USA > Ohio > Crawford County > Cranberry > New Washington and Cranberry Township; directorial, biographical, historical > Part 4
USA > Ohio > Crawford County > New Washington > New Washington and Cranberry Township; directorial, biographical, historical > Part 4
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GO TO J. Michelfelder & Bro
NEW WASHINGTON, OHIO,
For your Boots and Shoes and examine their stock and get pric- es before you buy, for this is the old reliable
ETead-quarters!
For boots and shoes where you always find the best and largest assortment in town. This is the only place in town to get the well known Forbush & Brown and S. Kennard & Sons' fine boots and shoes. Also a full line of our own make of boots and shoes. Custom work a specialty. Repairing neatly and Promptly done.
Special inducements on Rubber and Felt goods. We are determined not to be undersold.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
24, 1876, Mr. Mathern was married to Miss Catharine Rubeck who departed this life on August 5, 1886. This union resulted in the birth of four children of whom two are yet living-Jo- sephine and Lawrence. He resided for a short time at Bloom- ville and Bellevue, after which he moved to Richwood, Ohio, where he run a bakery for eight years. He came to New Wash- ington in March of 1884. On Nov. 2, 1885 he moved to Tiro, Ohio, where he opened a bakery which he sold and moved back to New Washington and opened a bakery on August 5, 1889 and is doing business on an extensive scale. He is a good citizen, is a member of the Catholic church and always was a Democrat.
JOHN DONNENWIRTH (page-10) is a son of George and Sophia Donnenwirth, is a native of New Washington, Craw- ford county, Ohio, and was born on January 14, 1848. His fath- er having been elected County treasurer,he and his family mov- ed to Bucyrus in 1856, John being 8 years of age. This afforded a grand opportunity for John's schooling as the advantages of a school in a city far excel those in the country, and the result was that he acquired a good practical business education. In 1863 he began to work at the tinner trade at Columbus where he remained for 12 years, after which he went to Delaware complet- ing his trade at that place in a year. He followed his trade at Millersburg and Bucyrus, staying a year at each place. In 1868 he engaged his service to the Bucyrus brewery, running a deliv- ery wagon. The next year he followed his trade at New Wash- ington where he was united in marriage with Miss Malinda Hos- ler on February 15, 1870. This union resulted in the birth of nine children-Leonora E. (dead), Arthur F., Gertrude C. (dead), Clarence Frederic, Mamie Sophia, Millie May, George Merle and Adam Earl (twins), and Edith M. In the Spring of 1870 he again moved to Bucyrus where he remained two years, working at tinning the first year and running a delivery wagon for the brewery the second. In 1872 he moved back to New Washington and, in partnership with Isaac Hosler, opened a tin shop and stove store. An extensive business was carried on un- til the sale of their goods and tinners' tools to W. H. Donnen- wirth. John remained with W. H. while he was in business and after he sold his store to J. M. Guiss & Co., John remained with the new firm until September 1885. The election of Grover Cleveland to the Presidency in 1884 insured for New Washing- ton a Democratic postmaster. Mr. Donnenwirth captured the prize-receiving the appointment on August 6, 1885, and taking possession of the office on the 31st of the same month. He held this office until May 15, 1889, discharging the duties of this office faithfully and creditably. In the Summer of 1889, Mr. Don- nonwirth opened a saloon and pursues that occupation at pres- ent for a livelihood. Mr. Donnenwirth has served the people of New Washington in the capacity of councilman for two terms,
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and was the first chief of the fire Department of that Village. At ยท present he is serving the people of Cranberry township as clerk. He takes a deep interest in the education of his children and is proud of his family. He is a member of the German Lutheran church, has always been a Democrat which, he says, means a good citizen.
