Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Part 53

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago : C.O. Owen
Number of Pages: 934

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F RANK S. SPENCER. Like many of the representative and much esteemed citizens of Guernsey County, Mr. Spencer is a na- tive thereof, having been born in Millwood Town- ship, February 5, 1841. His parents were Asa and Phebe E. (Piggott) Spencer, the former of whom was born in Belmont County, March 28, 1807, and the latter December 14, 1809, in the same county. The father departed this life May 8, 1876, but his good wife still survives, making her home with Frank S. Spencer, at Spencer's Station.

The paternal grandparents of our subject were Nathan and Ann (Smith) Spencer, natives of Lou- doun County, Va., whence they emigrated to Ohio about 1805, lo. ating in Belmont County. Nathan was a farmer by occupation, and therefore lost no time in entering a traet of land from the Govern- ment, in the enltivation of which he was very successful. Ile was a strong Abolitionist, and was

compelled to leave his native state on account of having expressed his opinions very freely on this subject. Of the children of Nathan and Ann Spen- cer, David died September 25, 1858, aged fifty- seven years; Betsey, born about the year 1791, is also deceased; Jonathan, born in 1793, is likewise dead, as is also Samuel, born in January, 1795; Merey died in Whiteside County, Ill., in 1851; Abner died in December, 1861; Sarah died in Law- renec County, Ohio, in 1881; Phebe and Mary are also deceased; Asa died in the year 1876; Jonas is deceased; and Rachel died in 1881. The father of this large family died June 28, 1833, while his good wife preceded him to the better land by a few months, having passed away April 20 of that year. The former was born July 16, 1767, and the latter October 29, 1770.

The mother of our subjeet was the daughter of John and Eleanor (Plummer) Piggott, and was born in Belmont County, December 14, 1809. ller father was a native of Loudoun County, Va., while her mother was born in Lancaster County, Pa. They emigrated to the Buckeye State in 1804 and 1807, respectively, and after their marriage had born to them two children, Phebe, and Eli, who now resides in St. Clairsville, Belmont County, at the age of seventy-eight years.

Asa Spencer remained at home with his parents on the farm until the time of his marriage, which occurred February 27, 1833. The young couple resided in Belmont County for the following year. and April 13 took up their abode in Guernsey County, locating on the farm now owned and oc- cupied by their son, our subjeet. They moved into the house which stands there in 1838, and in it their eight children were born. Ellen P., the eld- est, born October 1. 1835, is the wife of Phineas C. Cowgill and the mother of four children. Ann, now deceased, was born November 20, 1837, and married E. V. Shipley; she left at her death, Jan- uary 27, 1892, six children. Our subject was the thurd in order of birth. Harry L., born December 30. 1842. married Mary E. Payne, and to them was granted a family of three children. John, born March 27, 1815, married Lydia Frame, by whom 'he had one daughter, and on the death of his wife chose for his second companion Ellen Moore.

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Amos, born April 28, 1848, married Anna Kinsey, and to them have been born six children. Nathan, born October 22, 1850, is the husband of Estella Laffer; and Melissa, born August 30, 1853, is the wife of Justus G. Roberts and the mother of six children.

Frank S. was edueated in the schools taught in the vicinity of his home, and also aided during the busy seasons in the farm work. On the out- break of the Civil War, and when the cry re- sounded throughout the States for volunteers, he enlisted, August 30, 1861, in Company II, One Hundred and Twenty-second Ohio Infantry, under Colonel Ball. While in the service, he partici- pated in the following-named hard-fought engage- ments: Ft. Royal, Shenandoah River, Winchester, Wapping Heights, Brandy Station, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Cross Roads, Spottsylvania C. HI., which latter conflict lasted for seven days, and the battle of Cold Harbor, which followed, consuming nine days. Next occurred the fights at Bermuda IIun- dred, Petersburg, Monocacy (Md.). Snieker's Gap, Charleston, Smithfield, Fisher's Hill, Mt. Jackson, Newmarket, Cedar Creek, Kernstown, and capture of Sailor's Run. Mr. Speneer was wounded, Sep- tember 19, 1864, in the left shoulder by a piece of shell at Opequan. This injury caused him to be ab- sent from roll-eall for eight days, which, with a furlough of twenty days on another occasion, was the only time during his long service that he was not in his place in the ranks of his company.

