USA > Ohio > Clark County > Portrait and biographical album of Greene and Clark counties, Ohio, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county; together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States > Part 69
USA > Ohio > Greene County > Portrait and biographical album of Greene and Clark counties, Ohio, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county; together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States > Part 69
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OSEPH SULTZBACH, after a residence of thirty years in Clark County, died at his home in Moorefield Township, April 30, 1886. He was what may be properly termed a suecessful man, and one who was the architect of his own fortunes, arising from an hum- ble position in life, and pursuing that course which gained him the esteem and confidence of his fellow- men. He was born April 30, 1812, in York County, Pa., and traced his ancestry to Germany and England. He was reared to agricultural pur- suits, which he followed all his life, and at an early age was trained to habits of industry, growing up
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with a limited education. His father was a tanner by trade, and spent his last years in Pennsylvania. His mother was a well educated lady, and passed away prior to the decease of her husband.
Mr. Sultzbach, when a young man of twenty years, was married in April, 1832, to Miss Cather- ine Longnecker, a native of his own county, and born December 26, 1811. Her parents were Christian and Catherine Longnecker, likewise na. tives of Pennsylvania. There were born of this union the following children: Elizabeth, Henry, a resident of Kansas; Joseph, of Clark County, this State ; Franklin, who makes his home in Springfield ; Amanda, Mrs. Samuel Markwood, of the State of Washington; John; Kate, Mrs. McLean, of Moore- field Township; Hyman, a railroad contractor in Texas; Webster; Annie, the wife of John Hurn- berger, of Moorefield Township; Howard, who op- erates the home farm; and Calvin, who died in childhood.
Remaining in his native State until 1856, Mr. Sultzbach then emigrated to Clark County, Ohio, and purchased the land upon which his widow now lives. They commenced life in true pioneer style, experiencing many difficulties, and laboring with great industry in order to make for themselves a home and a competence. Mr. Sultzbach in his family was kind and indulgent and a good pro- vider, and among his neighbors he bore the name of being remarkably obliging and hospitable, aim- ing to do by those around him as he would be done by. For many years he was identified with the German Reformed Church, and was a thorough and attentive Bible student. In politics he was a Republican, and he held the various minor offices, including that of Township Trustee for many years. He left to his widow a valuable estate, en- bracing three hundred and forty acres of fine farm- ing land, with good buildings and all the other appurtenances of a well-regulated farm, including live stock and machinery. It stands as a fitting mon- ument to the energy and perseverance of its pro- jector.
Mrs. Sultzbach proved the assistant of her lius- band in all his worthy undertakings, and labored faithfully by his side in the accumulation of their property. She likewise was identified with the
German Reformed Church, while her kindness and charity are proverbial. Among and old young she is a universal favorite, and "Grandma Sultzbach" is held in affectionate regard by all who know her.
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G EORGE W. COFFIELD. This gentleman holds a leading position among the thrifty farmers of Mad River Township, Clark County, where for many years he has prosecuted agriculture very successfully and is now well-to- do. Personally he is very agreeable, entertaining and hospitable, and is a great favorite among his fellow-citizens. His home farm comprises one hundred and sixty-three acres of land on section 11, while he has other land on section 17. His farm buildings and other surroundings indicate in a marked manner the thrift and enterprise which are characteristic of the man. He makes of his vocation an art and a science, and deserves the success with which he has been rewarded.
Mr. Coffield is of honorable antecedents, being the son of Gen. Jolin Coffield, who was born in Washington, Va., April 3, 1797. The paternal grandfather was Arthur Coffield, a native of Ire- land, and born in 1753. He was reared to farming pursuits, and when approaching manhood learned the weaver's trade. He was married in his native country, where he lived until about 1773, and then emigrating to America, located first in Vir- ginia. Thence he removed to Ohio, and lived in Hamilton and Champaign Counties. Afterward he went to Kentucky, but subsequently returned to Ohio and settled in Mad River Township, Clark County, where he died in 1849, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. Grandmother Coffield had passed away twenty-six years prior to the (lecease of her husband, her death taking place in 1823.
