USA > Ohio > Auglaize County > Portrait and biographical record of Auglaize, Logan and Shelby Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 21
USA > Ohio > Logan County > Portrait and biographical record of Auglaize, Logan and Shelby Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 21
USA > Ohio > Shelby County > Portrait and biographical record of Auglaize, Logan and Shelby Counties, Ohio : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all the Presidents of the United States > Part 21
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For many years Mr. Kuenzel was a member of the Board of Education of the town, and with a zeal that knew no cessation, he, with a few others, was successful in clearing the way so that all children of the township had the advantage of a good education. At the time of his death, in September, 1879, he was engaged in the manufac- ture of flour and woolen goods. in which business he has been succeeded by his sons. Honored and revered by all, in his death the county lost one of her most valuable citizens. His wife, who came to this country with her parents at an early date, passed away in 1870. She was a woman of more than ordinary ability and well liked for her many womanly virtues.
Henry C. Kuenzel, the second child in order of birth of the above-mentioned children, attended the district school, and later entered the High School of Dayton, where he remained two years. There he laid the foundation on which he builded later at Greer's College. at Dayton. In 1868, he entered his father's tannery and spent three years in learning the trade. After this, he worked for W. Schueltheis, a former partner of his father's, but at that time the proprietor of a large tannery at Lima, and remained with him a year. Then he spent two years in Chicago working at his trade. Returning to New Bremen, he worked for a short time for his brother-in-law, who in the meantime had purchased the tannery owned by his father. After this, he went to Louisville, worked for a year in a tannery there, and then elerked in a leather store for two years.
In the spring of 1879, after having returred to New Bremen. he became a partner in the flour and woolen mills at the time when his fathe was part owner, and in the fall of that year. acter his
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father's death, he purchased his father's interest. The firm then became Bakhaus & Knenzel, the in- dividual members of the same being Fred Bakhaus and Henry and Godfrey Kuenzel. They are doing a flourishing business. In his political views, Mr. Knenzel is an ardent Republican and takes a deep interest in all political questions. He was a dele- gate to the State convention and has held a num- ber of local ollices in the township. such as City Clerk and a member of the City Council. He is Secretary of the New Bremen Natural Gas Com- pany, is Treasurer of the Citizens' Building & Loan Association, and is a stockholder in the Home Oil Company. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Encampment. Ile is a thorough. energetic and most competent, painstaking and reliable business man.
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NGLE W. RUSH. Agriculture and stock-rais- ing have formed the principal occupations of this gentleman. and the wide-awake manner in which he has taken advantage of all methods and ideas tending to enhancing the value of his prop- erty has had a great deal to do with obtaining the competence which he now enjoys. All his hfe he has followed, with substantial results, the occu- pation to which he was reared, and as a man. no less than a citizen. he is highly esteemed. Born in Logan County, Ohio, on the 10th of December. 1852. he is the son of Josiah Rush. and the grand- son of Wesley Rush. the latter a native of Mary- land. The grandfather came to Pickaway County, Ohio. in the early part of the present century, prior to the War of 1812, and entered Govern- ment land there. He came to this State by an Indian trail. began improving his place. and be- came the proud possessor of one thousand acres of valuable land on the Pickaway Plains. Ile was a man of more than average ability, and was well posted on history and the Bible. He was an excellent financier and accumulated much wealth. A member of the Presbyterian Church.
he died in that faith. In politics, he was a firm supporter of the principles of the Whig party until the formation of the Republican party, when he united with that, and took a deep inter- est in all political questions.
Josiah Rush, father of our subject. was reared on the farm in Pickaway County. and after reach- ing mature years, wedded Miss Malinda Eatherton, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio. Four chil- dren were born to this union. but only two grew to years of maturity: Alice J., now married to Millard F. Buxton, resides in Montgomery County, Ind .; and Ingle W., the subject of this sketch. The parents of these children removed to Logan County, Ohio, about 1848, and here became the owners of much valuable land. The father died on this property in May, 1860. The mother, who is still living and now sixty-five years of age. makes her home with her daughter in Indiana. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church and her husband also held membership in that church.
Ingle W. Rush was but nine years old when he returned to Pickaway County, Ohio, and after residing there for one year, went to live with his stepfather, William B. Winters, with whom he re- mained until twenty-six years of age. Ile secured a good practical education in the common schools, and when seventeen years of age started out to fight his own way in life. After the death of the stepfather, our subject took charge of the farm, and on the 6th of February, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Selby. a native of Mercer County. Ohio. Seven children have been born to this union: Ira N., Zellie M., Luhn G., Merly B., Grove P .. J. B. Ward and Cecil C.
