History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 166

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1104

USA > Ohio > Summit County > History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio > Part 166

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SIMON LAUDENSLAGER, retired mer- chant, Mogadore. The subject of this sketch was born in Snyder Co., Penn., Oct. 18, 1819. His father, John Laudenslager, owned a farm, and Simon spent his youthful days thereon. In the month of September, 1839, he in com- pany with his family left his native home to seek a more desirable one in Ohio. They jour- neyed in wagons and reached here after twen- ty-three days of driving, settling in Magadore, where our subject worked at the tailor's trade for fifteen vears, first as a journe man, and subsequently carried on the business for him- self. In 1854, he engaged in the mercantile business with R. L. Atchison (whose sketch appears in this work), and continued in the business for eight years, when he sold his interest to his partner. His ambition would not allow him to remain idle, and, in 1868, he again started a general store, and carried on business until 1874, when he sold his interest, since whichi time he has lived a retired life. He was married to Elizabeth Green, daughter

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of Benjamin and Lucy Green, May 30, 1844. There were no children; his wife died in 1878, aged 54 years. He has since his retire- ment from business traveled extensively through the United States, and takes an act- ive part in the erection of the Connotton Val- ley Railroad. He has been a member of the Disciples' Church since 1843, and Elder in the same since 1854. In politics he is a Republican, and has held many offices in his township, which is Democratic.

PETER LEPPER, farmer: P. O. Middle- bury. The subject of this sketch was born Oct. 6, 1826, in Mahoning Co., Ohio. He lived with his parents, Adam J. and Mary (Stine) Lepper until he was 12 years old, when he began life as a mule driver on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal, his route being from Cleveland to Youngstown, which employ- ment he followed for three seasons. At the age of 15, he was engaged by a stage route company to drive a stage from Erie to Con- neaut, which he did for one year. He then engaged as steamboat hand on board a steam- er running between Cincinnati and Nachez; growing tired of that life he returned home, soon afterward coming to Akron, where, for three years, he worked by the day. By his economy he saved money enough to purchase a team and wagon, which he did and began peddling, dealing principally in cigars and notions, which he carried on successfully for two years. In 1850, he purchased and settled on 60 acres of land in Suffield Township, Portage Co., where he remained for several years. In 1869, he bought and settled on his residence farm which consists of 254 acres of well-improved land; he also owns a farm of 140 acres in Brimfield Township, Portage Co. In 1880, he started the Bohemian oat meal mill at Middlebury, where he is doing a thriving business. In connection with this business he is extensively engaged in the sale of farming implements, and is con- sidered one of the best and most successful business men in Springfield Township. In 1850, he was married to Catharine Sausaman, daughter of John Sausaman, of Portage Co., Ohio. Seven children were born to them as follows: J. H., T. F., Louisa, Maggie, Liz- zie, Catharine and Jefferson. Mr. and Mrs.

Lepper are members of the German Baptist Church of Akron.

JACOB MISHLER. farmer and civil engi- neer; P. O. Mogadore. This gentleman was born on his father's farm in Pennsylvania Feb. 24, 1828. His father, Samuel, and mother, Elizabeth (Beecher) Mishler, had nine chil- dren, the subject being the eighth. In 1833, his father came to Springfield Township, where he settled on 140 acres of land. Here the subject spent his boyhood days, and obtained such education as the common schools afforded. At the age of 19, he taught and continued teaching for ten years. About this time he saw in the New York Tril- une an advertisement of the sale of surveyor's instruments. He procured a set, and, un- aided, set to work, the result being consid- erable notoriety as a surveyor. In Suffield Township he owns 103 acres of land, upon which he is to erect some buildings on the Connotton Valley Railroad, and in the deeds of conveyance are the articles prohibiting the sale of intoxicating drink to any person. In 1851, he was married to Louise, daughter of Joseph and Susan Myers. There are six chil- dren-Menno S., Milton B .. Maria, wife of J. W. Wise: Lizzie, Frank J. Mr. and Mrs. Mishler are devout members of the German Baptist Church, with which they united twen- ty-six years ago. His first voting was with the Free-Soilers. He was elected by the Re- publicans to the office of County Surveyor, which office he held for several years.