The father of our subject came with his parents to Ohio about 1810. When approaching manhood he learned the cooper's trade, and finally emi- grated to St. Louis, Mo., where he was during tlie first cholera epidemic which visited that city. From there he returned to Ohio, and located in
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in the vicinity of Cincinnati, where he opened a shop of his own. He was a very skilled workman in his line, and indeed could make anything re. quired from wood, being more than ordinarily handy with tools. Early in the '30s he removed to Fairfield, where he put np a shop, but this was shortly afterward destroyed by fire. About that time he was married, in June, 1835, and subse- quently engaged in farming on the land now occu- pied by his son, George W. Here he spent his last days, departing hence in September, 1875.
The father of our subjeet was for many years connected with the State militia as a Lieutenant. Subsequently he rose still higher, and was mus- tered out with the title of General. . George W. has in his possession his father's sword, a relie with which he would not part for scareely any amount of money. Gen. Coffield officiated as Township Trustee for a period of twenty-five years. He was Justice of the Peace for eighteen years, and a member of the School Board nine years. Politi- eally, he was a suaneli Demoerat, and in religion, a Universalist. Mrs. Nancy (Tenney) Coffield, the mother of our subject, was born in Mad River Township, in 1816, and was the daughter of John Tenney, a native of England. and born in 1766. Grandfather Tenney eame to America in 1800, and settled in New Jersey, where lie was married to his second wife, Eliza Pinckney, a lady of German descent. In 1808 they came to Montgomery County, this State, but in 1811 removed to Clark County. Grandfather Tenney entered a traet of Government land, and soon afterward engaged in the War of 1812. He witnessed the surrender of Hull, and after the war was over returned to his farm, where he died in March, 1846. His wife survived him until September, 23, 1852.
The mother of our subject spent her childhood and youth with her parents, living in true pioneer style in a log house, learning to spin wool and flax and weave and knit. After the death of her hus- band, she made her home with her children until she too passed away, May 31, 1887. She was a lady of many excellent qualities, and a member in good standing of the Christian Church, at Enon. Of the first marriage of Gen. Coffield there were born three sons: Freeman and William, who
engaged in the Mexican War, the former was under the direet command of Gen. Seott, and entered the City of Mexico with him. Will- iam, at the close of the Mexican War; enlisted in the regular army, and served for five years in Texas, and enlisted in the Army of Missouri at the outbreak of the Civil War, losing an arm by the premature diselarge of a cannon. He is now a resident of St. Joe, Mo., in the employ of a rail- road; Freeman is farming in Darke County, this State; Joseph M. also served in the Civil War, and is now a resident of Denver, Col. The see- ond family comprised nine children: John T. died near Lincoln, Neb .; Sarah, Mrs. Arthur, died in Mad River Township, Clark County; Margaret, Mrs. Collier, is a resident of Springfield; Arthur was killed in the battle of Oldtown, Md .; George W .. our subject, was the fifth ehild; James P. re- sides in Green Township, Clark County; Uriah died when about twenty-seven years old. Peter T. resides in New Carlisle; Ella died when six years old. The eldest son and Arthur were in the one hundred days' service during the Civil War.
The subject of this sketch was born at the old homestead in Mad River Township, Clark County, May 3, 1843. He received a good education, at- tending a seleet school and finally Wittenberg Col- lege for two terms. He spent his summers on the farm, and when a youth of nineteen, began teaeli- ing school, and with the exception of two winters, followed this profession for a period of twenty- four years. He then studied law for two years, under George Spenee, of Springfield, and in 1873 was admitted to the bar at Columbus. He began his practice, in Springfield, with Milton Cole, who was subsequently the Mayor of that city.
On the 21st of January, 1874, Mr. Coffield was joined in wedloek with Miss May, daughter of William Bartlett. This lady was born in the State of Ohio, and traced her aneestry to England. Her father, who was born in Maine, located in Ohio when sixteen years old, and was variously occupied for some years. He was married at Lan- easter and then removed to Washington, D. C., where he became an attache of the Treasury De- partment, under President Pieree. After Bn- chanan eame in he resigned, and then returned to
1
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Lancaster, where he tried farming, but in 1856 emigrated to the Southwest, loeating in Missouri, and remaining in that region until 1862.
Returning now to Ohio, Mr. Bartlett engaged in merchandising at Urbana five years, and then en- tered the employ of the Government, as a mail agent between Sandusky and Dayton. He was thus occupied until his death, which occurred March 29, 1869. He was a sound Republican, politically, and in his religious views was a Meth- odist.
