History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 71

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 71
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 71

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).

Below we give some of Dr. Harper's early recollections of Willshire. He says the first election held in the township was in the fall of 1-33. It was held in the post-office building. There were ten votes cast. The electors were John, Peter. and Jacob Bolenbaugh, Ansel and Benjamin Blossom. J. P. MeManis, James and William Major, John Frysinger, and John Johnston. At the election in 1838 there were thirteen votes cast The first school taught was in 1981 by an Irishman (name het known). The first goods sold in the town was by Patrick Frink in the post office building. The first religions society was a Methodist Episcopal. The first members were Richard Pring, Ansel Blossom, James Major, and their wives. First brick house was built by Amos Compton. The first blacksmith was David Major.

REV. JOUY FRYSINGER.

His father was one of Virginia's pioneers, and bravely fought in the American Revolution. He died at Nottalk, Virginia, in 1.12. having a wife and eleven children. In Iste his wife and children immigrated to Champaign County, Ohio. Her son John was born Jan. 20, Iso;, in Rockingham County, Virginia, and remained there until March, 150. and removed thener to Stone's Crossing. Mercer County. In June . that year he bought land of Amos Compton, in Wilshire Township, and on Sept. 9th was married to Mass Elizabeth Baltzell. Jan. In, ISSI.

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HISTORY OF VAN AERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

they settled on the farm three miles north of Willshire, and at that time the nearest farm north of here was on the Maumee River, thirty five miles distant. On the south his nearest neighbor was An et Blossom, three miles betwist hig and Fort Wayne on the northwest, and on the north side of the St. Mary's River eastward, the nearest family was fourteen miles. Then there was but one family living in Willshire-Mr. John MeManes. He kiored successfully in erecting his cabin and clearing the land, and in process of time reaped his reward.

Rev. Mr. Frysinger as a spiritual adviser and preacher labored suc- cessfully under the banner of the United Brethren, and as a citizen useful and excellent in all things ; in truth, he had no superior.

FREDERICK SCHENERER

was born in Bavaria in 1524. Located in Dublin Township. Mercer County, Ohio, 1-19. He was a miller by trade. He rented from John Rhodes a water grist and saw mill on the St. Marys River, two miles west of Shane's Crossing, for which he agreed to pay four hundred dol- lars a year rent, but before a year expired he bought the mill and 115 acres of land, for which he was to pay thirty three hundred dollars, of this amount of money be bad only one thousand dollars, the balance was to be made on the mill. This mill only had one pair of burra, which he used for wheat, corn, and buck wheat. He ran this mill some three years without any help, running both saw and grist-mill at the same time. Often he would commence on Monday morning and never stop till Sat- urday night, not going to bed for a whole week. This mill was orifit- ally built by John Rhodes in Isto, who ran it till 1x13, when Mr. S. bought it and ran it ten years, when he built another. This he ow ned till 1×73, when he sold his mill and 475 acres of land, and moved to Willshire Township, and bought a farm near the town of Willshire, the old homestead of Ansel Blossom, one of the first settled farms in the county, settled 1822. On this farm is the first orchard planted in the county.

Mr. S. has been twice married-he first married Mary Deior. 1849, by whom he had two children: his wife died 1861. In 1862 he married Elizabeth Schumm, by whom he has had ten children.

Mr. Schinerer is one of the stable farmers of Willshire Township, whose word is known to be as good as his note, and his note is as good in bank as any man's in the county; he is one of the wealthy farmers of Van Wert County.

ANDREW ROEHIM

was born in Germany, 1814. When twenty-one years of age he came to the United States and located in Columbiaun County, Ohio, where he worked by the mouth for about four years at the rate of from seven to ten dollars per month. In the year 1-39 he married Rosanna Jans: in the fall of the same year they moved to Tully Township, Van Wert County, on eighty acres of land he had entered the year previous. When he landed with his wife in the woods he had only five dollars left : they had no cabin; they jipt np a shelter beside a log, and covered it with his wagon cover. Here they lived about three weeks; this was late in the fall and snow on the ground. Here be left his wife all alone in their tent, while he went to Fort Wayne for provisions to live on. For these provisions and a few chickens he laid out all his money. Here he was without a cent of money or a bit of land cleared. When he ran out of provisions he would work for some of his neighbors. He could get a bushel of corn for a day's work, in this manner he worked along during the winter The next spring his wife died. He felt that he could not live bere all alone in the woods. So one of his neighbors loaned bim five dollars and he returned to Columbiana County, where he remained until the fall when he returned to Tully. That same fall he married Catharine Bientz, by whom he had eight children, His second wife died 1858. He then traded his farm for a farm in Willshire Township. Here he married his present wife, and is now located on section 27.

