History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 69

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 69

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coming to Van Wert County. For several years after coming here, Mr. Ludwig followed carpentering but, in the main, he has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. His first pur- chase of land was made with money he had accumulated by work at his trade. He invested $800 in 80 acres of land, going into debt to the amount of $2,400. This debt he soon paid, and in a short time was in a position to buy more land. He continued to add to his hold- ings until he now owns a splendid farm of 277 acres of well-cultivated land. He has the reputation of being one of the county's best farmers.

Mr. Ludwig married Jennie McCracken, who was born in Hancock County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Hiram B. and Mary A. (Stough) McCracken, the former of whom re- sides at Findlay, Ohio. Her mother is de- ceased. Two sons were born to this marriage, O. Leonard and Charles H.

For many years Mr. Ludwig has been one of the county's prominent men in public life. In the fall of 1894 he was elected a commis- sioner of Van Wert County, and entered upon the duties of his office on September 16, 1895. He served for three years and during the last year was president of the board. His adminis- tration covered many important improvements in the County and his record as a presiding officer is one he may recall with pride. For IT vc -- 3 he has served as a member of the School Board. He is one of the highly es- teemed citizens of Hoaglin township.

AAMAN BRUBAKER, one of the sub- stantial farmers of Liberty township, owner and operator of 176 acres of farm land in section 31, was born in this township on December 12, 1849, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Dull) Brubaker.

The parents were natives respectively of Frank- lin and Fayette Counties, Pennsylvania. Peter Brubaker came to Van Wert County in 1840 (before his marriage) and bought land in what afterward became Liberty township, which he assisted in organizing. He first built a log house and later erected a frame house-the first to be erected in Liberty township, which is still standing and occupied by his son, Naaman, the subject of this sketch. He was a carpenter by trade and was paid in land for his work. His first wife died shortly after their marriage in July, 1840. In 1844 he was united to Cath- erine Dull, who was born in Fayette County, Ohio, and in 1839 came from Stark to Van Wert County, being accompanied by her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Wiant. Peter Brubaker and his wife became the parents of 10 children, of whom Naaman was the third in order of birth. Mr. Brubaker died July 12. 1898: his wife is still living at the advanced age of 81 years.

Naaman Brubaker was reared in his native township, was educated in the old school dis- trict No. I, and also studied under Hon. Au- gustus L. Sweet, now judge of probate, who was at the time boarding at his father's house. With the exception of two years Mr. Bru- baker has spent his entire life in Liberty town- ship. He was married on December 12, 1875, to Ellen Lintemoot, a daughter of Martin and Amanda Lintemoot, who were old settlers of Liberty township. They have had 16 children, as follows : Charles Victor : Ira Raymond; Ada Grace, who married Melvin Myers and has two children-Vance and Gerald; Pearl; Ne- vada, wife of Benjamin Frisinger, of Lima, and the mother of one son; Amanda; James G. Blaine, who married Cecil Sutton, lives in Mansfield, Ohio. and has one child-Lucile : Edna Frances (Mrs. Earl C. Thompson), of Mansfield, Ohio; Meredith: Annetta; Clara : Bessie, and Oressa ; all of the above are living,

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while Lizzie; 'Chesney; Russell and Arta are deceased. Mr. Brubaker has served his town- ship in the capacity of clerk; is a member and trustee of the United Brethren Church, and po- litically is a Republican. A picture of the Brubaker family accompanies this sketch.

ENRY C. GERDEMANN, whose farm is situated in section 33, Wash- ington township, was born in Del- phos, Van Wert County, April 3, 1857, being a son of Henry J. and Many Ann Gerdemann, who were among the most prom- inent residents of the county. His parents were natives of Germany, the father coming to America at the age of 20, and the mother, at the age of seven years. After residing in Delphos for a time, in 1859 they moved to the Ceremmann farm in Washington township, where Henry J. Gerdemann accumulated a large property, being at the time of his death, November 16, 1903, one of the wealthiest farmers in the township. His wife survived him until October 19, 1905.