OTTERBEIN FREDERIC LAUGHBAUM (page 12) was born, in a rude cabin, on the banks of a small stream at Olentangy, Crawford county, Ohio, January 31, 1858. His father Henry Laughbaum, was engaged in running a saw-mill, and though poor at the time, took much interest in the educa- tion of his children. In a district school at this place, the sub- ject of our sketch commenced the alphabet of his education. Here, too he fell into the stream twice, and nearly lost his life by drowning. At the close of the Rebellion, his parents moved on a farm in Polk township, three miles north-west of Galion, where his early school days were spent in connection with the farm work. After attending common school a number of years, he entered the S. N. C., a Normal school controlled by the U. B. church, and very creditably completed its entire course of three years. Knowing that men are self-made, and that the college does not give an education, but an opportunity to get it; and that money from any other source than his own earning would not make a man of him: he perseveringly worked his way through school, by alternating teaching and attending school. After completing the above Normal course, he entered Fostoria Academy, an institution at that time under the control of the U. B. church, and presided over by the Rev. W. F. Jackson, A. M., Ph. D. He remained in this institution two years, taking the Latin course. He then entered the Roanoke Classical Semin- ary as a member of the Faculty and student at the same time. Here he taught some of the sciences and mathematics, and con- pleted the Classical course of the Seminary. This institution was presided over by the Rev. M. DeWitt Long, A. M., B. D. Mr. Laughbaum first taught school in Whetstone township, this county, District No. 9, two years. He next engaged the Wind- fall school, district No. 4. Jefferson township, where he taught four years. In the spring of 1882 he was elected Pridcipal of the New Washington High School, which position he has occu- pied ever since. While teaching in the High school he has ad- vanced his education, by privately studying and completing the Chautauqua Literary Course, which puts into his possession three Diplomas. He, also, holds a certificate in his county val- id for five years. He says, the event above all others that has made his life a happy and successful one, was his marriage to Miss Kitty F. Fast, of Roanoke, Indiana. He visited the Sem- inary to obtain an education, and succeeded, also, in securing a more valuable prize than knowledge, i. e .- a good wife. He possesses a fine library, and delights in reading and writing;
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having written quite a number of articles on Moral and Relig- ious subjects for publication in Religious papers, under some Nom de plume. He is Editor, of "Home College and Commerce," published at Columbus, Ohio, for Crawford county. Mr. Laugh- baum hasa determination about him that will carry him through any work he undertakes, and he has a strong hatred for that which is wrong in whatever form it may appear. He abhors immorality, his habits are enviable, and he possesses a christian character worthy of imitation. He is a strict temperance man, and believes in educating the young and rapidly rising gener- ation properly in temperance principles. Mr. and Mrs. Laugh- baum are members of the M. E. church. They are great lovers of home, where they may be found when duty does not call them elsewhere. If other young men would thus economize their time, practice temperance principles, avoid the use of to- bacco &c., they might be the possessors of more means, as well as, of more knowledge, wisdom, and happiness.
VOLLNEY POWERS (page 24) is a native of Tomp- kins township, Adams county, N. Y. is a son of Lemiel and Jane S. Powers, and was born in 1814. In 1818 Mr. Powers' pa- rents moved to New Haven, Huron county, Ohio, where his father purchased a farm. He however practiced medicine and rented his farm. This gave young Vollney an opportunity to attend school. His father remained at New Haven until 1826 when he and his family moved to Plymouth and purchased the land on which the east side of Plymouth now stands. He laid out lots and was practically the founder of that city. He enter- ed the Drug business and young Vollney assisted him in this enterprise and attended school as time would permit. Vollney seemed anxious to learn a trade of some kind and his father set up a shop where Vollney became an apprentice at the hatter trade. He worked at this trade fortwelve years proving him- self quite an adept at the business. In 1837 he was married to Miss Mary A. Ream, who departed this life in 1871. This un- ion was blessed with fourteen children of whom but five are liv- ing-Elizabeth, Jane, Amanda, James and Rolley. In 1844 he moved to New Washington and engaged in the mercantile bus- iness and carried on quite an extensive trade. During his stay at New Washington he was also proprietor of an extensive ash- ery which was of vast importance in those days. In 1850 he dis- posed of his stock of goods and ashery in New Washington and bought some land in Cranberry township. He however moved to Centerville where he purchased an interest in a saw mill and for 33 years done an immense business at the mill furnishing lumber for the B. &O. R. R. which was then undergoing con- struction. In 1854 he moved back to Cranberry township and purchased the farm on which he resides at present. In 1874 he was married to Mrs. Margaret Runion who yet survives. Mr. and Mrs. Powers are both members of the M. E. church. He
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has been a good citizen all these years which endears him to his fellow men. Politically Mr. Powers, originally was a whig but at the birth of the Republican party he joined its ranks and has been of that faith ever since.
