USA > Ohio > Hardin County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 26
USA > Ohio > Marion County > Portrait and biographical record of Marion and Hardin counties, Ohio > Part 26
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cipally in this county, and he resides upon his father's old homestead, which he purchased in 1873.
The parents of our subject, Philip J. and Bar- bara (Slim) Kraner, were natives of Baden, Ger- many, and there he was born May 7, 1842. About 1852 the family emigrated to America, ar- riving in this country after a tedious voyage of fifty-six days. The first winter was spent in Auglaize County, Ohio, and in the spring of 1853 they came to Marion County, where the father cultivated a rented farm for nine years. In 1862 he purchased a tract of land in Bowling Green Township, and here he continued to reside until his death, when about sixty-four years old. His wife passed from earth at the age of fifty-six years. They were a worthy couple, of firm re- ligious principles, and devoted members of the German Reformed Church. They came to the United States without means, but through indus- try and perseverance became the possessors of a valuable farm.
At the time of coming to this country our sub- ject was a lad of ten years. He attended the dis- trict schools of Marion County a few months, but the knowledge acquired by him has been gained mainly by self-culture. On attaining his major- ity he began teaming, which occupation he fol- lowed in Marion for two years, and later was on the railroad for eight months. Returning to Ma- rion, he resumed work as a teamster, but soon afterward began to work upon the old homestead in the employ of his father, and in 1873 purchased the farm where he has since resided.
October 11, 1874, Mr. Kraner was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Staub, who was born in Baden, Germany, November 1, 1849. Her parents, Henry and Susan ( Hetler) Staub, came to America about 1853, and settled in Marion County, Ohio, where her mother died at fifty-four years of age. Her father is still living and makes his home in Marion. I Mr. and Mrs. Kraner are the parents of three children, named as follows: Susan, who was born November 8, 1875; George W., October 24, 1877; and Frederick Edward, August 30, 1883.
The farm owned and operated by Mr. Kraner
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consists of seventy acres, upon which first-class improvements liave been made, including the erection of substantial buildings adapted to their various uses. The land was purchased by his father when it was heavy timber, without a clear- ing, but through the efforts of the two it was brought under a high state of cultivation, and every acre made to yield profitable returns. In his political views Mr. Kraner inclines to the Democracy and usually votes that ticket. He is interested in educational matters and has filled the office of School Director with credit to him- self. He adheres to the religious faith of his fore- fathers and holds membership in the German Re- formed Churchi.
B ENJAMIN STEINER has been engaged in general farming on his homestead situated in Buck Township, Hardin County, for about thirty years. This place comprises one hundred and fifty-eight acres, about one-half of which had been cleared at the time of his pur- chase. He is a native of the canton of Berne, Switzerland, his birth occurring March 6, 1828.
The father of our subject, John Steiner, like- wise a native of Switzerland, emigrated to Amer- ica in the fall of 1837. He bought eighty acres of timber-land in Pleasant Township, Hardin Coun- ty, and built a log cabin 20x28 feet in dimensions. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1860, he had cleared sixty acres of his land. His first wife, who was a Miss Anna Hani, died in Switz- erland in 1832. His second marriage was with Miss Anna Diek, who died in 1876. He had thirteen children, as follows: Mary, who is the widow of Louis Girard, and lives near Kenton; John, who died in 1864; Elizabeth, whose death occurred in 1870; Anna, who died in 1891; Ben- jamin, our subject; Martha, who died in 1865; Gottleib, who married Lena Stiner, and lives in Washington; Rosanna, who died in 1861; Fred,
who married Elizabeth Range, and lives in Pleas- ant Township; Emily, wife of Chris Ries, a mer- chant of Ada, Ohio; Helena, wife of Daniel Griner, a blacksmith of Ada; Margaret, Mrs. Henry Shinderwolf, of Ada; and Henry, who died in 1880.
One of the first settlers of this county, John Steiner led a true pioneer life, and had to cut a road from Kenton to his farm. His teaming was all done with oxen, and work was carried on in a very primitive manner. He had learned the blacksmith's trade in his native land, but never followed the business to any extent. His death occurred in 1860, at the age of sixty-six years, and from the formation of the Republican party until his demise he was one of its loyal support- ers. Religiously he was identified with the Ger- man Reformed Church.