The mother of Mrs. Coffield bore the maiden name of Laura A. Clarke. She was born near Lancaster, this State, and descended from New England ancestry. Her grandfather, Obediah Clarke was born in Connecticut. The latter sel- tled in Lancaster at an early day, where he was engaged in farming and died. His wife was a sister of the well-known Thomas Ewing. HIis daughter, Laura A., was a cousin of Gen. Ewing, and in her younger days was a schoolmate and companion of Gen. Sherman. After the death of her husband she resided at Enon until the fall of 1889, and then went to Eureka Springs, Ark., and made her home with her daughter. To her and her husband there were born six children. The eldest son, Edward, when nineteen years old en- listed in the Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and died of hardship and exposure; William, after serving in the army three years under Gen. Ewing, started home and stopped in Manhattan, Kan., to procure a suit of citizens' clothes, and while there he was taken with typhoid fever, from the effects of which he died and was buried there; Charles G. went into the army as a substitute, when sixteen years old, serving until the close of the war, and is now living at the Soldier's Home in Sandusky; May, Mrs. Coffield, was the next in order of birth ; Ellen, Mrs. Ingraham, is living in Arkansas; All- nie died when seven years old.
Mrs. Coffield was born in Chauncy, Ohio, May 29, 1854, and two years later went with her parents to Missouri. She was a maiden of fourteen when they located at Enon. When seventeen years of age she began clerking for the firm of Hanes & 'Vallace, with whom she remained until lier mar- riage. In 1874 Mr. Coffield removed to Fletcher,
this State, and in company with his brother en- gaged in the grain trade. In 1876 he became principal of the Brandt Schools the second time, which position he held two years. In 1878 he re- moved to his present farm, where he has effected many improvements, erecting buildings and plant- ing trees, and has a vineyard of five hundred vines. He raises quantities of grain and good grades of live stock. He has been quite promi- nent in local affairs, voting the straight Demo- cratic ticket, serving as Land Appraiser of Real Property, of Mad River Township, Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. He has been Township Trustee for the past seven years, a Justice of the Peace for nine years and is also a member of the School Board. For three years he was a member of the County Agricultural Society. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Fair- field, the Masonic Lodge at Osborn, and the Christian Church, at Enon, of which he is a Trus- tee. Mrs. Coffield, a very intelligent lady, has her own views upon matters and things, and be- lieves in prohibition. The four children are named respectively, Carroll D., Ray E., Nina C., and Ella May.
W ILLIAM CRABILL, JR. Within the
bounds of Clark County no family can be found whose members are better rep- resentatives of the best element of society and agriculturismn than that of which our subject is a member. Several members, of the family occupy a foremost rank in their respective communities, to which they have been raised by their intelli- gence, courtesy, uprightness and energy. The subject of this sketch has an abundance of these qualities, and is highly respected by his neighbors and townsmen, who are so thoroughly acquainted with his character and useful life.
It may be well to devote a brief space to the main events in the lives of the parents of our sub- jeet, both of whom were natives of Clark County, and spent almost their entire lives within its
Bours Truly Jonathan N Forgy
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bounds. Thomas V. Crabill opened his eyes to the light in Moorefield Township, November 2, 1810, growing to manhood there and marrying a lady of the same township. This lady was Miss Sydney Yeazell, whose natal day was February 6, 1815, and who is yet living and quite advanced in years. Their marriage rites were celebrated Janu- ary 31, 1833, and for more that a quarter of a century they shared each other's joys and sorrows, the husband being called hence September 5, 1884. Their family consisted of fourteen children, of whom William Crabill, Jr., is the eldest.
The subject of this sketch first saw the light of day in Springfield Township, Clark County, March 15, 1834, and grew to manhood there. He has resided in this county all his life with the exception of one year when lic was quite young, during which his parents lived in Illinois. He received a common-school education, and carly engaged in agricultural pursuits, beginning his career as a farmer on rented land. For fourteen years he worked on as a renter, being then able to purchase one hundred acres at $75 per acre. He now has a fine farm of one hundred and seventy-eight acres on section 20, on which a fine set of buildings has been erected and various substantial improvements made. His residence is one of the beautiful farm. houses of the township, its attractive external appearance giving promise that the interior will be both comfortable and pleasant. The compe- tence which Mr. Crabill has secured, and the sub- stantial footing he has among business men, is the best proof of his ability in worldly affairs.
