gradually kept improving until about 1847, when he purchased 112 acres in Bethlehem Township. paying for the same $3,000: after this. Mr. Mentzer devoted his entire time to farming and stock-raising. He was married. Jan. 20. 1835. to Miss Elizabeth Essig, and by her had six children -Caroline. Elizabeth C. and Jacob E .. living: and Louisa. Angusta and David L .. deceased. Mrs. Mentzer was born in Plain Township Feb. 26. 1SIS. In 1860. Mr. Mentzer came to Navarro, and in 1861 engaged in mercantile pursuits; since his arrival in Navarro, he has also dealt quite largely in grain: the average annual amount. of wheat purchased by him was about seventy thousand bushels. with oats. corn, ete .. in a like proportion. Mr. Mentzer began life on his own responsibility, a poor boy: his present wealth indicates in him a business qualifica tion rarely seen in men commencing as he did: he owns 301 acres of land in Bethlehem and Perry Townships, and valuable town prop- erty in Navarre: he has always liberally con

tributed to all public enterprises, and has given each of his children a good start in life. In polities, he has been a life long Democrat. Mr. Mentzer is regarded as among the best citizens Bethlehem Township ever had. His father was a sollier in the war of 1812, and both his grandfathers soldiers in the Revolutionary war: his grandfather Hess was one of the Hessians employed by the British, but deserted at the first opportunity on his arrival in the United States, and then joined the Americans.

JACOB E. MENTZER, Navarre. This gen- tleman was born in Pike Township, this county, Dec. 24, 1846: he is the son of David Mentzer. Esq .. whose biography appears in this work. Jacob E. lived upon a farm until about 16 years of age, receiving a good com- mon-school education: he assisted his father in a store in Navarre some years, and then for two years, in connection with a brother- in law, run the Rochester steam grist-mill; he has for some years been engaged in farming, stock-raising and grain-buying: from early boyhood, he has manifested a strong liking For the horse, and during his time has owned and raised some valuable specimens of this noble animal, and it can truly be said that in matters pertaining to the horse, his judgment is second to no man's in the county; on his farm will also be found as well-bred cattle, sheep and hogs as the township affords. He was united in marriage to Miss Alma Uhle May 22, 1879: this lady was born in Stark Co., Ohio. Jan. 1. 1859, and is the daughter of Dr. Herman Uhle, one of the most success. ful practitioners of medicine Stark County ever had. Mr. Mentzer was the first Mayor of Navarre, and has held the office of County Coroner. He owns a well-improved farm in Bethlehem Township of 159 acres; he is a genial companion, a progressive, enterprising gentleman, and a respected and useful citizen.

REV. FRANCIS METTERNICHI. Navarre; is a native of Cologne, Germany, his birth oc earring May IS, IS51; he is one in a family of seven children born to Francis and Odelia (Deutsch) Metternich, who were both natives of Germany, and where the father was a prom- inent railroad official. The subject of this biography attended the parish schools of his

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native country when a small boy, and later on entered college, receiving an excellent educa- tion. Through the influence of Father Jo- seph Stumpe. a former resident of Germany then on a visit from the United States, young Metternich was induced to return with him to the field of his labors in America in 1869. Soon after his arrival. our subject commenced preparing for the priesthood by attending St. Mary's Seminary in Cleveland, and. May 31. 1874. was ordained a minister of the Catholic Church: after his ordination, Father Metter- nich assisted in the congregation at Sandusky City for a period of eight months. and was then assigned the charge of the congregation at Kelly's Island. and. through his energy and devotion to the cause of religion. a church was built at Pnt-in-Bay. together with a large increase in the congregation. In 1876, he eame to Navarre for the purpose of reviving and building-up the church of that place: here he has since remained. and. by his Chris- tian zeal and perseveranee, has greatly strengthened and built up the church: through his instrumentality, in a great measure, a large and finely constructed brick church has been built. Though a young man. he is a fluent speaker and deep reasoner, and is doing much for the cause of Christianity in the field of his labors.

