History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 62

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 62

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farm in their hands and continued to work at his trade, but has been practically retired since the year above named. Since 1891 he has owned his present farm of 100 acres and has all but 15 acres of it under fine cultivation. A very comfortable modern home has taken the place of the little shanty which stood on the land when he came here, and he has erected a number of other substantial structures for housing his stock and grain. Through careful cultivation his land is very productive and yields him ample returns.

In 1874 William Schumm was married to Maria Heffner, who was born in Mercer Coun- ty, Ohio, December 7, 1855, and is a chughter of George and Sophia (Martin) Heffner, na- tives of Germany. They have a happy, healthy and prosperous family of 10 children, the circle never having been broken by death, the follow- ing being a brief record of its members : Amelia, wife of William A. Koch, of West Cairo, Ohio; Hugo H. and Otto G. (twins), both of Chicago; Rudolph Alexander, of Jack- son, Michigan; Theodore, of Black Creek township, Mercer County; Conrad A., of Har- rison township, Van Wert County; Bertha O., wife of H. W. Garrison, of Marion, Ohio, and Paul E., Oscar and Julia, all at home.

Politically Mr. Schumm has been a life- long Democrat, but takes only the interest of a citizen who desires good men in office. He is a member of the German Evangelical Luth- eran Church, of which his father was one of the founders. As one of the faithful religious pioneers of his section, he can remember the little log cabin church, which was built 60 years ago, but which has long since given place to a substantial edifice. All the Schumms are consistent in both their religious sentiments. and their political sympathies, all being Demo- crats and all Lutherans, and no family of this

township is held in higher esteem. A group picture of the family of Mr. and Mrs. William Schumm accompanies this sketch.

R OBERT C. FLEMMING, M. D., coro- ner of Van Wert County and one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Van Wert, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in March, 1877, and is a son of Robert and Cornelia (Peeples) Flemming, his father being a contractor of Cincinnati.

Dr. Flemming was educated along literary lines in the schools of his native State, and af- ter a thorough course of professional prelimi- nary reading, entered the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Maryland, where he was graduated in 1900. During 1900-01 he was a member of the hospital staff of the City Hospital of Baltimore and subse- quently took post-graduate courses, first in New York and later in Berlin. He settled in Van Wert in 1902, and since 1903 he has been county coroner. Dr. Flemming is the senior member of the firm of Flemming & Church, physicians and surgeons, whose well appointed offices are to be found in the Home Guards Temple, Van Wert. He is house physician of the Marsh Hotel, of this city, and is a member of the Van Wert Medical Society. He keeps thoroughly informed and in close touch with all the professional organizations of the country and is a progressive member of his calling. In politics he is a Republican ; in 1903 was ap- pointed to fill the unexpired term as coroner; in 1904 he was his party's choice for that office and was elected for a term of two years. Re- ligiously he is a Presbyterian. He is thoroughly educated and he possesses those strong and sterling characteristics that win attention from

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thoughtful and observant people. Fraternally Dr. Fleming belongs to a number of the lead- ing societies, being a Mason, an Elk, Eagle and Knight of Pythias.

OHN S. GOEBEL, a prosperous agri- culturist of Washington township, re- siding on his fine farm of 77 acres, located in section 22, was born in Find- lay, Hancock County, Ohio, September 12, 1853. He is a son of Joseph and Kundigunda (Foxenburg) Goebel; his parents both being natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. They emigrated to America in 1844 and located in East Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio. Here they lived for nine years and in November, 1853, removed to Van Wert County. After selling nine lots which he owned in East Findlay, he took the money and purchased a farm of 80 acres in Washington township, for which he paid $600-this being considered a very high price in those days. During the summer of 1853 he had built a cabin of round logs on the farm, and on No- vember 2nd permanently located there. The family occupied this cabin for nearly 30 years. Mr. and Mrs. Goebel had six children : Casper, who lives in Marion township, Allen County, Ohio; Mary, wife of George Sendelbach of Washington township; Joseph, Jr., now dec- eased; Frances ; who married John Sharp and is now deceased; and Caroline, who is unmar- ried and lives with John S.

John S. Goebel was raised on his father's farm in Washington township, assisting his father in clearing the land and making many improvements on the place. and individually obtaining such an education as the schools of that locality afforded. His independent career

as a farmer has been continuous and success- ful.