The first election held in Tuby Township was at the house of Mr. Rochm, where they were held for several years. He was one of the pe- titioners for the organization of the town-hip.

CYRUS BOWEN

was born in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, in 1819. When fifteen years of age he went to work for himself; he worked on the Mahoning Canal at $9.00 per month; he worked on this canal about three years; here he saved money enough to enter so acres of lawl; this he dul in Willshire Township in 1-37. This land he gave his father a life-lease upon, his father having been unfortunate, had lost all his property. He came with his father's family to this land August 6, la37. After their arrival Young Bowen worked out by days' work to provide food for the family. The first sack of meal they had in the house Cyrus went to St. Mary's for and brought home on a horse. In IS11. Mr. Bowen mar- ned Mary Metugen, by whom he has ten children. Anthony MeQueen, the father of Mes. Bowen, came to Willshire Township, 18.G. Mr. Bawen has since he came to the township bought and now owns 221 seres of land, all by his own in lustry amt economy; he has now retired from active labor.

HALSTEAD C. MILLS

was born in New Jersey in the year 1812. When a young man without any means, he went to Arkansas to make his fortune; he commeneed by cutting cord-wood for the steamboats and rafting on the river, this he followed a little less than a year. . He then returned to Miami County, Ohio, where he rented a farm for one year. The money he saved in this time he bought 160 acres of land with in Willshire Township. This was in 1839. The following year, ISto, he married Mary Pearson. In 1912 they moved to their home in the woods. From this beginning Mr. M. has become one of the wealthiest citizens of Van Wert County. Mr. Milis has been connected with all the public interests of the county. To him more than any other man belongs the credit of the completion of the T. D. and B. Railroad, he giving his name as personal security for the iron to lay the track. He has invested and paid to the T. D. and B. Railroad 8-000, for which he has not received one dollar in return. He has at the present time 1000 acres of land and 280 acres of wheat in the ground. Mr. M. has retired from active farm life. His wife died in 1571.

FREDERICK SCHUMM

was born in Germany, 1814. Came to the United States with his father's family in 1833. John Schumm, the father of the above, had a konily of five children. They first located in Holmes County, Ohio. Mr. S., when he landed in Holmes County, had just $275 left. this he invested in land, which he owned some three years, when he soll it for $1400, with this money he entered 800 acres of land in Willshire Township in the year 1836, but did not move on to it till 1837. There were just five children, each one got 140 acres. Frederick Schumm, the subject of this sketch, married Magdalena Meyer in 1838. They have twelve children, viz., William, born ISto; John, born 1842; Frederick. 1844; Catharine, 1816 : Jacob, 1848; Hannah M., 1849; Maria B., 1851; Ludwig G., 1853; George F., 1856; Anna M. B., 1858; Martin HI., 1861; Ferdinand G., 1×63.

Mr. S. commenced in the woods with his axe, cleared his land himself, and has made for himself one of the finest homes in Willshire Township; he has 260 acres of well-improved land, with good substantial building-, a view of which is shown in this work.

ABEL JOHNSTON

was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1812. Married Margaret Gilles- pie in 1833. They have seven sons, all men grown, and now residing in other States, except one. Mr. Johnston first came to Van Wert Coutry in 1836, and entered his land, but did not settle on it till 1838. The Johnston family all came from Harrison County: the family consiste i of father, mother, three brothers, and four sisters. There are now living in the county Mrs. Wagers and Abel Johnston, of Wiltshire Township, and Davis Johnston, of Van Wert. They were a family of more than ordinary intelligence, and have held prominent offices in the country. Abel Johnston, the subject of this sketch, was Associate Judge of the county in the year 1917, and has been Justice of the Peace a member of years. Mr. J. had three sons in the late rebellion, who served theit full time of enlistment, and were honorably discharged. Mr ... ...... first school house built in the township, outside of Will-hire Va .... was on section 7, in the year 1×35, and taught by Davis Johnston, also that the first election in the township was in the fall of 1837.

DR. J. F. SHAFENER,

the subject of this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania in 1929, and brought by his parents to Crawford County, Ohio, when quite young. He remained here till 1845, when he went to Seneca County, Ohio. Here he commenced the study of medicine under the tutorage of Dr. W. HI. Coover. He graduated at Cleveland Medical College in 1963, and a > > attended a course at the Ohio Medical College in 1:15, where he :', received a certificate of graduation. In 1849 he married Barbary Meier, by whom he had seven children, three still living. His wife died in 1877. In 1878 he married Nancy J. Roop. By this marriage they have one child, viz., Fred. S., a bright little boy one year of age.