CAPT. W. A. MILLER. Navarre: was born in Columbiana Co .. Ohio. May 7. 1514: he is one of four children born to Joseph and Hannah (Scott) Miller, who were also natives of Columbiana County. their parents being among the early pioneers of that locality. Our subjeet's parents were married in that county, and soon after that event, Mr. Miller began the study of medicine, but discontinued it for a time, that he might enter the employ of the Pittsburgh & Fort Wayne Railway. after which he prepared himself more fully for the practice of medicine. After complet- ing his studies. he located at Dixon. Ind., where he had a large and lucrative practice. and while there engaged in active work. he contracted typhoid fever, of which he died in 185-4. Mrs. Miller returned to her native county, after the death of her husband, but soon removed to Mt. Union. Stark Co. Capt. Miller's youth and early manhood was passed

in working on a farm and going to school. In 1859, he entered the college at Mt. Union, where he remained some two years, and in his 15th year began teaching. June 1. 1861, he enlisted in Company H. 13th O. V. I .. and was for three years in active service with his regiment. in the Army of the Cumberland; in June. 1864. he returned home. and was commissioned by Gov. Brough, of Ohio, a 2d Lientenant. and as such began recruiting, at Alliance, Ohio, for the 189th O. V. I .: he soon obtained sufficient men, and after consolidating several squads, he was by them ehosen Cap- tain. and they were mustered into service as Company I. of the 178th O. V. I. Capt. Mil- ler and his company were in active service and were in all the battles in which their regiment was engaged. up to the surrender of Johnston's army, in North Carolina. Capt. Miller re- eeived his discharge June 28, 1865. at Char- Jotte. N. C .: he then returned home and re- commenced his college course at Mt. Union, and after being there two years. went to Can- ton. where he organized the irregular depart- ment in the public schools, of which he had charge one year: he then accepted a position in the high school, where he remained about a year, and at the same time studied law un- der the direction of George E. Baldwin, of Canton. Failing health induced him to re- sign his position at that place, as well as to relinquish his studies. He then accepted a situation as special agent for the Ball Mann- facturing Company, with whom he remained until 1869. He was united in marriage, Sept. 11, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth C. Mentzer, who was born in Stark Co .. Ohio, March 19. 1850. After his marriage he located in Navarre, where he has since resided. engaged in mer- cantile pursuits. Capt. Miller is a Repub- lican. and a member of the Masonie fraternity.

D. B. POCOCK, Navarre: was born in Balti- more Co., Md .. Sept. 15, 1824; his father was Israel Pocock, a native of Maryland, and a manufacturer of woolen goods, and his mother was Ruth Gorsuch, also a native of Maryland. and they were parents of five children. who lived to man and womanhood. Our subjeet received a common-school education, and was raised. principally, to the same business in which his father was engaged. At the age of

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21, he commenced farming, and from that engaged in the grocery trade. In 1854, he came to Ohio, locating in Ottawa, Putnam Co .. and after some years removed to Wooster, Wayne Co., where he engaged in the milling business: after a time he removed from Woos- ter to Shreve, and was there engaged in mill- ing and hardware business; in 1579, he came to Navarre, and purchased the Rochester City Mills, which he has since successfully operated. This mill has a manufacturing capacity of seventy barrels per day, and is one of the best in the county. Mr. Pocock carries on merchant milling chiefly, shipping all his flour to East- ern markets. The mill is taxed to its utmost capacity, and is constantly running. both day and night. Mr. Pocock was married to Miss Susan Gorsuch, in 1849,,and by her had eight children-Rebecca J., James F., Israel B .. Elisha G., Margaret C., living, and Ruth E., Charles F. and Elizabeth, deceased. Mrs. Pocock was born in Baltimore Co., Md., in 1830. Mr. Pocock started in life a poor boy, and his present prosperity is due to his shrewd business management and honest dealings. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held various positions of honor and trust in the gift of that party.

B. F. REED, proprietor of the Reed House. Navarre; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., April 18, 1842; he is the youngest in a family of ten children, born to Samuel and Elizabeth Knepper) Reed; his father was a blacksmith by trade, but farming was his chief employ ment; for a number of years he served in the mines of Pennsylvania, as Master Miner. Benjamin F. Reed passed his youth and early manhood on his father's farm, receiving a good education: at the age of 17, he entered the schoolroom as teacher, but only continued teaching for a short time; in 1563, he came West, to Ohio, and for one year worked at tanning, in Wooster: the succeeding six years. he employed his time in agricultural pursuits, in Wayne County, and in 1570 came to Pike Tp., Stark Co., where he still continued farm- ing: in the fall of 1871, he went to Canton. and receiving from the post office department the position as mail-carrier, between Canton and Akron, he busied himself in the discharge of his duties for some months; in IS71, he

