History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 101

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878

USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 101
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 101

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).

FREDERICK LUTZ, Farmer, Centre Township; P. O., Neptune, Ohio.

Mr. Lutz is a native of Wartemburgh, Germany, where he was born on the 4th day of December, 1819. His education consists of what could be obtained in the common schools of his native country. He was brought up on a farm, and has made farming his principal avocation through life.

June 28, 1846. he was united in marriage to Miss Frederica Hopf. Miss Hopf was born in Wurtemburgh, Germany, July 19, 1819. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz remained in their native country until 1853, when they emigrated to America, landing in New York City on the Ist day of May. From there they continued their journey westward until they reached Eaton, Preble County, Ohio, where they remained about two years, or until the fall of 1854, when they came to this county, and set- tled in Centre Township on 120 acres of land in section 22, vhoa now comprises their well-improved farm, where they are now living. enjoying all the comfort- that a farmer's life can afford. There were no improvements on the land when Mr. Lutz came to it, so the improve- ments are all the results of their hard labor and energy. They have one child, a son, Charles F., who married Miss Elizabeth Beary, of this county, and is now living on the home-farm with his aged parents.

LYMAN DIBBLE,

deceased, was born in Essex County, New York State, on the 2d day of March, 1804. He was reared on a farm, and nule farming his principal vocation through life. On the 7th day of February. 1931, he married Miss Eliza J. Smart, then of Clinton County, New York. Miss Smart was born in Maine, February 7. 1813, and was brought to Clinton County, New York, by her parents in 1816.

Mr. and Mrs. Dibble settled in Essex County, New York, remained until 1838. when they migrated to Ohio and located in Champaign County, remained about eight years or until 1846, then came to Mercer County, and settled in Jefferson Township, remained until Is53, when they removed to Centre Township and settled on the farm where Mrs. Dibble is now living. Mr. Dibble died July 21. 1>60. They reared a family of four children, viz., Edward A., Charles F., Rebeces, and Fannie A.

Edward A. served abont nine months in the war of 1961. Charles F. married Miss Ellen Saey June 1, 1862, who died July 24, 1563. He then married Miss Annie Armantront. of Jay County, Indiana, by whomu he has one child, a daughter. They settled on his mother's home firm, where they are now living, and he is farming the place for his mother.

MICHAEL HARNER,

deceased, a native of Maryland, was born Jan. 18. 1794." He was a sol- dier in the way of 1-12. Shortly after the close of the war, or about 1816, he moved to Ohio, and located in Ross County, where he married Miss Hannah Roebuck in 1918, They remained in Ross County about eighteen months, or until September, 1-19, when they came to Morrer . County, and located in Paulin Township, one-half mile south of where the village of Mercer now stands; remained a few months, then, in 120. he entered, made improvements, and moved on 160 geres of the farm now owned by Cyrus Collins, in U'nion Township, this county, where he passed the remainder of his days.

He died Sept. 12, 1870, after having lived a half century on the one farm. He veared a family of seven daldien, viz., James, William, Bon jamin, But, Michael, Ele mor Ja, and Susan. Only four of the nutaler are now living- James, Benjamin. Elvanor J., and Susan. Ruel and Michael died in the war of the rebellion.

38/- 382

RES. OF STEPHEN HOWICK , CENTRE Tw'p , MERCER Co. OHIO.

3-3

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

WILLIAM BONIFACE,

deceased, was born in Virginia about the year 1×02. He came to Clinton County, Ohio, where he married Miss Hannah Wright In 1823 or 1821 they migrated to Mercer County, and located in Dublin Township, near the village of Mercer ; remained several year-, or until, in 1527 or Ises, he entered, made improvements, and moved with his family on the land where Neptune is now breasted, in Centre Township. He was the first settler within three miles of where the village now stands, except a man by the name of Crawford, who lived one-half mile east of Mr. Bouifield's. He laid out the town of Neptune, and gave it its name. He was the first hotel-keeper in the village, and conducted the business for several years. He was a carpenter by trade, and that, in connection with farm- ing and hotel-keeping, was his avocation through life. He filled the office of justice of the peace of Centre Township for a number of years. He died January Ist, 1-41. His companion survived him until Octo- ber 6th, 1850, when she died at the ripe off age of seventy-five years. They reared a family of seven children, viz., Arnold, Mary, Andrew J., Margaret. Abel, Elisha M., and Caroline, only three of whom are now living-Margaret, Abel, and Caroline.