HENRY HAGEMAN (page 21) is a native of Cranber- ry township, Crawford county, Ohio, was born on March 13,1848 and is a son of Chas. and Catharine Hageman. His early life was that of a farmer's boy which in those days was no very pleas- ant lot. He stayed with his parents until he became 25 years of age when he purchased a forty-acre farm and began farming for himself, and done threshing for 16 years in connection. While quite young he attended the common school, but the work on the farm demanded his attention after he grew older. On De- cember 25, 1873 he married Miss Martha A. Garberich, who is a native of Galion, Ohio. She was a teacher by occupation and taught 10 successful terms in succession. This union was bless- ed with five children- Gertie Pearl, William Melroy, Maudie Ellen, Howard Garberich and Eva Ione-all living. Mr. Hage- man has been prominently connected with the school affairs of his district. Mr. Hageman is a consistent member of the M. E. church at Goodwill and is now serving as trustee and class lead- er. The family was several times stricken with malignant dis- eases but in every case they came out as conquerors. He is re- spected by his fellow men.
JOHN E. BLAND (page 20) is a native of Auburn township. Crawford county, Ohio, and was born on August 6, 1849. His parents were farmers and John also learned what it was to be a farmer as it can be said that he was born and raised on the farm. He could only attend the winter terms of the com- mon schools on account of the great amount of work which was required of him and he therefore did not enjoy the opportuni- ties for education which the youth enjoy at present. On the 25th day of December 1872 Mr. Bland was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Willford, who is a native of Cranberry township, Crawford county and was born on May 17, 1855. This union re- sulted in the birth of seven children-Lillie Della, Nancie, Sam- uel, David, Minnie, Eliza and Catharine. Mr. Bland enjoys a popularity among his fellow citizens of which others may well be envious. The honor and trust which his fellow men reposed in him, is manifest in the fact that the people of Cranberry town- ship twice elected him to the office as trustee, In his road dis- trict he has served in the capacity of supervisor for 12 successive years and in his school district he served as local director for three terms. Mr. Bland takes an active part in politics and is an uncompromising Democrat.
H. M. CORY (page 10) is a native of Cranberry town- ship, Crawford county, Ohio, is a son of Thomas and Esther Co- ry, and was born on December 28, 1845. Mr. Cory was reared on
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
the farm, and during his youth received a good common school education, which was due to his close attention to books. At the age of 20 he sought to widen his achievements in the realms of knowledge by attending the seminary at Lexington, Ohio, for two years; after that he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, for one year. In 1870 Mr. Cory went to Kansas and engaged in the real estate business for a number of years and at the same time read law under the instruction of his brother, Thomas C. Cory, at Parsons. In August, 1878, he returned to New Washington where he extensively engaged in the insurance business. He taught school for a number of years, always giv- ing complete satisfaction. On October 2, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie F. Baker, of Shelby, Ohio. They are now the happy parents of two little girls-Hazel and Minnie M. Mr. Cory is a man of a large influence, both as a citizen and as a politician. The trust reposed in him by his fellow men is kept in sacred faith, and in this is the secret of his universal popularity. He is now serving his third consecutive term as Mayor of New Washington, as well as his third consecutive term as Justice of the Peace of Cranberry township. He does an ex- tensive business in legal matters and his counsel is sought by all in his community. Politically he is an unflinching Democrat and stands high in the estimation of his party thoughout the en- tire county. In matters in which the interests of his community are at stake he is always on hand and ready for work.
JOHN FREDERIC WALTER (page 28) is a native of Abstadt, County Seat, Heilbronn, Wurtemburg, Germany, is a son of John P. and Elizabeth Walter, and was born on Septem- ber 27, 1834. On the 25th of March, 1846, he and his parents bade farewell to their native country and embarked for America coming direct to New Washington where they arrived on the following May 25th. On arriving at New Washington, his par- ents located on the farm on which J. F. now resides which at that time was yet a perfect wilderness. He remained on the farm until he was 19 years of age when he went to Bucyrus and began to work at harness-making under the instructions of J. G. Birk, and remained with him about three years, when he took a tour through some of the western states. In June, 1858, he was sum- moned to the bedside of his father who died shortly after his ar- rival at home. The management of the farm now devolved en- tirely upon Frederic. By hard work he succeeded to lay up enough money to purchase the farm on which he now resides. On December 25, 1859 he was married to Miss Barbara Elizabeth Trimmer, who departed this life on April 26, 1872. This union was blessed with seven children of whom four-Elizabeth Loui- sa, Mary Catharine, John William and Jacob Frederic-are vet living. On February 1, 1883, he was again married to Caroline Seyffer, who yet survives. He served the people of Cranberry
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
township in the capacity of trustee for three terms, has been school director the greater part of his life and was land apprais- er in 1880. He is a member of the German Lutheran church and was a member of the church council for 16 years. He is an honest man, a good citizen and a peaceful neighbor. He has al- ways been a Democrat and cast his first vote for Buchanan. A better citizen Cranberry can hardly produce.