PHILIP MYERS, retired farmer; P. O. Lake, Stark Co. Is the son of Michael and Agnes Myers, who were among the first set tlers in Green Township, settling there in 1812. They were natives of Center Co., Penn., where Michael was engaged in blacksmithing, which business he had followed for several years. Owing to the newness of the neighborhood in which he settled, he was obliged to abandon his trade for some time, and turned his attention to farming: he purchased 100 acres of land, cleared it, and resided upon it to the time of his death, which occurred in 1847; his wife died in 1852. The subject was born in Cen- ter Co., Penn., February, 1809, when but 3 years of age he was brought to Green Town- ship, Summit Co. He remained on the farm

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assisting his father until he was 21 years of age, when he settled on 88 acres of land, which he now owns in connection with another valua- ble farm and some town property, all in Spring- field Township. In 1831, he was united in marriage to Rosana Buchtel, daughter of Pe- ter Buchtel. There were ten children, seven of whom are living-Urias, Rebecca, Thomas Jefferson, James M., Malinda, Susan and Jen- ning. Mrs. Myers died Nov. 27, 1880, aged 70 years. Mr. Myers has voted with the Democratic party since its organization.

GEORGE MARKLE, potter and grocer, Brittain; son of Adam and Barbara Markle, was born in Springfield Township Sept. 11, 1846. He attended school until he was 17 years of age. In 1864, he entered Co. D, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, and remained for eight- een months. In 1865, he was engaged by Whitmore, Roberson & Co., of Akron, as sales- man. In 1866, he began learning the potter's trade, working as an apprentice until 1868, when he removed to Manchester, Iowa, where he engaged in that business for two years, when he returned to Summit Co., and, in com- pany with James Viall, of Middlebury, engaged in the manufacture of stoneware. They are now doing a thriving business. He is engaged with his brother, Lewis E., in the grocery business. In 1867, he was married to Carrie Swartz, and two children were born to them, viz., Archie and Grace. In politics, he is a Democrat.

D. W. MARTIN, farmer; P. O. Akron; is one of a family of eleven children born to Andrew and Rebecca (Way) Martin. He was born in Springfield Township, Ohio, February, 1841. During his early life he assisted his father on the farm, and attended common schools and the seminary at Greensburg, remaining at home until he was 21 years of age. In November, 1861, he was married to Rebecca J. Henderson, daughter of William and Jane Henderson, of Springfield, who were formerly from Pennsylvania. Six children were born to them as follows: Luella, wife of William Yerrick, of Springfield Township; Ida C., Florence, Herman H., William A. and Jennie. In 1860, he settled on a farm in Springfield. He now owns and resides on a farm of 117 acres of valuable land. He was

a Colonel in the late war. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held many offices of trust. He is a member of the Masonic Order, Lodge No. 83, Akron. Rebecca (Way) Martin, mother of the subject, was born in Suffield Town- ship, Portage County, Ohio, April 29, 1804, and was the first white child born in that township. Her parents, David and Rebecca (Baldwin) Way, were natives of Connecticut, and came to Portage Co. in 1802. Mrs. Mar- tin's early days were spent at her home in the woods, where she remained until she was 18 years of age, when she married Andrew Mar- tin, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled in Springfield at an early day. Eleven children were born to them, five of whom are living. Mr. Martin died June 11, 1878, at the ripe age of 83 years. Mrs. Martin still lives on the old homestead, and is highly es- teemed by her neighbors and friends. She is a devout member of the Reformed Presby- terian Church.

JACOB METZGER, farmer; P. O. Mid- dlebury; was born on his father's farm in Lancaster Co., Penn., Jan. 2, 1841. His par- ents, Henry and Mary (Geibe) Metzger, were natives of that place. In the year 1855, they came to Lake Township, where they settled on 100 acres of land, and farmed until 1872, when, selling the farm, they moved to Union- town. Mrs. Metzger died in 1875 at the age of 65. In 1879, he married again. After coming to Ohio, our subject learned the carpen- ter's trade, serving two years as an apprentice, and afterward working at the trade. At the breaking-out of the war, he enlisted in Co. E, 115th O. V. I., serving until its close. He assisted in building the block-houses at Mur- freesboro, and was one of the thirty men closed in by the rebels for seventeen days. At the close of the war he returned to Stark Co., and began working at his trade. In February, 1868, he was married to Leah Wise, daughter of George and Barbara Wise, of Stark Co. Three children were born to them, as follows: Aerman H., Mark E. and Floyd J. In April, 1878, he bought and settled on a farm of 146 acres where he now resides, and is one of the most successful farmers in Springfield Town- ship. Mr. Metzger is a Republican in poli- tics.