Mr. Rush settled on his present farm on the 4th of March. 1879, and has made about all the sub- stantial improvements on it. Ile owns two hun- dred and forty acres of land and has abont seven miles of tile dramage on the place. Ile annually raises many cattle. hogs and sheep, especially hogs. and is one of the best and most successful farmers in this section. His handsome residence, one of the finest in the township, was erected in 1885. and he is now building a large barn. 40x80 feet. with sheds at each end. Everything about the place shows the owner to be thrifty and enter-
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prising. and he is recognized as one of the best financiers for his age of any man in Logan County. He is one of the county's most promi- nent citizens. In politics, he is a Democrat. has held the office of Township Treasurer for six years. was also a Trustee for some time, and discharged the duties of these offices in a very efficient man- Der. Ile and family are Christians in their relig- lous views.
1 R. I. G. SUTTON, a prominent and popu- lar physician of Rushsylvania. Ohio, is a native of Logan County. Rush Creek Township. this State, and was born on the PH of September, 1852. His father. W. W. Sut- ton, was a native of Kentucky, born in 1818. and came to the Buckeye State with his parents when Hut -even years of age. His father. Jonathan Sut- ton. was also a native of Blue Grass soil, and after coming to Ohio. he located in Logan County, Rusb Creek Township. in the woods This first home there was a log cabin. in which he resided until his death. when but thirty-nine years of age.
W. W. sutton was about sixteen years of age when his father died. and he subsequently engaged in the sawmill business at three different places in Rush Creek Township. This he continued for twenty-five years, and was well known and es- tremed in the county. lle was the soul of honor and uprightnes-, and there was never a blot or spit on his character as a citizen and neighbor. Ile was a member of the Disciples Church. and was thoroughly posted on all Biblical subjects, as he was on all other topics of interest. In politics, he affiliated with the Democratic party. Although he never went to school bot seventeen days in his life. he was well informed. and was a self-made man in every respect. The lady who became his wife. Mi- Catherine Jane Neigharger. was born in Ohio. is still living. and makes her home in Rush- -ylvania. She is now sixty-nine years of age, and enjoys con paratively good health. She was the la ighter of Jacob Neigbarger.
Only one of the eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sutton was a daughter, and she was the eld- est of the family. Her name was Rebecca, and she became the wife of C. M. Tapp. They now reside in Rushsylvania. Jonathan lives in Findlay, Ohio, and Leander. in Walnut Grove, Logan County, Ohio; Harvey G. a traveling man for school supplies. was Superintendent of the schools of Rushsylvania and second Superintendent of the schools of Belle- fontaine, at one time. He also held the same po- sition in the Mansfield schools. Walter is a farmer of Logan County, Ohio. Franklin W. died when twenty-five years of age. Charles L. and Ches- ter M. (twins). now twenty-two years of age, are school teachers.
Dr. J. G. Sutton, the sixth child and fifth son. received his primary education in the district schools of his native county, and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his major- ity. assisting his father on the farm. The latter kept from eight hundred to sixteen hundred head of sheep. and it kept young Sutton busy looking after them and assisting in the usual farm work. When twenty-one years of age, he entered the Northwestern Normal School in Hardin County, Ohio, going from the harvest field to college. This confinement did not agree with him and he was taken siek and returned home, where he remained three months, and then, on account of limited means, entered a district school in llardin County. where he remained one winter.