Henry C. Gerdemann was married No- vember 15, 1883. to Anna Pohl, a daughter of Henry Pohl, of Putnam County, Ohio, and a family of four children have been born to them. viz: Joseph, February 19, 1887; Katie Mary, December 26, 1888, who died September 3. 1903; Minnie, October 9, 1891 ; and Clara, March 21, 1894. Mr. Gerdemann has given his continuous attention to farming. remaining on the home place until the spring following his marriage, when he moved to a farm of 83 acres which was given to him by his father. The place had a new house upon it, but the land was covered with timber. which Mr. Gerdemann cleared off. converting the once wooded tract into a fine,

productive property, from which he thoroughly understands how to get the largest yield. Mr. Gerdemann applied himself so diligently to his work that his health was seriously impaired and he was told by his physicians that the only means of saving his life would be to submit to a surgical operation. The first trip away from home in which he ever indulged was to the sanitarium at Battle Creek, Michigan, where he underwent a very delicate operation for stomach trouble. He remained there three months, with the gratifying result of almost complete recovery of his health. Mr. Gerde- mann and his family are members of St. John's Catholic Church, and are highly re- spected members of their community.

OSEPH H. AUER is a product of Van Wert County, having been born March 17, 1858, on the farm upon which he still resides in section 28, Washington township. His parents, Joseph and Barabara Auer, were natives of Bavaria, Germany, and came to America in the same sailing vessel, the journey keeping them on the ocean for 56 days. Coming at once to Delphos they were married in October. 1853. by Father Bredeick, founder of St. John's Catholic Church of that place and settled on a small farm of 50 acres which through the in- tervention of friends, had been secured for them before their arrival. To the original farm was afterward added 70 acres, the com- bined tract being their life-long homestead. Mrs. Auer passed away January 30, 1897, and Mr. Auer May 23, 1899. They had a family of six children. namely: Barbara (Mrs. Henry Busch) ; George, of Toledo; Joseph: Mary (Mrs. Louis Schaffer) of Landeck: Michael, a resident of Iowa; and i

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Annie (Mrs. Theodore Reddelberger), who died February 21, 1905.

Joseph H. Auer was educated in Van Wert County, where he grew to manhood and is now one of the leading farmers of his sec- tion. He is the owner of a farm of 120 acres in section 28, having purchased of the heirs their interest in his father's old homestead, and is a man whose industry and worth com- mand the respect and esteem of all.

Mr. Auer has been twice married-in October 18, 1883, to Clara, daughter of Mat- thias Heitz, of Landeck. Mrs. Clara Auer died January 2, 1896, leaving four children- Laura, Edward, Arthur and George. The second and present wife was Mrs. Mary (Gehlert) Brueckner, widow of Frank Brueckner, and by her he has had three chil- dren-Madeline, Irene and Viola. Mrs. Auer being the mother of one child, Amy, by her first marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Auer are mem- bers of St. John's Catholic Church and of the Catholic Knights of Ohio.

ENRY ELLER, a pioneer of the county, resides on a farm of 80 acres in section 14, Hoaglin township, in which township he is well known and highly esteemed. He was born in Crawford County, Ohio, July 4, 1839, and is a son of John and Susannah (Keith) Eller, natives of the State of Pennsylvania, who first located (with their parents) in Richland County, Ohio, where they were married, soon after- ward removing to Crawford County, where they remained a short time. They then re- turned to Richland County, and later settled in De Kalb County, Indiana, where they re- sided about eight years, and thence came to Van Wert County, where, about two years

afterward, the father died. The deceased was a Whig in politics, and in religion a member of the United Brethren Church, as was also his wife. Of the children born to this couple, Henry Eller alone survives. As long as his mother lived, Mr. Eller remained with her and cared for her, and, about 40 years ago, she finally passed to her reward.

Henry Eller was reared on a farm, has always followed that occupation and since 1853 has been located in Hoaglin township. He is a man of industrious habits and keen ob- servation, and, consequently, has been emi- nently successful in his chosen vocation. His farm, originally covered with brush and tim- ber, has been brought to its present state of improvement by his own persistent efforts. The progress achieved by science, during his residence here of more than half a century, would have been regarded as a wild flight of the imagination, had it been prophesied to the men who braved the pioneer dangers and hardships of his day and settled in a country where a bridle path often represented the pub- lic highway, the tallow dip furnished the only light and stoves were only a luxury for the extravagance of fashion. Mr. Eller is a Dem- ocrat and a man of sound convictions. He is a member of Mount Pleasant United Brethren Church, of Hoaglin township, and a citizen who is esteemed for what he is and what he has done for the progress of the community.