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WILLIAM MCCLELLAN, farmer; P. O. Mogadore. The subject of this sketch was born on his father's farm in Trumbull Co., Ohio, July 4, 1807. His parents, Robert and Rosana McClellan, were among the first set- tlers there. The subject's early life was spent in assisting his father on the farm and attend- ing school. In 1818, he came with his father to Summit Co., where they settled on 100 acres of land. Here it was that William worked and spent his younger days. At the age of 26, in 1833, he was united in marriage to Jane Cummins, of Trumbull Co .; from that union three children were the issue-Robert A., Jane E. (wife of Urias Cramer, of New Philadelphia); and William A. He now owns 65 acres of valuable land. He has been a member of the United Presbyterian Church for several years. He has discontinued farm- ing, and is paying his attention to sheep-rais- ing. His son, R. A., is carrying on business on the farm, making it his home. He has gained the respect of all who know him.

LEWIS E. MARKLE, grocer, Brittain: the son of Adam and Barbara Markle, was born at Brittain May 10, 1855, where he at- tended both district and high schools. At the age of 17, he was engaged by one of Akron's merchants as clerk, where he remained one year, and then engaged with J. Park Alexan- der as foreman and collector of his fire-brick · works. He afterward withdrew and clerked for Viall & Markle, where he remained one year. In 1876, he traveled through the East- ern and Western States. In 1877, he pur- chased Mr. Viall's interest in the grocery busi- ness, and engaged in the same in company with his brother. Although a young man, he has rare business qualifications. He is a Democrat in politics. His father was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and came to Amer- ica at an early day, settling in Medina Co. He came to Brittain and engaged in the gro- cery business, which he conducted until his death, in 1858.

F. W. MYERS, stoneware manufacturer, Mogadore; is the son of Joseph and Susan (Winger) Myers, who were natives of Lancas- ter Co., Penn., where they were engaged in farming. In 1838, they removed to Wayne Co., Ohio, settling on a farm; in 1876, remov-

ing to Mogadore. The subject was born Dec. 4, 1830, in Lancaster Co., Penn. He at- tended district schools, and, at the age of 15, left home for the purpose of obtaining a bet- ter education. At the age of 18, he was ap- prenticed to the potter's trade; after serving his apprenticeship, he continued at the trade for several years. In 1864, he began business at Mogadore, on a small scale, pur- chasing a shop which he afterward enlarged to those now standing. He, in company with A. W. Hall, are doing an extensive business, employing from forty-five to fifty men. The pay-roll amounts to $1,600 per month. In 1852, he was married to Lydia Mishler, daugh- ter of Joseph Mishler. There were five chil- dren, two of whom are living, viz., Maria L., wife of Dr. Steele, of Mogadore; and Grace Eugenia. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are members of the Disciples' Church. Mr. Myers is a Republican.

LEVI H. RHODES, contractor, North Springfield; is the oldest of seven children born to Joseph and Rosana (Honsley) Rhodes, natives of Stark Co., where his father engaged in farming. The subject was born in Summit Co., Olio, May 14, 1847. He lived at home on the farm until his marriage, which oc- curred at the age of 18, to Martha E. England, daughter of George England, of Medina Co. From that marriage three children were born to them, viz., Minnie V., Martha A. and George E. After his marriage he learned the miller's trade in Wayne Co., at which he worked for some time, when he was obliged to discontinue it on account of his health. Then he farmed in Medina Co. for two years, at the end of which time he came to Springfield Township and engaged as contractor for the Middlebury Clay Company. In 1872 and 1873, he was engaged in the stoneware business. He after- ward re-commenced contracting, which busi- ness he has been engaged in up to the pres- ent time. He invented what is known as the miner's drilling machine, which is valuable. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Rhodes has always voted the Democratic ticket. and has held many township offices.

HENRY RITTER, farmer; P. O. Krumroy; son of John S. and Elizabeth (Hendricks) Rit-

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ter; was born in Union Co., Penn., March 11, 1834. When he was 1 year old, his parents came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Sum- mit Co., where the subject spent his younger days. He lived at home until he was 26 years of age, and obtained such education as the district schools afforded. In February, 1859, he married Louisa Kepler, who were for- merly from Pennsylvania. They have seven children, viz., William, John, Charles, Nor- man, Elsie, Harry and Earnest. In 1861, he purchased and settled on 80 acres of land, and, by his industry and economy, has accumulated a handsome property, also owning a valuable farm in Green Township. He commands the respect and esteem of all. In politics, he is a Republican, and is ranked among the stal- warts.