On October 8, 1874, Mr. Goebel was married to Gertrude Morkoetter, a daughter of Balse and Mary Morkoetter, both natives of Ger- many, who were among the early settlers and tax-payers of Washington township, having located there in 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Gocbel have had 12 children, nine of whom are still living, namely : Mary, wife of John Scherger of Delphos, who has two children-Leona and Ruth; Frances, who married (first) Jacob Frederick and became the mother of one child -Gertrude-and after Mr. Frederick's death, the wife of Robert Fosnought, by whom she had one child-Marie; Lena, wife of Frank Depinet, who had two children-Albine and Josephine; Josephine. Eleanor. Martha, Hen- rietta and Agnes, all unmarried: and Joseph, Jr. Elizabeth, Johnnie and Anthony are the deceased children. . The family are all members of St. John's Catholic Church at Delphos.

e C. CLARK, of the firm of James Clark & Son, leading shoe dealers, located at No. 102 West Main street, Van Wert, stands as one of the city's representative business men. He was born February 9, 1853, at Van Wert, and this city has been his life-long place of residence. He is a son of James and Annie W. (Wilson) Clark.

Mr. Clark belongs to one of Van Wert's old families, his grandfather, Samuel Mc- Knight Clark, coming to Van Wert in 1838, opening the first blacksmith shop and gun store here and also conducting a hotel. His es- tablishment was located on the corner of Main and Washington streets. Samuel M. Clark

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married Lydia Daugherty, and their children were: John W., William A., James, Steward B., Reuben, Margaret and Samuel.

James Clark, father of C. C., was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, April 30, 1832, and died at Van Wert, January 31, 1904. He accompanied his parents hither in 1838, and in 1852 founded the present shoe business conducted by his son. The elder Clark was identified with this line from the age of 15 years until his death, his older brother, William A., having taken him into his employ at that early age. James sub- sequently bought his brother's interest. Later he admitted C. P. Richey to partnership, and the firm style was Clark & Richey until 1875, when Mr. Richey sold his interest to his son, G. W. Richey and to C. C. Clark, the son of the senior partner. For one year the firm name was Clark, Richey & Company, when C. C. Clark purchased Mr. Richey's interest and the present firm name was adopted. Our sub- ject's mother now has an interest in the busi- ness.

The late James Clark was more or less prom- inent in political life for many years, serving efficiently in various township offices. When 18 years of age he married Annie W. Wilson, who was reared in Shelby County, Ohio. The .children born to them were as follows: C. C .; Kate, wife of E. J. Pennypacker, of Virginia; Emma, wife of Judge A. A. Frazer, of Zanes- ville, Ohio; John O., a commercial traveler; Lucy, who died aged 14 years ; and Horace W., who is a clerk in the employ of our subject.

When about 16 years of age C. C. Clark completed his course in the public schools of Van Wert, and then went on the bench in his father's shop. After learning the practical part of the manufacturing business, he became a clerk for his father and later a partner. when he was given the entire management of the es- tablishment. The business has been conducted

at the same stand for over 30 years and "Clark's Shoe Store" is one of the landmarks of the city. For some years Mr. Clark has been a member of the Board of Education, and at the recent election was chosen clerk of that body. Politically he is a Republican.

In 1876 Mr. Clark was united in marriage with Frances Major, who was born in Van Wert County, and is a daughter of Willis and Martha J. Major. They have three children, viz: Mamie, wife of E. E. Scott, a postal clerk at Van Wert; Vesta, who lives at home: and Ralph R., who assists his father in the store. With his family, Mr. Clark worships at the English Lutheran Church, while his fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias, the Home Guards of America and the Royal Arcanum.

OHN SHIRACK owns and operates a very productive and well-improved farm of 80 acres, 40 acres of which are situated in section 2, Washington township, and the remaining 40 acres directly across the road from his residence in section 35, Monterey township. Putnam County. Ohio. He was born in Prussia. Germany, June 24, 1840, and was a son of Anthony and Catherine Shirack.

When only five years of age John Shirack came to America in a sailing vessel with his parents, the family first settling in Hancock County, Ohio, on a farm of 80 acres, where they lived for two years and in which locality our subject received his early schooling. When he was about 12 years of age his parents sold their farm in Hancock County and purchased a homestead of 120 acres in Seneca County. Ohio, where he completed his education. In 1859 his father sold his farm in Seneca County

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SAMUEL B. HERTZ

MRS. ELLEN R. HERTZ

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and settled on a farm of 240 acres on the banks of the Little Auglaize River, part of which is now occupied by our subject. His mother died in Hancock County when he was 10 years old, his father passing away in Wash- ington township.

