History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 53

Author: Thaddeus S. Gilliland
Publication date: 1906
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 870

USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 53

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Mr. Good's political affiliations have al- ways been with the Republican party. In 1905 he was nominated by his friends for the office of city attorney, and at the election held in November was successful, receiving a plural-

ity of 227 votes over his Democratic oppo- nent, Levi X. Jacobs. He is a valued member of the Van Wert County Bar Association.

M. AGLER, cashier of the Far- mers' Bank of Ohio City, was born in Willshire township, Van Wert County, Ohio, in 1870, and is a son of Timothy Agler, formerly a soldier in the Civil War and now a prominent farmer of Willshire. Mr. Agler was liberally edu- cated, attending the Western Ohio Normal School at Middlepoint, and then for 13 years teaching school in Van Wert County, in all this period having only three schools. He has always been an intelligent, public-spirited citi- zen, deeply interested in public affairs, and from 1897-98 represented Van Wert County in the State Legislature. For some years he held other offices, including that of township assessor. Since the organization of the Farmers' Bank, he has served as cashier and has other large interests of a business nature.

On October 5, 1903, Mr. Agler was mar- ried to Miss L. A. Johnson, daughter of the late Joel Johnson of Willshire township. Fra- ternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, at Ohio City, and the Red Men, at Van Wert.

R EV. AMOS O. RABER, until recently pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Delphos, and one of the esteemed citizens of the city, was born at Wolcottville, Noble County, Indiana, and is a son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Dice) Raber.

The father of our subject died when he was

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REV. HARVEY BERGMAN

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REV. ALMIRA P. BERGMAN

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six years of age, leaving a family of five chil- dren, of whom Amos O. was the youngest, the others being: Joel D .; Andrew J., Sa- lome, who married Carl Risch; and one de- ceased.

Without a father, the youth had a much harder path to travel than would have been his if he had had some careful, strong and inter- ested fatherly help on which to depend. He was a brave little fellow, however, and deter- mined to make his own way without incur- ring expense for his mother. He went to school at a place known as Dutch street, in Noble County, and paid for his clothes and board by working on neighboring farms. He early developed an ambition to enter the min- istry, and with this for an incentive he worked hard and saved his money. He was thus able to attend the Waterloo Normal School in De Kalb county and the Wolcottville Seminary. By 1891 he was able to realize his cherished hopes and was admitted as a minister of the Presbyterian Church. His first charge was at Mount Carmel. Indiana, where he remained almost four years. From there he accepted a call. in December, 1894, to the Wayne Avenue Presbyterian Church, at Dayton, Ohio, where he remained until January, 1899, when he came to Delphos. Mr. Raber had here a large and intelligent congregation of about 350 mem- bers. He found the church heavily in debt, but, by excellent management he greatly reduced the indebtedness, and also made many advances in the spiritual state, while adding to the ma- terial welfare of his charge.

On September 9. 1880. Mr. Raber was married to Mary A. Wise, of Stryker, Ohio, who is a daughter of George and Caroline (Strawman) Wise. Mr. Raber was a faithful pastor to his flock, and he and his estimable wife won the regard and affection of the mem- bers of the congregation, as well as of those

who became acquainted with them in the social life of the community. He impressed all with his fidelity to the cause to which he has devoted his life and talents, and, while not being active in any factional contests, he was always ready to forward all the movements for the better- ment of the moral standards of the community. Rev. Amos O. Raber closed his ministry in Delphos March 18, 1906, having accepted a unanimous call to the First Presbyterian Church at Derry, Pennsylvania.

R EV. HARVEY BERGMAN, an or- dained minister in the Society of Friends, is one of the most highly es- teemed citizens of Washington town- ship, where he resides on his thoroughly im- proved farm of 160 acres, situated in section 20. He was born in Fairfield County. Ohio, November 26, 1830, and is a son of George and Mary (Seger) Bergman.

The Bergman ancestry reaches, through many generations, to Scotland, from which land our subject's ancestors were driven by relig- ious persecution. In the 17th century two mem- bers of this old Scotch family migrated to Ger- many, and, in the course of time, their children came to America and located in the Shenan- doah Valley, Virginia. George Bergman, the father of Rev. Harvey Bergman, was born in Maryland. Soon after his birth his parents moved to Virginia and thence to Licking Coun- ty, Ohio. After George Bergman's marriage in Licking County, he moved to Fairfield Coun- ty, Ohio, and subsequently to Jay County, In- diana, where he became a man of wealth and prominence. He reared a large family, 12 of his 14 children reaching maturity, and he was able to establish his sons on farms of 160 acres each and provide his daughters with 80 acres

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each, his estate at death, even then, amounting to some 500 acres. This large property had been acquired through industry and frugality, his trade as a cooper being profitable in his day, although much of his fortune was made in judiciously investing his earnings in land.

