USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens > Part 64
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94
Martin Kreisier), of Harrison township, who has one daughter-Viola; Frederick Peter; Adolph, deceased; and Phoebe, Martin, and Nora and Dora (twins), who live at home.
Politically Mr. Feldner is a Democrat. He is a member of the Evangelical Church in Har- rison township, in which he served two years as an elder. He is a well-known and univer- sally respected man.
6 EORGE W. GRIFFITH resides on a farm of 80 acres in section 14, Hoag- lin township, and has been an es- teemed resident of Van Wert County since his early boyhood. He was born in Union County, Ohio, August 17, 1841, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Susan ( Fausnaught) Grif- fith. The father was reared in the State of Maryland, although he was a Virginian by birth, while the mother was born and reared in Fairfield County, Ohio. When our subject was a small lad his parents moved to Van Wert County and settled in Harrison township, at that time there was a log jail and but few houses in the countyseat. Later they moved to Washington township, and in the spring of 1861 located in Pleasant township which was their home for many years. A brother of our subject, Benjamin F., and a sister, Lovina A. (Mrs. George Glosset), reside in Van Wert.
George W. Griffith enlisted on October 2, 1861, in Company F, 64th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf .. the same company in which his father served for 11 months, at the expiration of which time he (the father) was discharged on account of disability. Young Griffith received his honor- able discharge December 15, 1864. He was detailed as teamster, and for the last 18 months of his time drove the wagon which carried the ammunition. He took part in the battles of
Digitized by Google
Digitized by Google
RESIDENCE OF GEORGE W. MICHAEL
Digitized by Google
.. .
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
593
Shiloh, Stone River, Murfreesboro, Perryville, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge; he was in the march to Atlanta and later from that point to Jonesboro. Returning to Van Wert County, George W. Griffith engaged in farm- ing in Liberty township for a short time and then moved into Van Wert. Later he again took up farming, and about 1887 moved to Paulding County, where he cleared a virgin tract of 80 acres in section 14, Latty township, and carried on farming operations for about 14 years. In February, 1901, Mr. Griffith moved back to Van Wert County, taking up his residence on his present farm.
October 30, 1867, he was married to Sarah R. Tomlinson, who was born in York town- ship, Van Wert County, July 11, 1848. She is a daughter of James and Nancy K. (Smith) Tomlinson and a granddaughter of James Smith, a pioneer of Mercer County, Ohio. Nancy Smith was born in Miami County about 77 years ago and went with her parents to Mercer county, where she was joined in mar- riage to James Tomlinson, since deceased, and later located in York township, Van Wert County. She now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Griffith. Two sons and one daughter also reside in Van Wert County, viz. : Callista J., wife of Sylvanus Norris, of Van Wert; Lewis L., of Ohio City; and William S., of Liberty township. Of the children born to our subject and his wife, 11 survive, viz. : Annie E., wife of George Geiger, of Toledo; William E., of Cedar Run. Michigan; George A., of Gratiot County, Michigan; Harvey F., of Paulding County ; Mary M., wife of W. D. McClure, of Grover Hill; Laura A., wife of Sanford Ryan, of Grover Hill: Minnie E., wife of Francis Ireland, of Paulding County ; W. Clifford, Grace F .: Benjamin H. ; and Bes- sie E. Mrs. Griffith is a member of the Mount Pleasant United Brethren Church and a woman
of many admirable qualities. Mr. Griffith is a Republican and takes the liveliest interest in all that pertains to the public welfare.
6 EORGE W. MICHAEL, a genial and substantial farmer of Van Wert Coun- ty, residing on his farm in section 4, Hoaglin township, was born in Logan County, Ohio, June 23, 1841, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Edmiston) Michael. Frederick Michael, the grandfather, emigrated to this country from Germany and located in Virginia, where he was married. Later he moved to Brown County, Ohio, where he lived a short time, thence migrating to Clark County and entering government land upon which he resided until his death. Benjamin, his son and the father of George W., was born in Virginia, whence he migrated to Ohio, locating in Logan County where he entered 120 acres of land from the government. He married Elizabeth Edmiston, who was a native of Tennessee, and the couple continued to make their home in Logan County until about 1849, when they moved to Champaign County.
George W. Michael is one of those farmers who take pleasure in keeping their premises in the best possible condition, making them a credit to the neighborhood and a pleasing bit of landscape to the passer-by. In 1881 he pur- chased 84 acres of almost undeveloped land, which he has improved until it ranks high among the many beautiful country homes for which Van Wert County is noted.