Dr. Shaffner emme to Willshire and commeneed the practice of medi- cine in 1867. From that time to the present he has had the leading practice of the town and surrounding country.

JAMES H. SIMS

was born in Monroe County, Ohio, in 1826, and came to Willshire in 1×63. He married Margaret Chileate in Is;0. They have a family of tive children, viz., Emma. Ha, Almira, Charlotte, and May. Mr. Some. was a volunteer in the war in 1863; was taken prisoner at Beverh, W. V., was sent to Libby Prison, where he remained until there was an exchange of prisoners. Although Mr. Sims was not among the number exchanged, when the roll was called for those who were to be exchan tel. he answered to the name of one who happened to be alment, and marched out of prison with the rest. After the close of the war he enne to Willstinte, where he now lives, and is engaged in the practice of the Lov.

255- 256 .

RES. OF J. B. FRONEFIELD, RIDGE TW'P VAN WERT CO O.

RES. OF PETER GERMANN, HARRISON TW'P, VAN WERT CO. OHIO.

RES. OF FREDERICK LILLICH , WILSHIRE TWP, VAN WERT CO. OHIO.

257

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

PETER FRY SINGER

was born in Virginia in 1-10. When six years of age he was brought by his mother to Champaign County, Ohio, where he remained till he came to Van Wert County. In 1332 he married Sarah Bodes, by whom he had fourteen children. In 1>St be moved to Willshure Township, where be now reddes. His wife ched in 1864. In Preis be married Hannah M Knapp, by whom he has had one child, Mr. Frysinger is one of the oldest settlers now living in the county. His brother John had preceded him some three years, who is now the oldest settler in Will-hire Township, if not in Van Wert County. He has retired from the active duties of life, having spent forty-five years of hard labor in Willshire Township.

ELIAS DULE

was born in Pennsylvania in 1×22. He came to Van Wert County in 1844. and bought len gere- of land in Will-hive Township. on which land he went into dele. two hundred dollars. This indebtedness he paid by working at ten dollars per month. He then commeneed to improve his 2 Jand. In Isso he married Jane Walters. They have six clubiren. viz, Harriet En Hannan I. Johan W., Wm. W., Rebecca J., and Mary R. Mr. Dull has added to his form till he has at the present time four han- dred acres, beside giving to his children two hundred and forty-five aeres. This has all been done by his own industry and economy, and that of his wife. He has continued himself to farming and stock raising, and has been one of the successful farmers of Van Wert County.

A view of his home is to be seen in this volume.

TIMOTHY AGLER,

a son of Jeremiah Agler, was born in Stark County, Ohio, 1834 In 1837 the Agter family came to the Northwest woods. They at first stopped in the edge of Mercer County, and lived in the house of Mr. Schlater's family till the spring of 1828, when they moved on to what they supposed was their land in Liberty Township, where after building a cabin and commencing to clear !and they found they were on the wrong piece of land. They then moved on their own land. where the widow still resides, Timothy AAgler married Elizabeth Brewer, 1857. They have five children.

LENHART DULL

was born in Pennsylvania in 1815. Married Susannah Ream in 1812, by whom he has eleven children, viz .: Celesta, wife of E. W. Robinson, J. Monroe Jefferson, Washington, Franklin. James B., Lafayette J., Joseph E., Isabella and Arabella, and Mary C.

When Mr. Pull arrived at manhood he received from his father's estate $300, this was all the help he ever had to commence with. A couple of years previous to moving to Van Wert County he bought 160 acres of land where he now resides, for this land he paid $250 per acre in the woods, this was in 1810; he moved to his land in 1842. since which time he has cleared his farm, and ailed to it till he had 660 acres. A view of his home is shown in this work.

ADAM DIETERICH

was born in Germany. 1828. He came to America with his father, Jacob Dieterich in 1-3%, and located in Willshire Township. He married Mary Germann, 1-31, by whom he has six children. The Dieterichs, hke many others of the early settlers, commenced in the woods without any means. They first lived in a camp till they could build a cabin; cleared a patch of ground for potatoes and corn; that fall they sowed one acre of ground in wheat; they were not able to buy the seed for more. This they eulti- vated with the hoe, not having a team to work with. He says they have been six weeks at a time without bread in the house.

CHARLES VANCE

was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, 1840. Came with his father ( Elias Vanre, to Van Wert, County in 1852, where he has meule his home prin- cipally from that time to the present. In Isse he married Elizabeth .J. Groninger, by whom he has four children, viz .. Hihida, Adelaide, Owen, and an ilaut. Mr. Vatire is a druggist by profession, and has made a success in his business. He is located in the town of Wiltshire, where he was the first to make a specialty of the sale of drugs. Mr. V. ewn- meneed trade with but little or no capital, but has made for himself a good home, and is doing a good and prosperous business.