The spring of 1877 saw him married to Miss Martha E. Corwin. a native of Rush Creek Town- ship, Logan County, Ohio, born June 22, 1857, and the daughter of George and Margaret (Dick- inson) Corwin. She was educated in the common schools of Logan County, and is a bright, intelli- gent lady. After marriage, Mr. Sutton located near Zanesfield. Logan County, on a farm, and tilled the soil the summer following his union. Ile attended school in Zanesfield the following winter, received a certificate to teach, and during the win- ter of 1879. he taught the Mt. Zion school, near Zanesfield. With the money thus earned, he and his wife went to Cincinnati and he attended the Eclectic Medical Institute, thus filling a long-felt desire on his part for a medical education. After
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this, he taught school in different places until 1880, when he was called home on account of his father's siekness. Ile took charge of the farm, managed the large flock of sheep as well as other stoek. and took care of all his father's business. After the death of the latter, he and his brother Harvey G. were appointed administrators of the estate, but as his brother was away, engaged in other enterprises, most of the business transactions fell upon our subject. Ile settled up the affairs of the estate, and remained upon the farm until 1884, when, in the spring of that year, he sold out and removed to Kenton, Ilardin County, Ohio. There he was en- gaged by Cantwell & Co., hardware and agricul- tural implement merchants, and worked for them about nine months. From there he went to Cin- vinnati to tinish his medical education, and there he remained two terms, graduating in June, 1886. During the summer and fall of that year, he was located on his mother's farm, and while there was called to treat many cases. Ilis first location was made in Lewistown in 1887, and he remained there until April 23, 1888, when he located where he now resides. A liberal patronage has rewarded his efforts, and he has been unusually successful. Ile is a member of the Eclectic Medical Association of Ohio, and is a member of Rush Lodge No. 381, 1. O. O. F. Dr. and Mrs. Sutton are the par-
1 ents of three daughters: Etta May, Jessie Gay and Bessie Fay.
C IIRISTIAN VOSLER. The qualities of thrift and perseverance which usually char- acterize the Germans have erowned their efforts with prosperity in whatever portion of the world their lot has been cast. Nor does the life of Mr. Vosler furnish an exception to the usual rule, for he is numbered among the most prosperous citizens of Anglaize County, having a splendid es- tate located on section 16, Duchouqnet Township.
As has already been indicated. the native home
of Mr. Vosler was in Wurtemberg, Germany, and the date of his birth January 28, 1840. Ile is the son of Chris and Anna Vosler, also natives of the Fatherland, where the former followed the trade of a cooper. They lived in their native land until 1847, when, having resolved to seek a home in the New World, they emigrated to this country. coming directly to Auglaize County, and locating on the forty acres of land which is included in the present home of our subject. The father died here in October, 1875, while his good wife, who is in her eighty-first year. is still surviving and make> her home with our subject. The parents were de- voted members of the Lutheran Church. in which body Mr. Vosler occupied an otticial position. In his political relations, he voted with the Repub- lican party.
Of the parental family of four children, two are now living, Mrs. Weaver and our subject. The lat- ter grew up on the home farm, where he has always resided. Ilis advantages for obtaining an educa- tion were very limited, but making the best of the means afforded him, he now ranks among the in- telligent farmers of his locality.
The lady to whom Mr. Vosler was married in 1862 was Miss Catherine. daughter of John and Margaret ( Leatherman) Keller, natives respectively of Germany and France. The parents, who are both now deceased. came to America in an early day and located in this section while the Indians were very numerous. Mrs. Vosler was born in Pusheta Township. this eounty, in 1841. and was the fourth in order of birth of the nine children who are living, two having died in infancy. Iler brothers and sisters bear the respective names of Annie. Christian John. Mary. Susan. William, Charles, Henry and Caroline.
Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits. and when a lad of eleven years began to assist his father in carrying on the home farm. He is the proprietor of one hundred and thirty-six acres of excellent land, nearly all of which he cleared him- self. In 1862. he erected a comfortable residence on his estate, which is also supplied with all the needful buildings, and is thoroughly drained with eight hundred rods of tile.
In 1864 Mr. Vosler enlisted in the Union army,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
becoming a member of Company G. One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and was mustered in at Camp Denison. He then went to Coving- ton. Ky .. from there to Falmouth, thence to ( ynth- tana. and from there to Cumberland. Md .. where with his company he did general picket duty. Af- ter being mustered out of the service. September 7. 1sit. our subject again returned to the peaceful parents of farming, and at the present time de- votes his entire attention to mising cereals and rating a good grade of stock. He is a prominent member of the German Lutheran Church and has I ven liberally of his means toward the creation of the new building in Wapakoneta. His interest in school affairs has caused him to be placed on the School Board, where he has rendered efficient ser- vive in the capacity of Director. In social affairs. M1. Vosler is a Mason and a member of the Grand Army. In politics. he votos with the Republican party. and has served his fellow-townsmen as Road Hipervisor for a number of years.
The three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Vosler n !. Christian ... who married Lena Roebaugh; Mary, the wife of Charles Terwilliger. and Cather- ine. Mrs. William Shubert.