Mr. Michael was married December 31, 1865. to Sarah E. John, a native of Shelby County, Ohio, where he then resided and the marriage took place. His first wife died October 28. 1868, leaving two sons-William R. of Hoaglin township, and David E., who resides
Digitized by Google
-
594
HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY
in Paulding County. On September 28, 1871. Mr. Michael was married (second) to Eliza F. Burriss, born June 7, 1841, in Madison County. Her parents were Samuel and Ellen (Richardson) Burriss, the father a native of Maryland and the mother of Ross County, Ohio. Mr. Burriss lived in Madison County from his seventh year until his death in 1872; his wife died in Van Wert County. By his second union Mr. Michael has three children, two of whom are living, viz. : Ottawa A., of Union township; and Ella J., wife of Harry Giffin, of Hoaglin township. Both Mr. Michael and wife are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church and take an active interest in its work. In politics he is a Democrat. A view of the Michael home, showing an interesting family group, is shown on a preceding page.
J OHN B. WERMER, one of the repre- sentative citizens and well-known agriculturists of Pleasant township, resides on his finely cultivated farm of 129 acres, situated in section 18. He was born June 27, 1858, in Prussia, and is a son of John N. and Julia ( Miltenberger) Wermer, both of whom died in Prussia.
John B. Wermer grew to manhood in his native land: He was educated in the local schools and then served an apprenticeship of three years to a painter and decorator. After completely mastering all of the details of this business, he traveled through his own country as a journeyman until 1881, when he emi- grated, to America and settled in Ohio. For a number of years he combined work at his trade with farming, through Van Wert County, mostly in Liberty and Harrison town- ships. In 1889 he settled on a farm in Liberty township, but in 1903 he came to his present valuable farm which he has ever since con-
tinued to improve. He has here a home of which he may justly be proud, for he, with the assistance of his estimable wife, has earned it all by hard work.
On December 20, 1883, Mr. W'ermer was married to Catherine Young. She was born March 27, 1863, and is a daughter of Jacob and Christina (Miller) Young. All were born in Prussia. In 1875 Jacob Young, with his family, emigrated to America and settled in Harrison township, which at that time was but sparsely settled, and in many portions was still in its wild state. Jacob Young. now deceased, was twice married, his second wife, the mother of Mrs. Wermer, still surviving and residing in Harrison township. The surviving children of Mr. Young are: Philip, of Harrison town- ship; Charles, of Willshire township; Fred- erick, of Harrison township; Catherine, wife of John B. Wermer; and Caroline, who is the wife of Peter Bauer, of Mercer County, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Wermer have these children : Julia M., wife of John Fritz, of Convoy. Ohio; William, of Pleasant township; and Otto, Gustave, Cora M. and Rosa M., all at home, a happy family. The religious connection of this family is with the Evangelical Associa- tion. Mr. Wermer is one of the intelligent, public-spirited men of his township. He has served two terms as township assessor during his residence in Liberty township, and he is always foremost in advocating those measures which will add to the efficiency of the public schools. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow.
LOREAN F. WILHELM, one of the successful farmers of Washington township. living on his well-developed and productive farm of 65 acres in section 32. was born August 16. 1858. on the farm which he now owns. He is the oldest son
Digitized by Google
595
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
of Valentine Wilhelm and grandson of Lande- lin Wilhelm, who was a native of Germany and spent his entire life in the land of his birth.
Valentine Wilhelm was born in Baden, Germany, where he was reared and educated, and in 1853, after his marriage with Julia Kald, emigrated to America, immediately lo- cating on a farm near Landeck, Allen County, Ohio, where he remained for one year. He then moved to Van Wert County, and settled on the farm which his son now owns and here passed the remainder of his life. His death occurred on June 19, 1904, in his 87th year. Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Wilhelm had nine children, six of whom are now living, namely : Ursula (Gemke) ; Effersine (Weber) ; Ther- essa (Mrs. John Willmann) ; Louis H .; Rose (Longholts) ; and Florean F., the subject of this sketch. Elizabeth (Tegenkamp) one of the children died March 20, 1891, aged 42 years. The mother of this family died in 1873.
Florean F. Wilhelm has passed his life in the county where he was born. He was edu- cated in the schools of that locality, at the same time assisting his father with the work on the farm, and later assuming the entire responsi- bility of its management. He was married June 2, 1903, to Mary Droll, a daughter of George and Catharine Droll, of Allen County. They have had no children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm are members of St. John's Cath- olic Church at Delphos.