HENRY BANTA

was born in Proble County, Ohio, in 1-25, came to Wilshire in 1952, engaged in the mercantile trade in 1858, had been in trade the greater part of the time from that time to this. In the year teen he married Leah Haunting, whose parents (Solomon and Susan Hartzer) came to Will hue in 1945. Mr. Banta is one of the leading merchants of Will. shire; his annual sales are from $35,000 to Stop non, and besides this be deals largely in all kinds of grain.

ANDREW LILLICH

came to America from Germany in the year 1893, with a wife and five children, and settled in Holmes County, Ohio, where they lived till Isso, when they came to Van Wert County, and located on section 25, Will shire Township.

Frederick Lillich, a son of the above, was born in Germany in 1899. In 1-52 he married Sarah Shell, by whom he has had ten children, all still living. Mr. L. has held the office of Township Trustee for several years, and at the present time is one of the Conanissioners of the county.

ABRAILAM PONTIUS

came to Willshire Township in the year 1830, and was one of the few who fist Indped to let the sunlight shine on the fertile soil of Van Wert County. Win. Pontius, a son of the above, was born in Willshire Town- ship in 1841, was raised and lived on a farm till 1972, when he went as clerk in a store. In 1879 he engaged in the hardware trade in the town of Willshire. In 1861 he married Melinda A. Hartzog, by whom he has seven children.

W.M. CHILCOTE

was born in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1823. Came to Van Wert County. 1847. Married Eliza Walters, 1817, by whom he has had eight children. Although Mr. C. was not among the very earliest settlers of Wiltshire Township, yet when he settled on his laud there was not a road within one and a half miles of him, nor a spot of ground cleared on his land. Mr. Chilcote's wife died Nov. 3, 1574.

CHARLES C. CHILCOTE

was born in Pennsylvania in 1819. Married Catharine Philbee in 1840. They have six children. Mr. Chileote came to Van Wert County in 1852.

Robinson Chileote, grandfather of the above, was in the British army in the Revolutionary War, but left the British and joined the Colonies, and was killed in battle. James Phillve, father of Mrs. Chileote, was in the war of 1812, and served until peace was declared.

DAVID SMITH

was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania. 1826, but was raised and educated in Franklin County, Ohio. In Is46 came to Willshire Township: here, for three winters, he followed teaching district school. In 1849 he married Mary Hartzog, when he rented a farm and followed renting farms for eight years, when he bought a farm of his own, and still resides on it. Mrs. Smith die 1874. They have had a family of nine children, tive of whom are still living.

GEORGE M. SCHUMM

was born in Germany, 1$12. Came with his father to America. 1\33. Came to Willshire Township, I>37. Married Maria Pineger, Is ... They have had thirteen children, nine still living. Mr. S. died June 4. 1871.

Henry. G., a son of the above, was born 1854. Married Anna M. Rochm 1879. They have one child. They are living on the old home- stead of his father. A view of the home, together with portraits of the parents, are in this work.

MARTIN SCHISERER

was born in Bavaria, 1834. Came to Mercer County, Ohio, 1852. In the year 1860 he married Mary Schunon, by whom he had four children. viz., Frederick. Henry, John, and Barbara. His wife died 1549. In 1875 he married Rosanna Schuunn, by whom he has two children, Louis and Ferdinand. Mr S. came to Willshire Township in IsGo. He is one of the well-to-do farmers of the township.

GEORGE H. YOUNG

was born in Virginia in 121. Married Eliza . Taylor, 1ti, by whom he has had seven children. Mr. Young is a colored man, whose mother was a slave, but was emancipated when sixteen years of age, and then to Ohio in 1-29. Mr. Young's family are notel as being musician- they frequently travel throughout the country and give c'est eur ... to the public. Mr. Y. is a local minister in the A. M. E. Church.

SAMUEL BELDON

was born in Wayne County, Olio, ISST. Came to Van Wert County. 1880. Married Emma Guer, 1-39. They have four children, viz . Je. .. Wert, Music, an tan infact born Jest. Mr. Bellon for some time has been engaged in merchandising at Beldon Station; is also agent of the T. D. and B. Railroad.

258

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTILS, OHIO.

AMOS W. CHICOTE

was born in Wilshire Township in the year 1841. Married Elmira Dagen, 1463, and resides in the town of Willshire. Joshua Chileote, the father of the above, was one of the pioneers of Willshire Township; be settled here in the year 1886, and was an active citizen of the town- ship till J830, when he passed away.