On May 3, 1864, John Shirack was mar- ried at Ottoville, Putnam County, to Catherine Schulien, daughter of Matthias and Mary (Petry) Schulien. Mrs. Shirack was also born in Prussia, and when four years of age came to America with her parents. They first settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1857 moved to Putnam County, where they passed the re- mainder of their days. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shirack moved into the house which is still occupied by them. They have had nine children; John M .; Mrs. Mary Grubenhoff ; Mrs. Katie Eichold; Mrs. Tillie Droll; Anna (Mrs. Henry Kehres) ; Mrs. Emma Sheibley; Mrs. Maggie Wannemacher ; Joseph, who married Anna Schneider and has one child-Maletius; and Charles, who died an infant. The family are all members of the Catholic Church, at Ottoville.

S AMUEL B. HERTZ, of Van Wert, has recently retired from business af- ter more than 40 years spent here as a hardware merchant; his reputation for honesty and integrity has grown with the years, until he is one of the most highly es- teemed, as well as popular, citizens of the city. Mr. Hertz was born near Lewisburg, Union County, Pennsylvania, August 3. 1832, and is of German descent. his paternal great-grand- parents being emigrants from the Fatherland. His immediate ancestors were John and Mary (Keim) Hertz, both natives of Pennsylvania. for many years being farmers in that State,

and finally removing to Van Wert where they died, both having reached the advanced age of 85 years. Of their children, seven grew to adult years, namely: Uriah Washington, a prominent physician, who died in California in 1890; Joseph J., a farmer residing south of Van Wert; Samuel B., the subject of this ar- ticle; Eve Ann (Heinley), who resides in Lyons, Kansas; Mary B. (Specht), a resident of Pennsylvania until her death about a year ago; Lydia C. (Spangler), deceased; and John L., a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Samuel B. Hertz remained in Pennsylva- nia during the first 30 years of his life, part of the time as an agriculturist, and the last nine years of that period engaged in teaching school. On January 1, 1863, he moved to Van Wert, where he has been an honored citizen ever since. In company with his brother, U. W., he started the hardware store of Hertz Brothers, which they conducted together for about three years, when our subject purchased his brother's interest and from that time car- ried on the establishment alone until 1902. when he disposed of the stock and retired from active business life. Some two years later he also sold the building which was situated on Main street, and which is now being replaced by a handsome business block.

On October 4, 1855, Mr. Hertz was mar- ried to Ellen R. Rank, who was born January 18. 1837, in Union County, Pennsylvania, be- ing a daughter of Jonathan and Mary Ann (Dieffenderfer) Rank, both of whom were also natives of Pennsylvania. Their family consists of an adopted daughter. Edna, who married William B. Trout and resides with Mr. and Mrs. Hertz. The family residence, a view of which appears in the historical department of this work, is among the most attractive in the city, and was erected. in 1890. on the site of the old house, which was built by Mr. Hertz

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and occupied by him for 28 years. While he is a Republican, he has persistently refused to allow his name to be used for office. A mem- ber of the English Lutheran Church, he has held almost every office in the organization, having been elder, deacon, trustee, a member of the building committee, etc. He is also a member of Van Wert Lodge, No. 261, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined the fraternity over 40 years ago and passed all its chairs. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hertz accompany this sketch.

J OHN CRAMER, who in life was one of the prominent and highly esteemed citizens of this county, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1821, and died at Van Wert, November II, 1905. He was a son of John Cramer and a grandson of Helfar Cramer-the latter being the founder of the family in America. Helfar Cramer, who was a native of Germany, came to the colonies prior to the Revolutionary War and joined the patriot army. After the close of the war, he settled in York County, Penn- sylvania, where he left a family of seven chil- dren. One son, John Cramer, was born in York County, in 1792. In 1816 he married Catherine Schlote, also of Pennsylvania and of German extraction, and they had nine chil- dren, namely : Daniel and Henry, both of Fostoria, Ohio; John; Mary, deceased; Eman- uel, of Ionia, Michigan; Adam, of Fostoria, Ohio; Sophia, wife of P. Wickersham, of Seneca County, Ohio; Sarah, wife of Augustus Elliott, and Levi, long since deceased.