The early years of Benjamin Steiner were passed in his native land, and when eighteen years of age he began learning the saddler's trade at Ken- ton. After four years passed in that way, he started for California with a party of seven com- panions, in 1850. They took with them eight horses and five yoke of cattle and followed the regular emigrant trail up the North Platte River through South Pass. From the time of leaving Independence, Mo., until reaching the Pacific Slope, they suffered many hardships, lost all their. cattle and at length their four remaining horses. They managed to obtain an Indian pony, but suf- fered terribly for want of food and shelter, and became footsore and weary. North Platte River they forded in three canoes lashed together, and they were obliged to take their wagon apart. They were from April 2 until August 25 in making the journey. After working for two years in the mines near Weaverville, Mr. Steiner bought three hundred and twenty acres of land and devoted himself to farming and market-gar- dening, finding a ready sale among the miners for his produce. In 1861 he returned home by way of the Istlinus of Panama and settled down to a quiet existence, for the next two years working in a grocery in Kenton. He then took a voyage to the Fatherland, where he remained for ten months, visiting relatives and the scenes of his
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youth. On coming back to this county he oper- ated his brother's farm for a year, and tlien pur- chased the place where he has lived ever since. He raises horses and cattle and a few sheep, in addition to the usual crops common to this re- gion.
August 24, 1865, Benjamin Steiner was mar- ried, at Kenton, to Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Martha Moy, natives of Switzerland, who came to the United States in 1850. Mr. Moy was a shoemaker by trade and followed that call- ing at Kenton for many years. He had borne to him the following children: Martha, Mary, Ferd- inand, Edward, Gottfried, Elizabeth and Anna. To Benjamin Steiner and wife were born four children, the eldest of whom died in infancy. Olga M., born August 15, 1867, was married, in December, 1893, to John C. Ochs, of Kenton, and has one child. Laura, born in January, 1869, died in May, 1876, and was buried in Grove Cemetery, of Kenton. Carl H., born October 22, 1873, died in August, 1884. Mrs. Steiner, whose birth occurred in 1833, died in August, 1889, aged fifty-six years.
In religious belief Mr. Steiner is a member of the German Reformed Church at Kenton. Po- litically he is a supporter of the Republican party. A man of great industry and energy, he has pro- vided well for his family and has acquired a good property.
? OSEPH TERRY. Though a resident of La- rue for a short time only, Mr. Terry is well known throughout the entire county of Ma- rion and the surrounding country. It was in January, 1894, that lie came to Larue and em- barked in the livery business, which he lias since conducted with a profitable and increasing trade. He is the senior member of the firm of Terry &
Sutton, and through the reliability of his business dealings lie lias gained an enviable reputation as a straightforward, energetic man.
The father of our subject, David Terry, was a native of Hardin County, where he continued to make liis home throughout life. When the call came for soldiers to enlist in the service of the Union he was one of the volunteers who responded. Enlisting in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, he served gallantly until he fell upon a Southern battlefield. He left two sons, Josepli and Lycurgus W., the latter being a farmer in Hardin County.
A native of Hardin County, Ohio, the subject of this sketch was born December 11, 1859. He was reared to manhood upon the old homestead, and being orphaned in childhood by his father's deatlı, he was early obliged to become self-reliant and self-supporting. Upon starting out in busi- ness for himself, he opened a restaurant in Forest, Hardin County, of which he was proprietor for some time. As above stated, he came to Larue in the early part of 1894, and here he has since engaged in the livery business, being the owner of the barn and stock at the rear of the hotel.
In January, 1882, Mr. Terry was united in marriage with Miss Alvira Hildreth, and they have two children, namely: David F., who was born August 8, 1884; and Otto D., August 28, 1886. Both are now students in the schools of Larue. Mrs. Terry was born in Wyandot Coun- ty, Ohio. Her parents, who were old settlers of that county, are both now deceased. They made their home upon a large farm, and their landed possessions were extensive and valuable. They had four children, those beside Mrs. Terry being William, whose home is in Nebraska; Cordelia, the wife of Simeon Cook, of Hardin County; and Emily, who married M. D. Thomas, and resides near Findlay, Olio.