ABRAHAM SNYDER, farmer; P. O. Lake. The subject is the fourteenth child of a fam- ily of fifteen children born to Jost and Sa- loma Snyder, who were natives of Pennsylva- nia. Jost Snyder was a weaver by trade, and followed the business until 1819, when he came to Summit Co., settling in Green Town- ship on a farm of 63 acres. It was on this farm the subject was born May 4, 1833, and where his early days were spent. He obtained such education as the district schools afforded, and, at the age of 18, he left home and worked on a farm for two years; followed threshing for twenty-two years in Summit and Stark Cos., where he gained a notable reputation. In 1858. he married Catharine Cranable, of Portage Co., who bore him five children as follows: William, Stephen D., Sarah S., Elias A. and George P. He now owns 140 acres of well improved lands, and a comfortable prop- erty in Portage Co. Mr. Snyder has always voted the Democratic ticket, and has held many offices of trust. He was Ist Lieutenant of a company during the war, but was never called out.

WILLIAM J. SCHROP, potter, Krumroy; was born in Berks Co., Penn., April 19, 1833. His parents, Michael and Maria (Giesler) Schrop, were natives of the same place, and came to Summit Co., settling in Springfield Township in 1839. The father was a tailor by trade, and continued the business up to the time of his death. The subject of this sketch

lived at home until he was 17 years of age, gaining his education at such schools as the neighborhood afforded. At the age of 18, he was apprenticed to the potter's trade with F. & G. Purdee, of Mogadore, serving two years, and continued with the company as journey- man for some time. Subsequently he was engaged by J. Ebberling as foreman of the pot-shops, and, in company with his brother, E. G. Schrop, bought the Brown pottery, which they rebuilt in 1871. They are now engaged in the manufacture of stoneware. They also own an interest in the clay-mill at Mogadore. He is a first-class workman, and while serving his apprenticeship made the smallest perfect jug ever turned on a wheel, its dimensions not exceeding the size of a kernel of corn. He is the oldest correspondent on the Beacon, con- tinuing through all its changes of ownership. On Dec. 25, 1854, he married Louisa Hender- son, daughter of William and Jane Henderson, of Springfield. They have three boys-Ed- ward H., who is in business with his father, and a music teacher of considerable note; William G. and Perry. Mr. and Mrs. Schrop are members of the Presbyterian Church.

HENRY STEIN, retired farmer: P. O. Brittian; was born in Baden, Germany, Aug. 10, 1818, and is one of the eight children born to Daniel and Catharine Stein, who came to Coventry Township from Germany in 1832, where they lived on a farm for many years. In 1845, our subject left home to earn a liveli- hood, and, being industrious and economical, he was enabled in 1856, to purchase a farm of 100 acres in Green Township, where he resided until 1878. He purchased a pottery known as the Burn's pottery, but did not conduct the business. In July, 1844, he was married to Mary Kramer, daughter of Henry Kramer, of Dauphin Co., Penn. Six children were born to them, viz., Lavina, wife of John Sell, of Akron: Mary E., wife of Benjamin Holland, of Indiana: William H .; Amanda A., wife of E. Killinger, of Green Township; and Daniel P. Mr. and Mrs. Stein are members of the German Reformed Church. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has held many offices of trust.

J. B. SWITZER, farmer; P. O. Brittain; is the son of Charles and Mary R. Switzer, who

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settled in Coventry Township and engaged in purchased the farm where lie now lives. In farming, the father also working at the carpen- ter's trade. Mr. Switzer was a native of Penn sylvania, and his wife of Connecticut. He has an interest in a very valuable coal mine in Cov- entry. The subject was born on his father's farm. in Coventry Township, Summit Co., Ohio, Aug. 8, 1848, where he remained until he was 21 years of age, when, with others, he was engaged prospecting for coal. He afterward took charge of his father's farm for four years. In July, 1874, he was married to Rebecca, daughter of Adam and Catharine Yerrick, of Springfield. Three children were born to them, two of whom are living. In 1875, he purchased and settled on the farm where he now resides, which consists of 105 acres of well improved land. For ten years he taught singing school in different parts of Summit Co. In politics, he is a Republican.

JAMES A. STETLER, farmer; P. O. North Springfield; is the only child of Will- iam and Sarah (Reichely) Stetler, and was born in Union Co., Penn., May, 1840. At the age of 10 years, his parents moved to Green Township, Summit Co., Ohio, where they set- tled on a farm. He remained at home doing farm work and attending school, until Sep- tember, 1860, when he was married to Lavina Koons, daughter of Henry and Esther Koons. Four children were born to them, viz., Will- iam H., Charles E., Marion T. and Clarence O. In 1879, he purchased 120 acres of valu- able and well improved land, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Stetler are members of the Evangelical Association. Mr. Stetler is Democratic in principle. His father and mother are comfortably settled on one of the best farms in Green Township.