In 1840, John Cramer, father of our sub- ject, came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Seneca County, on which he died June 29, 1856; his wife having passed away September

16, 1854. They were worthy members of the German Lutheran Church. Politically Mr. Cramer was a Democrat, and during the War of 1812 he served in the United States forces. with the rank of captain.

John Cramer, the immediate subject of this sketch, was 18 years of age when the family settled in Seneca County, Ohio, where until 1847 his time was occupied as a farmer and a workman in a sawmill. He was married about this time and afterward bought 80 acres of land in the same county (Seneca ) and lived there until 1864, when he moved to Van Wert County. buying his homestead farm of 120 acres in Pleasant township. Previous to his death, he disposed of a portion of this tract, and in all probability the farm will shortly be- come a part of the city of Van Wert, its loca- tion being favorable for a residence district.

John Cramer was married in Seneca County, Ohio, on December 29, 1847, to Ann E. Shaffner, who was born in Crawford County, Ohio, September 17, 1830, and died at Van Wert, March 28, 1901. She was a daughter of Martin and Ann E. (Wert) Shaffner.

Martin Shaffner, Mrs. Cramer's father, was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. Febru- ary 27, 1795, and was a son of Martin and Frances (Halder) Shaffner. For many years Martin Shaffner, Sr., lived in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and then moved to Dauphin County, where both he and his wife died. They had nine children-Jacob, Nancy, Martin. Henry, Frederick, John Christian, Frances and Elizabeth. The son Martin was married in Dauphin County, to Ann E. Wert, and they were the parents of Levi. John F. and Ann E. Martin Shaffner and wife settled in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1829, and there the mother died September 23. 1831. The father of Mrs. Cramer died September 17. 1870. For many

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years both he and his wife had been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The children of John Cramer and wife were 9 in number, as follows: John W. and William J., both deceased; Sarah C., wife of John W. Balyeat, who lives in Middlebury, Indiana; Frank A. and Ralph W., both resi- dents of Van Wert; Irene H., who is the wife of J. W. Kensler, of Ridge township; Anna E., who resides with her sister Irene H .; Mar- tin S., a resident of Ohio City; and Charles B., who is a minister of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, stationed at Spencerville, Ohio.

In his political views Mr. Cramer was a Prohibitionist, and in religion, a Methodist. He was a man of high personal character, widely known for his integrity, and trained his children to be good men and women, one of the deep satisfactions of his life being that they followed the example set by their parents and early united with the church. During his long residence in the county, Mr. Cramer became well and favorably known to the general com- munity. He gave practical encouragement to agricultural development and was instrumental in founding the grange in his locality, of which he was the treasurer for 14 years.

EORGE H. STETLER, who is serv- ing his second term as township trus- tee of Willshire township, resides on his fine farm of 172 acres, situated in sections 33 and 34. He was born in Black Creek township, Mercer County, Ohio, August 10, 1855, and is a son of Alfred and Matilda L. (Detmer) Stetler.

Jacob Stetler, the grandfather of our sub- ject. was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, and came to this section of the State with three brothers, George, John and Daniel, all securing

large tracts of farming land. They were of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction. Alfred Stet- ler, father of George H., was born about one- quarter mile from our subject's farm, in Mer- cer County. He died here aged 36 years, from typhoid fever. He married Matilda L. Det- mer, who was born in Germany and accom- panied her parents to the United States. Her father, George A. Detmer, served three terms as auditor of Mercer County, and E. J. Detmer, her grandfather, did a great deal of surveying here in the early days. Alfred Stetler and wife had four children, namely : George H., of this sketch; Augustus, of Mercer County; Mahala (Huffman), of Rockford, Ohio; and Nancy (Hileman), also of Rockford.

George H. Stetler remained on the farm on which he was born until he was 18 years old, when his parents came to his present farm, on which he has lived ever since. He has 80 acres of the old homestead farm and 92 ad- ditional acres, which he subsequently pur- chased. The father built a very fine residence and. our subject has erected substantial barns and other buildings. He has done the greater part of the clearing on his 92 acres and the whole property is well improved. Mr. Stetler is a practical farmer and he is also a public- spirited citizen. He has given his attention to all movements which he has found to meet his approval, in regard to the public welfare, and he assisted in building some 20 miles of the turnpike road. Mr. Stetler no longer carries on large agricultural operations, as his land is proving more valuable in other ways. He has leased the whole of it to the Baldwin Oil Company, and six oil and gas wells are now in active operation here. In his own home the gas is used for light and heat.