From childhood Mr. Terry lias been identified with the growthi of this section of the state, and being a man of pleasant disposition and courteous manners he enjoys a wide acquaintance and the confidence of many friends. He takes considera- ble interest in political affairs, and votes the Re- publican ticket. However, he has never been an
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CHARLES W. LEFFLER.
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office-seeker, preferring to devote his entire tinie to his business affairs. In religious views he is a Methodist, and is connected with that church in Larue.
HARLES W. LEFFLER, the popular Treas- urer of Marion County, was elected by a large majority to this responsible position in November, 1891, assuming the duties of the office in September, 1892, and in the fall of the follow- ing year was re-elected. Previously he served for four years as Deputy under the County Treas- urer, George WV. Cook, and thus obtained a prac- tical knowledge of the duties of the office with which he has been connected for the past six years. Aside from this he has been a member of the City Council for three terms, and by his man- ly performance of the work resting upon him has won the confidence of his fellow-citizens and of the people of this county. It would surely be hard to find one better qualified in every respect to administer the business of the Treasurer's office.
The sketch of G. Leffler, father of our subject, will be found in another part of this volume. Charles W. was born in Upper Sandusky, Wyan- dot County, Ohio, November 1, 1854, his parents being temporary residents of that city prior to lo- cating in Marion, where they lived for many years. Young Leffler was reared to manhood in this place, and was educated in her public schools, after which he took a commercial course in the business college at Delaware, Oliio. In 1869 he went into the grocery and provision store owned by his father. The business had been established by the father in order to give his sons employ- ment, while he himself gave but little personal attention to the concern. Remaining in his em- ploy until 1871, Mr. Leffler then took a practical business-college course, graduating in March, 1872, but as it was his father's wish that he should learn the brick and contracting business, he turned his attention in that direction and
learned every detail of the trade, following the same until 1879. Then, in company with his brother John, he embarked in business, under the firm name of Leffler Bros., and this connection existed until September, 1888, when his public service began.
November 1, 1883, Mr. Leffler was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Gottschall, of Co- lumbus, whose brother married Mr. Leffler's sis- ter Louisa, and is an extensive dry-goods nier- chant in Columbus. Three children, a son and two daughters, have come to bless the home of our subject, namely: Mildred E., born June 9, 1885; Hazel L., August 1, ISSS; and Charles W., Jr., July 1, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Leffler are well received in the best social circles of the place, and the former is a prominent member of the Benevo- lent Order of Elks. For many years Mr. Leffler has been actively engaged in promoting many of the leading enterprises of the city, and is looked upon as one of the solid citizens.
ILLIAM H. YOUNG, Vice-President of the Champion Iron Works of Kenton, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., October 11, 1831. His father was Archibald Young, a native of Belfast, Ireland, who inade the journey across the Atlantic when a lad of seventeen years. He at once inade his home in Lancaster County, Pa., where as years passed by he became well-to- do, owning one of the best farms in the county. In 1857 he came to Logan County, this state, where, seven years later, he died. For several years prior to his decease he lived retired from active business of any kind, having accumulated a handsome fortune, which enabled him to enjoy his declining years.
The mother of our subject, Mrs. Anna (Hoey) Young, was likewise born in the Emerald Isle, but only lived there two years, when she was brouglit to America by her father and mother.
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The former, who bore the name of William Hoey, was a tailor by trade and, like the father of our subject, on landing in America, made his way to Lancaster County, where he lived to be ninety- eight years old. It is said by those who claim to know that at the time of his decease he was the oldest Free Mason of the United States. He was prominent in many social orders, and had taken some of his degrees in Masonry in the Old Coun- try, under King William.
William H., of this sketch, had four brothers and five sisters, of whom two of the former and two of the latter are now living. James was for- merly connected with the Champion Iron Works, but for the past four years has resided in Califor- nia; Jolin is a substantial farmer near Piedmont, Mo .; Thomas, who served as a Union soldier in the Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, made his home in Belle Center, this state, until his demise, in 1890; Robert was an engineer, and in 1865, while run- ning a locomotive in Cuba, met with an accident which resulted in his death; Margaret is now the wife of L. T. Hunt, a noted lawyer in Spring- field, Mo .; and Anna married John McPherson, a farmer of this county.
