USA > Ohio > Crawford County > Cranberry > New Washington and Cranberry Township; directorial, biographical, historical > Part 3
USA > Ohio > Crawford County > New Washington > New Washington and Cranberry Township; directorial, biographical, historical > Part 3
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JOHN WILLIAM DERR (page 10) is the oldest son of John William Sr. and Barbara Derr and was born on August 16, 1861 and is a native of New Washington, Crawford county, O. On August 3, 1864, his father departed this life, leaving J. W. and his younger brother, Frank, to the sole care of their mother, who through good management provided for the wants of her children and gave special attention to their early training. Six years after the death of her husband. Mrs. Derr was again mar- ried to L. J. Kimerline, who was a butcher by trade and, as a natural consequence, a large share of the work accompanying the butcher business, remained for William to do. So exacting was the work that very little spare time was left for him to profit by the advantages of education which were then offered. However through untiring diligence he managed to obtain a common school education, and being under the tutorship of a butcher, he at the same time learned a trade which he successfully followed in later years. In the Spring of 1885 J. W. took a commercial course at Ada, O., and completed it creditably. In the Autumn of the same year he and his brother, Frank, formed a partner- ship and leased the butcher shop and outfit of their step-father
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
and began doing business at once. Their business increased in such proportions that necessitated their removal to a more conven- ient location which was accomplished in the Spring of 1889 by remodeling their building on the south-east corner of Mansfield & Monroe streets and furnishing it with all the modern appli- ances of a first class meat market. J. W. possesses rare business qualifications which will insure for him a successful business ca- career. He is identified with the Democracy.
JOHN R. MILLER (page 13) is a native of Cranberry township, Crawford county, Ohio, isthe oldest son of George and Maggie Miller and was born on January 19, 1862. His parents lived on a farm near New Washington and the early years of John's life were such as are characteristic of a farmer's boy. A. large share of the work on the farm remained for John to do al- though quite young. When he was twelve years of age his par- ents moved to New Washington and became proprietors of the Washington House, the management of which largely devolved upon young JJ. R., who always discharged his duties with satis- faction to everybody. He early showed a desire to develop his faculty of learning and gave much attention to his books and was an especially industrious pupil at school. So well were his du- ties in the school room discharged that in the Spring of 1883 he completed the prescribed course of the New Washington High School, being a member of the first graduating class of said
S. J. KIBLER.
J. W. KIBLER.
S. J. KIBLER & BRO
TANNERS
-DEALERS IN- -
Ilides, furs, Tallow, Pelts, &c.
Lime and Plastering Hair always on hand and for Sale. NEW WASHINGTON, OHIO.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
school. This course did not satisfy his desire for intellectual de- velopment, as he afterwards entered and creditably completed a business course at the Spencerian Business Collegeat Cleveland, Ohio. On December 21, 1884, he, in partnership with his father, opened a grocery and provision store in the room which they occupy at present. The management of the large and increasing business remained entirely for John to do, and the manner in which it was done goes to prove that he possesses more than ordi- nary business capabilities. He is now serving his second term as treasurer of New Washington. He is a Democrat.
FRANK DERR (page 10) is a native of New Washing- ton, Crawford county, Ohio, was born in 1863 and is a son of John William, Sr., and Barbara Derr. When he was a little over a year of age he was left to the care of his mother, his fath- er departing this life while Frank was at this tender age. After the marriage of his mother to L. J. Kimerline he, like his broth- er, William, was initiated to the customary work of a butcher's life and became familiar with the buriness. At the age of 16 Frank was determined to try the realities of farm life by work-
ing on a farm near Bloomville for one year. £ In the Spring of 1881 he accepted a position as clerk in the hardware store then owned by W. H. Donnenwirth in New Washington, which posi- tion he resigned, after more than two years service, that he might give more attention to his intellectual development, and attended school with more regularity than he formerly was able to do. In the Spring of 1884 he attended a term of school at the Normal University at Ada, Ohio, and in September of the same year he entered the senior class of the New Washington High School, completing the course the following June. In the Au- tumn of 1885 he formed a partnership with his brother, William, an account of which is given in the latter's biography. The fol- lowing Winter he taught school in the vicinity of New Wash- ington, and so highly were his services appreciated that he was at once re-engaged for the following winter term. After his sec- . term of school as instructor he abandoned teaching as the large and increasing business of the firm of which he was a member, demanded his attention. Frank is one of those young men for whom no toil is too arduous, no task too great and no accomplsh- ment an impossibility. He is a Democrat.