E MANUEL B. WESTENHAVER came to this county in 1888 and lo- cated on the farm of 120 acres in section 6, Jackson township, where he has since resided. The following year he was elected to the office of justice of the peace
and has been continuously retained in that posi- tion. He was born October 24, 1859, in Hock- ing County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Susan (Dennis) Westenhaver.
The Westenhaver family are of German extraction and owe their existence in America to Christian Westerhaver, the great-grand- father of our subject, who came to this country and settled in Maryland. After a few years spent in that State, he moved to Hocking County, Ohio, and located on the land which is now the site of Logan. At that time his son Henry, who is the grandfather of our sub- ject, was a child of four years, in after life holding the position of surveyor of Hocking County for 12 years and becoming an influen- tial man.
Emanuel B. Westenhaver was reared in Hocking County until he was about 15 years of age, when his parents moved to Wood County, Ohio, and, after a short residence there, to Greene County. Later they located in Hardin County, where the father died and the mother still resides. Before coming to Van Wert County, Mr. Westenhaver re- sided for a short time in Clark County where he also engaged in farming. He has always taken an active part in the advancement of worthy public measures, and for a number of years was a member of the township school board.
On February 26, 1884, Mr. Westenhaver was married to Appolonia M. Angle who was born in Hocking County, Ohio, May 19, 1860, and is a daughter of Jacob and Julia A. (Graf- fis) Angle. Her father was a native of Perry County, this State, and her mother, of Pennsyl- vania. Mr. and Mrs. Westenhaver are the parents of three children, viz : Nettie M. who was born April 28, 1886; Susie R., born Janu- ary 2, 1893; and William J. B., born Novem- ber 6, 1897. Fraternally our subject is a
Digitized by Google
596
HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY
member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Grover Hill, and a man whose long years in public office have but served to endear him to the people and to emphasize his sterling worth.
B ENJAMIN W. VAN EMAN, one of the representative agriculturists of York township, owning a fine, well- improved farm of 252 acres, in sec- tions 25, 26 and 35, was born in this township in September, 1840, and is a son of Johnston and Amy Emeline (Griffin) Van Eman.
The father of Mr. Van Eman was born in Trumbull County, and the mother, in Cham- paign County, Ohio, and they were both pio- neers in Van Wert County. The mother, who after the death of her husband, married Dr. Parrott, still survives, and is in the enjoyment of both mental and physical powers. Her wonderful memory vividly recalls her girl- hood, and her reminiscences of the days before modern inventions had displaced the old prim- itive methods of farm and housework are very interesting. She can recall summers when she was accounted a very good helper in the hay field, and was mistress of the many useful do- mestic duties of her active days. For a long period she was noted as a cheesemaker, and, on many occasions, her viands of this descrip- tion carried off the premiums at the county fairs. For over 50 years she resided on the farm which she finally divided among her children.
Mrs. Parrott is a daughter of Benjamin Griffin and a descendant of Nathaniel Griffin, who held an officer's commission in the War of the Revolution, serving in close association with General Washington. Of other members of her family may be mentioned two brothers -Benjamin Griffin, who is said to have killed
the largest grizzly bear that ever frequented the mountains of Colorado, and Claudius, who resides in Mercer County, Ohio, at the age of 93 years, he and wife having lived together for 66 years.
The children of Johnston and Amy Eme- line (Griffin) Van Eman were : Benjamin W., of this sketch; a child who died in infancy ; Experience,, deceased, who was the wife of Jahue Goodwin; Oliver Scott, who died aged two and a half years; George, who died when 13 months of age; D. C., born in 1854, who married Jennie Pretty, daughter of Adison Pretty of Van Wert County, and has five chil- dren-Lodessa (Mrs. Clyde Adamson), Vic- tor, Marshall, Ira and Mamie; Pearl, who mar- ried Ella Rosabone, has one son, Marion, and lives on the homestead; and John A., of Mer- cer County, who married Mary Black of Belle- fontaine, Ohio. D. C. Van Eman, mentioned above, is an elder in the Seventh Day Advent- ist Church at Elgin.
Mrs. Parrott has always been active in church work. She was reared in a religious atmosphere, her father's house ever being open as a home to the itinerant preachers of the Methodist Church. It was through the repre- sentations of one of these, John Hill, whose circuit covered the territory 20 miles east of Jennings Prarie, that Benjamin Griffin finally located in Van Wert County. For many years Mrs. Parrott has been a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and has served as a delegate to the conference of this body.