Mr. Spencer was mustered out June 26, 1865, and discharged at Camp Chase July 1. He imme- diately returned home, and, as soon as he was suf- ficiently recuperated, resumed his labors on the farm. November 3 of that year he was married to Miss Rachel N. Lee, who was born October 14, 1841. She was the daughter of John and Eliza- beth (Benson) Lee, natives of Maryland, whence they removed to this state in 1840, settling at once in Guernsey County. To them were born ten chil- dren. Harriet A. was the wife of Linley Hall, and died in 1877, leaving two children, Elmer and Si- las R .; Levi, who was born October 14, 1839, mar- ried Narcissa Redd, and to them have come three children, Alden, J. Burlin and Edgar; Rachel N. is the wife of our subject; John E. was born

in the year 1843, and died in 1852; Martha E., also deceased, was the wife of William Greer, and left one son, Edward E .; Sabilla is deceased; Em- ily died in infancy; Phebe Eleanor, born March 29, 1855, is the wife of Anson Mead aud has five children, Mary P., Blaine, Forrest, Elizabeth and Hazel; Sarah is the wife of James C. Burcher, and has one son, Charles; and Eliza J., the wife of Hez- ekiah Thomas, has three children, Lottie L., Hat- tie and Mattie.

There have been born to our subject and his wife three children. Cora, born June 7, 1868, is the wife of David Cowden, to whom she was mar- ried September 1, 1891, and now has a son, Paul, born January 9, 1894; Warren L., born January 29, 1875, is at home; and one died in infancy un- named.

Mr. Spencer is a member of the Methodist Church, while his wife is a member of the Friends' Church. In politics the former is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of General Lander's Post No. 468, G. A. R., of Quaker City. He has served in the capacity of Township Trustee and School Direc- tor, in both of which positions he gave entire sat- isfaction. He laid out and platted Spencer's Sta- tion in 1892, and in many other ways has aided in the upbuilding of this portion of the county. Ile carries on general farming, and is regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of this com- munity.

H UGH A. MCCREARY is one of the sub- stantial and influential farmers of Gnern- sey County, living on one of the finest estates on section 18. Centre Township. It com- prises two hundred and forty-three acres of land (over two hundred of which are under an excellent state of improvement, with a fine orchard of apple and peach trees), and is known to the people of this vicinity as Mud Run Farm.

The original of this sketch was born April 16, 1844, to James and Margaret ( Langhlin ) MeCreary,

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who were the parents of four children. The other members of the household were Hulda E., born in September, 1838; John L., whose birth occurred in June, 1841, and William. John L., the eldest son, fought as a soldier during the late war, as a mem- ber of Company B, First Ohio Infantry, and was mustered into service in August, 1861. While off duty, he, with others of his regiment, was engaged in washing the horses in Clifton, Tenn., when the animal he was riding sank, and both horse and sol- dier were drowned.

When a youth of eighteen years Hugh Mc- Creary left home and made his way to Idalio, where he remained for a time working in the gold mines, and later sought for this precious metal in Montana. Ile was fairly successful in this venture, and in 1865 returned home and for the following twenty years was occupied in buying and shipping live stock to Baltimore and other eastern markets. On abandoning this industry he began farming. and is now operating what is known as the Mud Run Farm, an estate very valuable in all its ap- pointments. This Mr. McCreary manages in a most profitable manner, deriving a handsome in- come from the soil. For a period of five years he has been the owner of a sawmill in this vicinity.

Our subject has been very popular and influen- tial in public life and for two years was Assessor of his township. He is a member in good stand- ing of the Presbyterian Church, and is active in all good works in his neighborhood. He was married, December 20, 1870, to Miss Martha MeKelvey, daughter of Robert and Mary (Eaton) McKelvey. and to them was born a family of four children. John L., the eldest, was born April 8, 1872, and is now a student at Muskingum College, at New Concord, this state; Mary R., born April 4, 1874, is also attending the above institution; Robert C. was born March 23, 1876; James II., born Septem- ber 20, 1878, is now attending school. The wife and mother departed this life May 11, 1882, and the lady whom our subject chose for his second companion was Sadie E. McConnell, their mar- riage being celebrated September 23, 1884. She was born December 31, 1853, and is the daugh- ter of Thomas and Lucinda (Smith) McConnell. The father was born in Washington County, Pa.,

in Jannary, 1809, and the mother's birth oc- curred in this county, near Washington, March 20, 1819. The children born of the sceond nnion of our subject are Ethel M., born August 27, 1885; Walter II., May 18, 1888; Thomas W., June 29, 1890, and Dwight, who was born July 31, 1892, and died May 13 of the following year.