JOHN MCCARTHY (page 22) is a native of Cranberry township, Crawford county, Ohio, was born on January 20, 1860 and is the son of Timothy and Margaret Ann McCarthy. His father was one of the pioneers of Cranberry township. He came to this township in 1835 when nothing but swamps greeted them, and later was prominently indentified with the affairs of the township. John's life, until he became 17 years of age, was passed on the farm. At the age of 17 he had acquired an educa- tion which enabled him to teach school. After teaching one term he went to St. Vincent, Pa., and attended college for some time. In 1881 he permanently settled on the farm where he has since resided proving himself and intelligent as well as a suc- cessful farmer. On July 4, 1883, he was married to Miss Caro- line Kessler, of Seneca county. This union resulted in the birth of five children of whom four are yet living-Patrick, Michael, Mary and Justin Albert. Mr. McCarthy is inden- tified with the school interests of his district. He is a member
GRAIN ELEVATOR !
GEO. SIEFERT & BRO., Prop's,
NEW WASHINGTON OHIO.
-. ALSO DEALERS IN -
GRAIN, ALL KINDS OF SEEDS, SALT, LUM- BER AND COAL.
SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO FLOUR AND FEED. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.
Opposite Penna Depot.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
of the Catholic church at New Washington. In politics he is known as a Democrat and in his neighborhood as a good citi- zen.
MATTHIAS M. SPRINGER (page 26) was born in Wel- ler township, Richland county, Ohio. Jan 15, 1837, is the second son of George W. and Elizabeth Springer, is a farmer by occu- pation, was successful in mechanical pursuits. At an early age he adopted the motto, "Where there's a will there's a way." ""' He first visited Cranberry township, Crawford county, April 1,1850, and was a frequent visitor in the township during the subse- quent years, until March 1, 1875 when he married Miss Ferena Easly and located as a citizen. He removed to Ottowa county Sept. 24, 1867, while there was foremost in organizing the Rock- y Ridge U. B., class on Port Clinton circuit, and was appointed steward, also organized a very successful German and English union Sabbath school at same place, of which he was superin- tenent during the sub-equent years that he remained. In Dec. 1873 he returned to Cranberry township after six years and a quarter of financial prosperity. He owns and resides on a good eighty acre farm two miles east and three miles south of New Washington. He was a member of the 2nd O. V. C. over four years during the war, was in 23 engagements and had two hor- ses shot from in under him, was also a prisoner of war. In be- half of our Nations defenders residing in Cranberry township, with Mr. Springer's permission we publish the following brief extract from the speech of Capt. Pedrick as delivered at a re- union at Geauga Lake Aug. 8, 1883: "Another year has passed and again we are permitted to join hands in social interconrse with each other, to strengthen and freshen the ties of friendship which were born in danger and hardship during each year of the rebellion. I say born out of danger and hardship, and he who has stood side by side with his comrade in battle when shells were tearing the air over him and minnie balls were singing requiems about him will surely remember that feeling of trust and reliance upon those true hearts around him, each and every one of whom could be counted as a whole man, able and willing to meet his man. Some of you will remember Bugler Springer of my old company M. He is here today blind. He was one of this type, a true marksman and when alongside of him in action I could almost caress the peculiar squint he had to his eye as it ran along the sight of his carbine with the best effect, and at the close of uncertain and hard earned victories. I well remember how the feeling would come upon me to rush forward ard hug him with such an affectionate embrace till he would shout enough. And this is what I mean when I say that at such times this affection was born. To such men as he who bore the brunt of battle in the rank, and there did the execution, we are indebted for our victories." This is but one of perhaps many in the town-
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ship that proved their loyalty in the hour of our nation's peril by standing true to the old flag. Mr. Springer manifests a deep interest in the education of his children, and, itis well known that his children have acquired a high attainment in music, lit- erary and educational skill.