OHN LAATFERSWEILER. hardware and general provision merchant. is one of the thorough-going, progressive men of Min- ster and las done much to promote the busi- ness interests of that town. That which has con- tributed largely to his success has been the thor- oglly reliable and methodical business principles which have governed his dealings in all tranzac- 's ne and established for him the popular favor which strict probity alone can secure. his motto Being: "Honorable representation and fair treat- ment to all." What he has accumulated in the way of this world's good- is the result of his own exertions for he started at the bottom of the land- ivr. He was born in Prussia. Germany. on the 25 , of April. 1.11. and his parents, Peter and
Anna M. ( Friederick ) Lanfersweiler, were also na- tives of the Old Country.
The father was a cabinet-maker and carpenter by trade, and he remained in his native country until Inly. 1817, when he sailed with his family from Antwerp to New York, reaching the Land of the Free in about three weeks. They came via the Lakes to Toledo, Ohio, and thence by canal to Minster. Mr. Lanfersweiler purchased about ten acres of land between Minster and New Bremen, and here he worked at his trade until quite aged. He died in 1880. when seventy-seven years of age, and the mother on the 10th of August. 1867. at the age of sixty years. Both were members of the Catholic Church. Seven of the twelve children born to them grew to maturity, and one. a daughter, died on the ocean.
The subject of this sketch was three years of age when he crossed the ocean to America, and his educational facilities in youth were rather lim- ited. This he remedied in a measure by attend- ing evening school after reaching the age of eigh- teen. He remained with his parents, assisting in enltivating the small farm, until grown, and was on the tow-path for six months, the canal passing within a few rods of their home. When about sixteen years of age. he drove the United States mail from New Bremen to Piqua for eight months. and when nineteen years of age he served an ap- prenticeship at the tinner's trade for two and a half years in Minster.
In 1866. he purchased an interest in the hard- ware business, managed this for about ten years, and in 1876 purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. In 1880, he erected a large two-story brick block, in which he has since conducted business, and now carries a large and complete stock of hardware. He is highly popu- lar and enjoys an extensive acquaintance and patronage within the city and surroundings. To his hardware stock he has added groceries and provisions and buys country produce, etc.
In the year 1867. our subject was wedded to Mi- Agnes Sprehe, of Minster, Ohio, who died in 1882. Eight children were the fruit of this union: Josephine, Bemodine (deceased). Charles, Joseph. Frank (deceased ). Cecelia. Katie. and Laurens (de-
yours Truly P. H. M Parland
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ceased). In 1885, Mr. Laufersweiler was married to Miss Anna Schmuecker. of Covington, Ky., and three children have been given them: Ida. Loretta and Olive. A Democrat in his political affiliations. Mr. Lanfersweiler has ever been prominent and influential in local polities. He has been a dele- gate to county and district conventions, has served as Clerk of the town for eight years, a member of the Council for two years, Mayor eight years and has now served as Treasurer for three years. Thuis it may be seen that he is well informed on political and general topies and is a prominent po- litieal factor, not only in the township, but in the county. He and Mrs. Lanfersweiler are members of the Catholic Church.
Our subject is a stockholder in the Citizens' Bank and a Director in the same. Ile was ap- pointed Notary Publie in 1881. and was re- appointed by Gov. Campbell in 1890. He owns stock in the Minster Cooperage Company. of which he has been President since its formation. Ile is also President of, and a stockholder in. the Minster Manufacturing Company. In 1866, Mr. Laufer weiler engaged in business $7 worse off than nothing. for he was $7 in debt when he purchased a half-interest in the stock. lle has met with unusually good luck and has always contributed his share towards the advancement and improvement of the town. He has been Secretary of the Building and Loan Association of this place for twenty years.
W. M. FARLAND. Among the prominent and influential eitizen> of Auglaize County. we take pleasure in presenting to our readers the biography and portrait of S. W. McFarland, the popular and trustworthy County Treasurer. He deservedly ranks among the foremost men of his county. not only for the efficient and capable manner in which he discharge- the duties of his responsible position, but as well for his qualities as a citizen and man.
Mr. MeFarland was born in Auglaize County. Ohio, in Marehi, 1851, and as the people have known him from infancy, they have had every opportu- nity to judge of his character and qualifications. lle received the rudiments of his education in the common schools, where he laid the foundation of his subsequent prosperous career. Until about fourteen years of age, he remained on the farm. and then began clerking in a dry-goods store. When eighteen years of age, he embarked in the grocery business for himself, and in this enterprise was very successful, continuing it for about six- teen years. When he first started out for himself. he taught school for a few terms in this county, and for ten months in Ft. Wayne, Ind.