Benjamin W. Van Eman was reared on the home farm, his education was such as was pro- vided by the primitive schools of his boyhood. and his entire life has been absorbed in agri- cultural operations. After he left home, he farmed first in section 25, purchasing 80 acres of his brother John. A part of his present farm consists of 160 acres in section 35.
Digitized by Google
.-
Digitized by Google
MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL GRUNEWALD
Digitized by Google
599
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
York township-a tract which was entered from the government by Samuel Curl and then purchased by Benjamin Van Eman's mother. It is choice farming land and its full produc- tiveness maintained through Mr. Van Eman's excellent methods of cultivation. His entire landed possessions in York township now ag- gregate 252 acres. During the Civil War, when Mr. Van Eman was about 22 years of age, he was drafted into the service, and for 101/2 months was a member of Company C, 46th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.
Mr. Van Eman was married (first) to Margaret Rigdon, and their children were as follows: Blanche (Mrs. Frank Cook), of Chicago; Sarah (Mrs. Nicholas Johnson), of Portland, Oregon; Arthur E., who was mar- ried October 12, 1905, to Mamie Ella Bitz, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin-they now reside in Portland, Oregon; and Avry O., of San Fran- cisco. Mr. Van Eman was married (second) on September 11, 1890, to Elizabeth Emans, a daughter of Gilbert and Anna (Sitz) Emans. now of Putnam County, Ohio. Mr. Emans was born in New Jersey, and his wife, in Fair- field County, Ohio. The children of this union are: John P., named for an uncle, and Annie E., who bears the name of both her grand- mothers. Mr. Van Eman is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He is one of the well-informed, intelligent citizens of the township, is a great reader, especially of in- structive and religious works, and owns an ex- cellent library.
AMUEL GRUNEWALD, one of the representative agriculturists and well- known citizens of Pleasant township. resides on his fine farm situated in sec- tion 36. He was born February 22, 1861, in Ashland County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry
and Anna (Drull) Grunewald. The parents were both born in Germany, emigrating to America in the late '40's and settling in Ash- land County, Ohio. The father still resides there but the mother died July 28, 1898.
Samuel Grunewald was reared in his na- tive county and attended the district schools. In young manhood he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he has been engaged, more or less, all his life, although farming has been his main occupation. In 1883 Mr. Grunewald came to Van Wert County, and after residing for a short time in Liberty township removed to his present farm in Pleasant township, where he has met with results both satisfactory and fully merited by his years of persistent in- dustry.
On October 8, 1885, Mr. Grunewald was married to Nora E. A. Cooper, who was born in Van Wert County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jesse K. and Hester A. (Kistler) Cooper. Mrs. Grunewald's father was born in Frank- lin County, Ohio, and her mother in Fairfield County. In young manhood, Mr. Cooper fol- lowed the trade of a millwright and for a num- ber of years engaged in the manufacture of grain drills at Lancaster, Ohio, being one of the first to be thus employed. In 1865 he moved from Fairfield and settled in Pleasant town- ship. Van Wert County, locating on the farm on which our subject and family now reside. He was an early settler in this locality and was regarded with respect and esteem throughout his long life, which terminated on July 26, 1891. His venerable widow still survives, the mother of four children, viz. : Darius O., of Liberty township; George W., of Hoaglin township; Hiram V .. of Pleasant township: and Nora E. A. (Mrs. Grunewald). Mrs. Jesse K. Cooper is a member of the Presby- terian Church; her husband. at the time of his death, was a prominent Mason of this section,
Digitized by Google
600
HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY
being a member of Shawnee Commandery, K. T., at Lima.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Grunewald have had nine children, of whom one died in infancy ; the eight survivors are as follows : Anna M., Amy F., Henry R., Jesse K., Samuel C., George A., Perry I. and Thelma N. M. Both Mr. Grune- wald and his wife are charter members of Alpha Lodge, No. 1, Home Guards of America, at Van Wert, the former being also connected with the Improved Order of Red Men. In politics Mr. Grunewald is a Democrat. As an honest, industrious man-as a citizen who up- holds the laws and who acts at all times for the welfare of his township and locality, he is very highly respected, and the entire family have a wide circle of friends. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Grunewald accompany this sketch.