ILLIAM STOVE, one of the most highly respected retired citizens of Willhire, the owner of a fine farm of 120 acres in section 28, Will- shire township, is also a survivor of the great Civil war, in which he suffered an injury, which permanently impaired the sight of one

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eye. Mr. Stove was born in the parish of Breedon, Leicestershire, England, October 8. 1828, and is a son of John and Catherine (Leawood) Stove, natives of the above named parish.

Mr. Stove belongs to an old landed family of England; but his father was a tailor and draper in his native land. In order to provide better opportunities for his large family, John Stove decided to emigrate to America, and in the spring of 1838 sailed from Liverpool on the old ship "Albion" for the land of promise. She was an old sailing vessel of 900 tons and the passage covered 37 days. Landing at New York, they journeyed to Albany, then by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo and across Lake Huron on the ship "Bunker Hill," to Richland County, Ohio. The father and mother both died within two weeks of each other, in Wood County, Ohio, and both were buried at Fostoria. The father was then 71 years of age and the mother about 68. He was a very loyal man during the Civil war, giving all of his sons to the army, and paying the sum of $600 when a draft was ordered in the town- ship. His children were: Elizabeth, William, Joseph, John, George, Thomas, Mary Ann, Edmund, Hannah, Priscilla and Sarah. Seven members of this family never married and three of the sisters, Mary Ann, Priscilla and Sarah, reside together at Fostoria. Hannah died unmarried. Elizabeth also resides at Fostoria-she is the widow of Solomon Whistler, who was killed at the battle of Chickamauga.

Of the sons, all participated in the Civil war. Joseph was a member of Shover's bat- tery in the Mexican War, and served 13 years in the United States Navy. He had charge of a vessel at Charleston stockade and captured a good prize. He now resides at Avonin, Pennsylvania. John, a printer, was in the

South when the war broke out and, on account of his loyal sentiments, lost all he possessed. He came north and served one year in the Union Army. He died at Cincinnati in the year following the death of his parents, and was buried at Fostoria. He was unmarried. George was also a soldier, and was accidentally killed by his horse, at the age of 31 years. Thomas served one year with our subject in the 46th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. Edmund. now a resident of Bloomdale, Wood County. Ohio. was a member of the 49th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and was with his brother-in-law. Mr. Whistler, when the latter met his death.

In close connection with the above we ap- pend the war record of our subject. In Oc- tober. 1861, he enlisted in Company E. 46th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Captain Pinney and Colonel Worthington, and under these brave officers took part in the battles of Shiloh. Corinth and Vicksburg. In these fearful bat- tles he escaped much, but suffered an injury to his eye which at first sent him to a hospital and in 1864 caused his discharge, on account of disability. For several years he was rend- ered almost sightless. He was awarded first a pension of $8 per month; later this was in- creased to $12; but no amount could com- pensate for the loss he suffered. His record is that of a brave and efficient soldier. He was a member of Heath Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Willshire, until it was discon- tinued.

Going back to his earlier life and relating its events outside his connection with public matters,-Mr. Stove remained at home with his parents until he was 22 years of age. and worked industriously by the day or month as duty demanded, until 1851. For two years. 1849 and 1850, he worked on the construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad, in Wayne County. Ohio, and in 1851 he moved to Black

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Creek township, Mercer County, where he en- te: ed 40 acres of land and also bought 40 acres. The former was what was denominated canal land, and was located about six miles from Willshire. He made many improvements on this property, on which he remained until the spring of 1861, when he moved to Van Wert County. In that year he bought the Bolenbaugh farm, which was first settled upon in 1822. This is one of the oldest settled farms in Van Wert County, and comprises 92 acres on the river. After the close of the army service, mentioned above, Mr. Stove returned to this farm and continued to reside on it until 1871, when he sold it advantageously, and bought what was known as the Tague farm, consisting of 120 acres, in section 28, Will- shire township, a short distance north of his former farm. This is now occupied by his son, Mr. Stove having in 1903 retired to Will- shire, where he has a very comfortable home.

In 1851 Mr. Stove was married to Mary E. Widmer, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in March, 1832, and died on the farm in November. 1891. She was the estimable daughter of Frederick Widmer, who was born in Switzerland and emigrated to America, spending the greater part of his life in Wayne County, Ohio. Mrs. Stove was a good. Chris- tian woman, and was admired and beloved by everyone for her many admirable traits.