The wife of Mr. Crabill was in her maidenhood Miss Sarah E. Wise. She was born in Clark County, March 6, 1841. and in Madison Township, November 1, 1860, became the wife of our subject. She is a worthy companion for one of her hus- band's character, and has been a devoted mother to the children who have been given her, not ne- glecting deeds of kindness among her neghbors, by whom she is highly regarded. She is the mother of eight children-Joseph, who married Mary Hinkle; William E., Lizzie, John, IIattie, Alice, Elza and May. All are living except John, who died in his fifth year.
Mr. Crabill has held some school offices, and has
taken quite an active part in political affairs, being a strong Republican. He and his wife were mem- bers of the Methodist Church for several years, but in 1888 they united with the Second Lutheran Church, of which their children-Joseph, William, Lizzie and Hattie, are also members. Mr. Crabill was one of the building committee of Fletcher Chapel, and took an active part in building that edifice; he is one of the Board of Trustees of the church and Treasurer of the Committee.
ONATHAN V. FORGY. The progress of civilization in this century is noticeable in every department of industry, but especially so in farming. Man no longer teases nature for a sustenance, but having a thorough knowledge of the soil and its adaptability to the different cereals, commences his labor systematically, and reaps in bountiful harvests, the fruit of his intelli- gent toil. Few of the homesteads of which Clark County is justly proud, are more attractive or pleas- ant than that which is owned and operated by the gentleman of whom we write. Here he was born March 4, 1833, and here he has resided nearly all of his life. The estate which is located in Bethel Township, comprises one hundred and thirty-five acres on section 31. Besides this farm, he also owns two hundred and twenty-five acres of land on sec- tion 25, of the same township, and other property in Indiana and Illinois, together with a considerable amount of bank stock. His property represents the results of his almost unaided energy, industry and good management, and his wealth is the mer- ited reward of his efforts.
The parents of our subject were Joel and Han- nah (Perrine) Forgy, the former of whom was born in this county about 1805, and spent his whole life here. In 1829 he settled where his son now lives, and here he died in 1857, after having se- surred a competency by agricultural labors. For many years he was Township Treasurer. Politi- cally, he was a Whig, and religiously a Presbyte- rian, having been a member and Elder of the church for many years. He was a son of John
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Forgy, of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio early in the present century and died in this county, in which the great-grandfather of our subject also breathed his last. His wife was born in New Jer- sey in 1807, and died in this county in 1847. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Perrine, who came to this State about 1810, and lived many years in this county. They afterward removed to Dayton, where they died and were buried.
The household band, of which our subject made one, included ten sons and daughters, whose re- cord is as follows: James E., is deceased ; Julia A. is the wife of Oliver Mills, a farmer in Cass County; Iowa; Jonathan V. is the third child; Sa- rah S., Margaret and William H. are deceased; Frances is the wife of Corwin Fergus, a farmer of Richardson County, Neb .; Mary is the wife of Clark Hinkle, a farmer of Darke County, this State ; Edwin S. is a merchant in Dayton; Laura is the wife of William F. Garber, a merchant at Ilumboldt, Richardson County, Neb.
The gentleman of whom we write was reared upon the estate which he now occupies, receiving his education in the common schools and the High School at New Carlisle. He left the farm when seventeen years old and learned the trade of a car- riage-maker, working at it in various places for about seven years. When his father died he aban- doned his trade and took up farm life on the home estate. He was at that time only about twenty- five years of age, but his early knowledge proved a a sufficient foundation upon which to build his success in agriculture. Mr. Forgy was one of the organizers of the New Carlisle Bank, in which he has always been a stockholder and of which he has been President five years. He was connected with the creamery at New Carlisle while it was running, and has since been appointed receiver of the same.