Rev. Harvey Bergman's educational ad- vantages were only those of the common school, but a native intelligence advanced him beyond the majority of his companions, and he was teaching school when the large number of them knew nothing but to follow the plow. Reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, and thoroughly accepting the peaceful princi- ples which are the foundation of their faith, the opening of the Civil War brought to him a problem difficult to solve. He was a strong supporter of the government, but to support it by force of arms was to be at variance with the tenets of his religious body. However, as the war was prolonged and as personal sentiments, however laudable, were not recognized by the authorities in whose hands was the suppression of rebellion, and drafts pressed all men into the service, Mr. Bergman enlisted, in 1864, and made a conscientious and faithful soldier.

At the close of the war, Mr. Bergman re- turned to his home in Jay County, Indiana, from which county he had enlisted and where his family still resided. Prior to his enlistment he had married Ann Axe, who died in 1868, the mother of seven children, namely: Mary, wife of William Rowe, who resides at Indian- apolis; Sarah Ann, wife of Henry Kreusch, a merchant of Bryan, Williams County, Ohio; Perry, in business in California ; Clarinda, for- merly wife of Ivens Smith, who died at Cold- water, Ohio; Samantha Ellen, wife of Fred- erick Huntwork, a farmer of Portland, In- diana; and George and Hannah (twins)-the former of whom, now deceased, was the Repub- lican nominee for judge at Portland, and the

latter the wife of Rev. Charles Hiatt, pastor of the Friends' Church at Muncie, Indiana.

Mr. Bergman was married (second), at Winchester, Indiana, to Mrs. Almira (Pierce) Smith, widow of George Smith, and a daugh- ter of Rev. Asa Heath Pierce. The latter was born at Mount Washington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, July 30, 1809, and died in 1902, at which time he was the oldest recorded Free Will Baptist minister in the United States. Mrs. Bergman was born in Knox County, Ohio November 4, 1838, and is a thoroughly edu- cated lady, having received her mental training at Mount Hesper Friends' Seminary, in Mor- row County, Ohio. For four years previous to her marriage to our subject she had been an acceptable minister in the Society of Friends.

After their marriage in November, 1877, Mr. Bergman and wife came to Van Wert County. A religious concern had brought them and a great awakening followed their efforts, which resulted in the conversion of 500 per- sons, 300 of whom united with the Society of Friends. In March, 1878, with the co-opera- tion of some substantial citizens of Ridge and Washington townships, they engaged in the erection of the present commodious church ed- ifice at Middlepoint, at the same time holding meetings in the Presbyterian and the Metho- dist Episcopal churches and in a school hall. On November 1, 1878, was dedicated their own church in which they have been ministers and evangelists ever since.

Mr. Bergman cleared his present fine farm and erected the substantial buildings thereon and, with his wife, owns 40 acres of land west of Portland, Indiana, as well as an attractive summer home at Bay View, Michigan. Dur- ing his residence in Jay County. Indiana, he served for six years as county commissioner, but has taken no active interest in public mat- ters since coming to Ohio. Both he and his

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wife stand very high in the community, ex- ercising as they do. a gentle. refining influence, and exemplifying in their beautiful lives the value of the simple faith they profess and teach. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Bergman accom- pany this sketch.

J NEWTON PUTMAN, whose valu- able farm of 99 acres is situated in section 30, Liberty township, was born here March 30, 1857, and is a son of Peter and Sarah Elizabeth (Niferd) Putman. Peter Putman was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. and was the son of Peter Putman, who was of German descent. In Somerset County the father of our subject was married to his first wife, Mary Ann Adams, and seven children were born to this union. Subsequently Peter Putman moved to Stark County, Ohio, where his wife died. In the meantime he had entered 160 acres of land in Liberty township, Van Wert County, and had returned to Stark County to make prepar- ations for removal to the new home in the fol- lowing spring. Removal was made by Mr. Putman, with his seven children, and settle- ment was made in Liberty township in the spring of 1841. Later he married Sarah Eliz- abeth Neiferd, in Van Wert County, and II children were born to this second union, mak- ing in all eighteen children of whom he was father. He resided in Liberty township for the rest of his life, dying here in 1887, aged 84 years. His venerable widow still survives. at the age of 79 years.