WILLIAM BARRINGTON, Farmer; P. O., Neptune, Ohio.

Mr. Barrington is a native of Ireland, where he was born Jan. 31, 1811. He emigrated to America, and located in St. Marys, then Mercer County, but now Auglaize County, Ohio, Sept. 1. 1832; remained until February, 1×40, when he came to this county, and located on the land which now comprises his well-improved farm in Centre Township, one- half mile south of Neptune, in section 22. where he has since resided, and made farming his vocation for forty-one years, highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.

On the 30th day of January, 1840, he married Miss Rosanna Not- tingham, a native of Virginia, where she was born March 5, 1524, and came to St. Mary's with her parents in the fall of 1839. By this union he reared a family of eight children, viz., John W., George C., James P., Ann, Jane, Arabella, William A., and _

George C. served three years in the war of 1961 in the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, returned home, and is now living in Missouri.

James P. served three years in the same war in the Ninth Ohio Vol- unteer Cavalry, returned home, aud is now living in Colorado.

The other six children are living in Centre Township.

AMOS STANBERY,

deceased, was a native of Morris County, N. J., where he was horn Oct. 4, 1787. When at the age of about twelve years he migrated with his parents to Fayette County. Pa., where he remained for a number of years, making his home part of the time in Fayette, and the balance of the time in Greene County. Pa. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Waynes- burgh. Greene County. Pa., where he remained many years. He filled the position as clerk of the commissioners of Greene County for seven- teen years, and also held other positions of trust while in Greene County. In Iste he moved with his family to Ohio, and located in Centre Township. Mercer County, on the land now owned by John Lamb, section In, on which he cleared away the forests, made im- provements, and lived several years, then moved to Auglaize County, Ohio, where he died June 20. 1:57.

He was twice married; first. to Miss Sarah Lutz, by whom he had pine children, but only two of the number are now living, viz., Stanley and Margaret. His companion died Feb. 19, 1550. His second mar- riage was with Martha A. West. Nov. 23, 1850, who survived him about two years, and then died in 1859.

STANLEY STANHERY.

son of Amos Stanbery, deceased, was born in Waynesburgh, Groene Co., Pa., on the 24th day of February, Isis, where he grew to manhood. Ile was educated in the common schools of Waynesburgh. On the Ist day of August, 1:59, he was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Bowen, of Greene County. Pa. They settled in Waynesburgh, remained about one year, or until October, 140, when they moved to Ohio, and located in Centre Township, Mercer County, where they resided a short time, then moved to Indiana State, remained about two years, or until 1: 41- 15, when Mr. Stanberg returned to Centre Township, entered, male im- provements, and moved his family on the land in section 15, which now comprises his well-improved farm, on which he has since resided, and given all his attention to farming, clearing land, and stock-raising. They reared a family of four children, viz., Mary, Sarah, Heury, and Jeunic, all of whom are now married and have families.

Mrs. Stattbery died Nov. 16, 1855. Mr. Stanbery then married on the Sth day of April. 1-57, Miss Mary L. Harrison, of Zanesville, Mus- kmgum County, Ohio, by whom he has four children, viz., Charles HI., William, Elizabeth A., and John Il.

JOSEPH B. NEWCOMB,

a son of Miletus and Rhoda Newcomb (deceased), was born in Essex County, New York, Jan. 26, 1929. He came with his parents to Ohio in 1831, and located in Licking County, where he remained until 1s11. when he came to this county with his mother, his father bring dead, and located in Centre Township, on the land a part of which he now owns, where he grew to manhood.