OHN DOERSCHIUK is classed among the intelligent, keen and thoroughly wide-a-wake business men of Shanesville, where he has extensive interests. For many years a teacher in the public schools, he also taught vocal music. and is widely and favorably known throughout the entire county. He is a native of this locality, having been born in Goshen Township, two miles east of New Philadelphia, January 1, 1811. His parents were Jacob and Christina ( Rinner) Doer- schuk, natives of Bavaria, where they were greatly honored for their upright lives, and the worthy manner in which they trained their children to occupy useful stations in life.

Grandfather Jacob Doerschuk was born in Rock- enhansen, Bavaria, Germany, where he was a black- smith by trade. He was the father of four sons, of whom Jacob was the only one to come to the United States. The latter was also born in Rock- enhausen, October 4, 1815. He learned the busi- ness of nailmaking in his native land, and in 1837, after a voyage of over forty days, was landed in New York City. From the metropolis, he made his way by river and canal to Buffalo, thence to Cleveland, Ohio, and from that place enme to New Philadelphia. He afterward worked for a few months at his trade near Mt. Tabor, and when ready to change his location, moved to Zoar Station. While there he met and was married to Miss Rinner. A man called David Stiffler having erected a shop there, he worked for him for five years, when he severed his interests in that line, and, purchasing one hundred acres of land one

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and one-half miles from New Philadelphia, fol- lowed the life of an agriculturist, in connection with carrying on his trade. Ile was prosperous in all that he did after coming to America, and so managed his affairs that he became very wealthy. He improved his first purchase in a thorough man- ner, and later made three additions to it, making an estate comprising two hundred and forty-two acres. This was made more valuable by the eree- tion thereon of suitable buildings of every descrip- tion, and was regarded as one of the finest pieces of property in the state. Mr. Doerschuk landed in the New World without means, and what he be- came the possessor of was the result of his own labors. He died July 29, 1886. He was very prominent in public affairs, and served as School Director for seven or eight years. and was also one of the Directors of the Infirmary. A Demo- crat in politics, he was very hberal in his views, and in local elections cast his vote for the man who in his judgment would best discharge the duties of the office. Active in religious affairs, he was regarded as one of the most valued members of the German Reformed Church, in which he served as Elder for many years.

Jacob and Christina Doerschuk reared a family of eight children, of whom we make the following mention: John of this sketch was the eldest; Jacob is living in Clay City, Ind .; Catherine is the wife of Godfrey Schoch; Valentine is living on the old homestead; Henry is a resident of Canton, this state; Louisa is at home; and Frank and Calvin are residents of Terre Haute, Ind., and are engaged as blacksmiths.

The mother of our subject was born in Hohen- ollen, Bavaria, Germany, and was the daughter of Jacob Rinner, also a native of the Fatherland. She is still living, at the age of seventy-eight years. Her father emigrated to the United States about 1841, and, finding his way to this state, was en- gaged as a teamster at Zoar Station. After the de- cease of his wife, he lived with Mrs. Doerschuk until his decease, which occurred October 2, 1882. He was born April 3, 1788, in Germany. Like all German youths, he was compelled to join the army, and entering the ranks in 1808, served for five years under Napoleon Bonaparte. He was a

member of the Reformed Church. His family in- cluded four daughters, of whom Mrs. Doerschuk was the eldest but one. The others were Margaret, Charlotte and Catherine. Christina came to Amer- ica with an uncle in 1836, and located with him in the then hamlet of New Philadelphia. She was very active in church work, and aided her husband greatly in attaining his high standing in the com- munity.

The original of this sketch was given the oppor- tunity of gaining a fine education, completing his studies in the high school. When nineteen years old he was given a certificate to teach, and for twenty-two consecutive years taught, first in the common and later in the normal school. His first school brought him 896 for the term, 890 of which he gave his father to help pay for the home place. He employed his time during the summer season in teaching vocal music, and, being thoroughly drilled in this art, has had fine classes ever since. He has taught throughout this and adjoining coun- ties, and meets with great success wherever he spends a term.

December 25, 1871, Mr. Doerschuk was married to Mary Zahner, and the following year they lo- cated in Shanesville, where he taught school for some time. While at Zoar Station he became in- terested in a printing-office, and after locating in this place in 1878 established the Shanesville News, a bright, newsy paper, which he conducted for six years. Although not now engaged in pub- lishing this sheet, Mr. Doerschuk still continues his job-printing department, and also takes orders in bindery work. His office is well equipped for this special line and the work he turns out never fails to give satisfaction.