FRANCIS WESTON, retired farmer: P. O. Middlebury; is the son of John and Mar- garet Weston, who were natives of Litchfield Co., Conn., and who came to Springfield in March, 1814, where they settled on a farm of 260 acres, and lived there until the father's death, which occurred in September, 1837, at the age of 82. The mother died in 1864, at the advanced age of 93 years. The subject was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., April 20, 1790. In 1814, he came with his parents to Springfield, and, in company with his father,

1817, he was married to Amanda Hinman, daughter of Caleb Hinman, formerly from New York State. There were five children as follows: Celestia, wife of Mathias Rhodes, of DeKalb Co., Ind .; Margaret, wife of Ly- man Brown, of Springfield; Louisa, wife of Henry Bellows; Lydia, wife of Martin Bick, of Michigan; and Salmon, who married Mary J. Fox, of Springfield, and is settled on a farm near the old homestead. Mrs. Weston died Oct. 17, 1859, aged 57. Mr. Weston married in October, 1860, Elizabeth McGown, daughter of Dr. John McGowr, of Orange Co., N. Y. She was the widow of John Decker, to whom she was married in 1807. Mr. Weston owns 160 acres of well-improved land, and is the oldest man in Springfield Township. Mrs. Weston is a lady of high culture, and has now reached the ripe age of 91. They are both active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Weston has voted the Republican ticket, since that party was organ- ized.

ABIA WHITE, farmer: P. O. Mogadore: son of Jacob and Rachel (Brittain) White, was born in Luzerne Co., Penn., Oct. 18, 1816. His father and mother were natives of New England, and settled in Luzerne Co. in an early day. In 1824, his father moved to Summit Co., and settled on a farm. afterward moving on another of 150 acres near North Springfield. He died on May, 25, 1853, and his wife on April 3, 1855, aged 76. At the age of 21, our subject learned the car- penter's trade, at which he worked a few years. and then turned his attention to farming, which business he still engages in. On Feb. 21, 1844, he was married to Martha Hagen- baugh, daughter of Christian Hagenbaugh, of Medina Co., of which marriage there were five children, four deceased. The only child, Milo, is living on his father's farm. Mr. and Mrs. White are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. White has always voted the Republican ticket.

JOEL F. WEBB, farmer: P. O. Mogadore. Among the wealthy farmers of Springfield Township ranks the subject, who is the son of Jolin and Elizabeth (McDermoth) Webb. The father was a native of York Co., Penn.,

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where the subject was born Nov. 10, 1823, where his early life was spent, and whence he, in company with his father's family, came to Portage Co., where they settled on a farm of 125 acres, which the subject now owns. In 1863, he was united in marriage to Marion Anderson, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah

Anderson. She bore him four children, three of whom are living-Mary Grace, Martha L., John F. (deceased) and Joel William. He owns 184 acres of valuable and well-improved land, and in addition considerable town prop- erty. He has been a life-long Democrat, and an admirer of Democratic principles.

TALLMADGE

WILLISTON ALLING, architect and build- er, Tallmadge ; is a son of Jonathan and Maria (Clark) Alling, who were natives of Connecticut, and came to Trumbull Co. in 1807, where they settled on a farm ; he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1878, at the age of 86 years ; his widow died in 1880, at the age of 80 years ; they were the parents of five children, the subject being the young- est. Our subject was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Oct. 26, 1842; at the age of 12 years, he left home and worked in a saw-mill for four years ; he came to Tallmadge in 1858, and began working at the carpenter's trade ; he has been engaged in building and working at his trade up to the present time. He entered the office of Mr. Snyder, the architect of Akron, where he remained about four years. He is consid- ered an architect of considerable note. In 1868, he married Emily Carter, daughter of Horatio L. Carter, of Brimfield, Portage Co .; there are three children of that marriage- Julia, Walter and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Alling are members of the Congregational Church. He is a strong Republican, and has held many offices of trust.

SYLVESTER BARNES, farmer ; P. O. Tallmadge ; is the third of a family of twelve children born to Phineas and Abigail Barnes, his birth occurring Feb. 28, 1805, in Granville, Mass. His parents came to Ohio in 1815, set- tling in Trumbull Co .; after remaining there for several years, they removed to Norton Township, Summit Co., where they lived until removed by death. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm of his father, where he re- mained until he was 21 years old ; he obtained his education in the common schools of his neighborhood, and learned the carpenter's trade, working at the same for several years ;

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History of Summit County, with an outline sketch of Ohio, Part 166

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848- Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1104