In 1-19 he married Miss Jane E. Piper, daughter of Daniel and Sarah A. Piper. Miss Piper was born in Miami County, Ohio, June 5, 1=33. and came to Mercer County with her parents in 1536. and located in Centre Township. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb settled in Centre Town-hip on a part of his mother's home-place, on which he erected a log cabin, which served them as a price of residence for many years, or until 1870, when he erected a frame residence. There were no improvements on the portion of the quarter section which fell to Mr. Newcomb as his share of the home-place. He at once began making improvements, and at this time has his farm well improved. He has purchased land, and added to what he received from the home farm, until he has a large tract with abont seventy acres, cleared and under enttivation, which is largely the result of his own labor. They have a family of seven chil- dren now living-three sons and four daughters.

REV. JAMES DRURY,

deceased, was born in Vermont, July 17, 1797. He migrated to Kon- tucky, where he married Miss Sibyl Marlin. In 1834 he. with his wife and family, migrated to Ohio, and located in Centre Township, Mereer County, where they passed the remainder of their days. He died in August, 1-55. His companion survived him until August 28, 1877, when her death occurred.

He served as justice of the peace and constable of Centre Township for a number of years. He was one of the first Baptist ministers in the county, and assisted at the organization of several churches of that denomination in Mercer and adjoining counties. He reared a family of seven children, viz .. Laura F., deceased ; Horace M. deceased : Sam- ucl M .. William L., George N., Sarah S., deceased ; and Walter HI.

Laura F. and Sarah S. died in Centre Township; Horace M. died in the army, June 12. 1864, at Falmonth, Kentucky.

Samuel M., William B., and Walter H. all served in the war of 1961. Saiquel M. was with Sherman on his march to the sea.

JACOB WRIGHT,

deceased, was born in Maryland, on the 24th day of September. 1807. He migrated to Ohio and located in Tuscarawas County, where he mar- ried Miss Silva A. Whitney. of that County. They remained in Tusca- rawas County until 1852, when they came to Mercer County and located on one-half of the northeast quarter of section one in Liberty Township, where they passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Wright diot Feb- ruary 29. 1567. Mr. Wright survived his companion nutil May 10. 19;9, when he also passed away. They reared a family of eight children, Kezia, Mary J .. William C., JJames W., Margaret. Thomas G., Samuel J. and Annie E. Kezia and Mary J. are now deceased. James W. William C., and Thomas Q. served in the late war. William C. and Thomas G. enlisted in Company I of the Thirty-fourth Onio Volunteer Infantry, served about eighteen months, and were discharged at the close of the war.

James W. enlisted in Company F of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served three years, and was discharged from the service in 1565 at the close of the war.

JESSE KEYSER. Farmer; P. O., Neptune, Ohio.

Mr. Keyser was born in Montgomery County, Pa., June 16, 1816. He is a stone-mason and bricklayer by trade, and that in connection with farming has been his avocation through life.

Amail 25, 1851, he married Miss Martha Yost, by whom he reared a family of nine chaldren-two sons and seven daughters.

In 199 they came to this county, and located in Centre Township on the land where they now reside. He now owns a well improved farm of 160 acres in section 17, with one hundred acres under enitiation, which is principally the result of his own hard labor and industry.

WILLIAM CAIN.

deceased, was born in Virginia Oct. 12. 1826, and came to Mercer Couldy with his father, Aaron Cam, when but a small boy. and located in Cuiou Township. In IST he came to Centre Township to live with Brujamm Roebuck, deceased, with whom he returned until 1016. In 1×1; he married Mrs. Frances Tullis, nie Roebuck, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Roebuck.