DAVID CASTO

was born in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1839. Married Susan E. Eyler in 1857. They have three children. Hilinda B., May H., and Burton. Mr. Casto for a number of years has been engaged in the mercantile trade, and at the present time has one of the largest stocks of goods in the county; he is also engaged in buying and shipping grain.

JACOB DULL

was born in Pennsylvania, 1817. Came to Van Wert County in 1838, and married Harriet Ream in 1: 46, by whom he has six children. When Mr. Dull moved on his land there was not a stick cut, except what he had cut for his cabin; they moved into their cabin without a door, a floor, or a window.

MOSES FOREMAN

was born in Maryland in 1846, and came with his father's family to Mer- cer County, Ohio, in 1550, where he lived on a farm till in the fall of 1880, when he came to Willshire and became the proprietor of the Ame- rican Hotel. In 1576 he married Mary E. Bowen, by whom he has one child, Clark M., born in 1878.

JACKSON PENSE

was born in Champaign County, Ohio, 1229. Married Mary M. Kear in 1851. In the year 1:55 they settled in Van Wert County. Mr. Thomas R. Kear. the father of Mrs. Pense, was an early settler of Van Wert County, and was one of the first sheriff's of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Pense have raised a family of seven children.

JOHN P. HEY

was born in Pennsylvania in 1819. Married Margaret Smith in 1843. They have two children, David N. and Orrin W. Mr. H. has for many years been a prominent member of the U. B. Church, and organized the first Sabbath-school ( 1852) that was organized in the eastern part of the township.

DAVID MOSER

was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1826. Came with his father's family to Willshire Township in 1846. In 1852 he married Assenath Wolf, by whom he had three children. They located on section Is, where he now resides; his wife died in 1x59. In 1864 he married Rebecca Wagers, by whom he has four children.

DR. C. C. SCOTT

was born in Defiance County, Ohio, 1853. Commenced the study of dentistry 1573, under Dr. J. L. Scott. Commenced the practice of his profession at Hicksville, Ohio, where he remained till the fall of Is;7, when he came to Willshire, where he now resides. In 1879 he married Mattie B. Davis.

JOUN B. BIENTZ

and wife, with a family of ten children, came from Germany to America and located in Tully Township. 1598. Their sons John and Jacob after- ward (about 1850) come to Wilshire Township, where they now reside. John Bientz was noted as a hunter, and says he has killed at least five hundred deer, besi le bears and other game.

WESLEY J. WALTERS

was born in Ashland County, Ohio. 1-45, was brought by his father, W'm. Walters, to Van Wert County in 1946. In Isos he married Mary L. Smith. They have two children.

I'm. G. Walters, a brother of the above, was born in 1842. Married Jane M. Anderson, 1896; they have three children.

SAMUEL Roop

was born in Pennsylvania, 1-14. Came to Wilshire Township, 1814. Married Margaret Frysinger, 1-51. They have eight children. Mr. Roop paid for his first lands by working by the day at 50 cents per day. He now has a fine form with good improvements, all by his own industry and economy, he never having had a dollar given to him.

WM. STOVE

was born in England 1826. Married Mary E. Widmer in 1-50, They have eight children. They came to Willshire Township, Isch, but bad lived in Mercer County some ten years previous, Mr. Stove was a sol- dier in the rebellion nearly three years; was discharged on account of disability from injury to eyesight.

DANIEL BILLMAN

was born in Pennsylvania, 1825. Came to Willshire Township. 1×39. He married Christina Shafer, 1857. They have ten children ; the parents of Mrs. Billman came to Van Wert County in 1838, and were among the first settlers of Liberty Township.

JOHN C. SCHUMM

was born in Van Wert County. 1819, and married Wilhelmina Brenninger in 1880. , Louis Schumm, the father of the above, was born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, Isis; but came to America, 1533, and married Barbara Pflueger. He died August 22, 1856.

REV. GOTTLIEB F. C. SEEMEYER

was born in New York City, Sept. 28, 1853, and married Wilhelmina S. Franke, Sept. 28, 176; they have three children, viz., Alvine A. C., Anna C. M., and Charles G. H. Rev. S. is now Pastor of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Willshire Township.

GEORGE STAGER

was born in Germany, 1812, and married Anna Deller. 1838. They came to Van Wert County. 1833. They have two children, Catharine and John N. Mr. Stager has been twice married, his first wife died in 1853. In 1851 he married Hannah Shinerer, who died March, 1878.

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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 71

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