In the year 1886 our subject established the Ex- change Bank. It is one of the rehable institutions of the county, and is largely patronized by the farmers and business men of this locality. Mr. Doerschuk was connected with the foundry at this place for four years, but since severing his in- terest with the company has given his undivided attention to his personal business, which is very extensive.

Always active in church work, Mr. Doerschuk has been Sunday-school Superintendent for twenty-

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one years, and at the present time is Elder in the Reformed Church. For the past eight years he has filled the responsible office of Treasurer of the Tus- carawas County Sunday-school Association. He is Democratie in politics.

To our subject and his estimable wife there has been granted a family of nine children, eight of whom are living, namely: Albert N., a resident of Kansas City; Ernest E., at college at Tiflin, Ohio; Ann B., Lewis A., Jolin J., Victor C., Herbert M. and Margaret L. Clara L. died when an infant of seven months. Mrs. Doerschuk was born in Shanes- ville, December 5, 1849, and is the daughter of Rev. John G. and Wilhelmina (Kappel) Zahner. Her father was a native of Oberdegsheim, Ger- many, and was born December 21, 1821. He was educated in the Baslim College of Switzerland, from which he was graduated in 1846. On ae- count of poor health, he erossed the Atlantic the same year, and entered the Lancaster (Pa.) Semi- nary, in order to become familiar with the English language. In the fall of the following year he lo- cated in Shanesville, having under his charge eight churches. In 1858 he went to Ragersville, this state, having been appointed pastor of five churches in that neighborhood. Ten years later we find that he located in New Philadelphia, where he had but three charges. In the spring of 1872 he came to Shanesville, ministering to three congregations. He was a finely educated gentleman, and huis writ- ings appeared in the "Church Messenger." pub- lished at Philadelphia, Pa., and the Reformed Church paper of Cleveland. He translated sev- eral noted German works into the English lan- guage, among them being Dr. Bausman's "Travels Around the World."

Rev. Jolin G. Zahner married Miss Kappel in 1847, in Pittsburg, Pa. She was born in Ilesse- Darmstadt, August 18, 1823, and was the daughter of Lewis and Philipena (Schoeneck) Kappel, born respectively, in Hesse-Cassel and Worms, Germany. Her father was conversant with several languages, and held an official position in his native land. Ile reared one son and five daughters, of whom Mrs. Zahner was the second in order of birth.

The father of Joli Doersehuk's wife reared a family of ten children. Lewis is au Episcopal

minister of Adams, Mass .; Robert is a prominent attorney of Atlanta, Ga .; Augustus is a banker, and resides in Abilene, Kan .; William is a drug- gist of Kansas City, Mo .; Mary C. is Mrs. Doer- schuk; Louisa is living in Seneca County, this state; Charlotte is Mrs. C. S. Belknap; Emma is the wife of Rev. M. Noll, of Knoxville, Ohio; Clara mar- ried O. C. Williams, of Cincinnati; and Minnie, now Mrs. Charles Haffner, lives in Bloomville, this state. The mother of these children came to the United States with a Lutheran minister, Rev. Philip Passavant, in 1847, and located in Pitts- burg. The journey across the Atlantic consumed thirty-five days, and soon after landing in New York she went to Baltimore, thence to Philadel- phia, and finally made settlement in the Smoky City.

The subject of this sketeh is highly esteemed by those who know him for his upright and consis- tent Christian life, and is therefore deserving of the respeet conferred upon him.

RAYTON NORMAN, one of the enterpris- ing and respected business men of New Comerstown, has been employed in con- dueting a livery business for the past year. He has a large and well selected line of carriages, and keeps a good grade of horses. Though a young man, he has given evidence of his ability, and his future career promises well, judging by the past.

Our subjeet is a son of Christian Norman a na- tive of Coshocton County, this state, and a farmer by occupation. Ilis present wife, formerly Miss Ilannah MeClary, was born in the same county as was her husband, and by her marriage she has be- come the mother of ten children, all but one of whom are living. By a former marriage Mr. Nor- man had five children, four of whom survive. Of the sons in this family, all are farmers with the ex- ception of our subject.