ON. W. SCOTT JOHNSON, at one time deputy probate judge of Van Wert County, now engaged in the practice of the law at Van Wert, was born in this city, March 19, 1861, and is a son of Davis and Susan A. (Short) (Lennox) Johnson. A sketch of Davis Johnson appears elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Johnson was primarily educated in his native city .. In 1879 he entered the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, for the summer term, and then returned to the Van Wert High school, which he attended until June, 1880. In the following September he entered the preparatory department of Kenyon College, at Gambier, Knox County. Ohio, then known as Milner Hall, a military school for boys. He continued to be connected with that institution until the spring of 1882, when he returned to Van Wert in order to enter busi- ness. During the remainder of 1882 and a part of 1883 he was employed in the grocery
business in this city, but resigned in the spring of 1883 to accept the position of deputy county recorder. He continued in office until the spring of 1885, resigning then to accept the agency of the United States Express Com- pany, also becoming agent at Van Wert for the leading newspapers of Chicago and Cin- cinnati.
In the meantime the young man had been entertaining an ambition for professional life, and in order to find leisure for the reading of the law he disposed of his business interests and entered the office of Saltzgarber & Glenn. where he remained both as a student and clerk until January 1, 1889, during which time he also filled the position of secretary of the Van Wert Gas Company. Early in 1889 he entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in June of that year, having completed a two- year course in six months, and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Ohio, second in the class of 66 students. Mr. Johnson then became associated in the practice of the law with Hon. Hiram C. Glenn. This partnership was dissolved by mutual consent in July, 1891. He continued to practice alone, enjoying a very large clientage until February, 1894. when he was honored by an appointment as deputy judge of probate for Van Wert County. Dur- ing his continuance on the bench, Mr. Johnson made a record that holds out a stimulus and example to those who are called upon to as- sume the high responsibilities attached to such a position. He proved that he possessed a well- balanced judicial mind with the intellectual honesty and freedom from bias which are re- quired in a judge. He served one term also as prosecuting attorney of Van Wert County. He has always stood very high at the local bar and he belongs to the various county and State organizations relating to his profession.
Digitized by Google
601
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
On August 2, 1883, Mr. Johnson was mar- ried to Mary Raker, who is a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Raker, of Fulton County, Ohio. They have three sons, namely: David, Glen and Paul Hastings.
Mr. Johnson was cradled in the Republi- can party, and during all his political life he has been an active factor in his party. During 1894 and 1895 he served as chairman of the Republican County Executive Committee, and upon numerous occasions has advanced his party's interests and ably represented its prin- ciples as a delegate. Fraternally Mr. Johnson is very prominent, being a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern Wood- men of America and the Improved Order of Red Men. In the last named society, he holds the highest office in Ohio, that of Great Sachem; at present he is a representative for the State of Ohio, by election, to the Great Council of the United States, which met last year at Nashville, Tennessee, and meets again this year at Dallas, Texas. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian.
ILBERT A. DULL, proprietor and sole owner of the Willshire (Ohio) Milling Company and a successful business man of the place, has been located here for some six years. He was born March 14, 1869, at Dull Station, 10 miles east of Willshire, and is a son of James Monroe and Martha A. (Lintemoot) Dull. His father was born January 23, 1846, one of the first white children native to Willshire township, and he has always resided within three miles of his birthplace. James M. Dull now owns 360 acres of choice land, Dull Station, of which he was the first postmaster, being named in his honor. His wife. formerly Martha A.
Lintemoot, was born in Liberty township, Feb- ruary 10, 1851, and to their union were born 12 children. namely: Wilbert A., of this sketch; Arthur, of Rockford; Lenhart, of North Baltimore, Wood County; Fannie M. (Custer), of Ohio City; Edgar M., of Celina ; Serena (Taylor), of Ohio City; Curtis, living on the home farm at Dull; Daisy, residing at home; James M., of Celina, Ohio; Herbert, engaged on the home farm; and Cleveland and Thurman, also both at home.
Wilbert A. Dull was reared on his father's farm, educated in the local schools, and pur- sued a business course at the Michael Busi- ness College, Delaware, Ohio. From 1887 un- til 1899 he conducted a general store at Dull, in which the postoffice was also situated, con- tinuing in business there until he came to Will- shire. Mr. Dull now handles coal, hay and grain, and does a general milling and elevator business. When he located in this place he purchased both the mill and elevator, the former being a 40-barrel mill, and the elevator having a capacity of 10,000 bushels. The com- bined establishment forms one of the largest industries in this section of the county, and is energetically and capably managed by Mr. Dull. He also owns the mill property. as well as lots 83, 84 and 103 east of the mill along the side of the "Clover Leaf" Railroad, and is thus insured fine transportation facilities.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.