came to Navarre, and took charge of the Rochester House. By the time his lease had expired the property was sold, and in 1878, Mr. Reed purchased the Navarre House, which has since been known as the Reed House. This house, without exception, is one of the best, and as such is receiving a large share of the public patronage. There is a livery stable in connection with the house, and commercial travelers tind it convenient to go to inland towns, by livery, from this point. Mr. Reed was married, June 16, 1870, to Miss Jennie Shertzer, daughter of John and Barbara (Stands) Shertzer. This lady was born in Canton Township Ang. 16, 1551; their union has been fruitful of six children - Harry T., James, John S., Bessie, Winfield S. and Lewis. Mr. Reed is among the lead- ing business men of Navarre: he takes an active interest in all landable enterprises, and he and wife are esteemed citizens of their village.

RIDER FAMILY. Jacob Rider, a native of Germany, came to America previous to the Revolution, and settled in the colony of Vir- ginia: he had a large family, one of whom, Jacob, came to Stark Co., Ohio, in the year 1814; his father remained and died in the Old Dominion, in what was then called by the early settlers, Shanadore (Shenandoah) Co., Va. In order to fully enjoy the delights which air and scenery afforded, where springs of water flow, he purchased the farm now owned by Jacob Bach, in Sugar Creek Town- ship, two miles west of Navarre, which, in point of elevation, resembles the Blue Ridge of Virginia, overlooking the plains toward Massillon and Canton and the beautiful val- ley of the Tuscarawas, with many other piet uresque views far o'er hill and dale,

" Surely as Tabor is among the mountains And Carmel by the sea This Ridge with fruits and fountains Is a pleasant place to be

Ho was an eccentrie individual, fond of the ardent. serupuonsly honest in his dealings with his fellow men, and when once his confi dence was displaced by any one, that person was seldom, if ever, again taken into favor by him. He gave freely to the poor, and. like a good pioneer, was a sturdy yoeman, clearing

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up the wilderness under many disadvantages. For instance, he went to Zoar to mill, for flour, fourteen miles; hauled wheat to Cleveland with a wagon, through Akron, a distance of about sixty-five miles: there were no hotels: slept in a wagon; exchanged wheat for salt, leather, etc. Had a family of ten children; their names are William, Jacob, Jonathan. Levi, Absalom, Daniel, Barbara, Eliza, Mar- garet and Mary. Had three wives, nine chil- dren with the first. none with the second and one with the last. As the wheels of time moved on with noiseless tread. he died, and was buried in the family graveyard on his farm. Jacob Rider, son of this gentleman, was a child when he came to Ohio, and was brought up among the wild surroundings, receiving such education as the schools of that early day afforded. His occupation was saddle and harness-maker. which he learned with a Mr. William Bales, in McEaton and Canton. For 50 cents a day, he worked under Sweed & Wood, contractors, building the Navarre Lock on the Ohio Canal. In 1835, he was married to Miss Eliza Rickard, a daughter of James Rickard, in Sugar Creek Township, who came to Ohio from Maryland; her grandparents came from England. The results of this union was four sons and three daughters. Jacob Rider. soon after his marriage, was converted to God. in the dry goods store of Charles Po, now oc- cupied by D. Mentzer & Co .. and for many years, with Father James Gardener, John P. Miller, Thomas W. Chapman, Ephraim Kyle. John Denius. and others. was an active member of the German Reformed Church at this place. About the year 1855, he and his wife joined the United Brethren Church, after a grand revival meeting, which was con- ducted by Rev. Abraham Lemasters, who was one of God's true noblemen. July 24. 1859, his wife died; she was a good, kind and affec tionate Christian woman. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. John R. Shepler, of the United Brethren Church, a native of Bethlehem Township, now a resident of Louisville, this county. Her epitaph in the village cemetery reads as follows:

"But gentle gales of Gospel grace

Can every evil soon erase, Blow off all sins to Eden's nod And waft the soul at last to God."