During his business career in Wapakoneta. Mr. McFarland was brought in contact with many people, and by his honorable, upright conduct, won a host of warm friends, and became very popular. During this time, he served as Councilman for two or three terms. and was on the committees on Streets, Finance and Law. In January. 1887, he was ap- pointed Postmaster by President Cleveland. and in this capacity served nearly three years. While holding that position. he was nominated without opposition by the Democratic party as a candidate for County Treasurer, and afterward, in 1889. elected by a large majority, and re-elected in 1891 with the largest majority on the ticket. thus show- ing his popularity. He has always been a staneh advocate of Democratic principles, and his vote is ever east with that party. A faithful. painstaking and competent officer. he has brought to the man- agement of his official duties the same thorough methods and business acumen that have made him so popular and successful in other directions, and is well and favorably known in this and adjoining counties. The Cincinnati Inquirer of January 10. 1887, published his portrait and a short sketch of Ins appointments to various official positions. Mr. McFarland was married in July. 1890. to Mi -- Carrie Kinstle, a member of the Catholic Church.
The father of our subject. James E. McFarland. was born in Pennsylvania in 1814. and moved to Logan County, Ohio, in 1835. Five years later. he came to Anglaize County and settled in Monl- ton Township. on the St. Mary's Plank Road. three
10
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and a half miles west of Wapakoneta. He selected as his wife Miss Nancy Lawhead. and they reared : we children. one of whom. W. E., died in 1879. After the death of his wife. Mr. MeFarland mar- Med Miss Rosanna Walker, and they reared four caren, namely: John I. S. W. (our subject ). Frank J. and Mary. The mother died in August. 1s. t. and Mr. McFarland afterward married Mrs. Susan Ward. by whom he became the father of two children. Mattie and Celia. Upon the death of his third wife. he married Mrs. Catherine Whetstone. who still survives.
When James E. MeFarland came to this county, he secured one hundred and sixty aeres, and soon Added other valuable land. a portion of which still belongs to his estate. Hle was elected .Justice of the Peace in 1>11, which office he held about thirty-one years, and during twenty-six years of this time he served as Township Treasurer. He was one of a family of six children, and was the third of these to pass away; his next younger brother. Bishop MeFarland, of Providence. R. I .. being the first. and Dr. MeFarland, of Cleveland, who died about 1>71. being the second. James E. MeFarland died on the 21st of July, 1875. Since then two other brothers. W. 11 .. of Edina. Mo., and Dr. J. A .. of Tillin. Ohio, have aiso passed away. Dr. J. I .. MeFarland. formerly Auditor of Auglaize County. is still living. The family is one of the most intellectual in this section and its members are well qualified for the professions they follow or the positions which they till.
C OL. SAMFEL. R. MOTT. of St. Mary's, who won a distinguished reputation as an officer of an Ohio regiment during the Civil War. . , a resident of Auglaize County sixty years. i .- page - closely associated with the history '- rise and progress from the first day- of it- . .... drie. . . senate county, when he was one Up. cadiz cinie officials and prominent as one
of its legal lights, to the present time, in which he is held as one of its most honored citizens.
Col. Mott is a representative of one of the most eminent families of America, many of whose mem- bers have attained distinction in various walks of life. Valentine Mott. one of the most famous sur- geons of his day, and a cousin of the father of our subject, belonging to it. The Motts are of French origin, and were of the Huguenot religion. The first to leave sunny France to seek a home on foreign soil was Maj. John Mott, grandfather of our subject who came to America about the time of the Revolution in this country, and accepted a commission from the Government, whereby he be- came an officer in the Continental army, and right gallantly did he fight for the cause of his adopted land. He was wounded in the left shoulder in the lirst battle in which he took part. and again in the second battle a British bullet did execution in the same place. lle was put on detached service after that and assisted in recruiting the forces. He finally became a Baptist preacher of some note, and com- ing to Ohio in pioneer times, died in Knox County at the venerable age of ninety-two years, from in- juries received by being thrown from a horse against a fence. by which several of his ribs were broken and he was hurt internally. He was a re- markable man in many respects, possessing much ability and originality. Ile had four sons: John, Samuel, Gideon and Freeman. The three eldest came to Ohio and settled, while the youngest lo- cated at Lockport, N. Y., where he died.
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