Our subject early in life learned the carpenter's trade, and on attaining his majority came West to seek his fortune. He located in Sandusky, and until 1864 worked at his trade. That year he en- gaged in the lumber business at Belle Center, where he had a large wholesale and retail trade. Four years later we find him living in Kenton, where he engaged as a lumber merchant until 1889, when, in company with his brother James and others, he established the Champion Iron Works. In order to give his undivided attention to this enterprise, he sold out his lumber interests and was elected President of the company. In 1893 he was succeeded by Dr. G. J. Carter, and since that time he has filled the office of Vice- President of the concern, in which he is one of the largest stockholders. He has been one of the leading spirits in the upbuilding of Kenton, and for seventeen years was Chief of the Fire De- partment, which is one of the best organized in the state. He has also been President of the water works, having filled the position for seven
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consecutive years. At one time he was one of five men who owned the straw board works, which concern is now under the control of the American Straw Board Trust. He stands very high in various social orders, and for the past fif- teen years has been a Knight Templar, and a member of the Scottish Rites for thirteen years.
Mr. Young has been three times married. His first union was with Miss Caroline Moores, by whom he had one daughter, who is now the wife of Webb C. Ball, a prominent jeweler of Cleve- land. His second marriage, which occurred in 1863, resulted in the birth of a son, William, who occupies the position of shipping clerk for the Champion Iron Works. In 1873 he was married to Mrs. Mina E. Stroup, daughter of John Kib- linger, who was born in Virginia.
In politics our subject is a stanch Republican. He has a very pleasant home on North Main Street, Kenton, and is regarded by rich and poor with respect.
A NDREW RUNSER. Through the ener- getic prosecution of his agricultural enter- prises, Mr. Runser has become well known throughout Hardin County as a successful farm- er, although he has for a number of years been retired. He was formerly the owner of five hun- dred and fifty acres of fine farming land in this county, but as his children embarked in life he gave each of them a farm, only retaining a small acreage for his own use until death.
Our subject was born in Alsace, near Henne- gowen, France, November 30, 1815. He is the son of Seraphin and Catherine (Wicke) Runser, also natives of that province. His father was born about 1780, and at the battle of Waterloo was present as one of Napoleon's soldiers. Two of his brothers also served under that noted General, and one of them died while living in Holland, a number of years thereafter. The other
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was in the army for a period of sixteen years, but . upon settling down to private life was unable to work. .
Seraphin Runser farmed on a small scale and later worked in rough masonry in Switzerland. In 1832 he sold his land there, which consisted of only ten acres, divided into fifteen or twenty dif- ferent sections, and emigrated to America. Aft- er being fifty-nine days on the Atlantic he was landed at New York Harbor. In the latter part of July he made his way up the Hudson River to Albany, and from there, via the Erie Canal, to Buffalo, where he obtained his first work. He remained in that city for six weeks, then going by way of Lake Erie to Cleveland, only staying in that city one week, however. At that time he could have bought land where Perry's Monument now stands for $7 per acre, Cleveland then being a small village. Thence he went to Massillon; where he lived for fourteen years, and then moved to Hardin County, living in Liberty Township until his decease, in July, 1862. His grandfa- ther was Peter Runser, who lived and died in the Old Country.
Catherine Wicke was born in Alsace, in 1795, and departed this life when nearly ninety years of age. She became the mother of seven children, of whom our subject was the eldest. Two de- parted this life in the Fatherland and one died while en route to the New World. Of those now living besides Andrew, we make inention of Ma- tilda, now Mrs. Charles Rallion, of Arkansas; Nancy, the widow of James Miller, who died in Andersonville Prison, during the late war; and Sebastian, now living in Mercer County, Pa.