Father Rider kept the family together in the old home until the year 1867. when he, with his son, William, and three daughters, Eliza beth, Lucy and Mary, moved to his farm in North Eagle, Clinton Co., Mich. In the year 1870, he quit keeping house in Michigan, and returned to Navarre, making his home with his son, Daniel, in the old homestead. in the east end (Bethlehem). He took an active part in the services of the United Brethren Church, and with Father J. P. Miller. JJoseph Siffert. Father Corl, Daniel Warstler, Martin Biddle, their families, and others, spent many pleasant seasons together. he being class- leader up to the time of his death. which ve- curred Feb. 27. 1874. in the old home and in the presence of nearly all of his family and many Christian friends, at the age of 63 years. His last words were: "Behold the Tree of Life." His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. D. M. Shisser, Pastor of the United Breth ren Church. The following inscription upon his tombstone expresses the true sentiment of Christian regard. and serves to illustrate the high esteem in which he was held:

"Servant of Christ, well done. Rest from thy loved employ. The battle fought. the victory won. Enter thy Master's joy."

Remarks During the rebellion, Father Rider took a very strong political stand in favor of the Union and the Republican party. Before the war, he was a strong Democrat, and was elected Trustee of his township (Bethlehem) for several terms. The action of the Charleston Convention, causing a split in the Democratic party, thoroughly disgusted him, and he, with many friends and neighbors, voted for Abraham Lincoln and with the Republican party. He had four sons, three of whom served their terms of enlistment in the army during the war, and one three years in the regulars after the war. Alfred J. Rider, oldest son of Jacob Rider, was born in Bethlehem, in the house where all his brothers and sisters first saw the light's early dawn of life-on the 27th day of November, 1838, and, was married. Dec. 20, 1857, to Miss Mary A. Wiseman, daughter of Jacob and Mary Wiseman, who wore early settlers from Maryland. they having built the first dwelling-

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house in New Rochester, now Navarre; she was born in 1534. The results of this mar- riage are nine children: their names, William Homer (oldest son), Harry F .. Jennie ( .. Jacob Clement. Edward S. W .. Mary Nettie. Alfred Luke. Ella Isidora (oldlost daughter) and Emma Lilly. The last two. precious jow . els. are in that land of pure delight. where saints immortal reign The occupation of A. .I. Rider is harness-making. which he learned in his father's shop, and now pursues in his native town. During the war, he served three years, in the 107th O. V. I. Col. S. Myers' reg- iment: was mustered out of service July 10. 1865, in the city of Charleston. S. C., with his regiment. Elizabeth. oldest daughter. was born Oct. 14. 1840: died, unmarried, in the State of Michigan, 1877. Lucy A. Rider was born March 19, 1813; married to Orlando Weimer. in Sugar Creek Township: has one child: resides near Wilmot. Daniel W. Rider was born March 9, 1845: learned the saddle and harness trade with his father in his shop: he was married to Miss Isabella Exline, in 1869: she was born in New Philadelphia. Ohio, in 1548. From this union five children were born: two now living -- JJames L. and John R. In 1867. Daniel W. hogan business for himself, in his native village, where he has siner remained and is now doing a good business, in the okl stand where his father worked for many years. Served five months during the war. in the 162d O. N. G. Will- iam Rider, third son of Jacob, was born JInly 6. 1846; learned the harness business with his father in Navarre: served three years in the 32d O. V. I. After the war, went with his father to farm in Michigan. where he now lives, and carries on harness business for him self. Silas A. Rider was born March 26. 1848; he also learned the harness trade with his father. after which he joined the regular arny; served three years in the loth Regi- ment, returned home, and was married to Miss Catharine Slutts, of Sugar Creek Township. Marshall, Olivia, Daniel and Elmer. and two other children, deceased. are the results of this marriage: his residence is Geanga ('o .. Ohio. Mary, the youngest child. was born Jan. 29. 185]: went with her father to Mich igan. where she was married to a Mr. Oris

Gridley. July 1. IS##: has one child: her home is in Kalamo. Mich.