On August 25, 1881, Mr. Stetler was mar- ried to Clara Hileman, who was born in Van Wert County, and is a daughter of John A.

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and Annie Hileman, natives of Wayne County. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Stetler have these chil- dren : Oscar, Ollie, Ray, Roy, Annis and Gale. The family belongs to the United Brethren Church of Black Creek township, Mercer County, in which Mr. Stetler is a trustee.

Politically our subject is an influential Democratic leader in this locality. For the past 28 years he has been constantly in office, called to different positions of trust by his fel- low-citizens, who have thus shown their esteem and confidence. He has been supervisor, has held various school offices and for seven con- secutive years has been one of the township trustees.

ENRY J. WIECHART, whose farm is located in section 34, Hoaglin town- ship, was born in Van Wert County, June 6, 1861, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Trentman) Wiechart, who were among the earliest settlers of the county. Both were natives of Germany, the father coming to America at the age of 15 and living for a time in Cincinnati. He soon after came to Van Wert County and en- tered 80 acres of land in Washington town- ship from the government. Here he resided until his death in 1891. His wife came to America when a child, her parents being the second family to settle in Washington town- ship. Their home was about two miles from Delphos, and the sturdy, thrifty farmers of that section to-day are composed largely of their descendants. Mrs. Wiechart is now 67 years old and still resides on the Wiechart home- stead. She is a lady of strong personality and is surrounded by a host of warm friends. Eight children are living, all of whom reside in Wash- ington township except Henry J. and Theo-

dore F., who lives in Dubuque. Iowa; their names are as follows: Mary E., Henry J .. Ferdiand A., Frank T., Benjamin, Theodore F., Agnes and Gregora.

Mr. Wiechart has spent his entire life in Van Wert County and is to-day one of our most estimable citizens. He received his edu- cation in the schools of Delphos and has de- voted his life to agricultural pursuits. With the assistance of his good wife, he has pro- vided well for old age. He was married Octo- ber 13, 1886, to Winifred A. Clark, who was born in Madison County, Ohio, February 27, 1862, and is a daughter of Daniel and Mar- garet (Driscol) Clark. Here parents came from Ireland in their youth and were married in Cincinnati. After living there a short time. they went to Madison County and later came to Van Wert, settling in section 35, Hoaglin township. The father died soon after locating here and the mother died in 1896. Their children were as follows: Elizabeth J., of Van Wert; Battle, a prominent physician of New Haven, Indiana; John J., of Van Wert: Winifred A. (Mrs. Wiechart) ; Charles S .. and Dennis D., both medical practitioners of Decatur, Indiana; and Andrew J., a student in Rush Medical College, Chicago. Mrs. Wie- chart was a teacher in the schools of Van Wert County for more than 10 years previous to her marriage. She began her work in this line at the age of 14 years, after attending the schools in Hoaglin township and taking a course in the Ohio Normal University at Ada. Her union with Mr. Wiechart resulted in the birth of two daughters-Elizabeth E., born April 29, 1889, and Nellie M., born April 19. 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Wiechart are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, of Van Wert. Mr. Wiechart is a Democrat. and served three years as school director in sub-district No. 2.

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JACOB BIENZ, one of Willshire's old and honored pioneer citizens, has spent 55 years on his present farm, which now consists of 113 acres, situ- ated in sections 15 and 22. He was born at Wittenberg, about five miles from Stuttgart, Germany, on April 1, 1825, and is a son of Baldas and Catherine (Weidley) Bienz.

Baldas Bienz, the father, was born also at Wittenberg and died in Tully township, Van Wert County, Ohio, aged 65 years. The mother lived to be 85 years old, and died at the home of our subject. These worthy peo- ple had 12 children. One of the family died in Europe, six accompanied the parents to the United States, and the others were born' in America. Their names were: Baldas, George, Catherine, John, Jacob, Barbara, Christian, all horn in Europe; Fred, Margaret, Mary, Ann and Philip, born in the United States. The last named, who is now a veteran of the Civil War, now resides in Liberty township. In his first enlistment he was seriously wounded at Pittsburg Landing; but after his recovery he reenlisted and served until the close of the war.

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History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 62

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

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