The children of our subject and wife were : Clara M., who is the widow of Samuel Fair- child, of Willshire: Sarah Elizabeth, who is the wife of A. Tindall, of Albany, Indiana ; Medora, who is the wife of B. Nye, a resident of Mercer County, Ohio; John, still mourned by the family, who was 24 years old when he leit home 20 years ago and has never since been heard from; Ida, who died a babe: Ed- win, who died aged four years; Kate, deceased at the age of six years; Frederick. deceased

at the same age; Clinton, who is a successful hardware merchant of Willshire; Arthur and Armond (twins), the former a resident of Adams County, Indiana-the latter deceased in infancy; Monroe, who died in infancy ; Wil- lard, who is a telegraph operator on the Den- ver & Rio Grande Railroad in Utah; and one that died in infancy. Mr. Stove has a number of his children settled closely around him.

Politically he has been identified with the Democratic party the whole of his life, and he has frequently been called upon to serve his township in public offices. For two years he was township clerk, and for 20 years he was a member of the School Board of Willshire township, his service only ending when he postively refused to serve longer. He has seen all this section wonderfully developed, and has done his full share in assisting in the good work. The evening of life is being quietly spent among comfortable surroundings, and he is assured on all sides of the respect and es- teem in which he is held.

RANK A. CRAMER, one of the sub- stantial citizens of Van Wert, now engaged in contracting and building, and enjoying a large measure of pros- perity, was born in May, 1855, near Bloom- ville, Seneca County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Anna E. (Shaffner) Cramer.

The Cramer family is of German stock, and its founder in America was Helfar Cramer, a Revolutionary patriot. He settled in York County, Pennsylvania, after the close of the Revolutionary War, and there were born both the father and grandfather of our subject. In 1840 the grandfather (John Cramer), came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Seneca County, where he died in 1856. He was a

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soldier in the War of 1812, serving with the rank of captain; he married Catherine Schlote, of Pennsylvania, and was the father of nine children.

John Cramer, the second, father of Frank A. Cramer, was born in York County, Penn- sylvania, October 9, 1821,and died at Van Wert, November 11, 1905. He came to Ohio with his parents when 18 years of age and lived in Seneca County until 1864; then moved to Pleasant township, Van Wert County, where he bought 120 acres of land. At the time of his death he owned 75 acres of finely improved, fertile land. John Cramer was mar- ried December 29, 1847, to Ann E. Shaffner, who was born in Crawford County, Ohio, Sep- tember 17, 1830, and died at Van Wert, March 28, 1901. Nine children were born to their union, as follows: John W. and William J., both deceased; Sarah C., wife of John W. Bal- yeat, of Middlebury, Indiana; Frank A. and Ralph W., of Van Wert; Irene H., wife of J. W. Kensler, of Ridge township; Anna E., who resides with her sister Irene H .; Martin S., of Ohio City ; and Charles B., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, stationed at Spencerville, Ohio.

Frank A. Cramer was nine years old when his parents came to Pleasant township and set- tled on the farm which is located just outside the city limits of Van Wert. He remained on the family homestead until he was 21 years of age, and in the meantime acquired a good common-school education. He then passed several years away from home, traveling over about 14 States, working at various occupa- tions and having many adventures; but when he found himself 1,000 miles from home, with only three cents in his pocket, he wisely de- cided to return to that safe harbor as soon as possible. He met with a ready and hearty welcome, and, while not desiring to become a

farmer, found this a fine locality in which to learn the carpenter's trade, and, for the past 12 years has been a leader at Van Wert in the building and contracting line. Prior to en- tering into business for himself, he worked for 13 years for one employer. About 1901 he built his own shop on Jackson street, which is a commodious establishment two stories in height, with dimensions of 48 by 50 feet. Mr. Cramer gives employment to from 12 to 15 men, and has successfully carried through a number of very large contracts, at present erecting a $30,000 structure for the Central Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company, the finest building ever erected in the city.

In 1882 Mr. Cramer was married to Kate P. Harris, daughter of Elijah and Ann Harris, of this county, and they have two children- Hazel and Milo. He is the owner of the beautiful family residence at No. 314 North Jefferson street, which he built, and now oc- cupies; has a half interest in three other dwellings; is administrator of his father's es- tate and is contemplating the platting of the old homestead farm.