GEORGE W. SHEPLER. Navarro. Ma- thias Shepler, grandfather of this gentleman. was one of the first settlers of Bethlehem Township, where he owned a large tract of land: was an intelligent. enterprising citizen. a Democrat of the old school, and represented his State in the Twenty-fifth Congress: he was the parent of a large family of children, one of whom. John R., is the father of our subject. This son received such education as the common schools of that early day afforded; he married Miss Elizabeth Younkman, who bore him tive children. A few years after the death of this lady. he was married to Miss Christina Beavers, who also bore him five children. Mr. Shepler has. for about forty years, been a minister of the Gospel in the United Brethren Church. He owns a large and well improved farm in Bethlehem Town ship. upon which his son. George W. resides: he is engaged in ministerial labors at present, at Lonisville and Alliance: he is an upright, Christian gentleman. respected by all who know him. George W. Shepler was born in Harrison Co .. Ohio. Nov. 30. 1856. his youth being passed upon his father's farm. He was married to Miss Susan Way Dec. 2. 1575. This lady was born in Tusearawas Co., Ohio. Sept. 9. 1851. By this union there is one child. viz .: Minnie A George W. has had charge of his father's farm for the past seven years, and is a successful farmer and stock- raiser: he is a young man of ability. respected by all who know him.

JOHN SHETLER. deceased. This gen- tleman was born in Stark Co .. Ohio. Sept. 20. 1821. He was the son of John and Elizabeth (Barnett, Shetler. The father was a native of Germany, but came to the United States. with his parents, when about 10 years of age. He was married to Miss Barnett in Pennsyl vania, and resided there until 1516. when he moved to this county. and settled in Sugar ('reek Township: here he remained some years. and then moved into Bethlehem Township. which he ever after made his home: he was always engaged in agricultural pursuits, at which he was very successful. In his family were seven children. all of whom reached man

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and womanhood. "Uncle Johnny," as he was familiarly called, was known to all the early settlers as a man of great goodness of heart and sterling integrity; he was ever ready to help the poor and needy and contributed lib- erally to all educational and religious enter- prises; he died in 1874. John Shetler, son of this worthy gentleman, was raised upon his father's farm, receiving his education in the log schoolhouses of that early day. He was married, to Miss Sarah Birchfield, June 20, 1845. This lady is the daughter of John and Mary Birchfield, who were among the early settlers of Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, and whose birth occurred in that county June 26, 1825. Soon after their marriage, they took up their residence in this county. They had but little to commence life with, but by hard work they acquired a goodly share of this world's goods, and at the time of his death, which occurred May 9, 1876, he was one of the wealthiest men in Bethlehem Township: he never aspired to political prominence, although decided in his views, which he never failed to express at the ballot-box; he was an intelligent, Christian gentleman, favoring everything known to be right, and promptly rejecting everything known to be wrong. In his family were thir- teen children, eight of whom are yet living, viz .: Emmanias, Jacob, David, Eli, Elizabeth, Naomi, Saloma and Emma. Those deceased were named Mary, Sarah E., Solomon, Isaiah and Charley. Since her husband's death, Mrs. Shetler has resided upon the old home- stead, which she has entire control of during her life-time. She is a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, and has social and moral qualities of a high order. The family is one of the most intelligent in the township, and have the respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

ANTHONY SISTERHEN, merchant, Na- varre; was born May 5, 1838, in Mueuster- mayfeld, Province of Rhine, Prussia; he is a | son of Francis and Magdalena ( Wennen) Sis- terhen, a brief sketch of whom will be found in his brother Mathias' biography. Anthony was educated partly in Prussia, and partly in the United States. He learned shoe-making with his uncle, Peter, in Navarre, and after serving an apprenticeship of two years, went

to Cleveland, and from there to Columbus, working at his trade in both places. In 1859, he went to New Orleans, where he remained about a year, and then removed to St. Louis, where he remained until the spring of 1861. and then worked in Springfield and Bloom- ington, Ill., for a few months. The summer of 1861 found him in Chicago, working at his trade. Here he enlisted under the first call of President Lincoln for troops, but after spending some time at Camp Yates, at Spring- field, they were sent back to Chicago and were never mustered into service. He remained in Chicago until the summer of 1862, when he removed to Bolivar, Tuscarawas Co., and at the end of about a year located in Navarre, where he has since resided. He here opened a store and at the present writing has one of the best business rooms of any house in the village, and a lucrative and increasing trade in the boot and shoe business. In 1863, he was married to Miss Sophia Zehringer, who was born in Baden, Germany, in 1843. To their union were born five children-Gustave A., Charles W., Clara M., Laura R. and Annie M. Mr. Sisterhen has held the office of Township Trustee six years. He is a Democrat in poli- ties, and a member of the Catholic Church; he started out in life with nothing, but by industry and close application to business, has acquired a first-class business with valuable town property.

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History of Stark County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 174

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