JOHN MICHELFELDER, Jr., (page 12) is a native of New Washington, Crawford county, Ohio, was born on Sep- tember 6, 1847 and is the oldest son of John, Sr., and Frederica Michelfelder. The first fourteen years of John's life were pass- ed on the farm when farming was attended by difficulties which no longer exist in this vicinity. His father being a shoemaker by trade induced John to begin an apprenticeship at the bench at the age of fourteen. His chances for education were limited as in early life he could only attend school in the winter season
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
and after he was fourteen years of age the work depending on him prevented him from attending school at all. He worked with his father until he became of age. After that he engaged his services to his father for two years at the expiration of which he formed a partnership with his father in the boot and shoe business. In 1873 the firm was dissolved by mutual cousent, John setting up in business for himself in the building which he now occupies and carried on an extensive business until 1881 when he formed a partnership with his brother, Jacob, which still ex- ists. On December 1, 1870, he was married to Miss Matilda High. In 1883 he built the dwelling at the north end of Frank- lin street which is acknowledged to be the finest appearing prop- erty in the city. Mr. Michelfelder is an influential citizen, which is the result of honest dealing with his fellow men. He has been called to fill various positions of honor and trust among which are the following: township treasurer, three terms; Justice of the Peace, one term; deputy county treasurer, 11 years; councilman, two terms and is now serving his second term as member of the board of education. Mr. Michelfelder is a prominent member of the German Lutheran church, and during his connection with that church has nearly always served in some official capacity. He is a good specimen of the self made man. He occasionally takes a prominent part in politics and is always found on the Democratic side.
Saloon and Restaurant, J. T. MARTIN, Prop.
HEADQUARTERS FOR WINES AND LIQUORS. Choice Cigars and Tobaccos of all kinds.
Rates Reasonable. First Class Lunches.
CALL AND TRY ME.
South-west Cor. Kibler & Mansfield St., New Washington, O.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
JACOB MICHELFELDER (page 12) is a son of John Sr., and Frederica Michelfelder, a native of Cranberry town- ship, Crawford county, Ohio, and was born on January 14, 1858. Hisearly moral training received considerable attention attend- ing catechetical exercises. He also attended the common schools with considerable regularity until he became thirteen years of age when he began an apprenticeship at the shoemaker trade under the tutorship of his father who was a shoemaker by trade. He worked at this trade with his father until he became 23 years of age when his father retired from the boot and shoe bus- iness. Jacob took his place and in 1881 formed a partnership with his brother, John, Jr., which firm yet exists and is doing a thriving business. On March 8, 1881, Mr. Michelfelder launch- ed into matrimonial life and married Miss Caroline Orlinda Kline, who is a daughter of George C., and Margaret Kline. This union was made happy by the birth of a son, Franklin Glendore, who was born on February 22, 1882. Mr. Michelfel- der is a good business man and through honest toil and an eco- nomic outlay of his earnings he has managed to secure sufficient means which will insure for him a comfortable living in the fu- ture. Mr. Michelfelder is an influential citizen of his township and for three terms creditably served the people of Cranberry township as treasurer. He is a member of the German Luther- an church. Considering that he is yet a comparatively young man a promising future is before him. Politically he adheres to the Democratic faith.
JOHN SIEFERT (page 15) is a son of Michael and Chris- tina Siefert. was born on July 26, 1866, and is a native of Cran- berry township, Crawford county, Ohio. The first fifteen years of John's life were passed on a farm in the vicinity of New Washington, his father then following farming for a livelihood. farm life always is a good stimulant for the development of youths to be industrious, and John having been reared on a farm very naturally learned the utility and necessity of earnest toil. In his early years considerable attention was paid to his moral training having entered and completed a course of cate- chetical instruction of the German Lutheran church. He also attended common school with considerable regularity thereby acquiring a practical education which fitted him for the future transaction of business. At the age of about 15 hisparents mov- ed to New Washington and having purchased the gram elevator in 1879 John's service were required at that place for some time. In November of 1884 he accepted a position in Ailer's Drug Store where he remained for a year giving good satisfaction. In the spring of 1886 Mr. Siefert accepted a clerkship in the Dry Goods Store of J. Sheetz & Bro., a position which he held for nearly three years, proving himself and obliging and trustworthy young man. In January of 1889 he entered a short business course in the Spencerian Business college at Cleveland preparatory for
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
entering upon an active business career. In May of the same year he and his brother, George, formed a partnership and leas- ed the grain elevator of their father, and have since been doing a thriving business. John is a worthy young man and commands the respect of all who know him.