PROF. J. F. KIMERLINE (page 12) is a son of John and Mary Kimerline, was born on December 5, 1855,and is a na- tive of Wayne county, Ohio. His youthful days were passed on the farm with such school privileges as the common schools afforded at that time. He possessed an insatiate desire for knowledge,and to appease that desire he determined to increase his mental acquirements by attending schools of a higher grade than the country school. He attended the academy at Smith- ville for some time where he was sufficiently qualified to teach. He then alternated teaching and attending school, as he was comparatively without means. He thus managed to accumu- late sufficient means to pay for his schooling as he was wholly dependent upon himself. In 1882 Mr. Kimerline graduated from the North Western Ohio University, at Ada, receiving the degree of Master of Sciences of that institution. In 1887 the de- gree of Bachelor of Arts, was conferred upon him by the same institution. In 1874 he was elected superintendent of the New Washington Schools, a position which he yet holds. In a strict regard for the welfare of his pupils, his practical every day rep- resentation of the principles of true manhood and his conscien- tious and unostentatious discharge of his duties, lies the secret of his permanent remunerative position. The present high standing of the New Washington schools is largely due to his individual work, more so than any other one man. In 1881 he was appointed amember of the Crawford county Board of school Examiners and for seven years served in that capacity credit- ably to himself and satisfactorily to his constituents. On De- cember 29, 1881, Mr. Kimerline was united in marriage with Miss Ida M. Breneman, of Congress, Ohio, who was a successful teacher for over ten years and who had charge of the Primary department of the New Washington schools for a short time. They are now the proud parents of four children-Florence L., Dale Clifford, Harry Breneman and Louis Marie. He takes a deep concern in all matters involving the interests of his commu- nity and always was a strong supporter of worthy enterprises. He is respected by those who know him, admired by his pupils and honored by his fellow citizens. . His popularity, as an in- structor, is not confined to his home, but has a good reputation and is prominently associated with the best educators of his sec- tion of the state. He is a Democrat.
THOS. F. KELLER M. D. (page 12) is the youngest son of Reuben and Caroline Keller, was born in Tiffin, Ohio, where 25 years of his school days were spent in the common
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
schools and Heidelberg University, graduating at the Universi- ty with a class of eighteen which at that time was the largest class Heideberg University had the honor of graduating. After graduating he devoted his whole time to the study and practice of medicine, graduating at Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill., afterwards locating in New Washington, Ohio, and has been a resident physician of this place ever since. Dr. Keller has proven himself to be a scholar physician and healer in the arts of rare attainments second to none in northern Ohio. Being a member of the Ohio State, North-western Ohio and Seneca coun- county Medical societies, gives him prestige to the best Medical skill and attainments desired. Always corteous and affable to- wards his fellow man, vindictive and determined against injus- tice and wrong doings and the moral courage to uphold princi- ple before policy in the doings of today. In 1879 he married Ella, the oldest daughter of W. O. and Sarah A. Spayth, who together have won the respect and confidence of the entire com- munity as shown by their acts in both precept and example through the busy avenues of every day life. Dr. Keller has not only succeeded as a physician, but has been very successful in a pecuniary point of view, being the owner of Kellers Block, Far- mer's Drug Store and Farmer's Dry Goods Store, New Wash- ington, Ohio.
ANTHONY SMITH (errata) was born on Feb., 24, 1831, in Hardin county, Virginia, a county famed for her heroes du- ring the early revolutionary times. At the age of three years he with his parents, came to this state and county, where they be- gan clearing up some of the wilderness which then laid claim to nearly the whole of this ard Chatfield townships. Mr. Smith can relate many interresting experiences of the early history of these townships, having been a resident of Chatfield township for three years and of Cranberry for more than 50. By hard labor and well directed energy he has fairly enriched himself. On Jan. 30, 1866, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Kahler of Cranberry township, Rev. Belser officiating. This union was blessed with three children: John, born Dec. 27, 1866; Maggie, born March 23, 1870; William, born Aug. 23, 1874. The children are still with their parents who for the past year resided on their farm north-east of New Washington. They moved back to New Washington in the autumn of 1889. Mr. Smith is an active Democrat in politics, and honest and accomodating neighbor, an indulgent husband and father and is in consequence esteemed by all.
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