Mr. Runser attended school in Germany prior to coming to America, and after arriving here went to school four months, in order that he might acquaint himself with the English language. When his father located in Massillon he was ap- prenticed to a blacksmith to learn the trade. On completing his apprenticeship, he worked as a journeyman in and around the city until 1846, wlien he moved to Mercer County, Pa., and there plied his trade until 1850. Fearing that if he re- mained in this region his sons would either go to work on the canal or in the iron foundries, where
their associates would not be the best, he decided to rear them on a farm. Accordingly he pur- chased a pony, and, visiting Ohio, found the tract on which he is now residing. This he lost no time in purchasing and moved his family up- on it. It included at that time about one hun- dred acres, of which five were cleared and set out in an orchard and fifteen had been chopped over. On this he erected a small shop, as soon as his family had been made comfortable; but in order to raise the logs he applied to his neighbors for assistance. As soon as they learned that whisk- ey would not be furnished them they refused to be present, but when our subject gave them his reasons for not using the beverage, they were among the first on the ground the next morn- ing.
Andrew Runser was a very hardworking and industrious man, giving his attention to farm work during the day and plying his trade at night. He was prospered and bought eighty acres of land, which he gave to his father for life, and on his death he cared for his mother until she passed from earth, which was about twenty years thereafter. He accumulated a vast amount of property, the greater part of which he has di- vided among his sons and daughters. He has been retired from farm work for a number of years, but until two years ago worked at his trade. This he was obliged to abandon on ac- count of partial paralysis of his right arm.
Our subject was married, February 20, 1840, in Mercer County, Pa., to Miss Isabel McDowell, who was a native of that county, born April 17, 1815. She was the daughter of Robert and Jane (Lodge) McDowell, and by her union with Mr. Runser became the mother of six children, five of whom lived to manhood and womanhood. Hul- da, who married Cornelius Pugh, now deceased, lives south of Ada; Charles W. lives on an estate adjoining that of his father; Wallace makes his home in Liberty Township, just east of his brother Charles; Jonathan occupies a farm north of our subject's; Harriet married Melvin Matthews, and on his death became the wife of J. C. Montgomery, but both are now deceased; Louis Franklin died when two years of age.
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Both Mr. and Mrs. Runser are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics the former has been a stanch Republican since the organization of his party. He served for twenty- seven years as Trustee of his township .. So pop- ular was he in his neighborhood, that during the existence of the "Know-Knothing" party, which was very strong in liis community, he was solic- . ited to join that society, although of foreign birtlı. For three years he served as Justice of the Peace, and was School Director and Supervisor for many years. He enlisted in the Civil War, but was re- jected on account of physical disability. His son Wallace, however, was a Union soldier for nearly three years.
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2 NTHONY HOUSER, who was one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Scott Township, Marion County, died at his home on section 13, November 2, 1883. He was one of Ohio's native sons, and his birth oc- curred August 29, 1819. From his boyliood his time and energies were devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was also a practical carpenter, hav- ing served a regular apprenticeship to the trade, and this he followed more or less during his life- time. At the time of his demnise he owned several hundred acres of land, the result of his careful economy and good business management. In all his undertakings he was aided, cheered and sustained by his faithful wife and helpmate, who is yet living on the old lionestead.
The father of our subject was Michael Houser, who was born in Pennsylvania, and who on ar- riving at manhood married Christine Mankur, by whom he had five children, Anthony being the fourth of the family. While he was yet a small boy, our subject removed with his parents to Crawford County, Ohio, and there he passed his youth, receiving a common-school education.
In 1835 Anthony Houser began serving an ap- prenticeship at the carpenter's trade, and for the
next fifteen years devoted liis time principally to that calling. In 1842 he purchased twenty acres of land on section 13, Scott Township, and here he made his home for several years. He after- wards purchased eighty acres of the farm which is now owned by his widow, and from time to time added additional tracts to his possessions. His deatlı was sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and he is now sleeping his last sleep in Whitstone Cemetery. He was a member of the Reformed Church, to which his wife belongs.
In 1842 Anthony Houser and Eliza Wise were united in marriage. Ten children came to bless their union, namely: Mary Jane, who died at the age of eleven months; John, now a resident of Kansas; Eliza, the wife of Christian Pommert, a merchant of Caledonia; Catlierine, wife of Rob- ert Highly, also a merchant of Caledonia; Saralı, wife of E. Denman, a farmer of this county; Hattie, wife of Eli Crissinger, a farmer of Scott Township; Melinda, who is the wife of Jacob Spiece, and resides on the old homestead; and three who died in infancy. The family has al- ways been much respected in this region and has ever taken a great interest in everything pertain- ing to its development.
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