Mr. and Mrs. Cain settled on the land in Centre Township in section Is, which now comprises the well-improved form owned and occupied by his sides, Mrs. Cain, and their son, Joseph R. Cain. He died on the "0th day of August, lois, highly esteemed by all who knew him.

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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

MOSES TOWNSEND,

son of Jonathan and Aun Townsend, was born in Bucks County, Penn- sylvania. March 11th, 1:23. He came with his parents in 1×32 to Ohio, and located in Columbiana County, where he received a good common- school education, and taught one term of school in Columbiana County and five terms in this county. October the 12th. 1Is, he married Miss Ellen Harris, of Stark County, Ohio. In I-au they came to Mercer County, and located in Centre Township on a part of section 10, where they remained several years. He then purchased a part of the north- eu-t quarter of section 9, on which he made improvements and has since resided. They had one child, William W. Townsend.

Ilis companion died September 18. 1877. He then married Miss Eleanor J. Sturgeon, of Auglaize County, Olio, January 19, 18-1.

He served about ten months in the late war in Company I of the 46th Olio Volunteer Infantry.

He has made farming and stock-raising his principal vocation through life.

LOYAL SPICER,

retired, -- was born in Rutland County, Vermont, July 23. 1797, and was reared in New York State. In 1516 he migrated to Ohio and located in Butler County, remained two years or until ISIS; be then moved to Shelby County, and thence to Miami County, where he remained several years or until February 21, 1435, when he came with his family to Mercer County, and settled on the land in Centre Township now' owned by his son Samuel Spicer, where he is now living at the advanced age of eighty-four years, and enjoying reasonably good health for one of bis years. He has been married twice; first to Miss Elizabeth Richard- son in December, 1819, by whom he had two children, one son and one daughter. His second marriage was with Miss Sarah Craft, of Miami County, Ohio, June 17, 1830. By this marriage he had two children, Charlotte and Samuel. Charlotte died July 9. 1865. Samuel is living on the home-farm in Centre Township, and is taking care of his father in his feeble days. Mrs. Spicer died August 21, 1865.

JUSTUS B. DAVIS,

second son of Samuel and Laurs Davis, deceased. was born in Miami County. Ohio, March 12. 1>25. He was brought to this county in Sep- tember, 1834, by his parents, who settled on a part of section 35, in Union Township, where our subject grew to manhood. Sept. 29, 1848, he married Miss Susanna Murlin, daughter of Daniel and Sally Murlin. Miss Murlin was born in . Hardin County, Ky., Dec. 26. 1>22, and was brought to this county by her parents in 1833, who located in Union Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis settled in Centre Township, on a part of the . northeast quarter of section 11, on which he made improvements and has since resided, and now he has one among the best-improved farms in the neighborhood, which is principally the result of his own hard labor. They reared a family of four enildren, viz .. Sarah, Mary E., Eleanor J., and Sabert S. He served about four months in the late war in Com- pany K, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards.

JOUX E. YocUM

is a practical farmer and stock-grower-industrious, energetic. deter- mined, and persevering in character. He was born on the 31st day of August, 1833. in Wayne County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Yocum, who came with him to this county in 1854, and settled in Fuion Township near Mendon.

On the 8th day of July, 1858, Mr. Yocum was united in marriage to Miss Mary M., daughter of Jacob Fronetiell, born in Starke County, Ohio, July 13, 18.35, and came to this county with her parents in 1939, who located in Union Township. Mr. and Mrs. Yorum settled on a farmu near Mendon, remained about ten years, or until Ists. when he purchased and moved on the farm in Centre Township, section 21, where they are now living. They have a family of five children-two sons and three daughters.