J. T MARTIN (page 12) is a native of Thompson town- ship, Seneca county, Ohio, is a son of Anthony and Margaret Martin and was born on July 1, 1855. His father was born and raised on the farm on which John was born and as a natural con- sequence John's early life life was such as is characteristic of farm life. His advantages of education were those furnished by the common schools which necessarily are very limited. In 1874 Mr. Martin at the age of 19 suffered the loss of his father, and the management of the farm devolved upon John, who for two years carried on the affairs of the farm, after which it was sold at administrator's sale. After the sale of the farm, Mr. Martin worked at various places by the day and in 1881 he was employed by a party who resided in the vicinity of New Wash- ington. In 1882 Mr. Martin purchased the property on the south west corner of Mansfield and Kibler street in New Washington and started a saloon and restaurant. He has carried on a thriv- ing business ever since. On October 2, 1882 Mr. Martin was married to Miss Lizzie Hepp, daughter of George, a prominent farmer near New Washington. This union resulted in the birth of five children-Joseph, deceased, Rosa, Anna, Harry C. and Carrie -; the two last named being twins. Mr. Martin's mother is yet living and was for a number of years a resident of New Washington, but of late years has been staying with her son-in- law, J. M. Cluney, at Toledo. Mr. Martin is a man of consider- able influence in local polities an takes an active interest in the same. His political influence, of course, was always wielded in favorof Democracy. All who know him speak of him as a whole souled, good natured and an obliging citizen.
MICHAEL SIEFERT (page 15) is a native of Stark county, Ohio, is a son of John and Salome Siefert and was born in 1830. His parents were natives of Germany and emigrated to the United States in 1828. In 1834 his parents moved to Cran- berry township, Crawford county, Ohio, which at that time was vet a wilderness. They settled on a farm and began clearing away the forests in earnest and Michael being the oldest son very naturally shared the hardships of his father in this laborious task. On the 29th of January, 1859 he was united in marriage with Miss Christina Hoffses,and by her had a family of fourteen children-Jacob, Michael (dead), John (dead), George, Caroline, Annie, Frederick (dead), William, Michael, (dead), John, An- drew (dead), Clara, Emma and Frederick. Mr. Siefert continu- ed farming for some time. In 1864 he went into the stock busin- ess and followed that in connection with farming until February
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F. W. Som DT.
- THE -
CLOTHIER TAILOR. AND
HATS, CAPS AND
AGENTS FURNISHING GOODS.
MERCHANT TAILORING A
3 doors east of Bank. New Washington, Ohio.
14, 1879. He then purchased the grain elevator at New Wash- ington, of Charles Bros., and has been dealing in grain at that point until a few years ago when he sold the elevator to his son George, who with his brother John, is doing business at the old stand. Mr. Siefert is a public spirited citizen and takes a deep interest in the welfare of the community in which he resides. He is a member of the Cranberry T. O. O. F. Lodge No. 441,and po- litically he is a Republican. Besides being the owner of several lots in New Washington, Mr. Siefert owns 208acres of excellent farming land in Cranberry township, and is an honest and up- right man in his dealings with his fellow men.