J. Newton Putman was reared and edu- cated in school district No. I. Liberty town- ship, and has always been a farmer. In 1879 he was married to Emma Frances Fortney, who was a daughter of Daniel Fortney, who

was a very early settler in Liberty township and entered the farm on which Mr. Putman resides. Mr. Fortney died in 1899 and his wife in 1901.

Mr. and Mrs. Putman have had five chil- dren, the survivors being: Fremont, who mar- ried Lucy Krisher; Grace, who married Fred- erick Lindemoot and has two children-Clara and Zelma ; Ira; and Sherman Earl. Lucy Lee, a twin of Grace, died aged five months. Mr. Putman is a member of the Odd Fellows. His land is more than usually valuable on account of oil having been developed here, of which at present there are 10 producing wells.

J. WINNEY, postmaster at Ohio City, ex-mayor and ex-city clerk, has been a dominating factor in politics here for a number of years. He was born in 1862 in Michigan, where he was reared and received a good common-school education.

Mr. Winney began the business of life in the school room, where he engaged in teaching for some three years and then for a time was interested in a grocery business. Later he accepted a position on the "Clover Leaf" Rail- road, as foreman of a railroad construction gang, which he filled for eight months. In 1888 he located in Ohio City, where for 14 years he managed the Wells-Fargo Express business. In the meantime he had taken much interest in city and township politics, and was successively chosen township clerk, city clerk and mayor. He has also been a member of the Republican County Central Committee, and is serving as postmaster under a second administration, having been first appointed by the late President Mckinley.

In 1891 S. J. Winney was married to Win- nie L. Upton, a native of Ohio, and they have three children-Glenn E., Claud E. and Rea

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Ethel. Fraternally Mr. Winnie is a member of the lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Ohio City.

RANK STIPPICH, a prosperous young agriculturist of Washington township, residing on his mother's fine farm of 90 acres, which is situ- ated in section 33, was born January 12, 1876, on this farm, and is the youngest child of Au- gust and Mary (Schorr) Stippich.

August Stippich was born in Baden, Ger- many, and when only six years old came to America with his father, Michael Stippich, who first located near New Riegel, Seneca County. Ohio. Here August was reared, educated and married, the latter event taking place in 1856. He was united with Mary Schorr, a daughter of Michael and Catharine ( Mumber) Schorr, who were also natives of Germany, but who came to this country during their early mar- ried life and settled in Seneca County, Ohio. Here Mrs. Stippich was born April 3. 1836. After their marriage, August Stippich and his wife moved to Van Wert County. They pur- chased 240 acres of land and built a log cabin. At that time the land was covered with a for- est growth. This was cleared, substantial buildings were erected and many other im- provements were made. The log cabin was later replaced by the house which is now occu- pied by the family. Mr. and Mrs. Stippich had the following children: Nicholas, the eldest, who died at the age of 20: Joseph, who died at the age of 19; Kate: Michael, who lives at Delphos and is proprietor of the Inter-Urban Restaurant ; Mary, who married Thomas Geng- ler, of Clover Dale, Ohio: Agnes, who mar- ried John Metzger, of Delphos: Andrew. who married Julia Hugel and lives in Jennings township; Lena, now deceased, who was wife

of Louis Hugel: and Frank. subject of this sketch. Kate married Nick Goshe. of Seneca County. They lived for a time at Delphos. where she died, leaving five children, namely : Clara, who married Charles Hennig, lives in Kansas and has one child-Loretta: Rosa. cleceased : Joseph, who is in the United States Army. being stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Edward, also is in the United States Army, at Fort Leavenworth: and Fred, who lives with his grandmother on the old home- stead. August Stippich died August 26, 1877. and was buried in the Catholic Cemetery at Landeck. His wife is still living on the home place with her son Frank.

Frank Stippich. the subject of this sketch. has always had his home in Washington cown- ship, where he was reared and educated, and has always been engaged in farming the home place. The farm originally consisted of 240 acres, but has been divided among the chil- dren until it is reduced to 90 acres. Relig- iously the family are all members of the Cath- olic Church at Landeck, Ohio.

€ LDER WILLIS PUTMAN. whose well-improved and valuable farm of 1811/2 acres of land is situated in Liberty township, resides on that por- tion of it which is located in section 29. He was born on this farm on May 6. 1864. and is a son of Peter and Sarah Elizabeth ( Neiferd) Putman.