WF-LEY COPELAND

was born in Greene County. Ohio. November 20. 1525. In February, 1856, his parents moved to what is now Union Township. Auglaize County. The subject of this sketch came to Centre Township in Novem- ber, 1:31, and located on his prosent home farm. . It was then a wilder- ness, but under the energetic management of Mr. (. it now " Hossoms as the rose." He has added to the original purchase until he now owns three Jaundred and losty apres of well improved land, with good leiblings. On April &, Ist ;. he was married to Mary Aun Perkins, of Auglaize County. Then children were named: Louisa Jane (dead). Elseina, Eli. Sylvester K., William A. Nettie, and File. Elena married Warren 3. Woodson, of Centre Township; Eli married Calla Real, and lives in Dublin Township; the other children are at home.

J. S. Rick, Farmer ; P. O., Neptune.

Mr. Rice was born in Miami County, Ohio, April 27th, 1835. He was brought to Mereer. now Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1836, by his parents, Jacob and Ruth Rice, and located near St. Marys, where he grew to manhood. He was eineated in the St. Marys Union School, and fol- lowed teaching as a profession for several years. On the Ist day of September, 1961, he married Miss Margaret Homer, of Union Town- ship, Mercer County, and in 1862 they settled on the land in section 12, Centre Township, where they now reside. In 1862 he enlisted in Com- pany F, 99th O. V. L., and served until the close of the war. He followed teaching in connection with farming, after his return from the army, until Ists, when he retired from teaching, and has since given all his attention to farming.

They have a family of five children-two sons and three daughters.

THOMAS SPANGLER, Farmer ; P O., Neptune, Ohio.

Mr. Spangler was born in York County, Pa., March 12, 1829. He is a shoemaker by trade, which business be followed about twenty years, and then turned his attention to farming, and has since made that his avocation.

Sept. 3, 1450, he married Miss Sarah Fisher, of York County, P'a. In October. 1857, they migrated to Ohio, and located in Neptune, this county, where they remained until February, 1864, when they moved on the farm in section 13. Centre Township, where they have since resided. They have one child, a daughter. He served about four months in the war of 1861, in Company K. One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards. He has been one of the managers of the Board of the Agricultural Society of Mercer County for nine years.

C. L. S. SHANKLIN,

deceased, was born in Randolph County, Va .. April 12, 1819, where he grew to manhood on a farm. In about 1837 he came to this county with his mother, Mary Shanklin, his father being dead, and located in Centre Township. In 1842 he married Miss Martha Roebuck, of Mercer County. born in October, 1819. Mr. and Mrs. Shanklin settled in Cen- tre Township on the land in section 4, now owned by their son. James M. Shanklin, where they passed the remainder of their days. They reared a family of seven children-two sons and five daughters. His companion died Nov. 15, 1856. He then married Mrs. Sally Roebuck. née Murlio. May 1, 1960, by whom he had one child, a daughter. He died Dec. 31, 1875. He followed farming as his principal vocation through life.

SAMUEL R. CROW,

deceased, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Dec. 12. 1806. On the 13th day of May. 1845, he married Miss Sarah Snodgrass, of Ohio County, W. Van born Sept. 26, 1824.

They settled in West Liberty, W. Va., remained until April, 1859. when they migrated to this county, and located in Centre Township on the land in section 15. now owned and occupied by his widow, and children. Mr. Crow died on the 24th day of May, 1867, honored and respected by all who knew him.

He left a family of six children, viz., Mary R., Rebecca S., John S .. William A., Samuel R., and Sarah S. to mourn the loss of a kind and indulgent father.

CASPER SHNARRE, Farmer; P. O., Neptune, Ohio.

Mr. Shnarre is a native of Prussia, where he was born Oct. S. 1817. He served four years in the Prussian army. In 1815 he emigrated to America, and located in Cincinnati, where he married Miss Mary Roder. Oct. 21. 1847. They remained in Cincinnati until April 9, 1:56, when they came to this county, and located in Centre Township on a part of section 14, which now comprises their well-improved farm, where they have since resided, and followed farming as their avocation. They have a family of seven children-three sons and four daughters. He is indu -. trions, energetic, and enterprising, and is considered one among Centre Township's leading farmers.