GEORGE SIEFERT (page 15) is a native of Cranberry township, Crawford county, Ohio, is a son of Michael and Chris- tina Siefert and was born on July 11, 1862. George was reared on a farm near New Washington, and as a matter of fact is thor- oughly acquainted with the nature of the work which is required of a farmer's boy. The superfluous work on the farm rendered it possible for George to attend the county school only, but through energetic efforts and strict attention to his books he soon acquired a skill in the art of learning which was envied by his fellow schoolmates. Not satisfied with the advantages of educa- tion afforded by the common school, he was determined to ac- quire higher attainments in the realms of knowledge and accor-
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
dingly attended the New Washington High School for one year and two terms, of twenty weeks each, at the North Western Ohio Normal School at Ada. Thus having equipped himself with a good practical education, he was prepared to enter upon an active business career. In the meanwhile his father moved to New Washington and became proprietor of the Grain eleva- tor. The management of this extensive business remained al- most entirely for George to do, and the manner in which the business was carried on proved that Mr. Siefert possessed more than ordinary business capabilities. In 1887 George purchased the Ware House of his father and for nearly two years carried on an extensive trade. The work, however, was too exacting for one man and he again made a transfer of the property to his fa- ther. Shortly after that he and his brother, John, formed a part- nership and rented the Ware House and are at present doing a thriving business. Mr. Siefert was married to Miss Sarah A. Sutter on September 27, 1883, which union resulted in the birth of two children-Orlando Richard and Sylvester Claudius, both living. Mr. Siefert is one of the most prominent young men of New Washington, has advanced ideas of business and is a good and exemplary citizen. Few men of his age possess a better bus- iness tact. In politics he is known as a Democrat.
CHARLES VOLLMER (page 16) is a native of O. A. Marbach, Wurtemburg, Germany, is a son of John and Dora Vollmer and was born on March 13, 1852. In early life Charles took advantage of the opportunities for education, such as the German government afforded. At the age of 15 Charles began to work at the blacksmith trade, at which he remained for about 18 months when he and his brother, Fred, bade farewell to father- land and came to America in May of 1868. They came direct to New Washington where Charles remained for six months after which he was at Bellevue for a short time then at Sandusky for six months. In 1870 Mr. Vollmer moved to Lansing, Mich., where he followed blacksmithing for a living, being in various manufacturing establishments. On october 1, 1872, Mr. Voll- mer was married to Miss Dora Paul, of Bridgewater, Mich., who died on January 31, 1872, of consumption. On the following June 3, he married Miss Kate Roller, of Lansing, who died on June 5, 1877. This union resulted in the birth of two children- Charles Frederick and Charles Michael Benjamin, both living. In September of 1878, while on a visit to New Washington, he married Miss Elizabeth Walter. This union was blessed with five children-William Lewis, Dora Kate, deceased, Rosa Ber- tha; Charles George and John Theodore. In 1881 Mr. Vollmer and family again moved to New Washington where he set up a blacksmith shop for himself and has been sole proprietor ever since except from October 25, 1882, to December 28, 1885, when he was in partnership with L. C. Donnenwirth. He receives a
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
large patronage and the work turned out by him cannot be ex- celled by any of his competitors in the county. He employs from three to six workmen the year round. Mr. Vollmer has served the people of Cranberry township in the capacity of con- stable for three terms. He has been marshal of New Washing- ton for two terms and is at present a member of the Village council. Mr. Vollmer takes a deep interest in the education of his children, is a good neighbor and a true citizen. In local pol- ities he is a prominent factor and wields considerable influence. He has been a lifelong Democrat.
CHARLES MAHON (page 12) is a native of Weller town- ship, Richland county, is a son of John and Margaret Mahon, and was born on July 24, 1842. Charles' parents followed farm- ing for a living and when hegrew up in years he found that there was plenty of work for him to do. His school advantages were very few and only those afforded by the common schools. Always having a long distance to go to school he, in early years found it impossible to attend regularly. Notwithstanding these advantages he managed to obtain a good common school educa- tion. In 1857 his parents sold the old farm on "Chestnut Hill" as it was called and with their family moved to Cranberry town- ship, Crawford county, where they have since resided. Charles followed farming until March 28, 1884, when he purchased an in- terest in the plaining mill at New Washington, with Anthony Herman as a partner. This firm has carried on a very extensive business ever since. In 1864 Mr. Mahon was married to Miss Anna Maria Shilling who was born on July 26, 1840. This un- ion resulted in the birth of four children-David Elmer, deceas- ed, John Ira, Marinda Myrtle, and Lettie Fay. Mr. Mahon takes a deep interest in the education of his children and from all appearances his constant care and attention will not prove in vain. Before Mr. Mahon moved to New Washington he served the people of Cranberry township in the capacity of Trustee for three or four terms. Since his residence in New Washington he has been twice elected a member of the Board of Education and has for three years served that organization in the capacity of clerk. Heisone of the founders of the M. E. church at New Washington and since its organization always filled some official position. He also is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. Cranberry Lodge No. 441. His industry, honesty and piety, is what makes him respected by everybody. He has always been a Democrat.