For many years Mr. Forgy has belonged to the Grange, while in the Masonic fraternity he stands very high, having taken all the degrees to the Thirty-second. He belongs to Blue Lodge No. 100, Chapter No. 57, at New Carlisle, and to the Com- mandery at Springfield. He has always been a Republican but does not allow his love for party to prevent his exercising sound judgment regarding the respective merits of candidates, his vote there
fore being cast for the man rather than the party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a liberal supporter of all enterprises in which men of public spirit are wont to be interested, and the wealth and ability which he possesses are used to benefit many outside of the family circle.
The family of Mr. Forgy comprises a wife and two children-Louella M. and Herbert S., botlı un- married and at home. They have received excellent advantages in the way of acquiring knowledge, while their home surroundings and training have been such as to produce in them courteous man- ners and good principles. The wife and mother, in her girlhood Miss Mary Garver, was born in Mi- ami County, April 18, 1840, and united in mar- riage with our subject November 12, 1865. Her parents, David and Catherine (Jolinson) Garver, were born in Virginia and were early settlers in the Buckeye State. Mrs. Forgy is intelligent and re- fined, with a disposition and eharacter which win admiration, and is a fit companion for a gen- tleman in Mr. Forgy's position in society.
In connection with this sketch of his life, a litho- graphic portrait of Mr. Forgy will be noticed elsewhere in this volume. He enjoys the respect of the community, not only on account of his intelli- gence and advanced ideas in regard to farming, but also for his interest in financial enterprises, social orders, and all movements calculated to advance the welfare of this section of the country.
C ALEB TUTTLE. The records of Clark County include few, if any, lives of which a greater number of years were spent within its borders, than that of the late Caleb Tuttle. He was born near Clarksburg, Va., May 14, 1799, and accompanied his parents to this State in the fall of 1806. The journey was performed by wagons, the stock being driven, and the caravan in which they journeyed included several families. The couple settled in the eastern part of Moorefield Township, where he of whom we write grew to manhood. So much has been written regarding life on the front- ier that it is easy for us to picture the surroundings
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of his early life, and understand what toils he en- dured as a member of a pioneer family.
In the school of hardship, sterling qualities of char- acter are strengthened, and a vigorous manhood developed, which cannot fail to have an influence over the associates and also master material things. It is true in the ease of our subject, who developed a character which gained the respect of those who knew him, and who so successfully prosecuted the avocation which he chose, that he became pos- sessed of a large amount of property. After his marriage he located on a small. tract of land in Springfield Township, occupying a corner by the Sinking Creek Church. He gradually added to his real estate until he owned about one thousand acres of fine land, in the meantime surrounding his family with more and more of comfort as his means increased. About 1848 he erected a substantial brick house, which stands as firmly to day as when first built. He reared a large family, giving to each of his children a farm as they reached man- hood or womanhood.
The companion whom Mr. Tuttle chose to ac- company him in the journey of life was Mary Prickett, who was born in Clermont County, De- cember 22, 1803. She was a daughter of Nicholas and Catherine (Knapper) Prickett, who came thence from Pennsylvania at an early date, and afterward removed to Lagonda, Clark County. To Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle eleven children were born, of whom we note the following: Catherine became the wife of Ilerbert Bird; Eliza J., now deceased, was the wife of Jolin Manahan; Margaret married Silas V. Bird; Elizabeth is the wife of Joseph Wallingsford; Rachel is the wife of Jacob L. McClelland; Sylva- nus died in childhood; Isaiah was the next in order of birth; David died when seventeen years old; Thomas and William H. are now deceased; Laura M. now owns and occupies the old home.
Mr. Tuttle departed this life December, 14, 1881, and his wife preceded him to the silent tomb, hav- ing breathed her last May 28, 1876. They were Baptists in their religious faith, and conscientiously endeavored to make their practice correspond with their belief. When first entitled to the right of suffrage Mr. Tuttle identified himself with the Whig element, afterward becoming a thorough Re-
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publican when the old party gave place to the new. Ile gave liberally of his mcans to aid in the prose- cntion of the war, firmly believing in the justice of the Union cause.
Miss Laura Tuttle now owns one hundred and sixty-three acres of the homestead, in luding the residence where her parents spent so many years,and around which memories of her own life cluster. She has so managed the property left her by her father that she has added another farm to her possessions. She is a lady of intelligence, highly esteemed by those who know her, is a warm and devoted mcm - ber of the Baptist Church, and one whose life is filled with good decds.
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