Politically Mr. Cramer is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason and an Odd Fellow; religiously he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and is one of the stewards.

OHN GEORGE HEYMAN, treasurer of Hoaglin township. is a prominent farmer of the township. He resides on his farm of 80 acres in section 16 -an estate that is kept in a high state of cul- tivation. Mr. Heyman was born in Huron County, this State, February 16, 1863, and is a son of Philip A. and Catherine ( Kurtz ) Hey- man, both of whom were born in Germany. Our subject's parents were married in Huron

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THOMAS C. LEPLEY

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County, Ohio, and lived there until about 1864. when they brought their family to Van Wert County and located in Hoaglin township, Here the father died in 1872. The children were as follows: Henry P., of Hoaglin town- ship; Charles, deceased; John George; Mary (Mrs. Frederick Merkle), who resides in Michigan; Edward W., a resident of Genesee County, Michigan; Robert A., of Gratiot County, Michigan; and Elizabeth C., of Mon- roe County, Michigan. After the death of Mr. Heyman, his widow became the wife of John Metz of Huron County. Later they re- moved to Monroe County, Michigan, where she now resides.

John George Heyman grew to manhood in Hoaglin township, where he acquired a public school education. Later he went to Michigan where for seven years he engaged in agricul- ture. In 1901 he moved to his present prem- ises, which he has greatly improved and con- verted into a most desirable country home. On March 22, 1894, Mr. Heyman was married to Ella M. West, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, and a daughter of Alexander D. and Sarah (Swigart) West. Her father is a de- ceased and her mother, a lady of 65 years, lives with her daughter, Mrs. E. M. Crow, in Hoag- lin township. Mrs. Heyman has a brother, C. S. West, living in Hoaglin township, and two brothers, George T. and William J. West, residing in Seneca County. Mrs. Heyman has resided in this county since 1891 when she came here with her mother. She is the mother of four children, viz : Hazel W., who died in infancy ; Corwin G .; Edna M. and Norma C. Mrs. Heyman is an earnest Christian woman and a member of the Evangelical Association, of which Mr. Heyman is a regular attendant. Mr. Heyman is a Democrat and is now serving on the township board of education. Being a

man of ability and great force of character, he commands the respect and confidence of his iellow-men.

C HOMAS C. LEPLEY, assessor of Ridge township, and a prosperous farmer of this section, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, November II, 1851. His parents were Jacob and Eleanor (Creighton) Lepley, who came to this county early in the '60's and settled on the farm now occupied by our subject. They were active workers in the Presbyterian Church, of which Jacob Lepley was an elder, and stood high among their neighbors as conscientious, God- fearing people. While the father was a Re- publican and took an intelligent interest in politics, he was in no way a politician and de- sired only to see those candidates elected who would best discharge their duties. He passed away March 14, 1902, and his wife on July 10, 1895, having rounded out most honorable and useful lives. Six children survive them : Susanna, residing at North Baltimore, Ohio; who is the wife of S. M. Hickman; Mary E., wife of J. R. Crooks, of Van Wert; Thomas C .; Nancy E., wife of L. C. Callahan, of Ridge township; Omar, a resident of Hastings, Ne- braska; and William J., of Ridge township.

Thomas C. Lepley has spent his entire life in Ridge township and received his education in the public schools here. He has been very successful in his farming operations and owns a fine tract of 120 acres which is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Lepley is a bachelor, and is a public-spirited, enterprising man who may always be relied upon to shoulder his share of the work designed for the good of the commu- nity. He served as clerk of Ridge township four years and is at this time assessor, dis-

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charging his duties in a highly commendable manner. Religiously Mr. Lepley is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Middlepoint and a trustee of that organization. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

B ENJAMIN J. LINDEMAN, a well- known agriculturist of Washington township, was born November 22, 1872, in Covington, Kentucky, and is a son of Joseph and Mary Lindeman, the biography of the former appearing elsewhere in this work. In 1875 the parents came to Ohio and purchased a tract of 80 acres in sec- tion 27, Washington township, which has since been the home of Benjamin J. Lindeman and was inherited by him at the death of his father in June, 1898.

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History of Van Wert County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Part 69

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

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