JACOB F. AILER (page 9) is a native of Chatfield township, Crawford county, Ohio, was born in 1840 and is a son of Frederick and Cathrine Ailer. While yet a babe Mr. Ailer suffered the loss of his mother and consequently did not receive that maternal training which is so important in early life. His early life was passed on the farm, attending the common school
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
with considerable regularity. So well did he attend to his du- ties as a pupil at school that at the age of 17 he was licensed to teach by the county authorities and taught seven successive terms of school giving good satisfaction. He attended the Academy at Hayesville for a short time. On October 3, 1867 he was married to Miss Elsie E. Rang. This union resulted in the birth of five children Franklin J. (dead) William H., Alpha O., Pearl O., (dead), and May Idell. In 1860 he received the ap- pointment as postmaster for New Washington being in John- son's administration. He held this position until September 1, 1885-a period of 19 years. He proved himself an ob lig- ing and competent official. In 1870 Mr. Ailer entered the drug business at the stand which he occupies at present carrying on an extensive business ever since. Mr. Ailer is a man of more than a mere ordinary intelligence, having always been identi- fied with the most important interests in which the welfare of the town was involved. Notwithstanding that the political com- plexion of New Washington is intensely Democratic, Mr. Ailer, who is a republican, was recently unanimously chosen as a mem- ber of the school board, which shows that the people acknowl- edge his honesty and ability. He is a leading member of Cran- berry I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 441, and has been a consistent mem- ber of that organization for 20 years. Mrs. Ailer and himself are consistent members of the English Lutheran church. Through fair dealing and a strict regard for the welfare of the community he has won for himself an enviable reputation.
JOHN BARNET MILLER (page 13) is a son of Paul and Margaret Miller and was born on February 26, 1857 in Cranberry township, Crawford county, Ohio. His parents were farmers and Barnet's first years were spent on the farm where he early was initated to the work which is common to farm life. He attended common school in the winter season when his services could be spared on the farm. He assisted in the man- agement of the farm until he became eighteen years of age when he abandoned the farm and began to work at the carpenter trade with a view of following that trade for a livelihood. So well has he mastered his trade that he experiences no difficulty in se- curing plenty of work. In 1876 he worked at his trade in Del- phos, Ohio, and in Defiance county for a short time. In Novem- ber of 1877 he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Karm. This union was blessed with four children of whom three are yet living-Maggie, born on July 20, 1878; Calistina, born on June 27, 1882; Bertha, born on March 4,1886. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Miller moved to New Washington where he has since resided and through dilligent work and an economic out- lay of his earnings he managed to accumulate sufficient means which secures him a comfortable home. He has the good will of his fellow men which is the result of fair and honest dealing with them. He is a member of St. Bernard's catholic church aud has
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always been a democrat. Mrs. Miller is a native of the state of New York. Her parents are natives of the Old World. Her father was a Frenchman.
MARTIN MATHERN (errata) is a native of Sigen, Saltz-Ellsase, Germany, is a son of Jacob and Margaret Math- ern and was born on April 3, 1850. The portion of country where Mr. Mathern was born at that time was a part of the French domain. The custom then was to send children toschool as soon as they became three years of age, and were compelled to learn both the French and German languages. Young Mathern attended school until he was fourteen years of age, working on the farm when he was not at school. At the age of fifteen he abandoned farming and began an apprenticeship at the cabinet maker trade at which he worked for six years, during a portion of which time he worked at various places in Switzerland and France. After he abandoned cabinet making he began work- ing in a bakery as an apprentice for 3 months. At the close of the war between France and Germany Mr. Mathern bade fare- well to the old country and came to America, arriving at New York on Sentember 16, 1872. Leaving New York he went to Sandusky City, Bellevue and Norwalk respectively visiting ac- quaintances. At the latter place he went into the bakery busi- ness and followed that vocation for a short time at that place and at Buffalo, Monroeville and Chicago Junction. On February
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