The father of Mr. Putman was born in Somerset County. Pennsylvania. where he was renred and educated. Later he came to Ohio and settled in Stark County where he remained until 1843. He then located in Van Wert County. on the present homestead farm. He was marriedl twice and was the father of 18.

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JACOB S. ZOOK

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children. Many of these are settled in Lib- erty and adjoining townships.

Elder Willis Putman was reared in Lib- erty township and was educated in the public schools. In 1890 he was united in marriage with Lena Gaier, who is a daughter of Martin Gaier, of Willshire township. They have had these children: Walter, Clarence, Glen, Gay- lord (deceased at the age of three years), Ar- chie, Esther and Leland.

Mr. Putman's farm is a very valuable one on account of oil having been found here. At present he has four producing wells. In 1893 he erected his handsome and commodious frame farm residence. He is looked upon as one of the substantial men of his township. Mr. Putman is extensively known throughout this section, as he has operated a steam thresher for the past 18 years in Van Wert and Mercer counties.

J ACOB S. ZOOK, a prominent and heavy contractor and builder of Van Wert, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, April 5, 1838, being a son of Daniel and Nancy (Steel) Zook.

Daniel Zook, who was a native of Cumber- land County, Pennsylvania, removed with his parents to Wayne County, Ohio, when 18 years old. Nancy Steel was also born in Pennsyl- vania, and was a mere child when brought to Ohio, her parents being among the first famil- ies to locate in Wayne County. Daniel and Nancy reached maturity near Wooster, Wayne County, and were married in 1834. The hus- band then engaged in farming in that county, remaining there until 1841, when he moved to Crawford County and in 1851 to Wyandot County, where he entered 40 acres of land and cleared up the farm on which he died in 1854.

To Daniel and Nancy Zook were born six children in the following order: Mary, Jacob S., Amanda E., John W .. William N. and Dennis C. In 1888 Mrs. Nancy Zook died.

Jacob S. Zook was about 13 years of age when his parents moved to Wyandot County. where he resided until 1856, when at the age of 18 he went to Oceola, Crawford County, where he served an apprenticeship of three years at the carpenter's trade with John Dome. For the succeeding four years he worked in partnership with Mr. Dome and then went to Nevada, Ohio, where he commenced contrac- ting on his own account, and thus continued! until 1873. In that year he came to Van Wert as this city afforded a wider scope for the ex- ercise of his skill and ability.

When first coming to Van Wert, Mr. Zook formed a partnership with E. W. Wilson, which continued for four years, at the expiration of which time he established an independent busi- ness. In this city he has since erected the Hotel Marsh, the First Methodist Episcopal Church, the City Hall, the Second Ward schoolhouse, the machine shop and roundhouse of the Cin- cinnati Northern Railroad, the Brumback li- brary. the Auditorium, the Home Guards Tem- ple and various other prominent buildings. He owns a fine residence on South Washington street and 400 acres of well-improved land in Van Wert and Paulding counties. He is also a stockholder in the First National Bank and a member of its board of directors.

Mr. Zook's first marriage took place in Oceola, Crawford County, Ohio, January 21, 1862, to Amanda E. Barrick, who was born in the county named, July 20. 1839. and was a daughter of John and Jane Barrick. Both he and his wife were members of the First Meth- odist Episcopal Church. of Van Wert, until Mrs. Zook's death, which occurred in 1902. They had no children. Mr. Zook was afterward

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married to Mrs. Rosa F. DeMoss Gamble. In politics Mr. Zook is a Republican and as such has served in Van Wert's City Council for two years. Fraternally he is a Mason, ranking as a Knight Templar. As a business man he is broad and progressive, and his social standing is among the best citizens of Van Wert.

P ETER KNITTLE, a former commis- sioner of Van Wert County, and one of the foremost agriculturists, has been a resident of section 14, Ridge township, practically all his life. His farm, which he purchased in 1875, consists of 260 acres of land and is among the best in this part of the State. Mr. Knittle was born April 8, 1850, and is a son of George and Margaret (Walter) Knittle. Both parents were of Ger- man descent. the father being a native of Penn- sylvania and the mother of Hocking County, Ohio. Locating in Allen County, George Knit- tle entered 160 acres of land from the govern- ment and remained upon it until 1853, when he removed with his family to Van Wert County and settled in section 14, Ridge town- ship. He was a prominent man in this town- ship and county, and one who was highly es- teemed. He was a devout member of the Lu- theran Church at Middlepoint. In politics he was a Democrat. He died May 10, 1894, at a good old age, having attained to within a few months of 91 years. Three children sur- vive him, viz .: Samuel, a farmer of Ridge township; Caroline, wife of Jacob Burgner, of Pleasant township; and Peter.