JAMES W. WRIGHT,

second son of Jacob Wright, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. November 3, 1943, and came to this county with his parents in Iso2. and located in Liberty Township, where his boyhood day's were spent on a farm. August IB, Fxc2, he enlisted in Company F. Ninety-month Ohio Volunteers, and served until the war closed. On the 20th day of June, 1-69, he married Miss Sarah Brougher, both in Fairfield Counts. Ohio, August 12. 1550, and came to this county with her parents. Daniel and Many A. Besucher, in Body, and located in Liberty Township

Mr and Mrs. Wright settled on the farm in Centi Township, where they now reside, two miles west of Neptune, in section 16. They leave five clafren, two sons and three daughters. Farming is his avocation.

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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

JAMES MALICK, Farmer, Centre Township; P. O., Neptune, Ohio.

Mr. Malick was born in Clinton County, Ohio, on the 1st day of September, 1831. He was brought to this county in September, 1947, by his parents, Uriah and Chloe Midick, who located in Union Township on land in section 25, now owned by Hugh Hamilton, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. On the 29th day of March, 1857. he married Miss Matilla Patterson of Mercer County, born in Centre Township Nov. 5, IST, and daughter of Henry and Margaret Patter- son. They settled in Centre Township on the farm where they have since resided. A part of this farm is in section 10 and a part in section 11. They have five children-two sons and three daughters.

In June, 1863, he enlisted in Company K, Eightyeighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served until the close of the war, and was discharged from the service on the 4th day of July, 1565, and returned home.

JAMES M. SHANKLIN, Farmer ; P. O., Neptune.

Mr. Shanklin is the eldest son of the aforesaid C. L. S. and Martha Shanklin, and was born in Centre Township, Mercer County, Ohio, April 26, 1816, on the farm where he is now living. He is a carpenter by trade, and followed that business ten years as his vocation, or until, in ISTS, he gave up his trade, and turned his attention to farming, which business he has since conducted with sueress. In I>Gt he served about four months in the army, with Company K. 156th Ohio National Guards. On the 31st day of December, 1>74, he married Miss Susan Rider, of Mercer County, born February 34. 1853. daughter of John and Jane Rider. Mr. and Mrs. Shanklin settled in Centre Township on the land now owned by Philander Davis, in section 1. where they remained until 1876, when they moved on his father's home-farm, where they now re- side. They have one child, a son. He now owns the home-form, which he purchased shortly after his father's death.

UNION TOWNSHIP.

This township comprises an area of thirty six square miles, and occu- pies the northeast corner of the county, being bounded on the north by Van Wert County, on the east by Anglaize County, on the south by Centre Township, and on the west by Dublin Township. At the time of organization, in 1828, it comprised the present township of C'entre, which was attached for business purposes. The surface is generally level, and is drained; by the St. Marys River, which How- from east to west in an irregular course, and Eight-mile Creek and Twelve-mile Creek. two tributaries of the St. Mary's. The soil is fertile and very produc- tive. At the period of settlement the pioneers had to contend with the water incident to a level surface, as well as the usual heavy timber of the whole region. The axe and -pade joined hands in reducing a wet and marshy timber region to a high and flourishing state of cultivation. The half century just passed has produced great changes in all depart- ments of life, and over a great portion of the field of nature. The same spirit of change, of destruction, supplemented by construction, has operated here, transforming the trackless marshy wilderness of fifty years ago into a township of productive farms, teeming with domestic life, and traced by highways fringed with pleasant homes, the foundation of prosperity and happiness-school-houses, the pride and hope of the race ; and churches, whose spires point upward forever. It is the for- ward march in the line of progress, keeping step to the music of devel- opment. Let us look back upon the actors who laid deep the foundation- stones of this development -- to the men who came to an unbroken forest. and planted a strong social and material growth. The year Is22 marks the era of settlement, and we pause to cast a glance at the settlers in the order of their arrival.

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History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 101

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton Number of Pages: 878

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878