Crayton Norman was born February 8, 1861. in Coshocton County, this state, and was reared on

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his father's farm. Ile was early instructed in the various duties pertaining to the proper manage- ment of a farm, and on starting out in life for himself, at first followed this line. Ile received a good education in the schools of his home neigh- borhood, and is well informed on the general and current topics of the day. A good opportunity presenting itself, he concluded to embark in the livery business, and in 1893 assumed charge of his present stand. Hle has been quite successful in this venture, and is becoming well known and popular in this locality. In his political belief he is a Republican, and on attaining his majority his first Presidential vote was cast for Benjamin Har- rison.

January 17, 1889, Mr. Norman was united in marriage with Miss Luella Henderson, of Coshoc- ton County, and a daughter of George and Lovina Henderson. Two children were born to our sub- ject and his estimable wife, and bear the names of Charles Franklin and Lloyd Earl.

J OHN J. BIRK, one of the respected German- American citizens of Sandy Township, owns a good homestead near Mineral Point, but leases a large share of it for mining pur- poses. He has served for two terms as Township Treasurer, for eleven years was Treasurer of the Mineral City Special School District, and has served as Township Trustee. In former years he was a Whig, but is now a stalwart Republican. In all matters pertaining to the public good he takes an active and leading part, being especially interested in the matter of affording good educational privi- leges to the rising generation.

The birth of our subject occurred in Hochdorf, Wurtemberg, Germany, January 6, 1829, and in the same locality his parents, Tobias and Rosanna M. (Smith) Birk, were likewise born. They were the parents of four children: Lewis F., who died at Zoar, Ohio, at the age of eighteen years; Chris-

tian, now of Louisville, Ky .; John J. and Rosanna M. Wanner. Tobias Birk was born May 8, 1791, and his wife was born six years later. on the 29th of August. They came to the United States in the spring of 1840, leaving Germany on the 13th of March, and arriving at Zoar, this state, June 19 following. The father had learned the shoemak- er's trade in his native land, and continued this pursuit until his death, which occurred May 6, 1866. In the spring of 1843 he located on the farm where our subject now resides, and here he lived until his demise. IIe was reared in the faith of the German Lutheran Church, but after coming to this country became identified with the Ger- man Reformed denomination. In polities he was first a Whig, and subsequently a Republican. Mrs. Rosanna Birk died March 20, 1856, about ten years before her husband. She was a daughter of Jacob Smith, a weaver by trade, who also followed farming.

John J. Birk received a good German school education, and was eleven years of age when, with the other members of the family, he came to the United States. It was not his privilege to at- tend the English schools, but for three weeks he was a student at Zoar. After his father located on a farm, he began working for his board, and since that time has given the major portion of his at- tention to agriculture. He now owns the home- stead of fifty acres, which is very valuable, both on account of being adjacent to Mineral Point, and because of the coal underneath its surface. The railroad passed through a part of his farm, and the land thus condemned was paid for at a good rate.

On the 2d of October, 1851, Mr. Birk married Miss Mary Borway, who was born in Sandy Town- ship. Her parents, Michael and Mary Borway, were natives of the Keystone State. The former. one of the sturdy pioncers of Ohio, was born on the 4th of March 1791, and died June 29, 1875, at the good old age of eighty-five years. Ile was a hero of the War of 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Birk were born a son and daughter: Rosanna M., who died at the age of four years; and Charles William. The latter is very fond of music, and has been a teacher of that art. In company with his wife and son, our subject is an active member of the

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Reformed Church, and is an Elder in the congre- gation, his son occupying the office of Deacon. The family are much respected by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance, for they art in- dustrious, intelligent and honorable citizens.

H OSEA FISHIER. The simple record of an honorable life is the best monument that can be reared to any citizen, and we shall therefore not attempt to enlarge upon the history of this gentleman, who is one of Dover Town- ship's most reputable residents. IIe is the pro- prietor of the fine estate on which he is now liv- ing retired from the active duties of life.

A native of Pennsylvania, our subject was born in Beaver County, February 6, 1828, and is the son of Frederick and Catherine (Kurtz) Fisher, natives of Germany, the former born in Baden, and the latter in Wurtemberg. The father emi- grated to the United States in 1805, first loeating in Baltimore, Md., whence he afterward moved to Beaver County, Pa. Mrs. Fisher, who had come to America four years previously. had also made her home in Baltimore, where she met and married Mr. Fisher. She departed this life October 16, 1841, when in her forty-third year. Her husband survived her many years, passing away June 8, 1854, in Dover Township, this county.

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Portrait and biographical record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Part 53

Author: Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Chicago : C.O. Owen Number of Pages: 934

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago : C.O. Owen
Number of Pages: 934