After leaving school, Peter Knittle gave his entire time to agriculture and in 1875 pur- chased 260 acres of heavy timberland, upon which he built a home and which he began to

improve. Cutting off the greater part of the timber, he converted it into clean tillable land, and began the work of cultivation. This all took years of hard and persistent work: but Mr. Knittle may feel well repaid for his trouble. June 24, 1875, he was married to Lucy A. Steward, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and a daughter of Thomas and Angeline (Nye) Steward. They came to Van Wert County in 1872, and lived in Ridge township, where the father died in February, 1904. Since then the mother has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Joseph Taylor, of Ridge town- ship. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Knit- tle are : Nettie M., Joseph E., Laura E., Orah E. and Noah A. Mr. Knittle has been a prom- inent Democrat for years and was an efficient and faithful commissioner of Van Wert County for two terms, two years of which time he was president of the board. He is a mem- ber of Abanaki Tent, Improved Order of Red Men, at Van Wert.

6 OTTLIEB MOHR, a representative pioneer and well-known citizen of Hoaglin township, has resided on his present farm in section 18 since 1863. Mr. Mohr was born in Baden, Germany. Sep- tember 10, 1836, and is a son of Frederick G. and Catherine (Kuhn) Mohr.

The parents of our subject were also na- tives of Baden, Germany. In 1849 they emi- grated with their children to Richland County. Ohio, and in 1850 they came to Van Wert County and settled in Hoaglin township. Fred- erick G. Mohr entered 160 acres of land from the government, situated in sections 18 and 19. and settled in a rude log cabin in the wilder- ness. Here, with all the hardships attendant

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upon pioneering, he succeeded in developing the fine farm on which he lived until his death in June. 1871. The two surviving children are: Gottlieb, our subject, and Jacob, a resi- dent of Van Wert County. Those deceased are Charles, Frederick, Christian and Cath- erine, who lived to old age and had families.

Gottlieb Mohr spent his youth on his fath- er's farm in Hoaglin township, and attended school in a little log school house for a time; but in his day children were not afforded pres- ent day educational advantages. He grew ints a good, reliable farmer, able practically to assume the duties of such when still a young man. In 1863. when he purchased his present 80-acre farm, he was able to operate it suc- cessfully, and has continued here ever since, now being somewhat retired from activity. He carried on a general line of farming and stock- raising for many years, and through natural increase and his excellent methods attained in- dependence long ago. He now owns 495 acres of choice, well-improved land.

On April 1, 1861, Mr. Mohr was married to Sarah A. Snearly, who was born in Portage County, Ohio, February 13, 1842, and is a daughter of George F. and Mary (Voltz) Snearly. This was also a German family which came to Ohio at an early day and settled as pioneers in Portage County. When Mrs. Mohr was about seven years old, her people moved to Allen County, Indiana, where she was reared and married. A family of 11 chil- dren was born to this union. The survivors are: Edward G., of Union township; Susie M., wife of William M. Hoaglin, of Cavett ; Cassie S., wife of George A. Foust, of Hoag- lin township: Lydia E., wife of James W. Rumble, of Hoaglin township; Alta J., wife of Wilbur Moon. of Paulding County, Ohio: Hattie, wife of James Cavanaugh. of Cavett : and Walter. of Hoaglin township. The de-

ceased members of the family are: David F., John, Solomon and Benjamin F. All died in infancy, except David F., who died aged 37 years. He left to his wife and seven children a 160-acre tract of land in Paulding County, with a clear title.

Mr. Mohr has always given his support to the Republican party. He has frequently been invited to hold office, and for three terms was the efficient treasurer of Hoaglin township. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the Evangelical Association. They are well known all through the township and are re- spected and esteemed. Their long lives have been filled with kind deeds, and their example of domestic happiness, thrift and industry has not been lost on their community. They are truly representative citizens and no history of this township would be complete without an extended mention of them.

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History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 53

Author: Thaddeus S. Gilliland Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Number of Pages: 870

Author: Thaddeus S. Gilliland
Publication date: 1906
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 870