The History of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Part 112

Author: Warner, Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1017

USA > Ohio > Tuscarawas County > The History of Tuscarawas County, Ohio > Part 112

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MICHAEL DEITZ, farmer, P. O. Shanesville, was born in Sugar Creek Township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, in 1825, and is a son of Henry J. and Susan (Domer) Deitz. They were born in Somerset County, Penn., and came to this county in 1808, settling in this township in 1814. They were married in 1822, and immediately commenced clearing and developing a farm. The country was then very new, and they had to reclaim their land from the wil- derness. They moved to a place near Shanesville, and acquired a comfortable estate after great industry and economy. Mrs. Deitz died in 1846, and Mr. Deitz afterward married Miss Eva Sink, also deceased. Mr. Deitz departed this life in 1873, dying very suddenly, probably from a stroke of apoplexy. He left a large family, of whom ten are living, their names as follows: Jacob,

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of Yreka, Cal .; Michael; Judy, wife of F. Biddle, Bedford, Ohio; Susanna, wife of J. Biddle, Nashville, Ohio: Catherine, wife of Henry Sheu, of Shanesville; Elizabeth, wife of Edward Lewis, Fredericksburg, Ohio; Sarah. wife of J. Shunk, Orville, Ohio; Mary M., wife of M. Blickensderfer, Shanes- ville: Josephine, wife of Mr. Swain, Nashville, Ohio; and Henry, of Stan- ford, Ill. Our subject was reared on his father's farm and received a com- mon school education. In 1850, he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Shultz, a native of Shanesville, Ohio. To this union have been born six chil- dren, of whom five are living, viz., John H., who is married to Miss Thank McCormick, and had four children; George S., married to Miss Sevilla Goe- ber, and has one child; Michael M., Charles and Herbert. Mr. Deitz has pursued farming and stock-dealing all his life. In 1869, he purchased the old Deitz homestead adjoining Shanesville. The property has never passed out of the Deitz family nor changed name since its entry from the Govern- ment. Mr. Deitz has been a life-long Democrat, and favors personal lib. erty of every citizen of the county. He encourages public education and every effort for the improvement of the community.

ABRAHAM G. DIETZ, farmer, P. O. Shanesville, was born in Sugar Creek Township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, February 2, 1842, and is a son of George and Frances Dietz, natives of Pennsylvania. His parents came here in an early day, and took part in the struggles of this country for a develop. ment from the wilderness. Our subject's grandparents were the original own- ers of the land he now occupies. The old folks have all passed to their final resting place. The number of the pioneers of this county, who, like them. have braved all the dangers of a new country, and whose indomitable energy overcame all difficulties in rescuing this fertile soil from the dominion of wild beasts and savages, is becoming less every year. The subject of this sketch was the tenth of a family of twelve children, of whom seven survive. He was raised on a farm and obtained his education in this township. He was mar- ried in 1868 to Miss Catherine Leavengood, also a native of this county, and to them have been born three children-Lauru J., Margaret E. and Martha I. (deceased). On the decease of his mother, Mr. Dietz purchased seventy-nine acres of the old homestead, which he is now occupying. He supports the Democratic party, and. with his wife, belongs to the Lutheran Church. He is esteemed as one of the upright, reliable and influential citizens of Sugar Creek Township.

JOHN DOERSCHUK, teacher, job-printer and book binder, Shanesville, was born in Goshen Township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, January 1, 1841, and is a son of Jacob Doerschuk, whose sketch is elsewhere in this history. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, receiving his education in the schools of the district and afterward at New Philadelphia. During his boyhood he did some work in his father's blacksmith shop. When nineteen years of age, he began teaching in the schools of the township, and has fol- lowed that vocation during the past twenty-three years. He was united in marriage, September 29, 1869, with Miss Mary Black, born in Leavittsville, Car- roll Co., Ohio, and departed this life October 14, 1870. He subsequently married Miss Mary, daughter of Rev. J. G. Zahner, D. D. (see his sketch). The results of this union have been five children, of whom four are living- Albert N., Earnest E., Annie B. and Louis A. Our subject has established a general job-printing and book-binding office in Shanesville, and has secured an extensive custom. He was elected Justice of the Peace in April, 1876, and discharged the duties of that office with justice and impartiality to all. Dur- ing the term he received an appointment as Notary Public, and still retains that position. He has also done considerable professional work in settling

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decedents' estates. In politics, he is a Democrat; with his wife, is a member of the German Reformed Church.

JOHN J. DOMER, of the firm of Doerschuk, Karl & Domer, Shanesville, was born in this township and county in 1854, and is a son of John and Maria Domer. Mr. Domer, Sr., died in 1860; his widow still survives, and is a res- ident of Shanesville. At the time of his decease, Mr. Domer left a fine farm, near the town, which has been divided among the widow and six children. Our subject is the youngest of the family, and was educated in the schools of the village. Here he also learned the trade of an iron-molder with J. B. Rowles. On October 11, 1877, he was married to Miss Sarah C. Wholf, a native of Coshocton County, Ohio. To them have been born three children -- George L., Lloyd Levelle and Raymond. At the age of nineteen, Mr. Domer began teaching school, and has since pursued that vocation during the winter months. He gives good satisfaction to his patrons as an efficient teacher. In 1880, he purchased the interest of Mr. Ervin in the machine-shop and foundry, and has since been connected with the firm. In politics, he supports the Re- publican party. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. By his industry and frugality. Mr. Domer has been successful in life, and is re- garded as a gentleman of character and influence of high social standing.

MRS. CHARITY FERRIS, widow. Shanesville, was born in the year 1830, in Athens County, Ohio, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (McCune) Butt, both natives of Ohio, the former of this county. Mrs. Ferris was raised on a farin and enjoyed the usual advantages and pleasures of a farmer's daughter. In 1850, she was united in marriage with Charles Ferris, of Tuscarawas County. He was a son of John ard Nancy (Campbell) Ferris, natives of Ireland, but early pioneers of Tuscarawas County, Ohio. He grew up in the town of New Philadelphia and learned the tinner's trade. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ferris lived for two years in New Philadelphia, and then came to Shanes- ville, where he established a tin and stove trade. He was quite successful in his business and built up a flourishing trade. He departed this life on Sep- tember 12, 1879. His death was very sudden, he dying from the effects of over-exertion and exposure to heated air while putting out the fire of a neigh- boring house belonging to Henry Goeler; he expired half an hour after his heroic and successful act. He was a kind husband and father, and an indus- trious and useful citizen, enjoying the esteem of the entire community in which he lived. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris raised a family of four children -- Ellen F, wife of Lyman C. Wright; George H., of Dundee, Ohio; Joseph N., of West Point, Neb., and Emmett C., still at home. She is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, and an advocate of the cause of temperance. She is a lady of strong principles and estimable character, and takes a deep interest in the welfare of her family. She is a worthy example of the faithful, conscien- tious mothers who have labored with patience and self-denial to bring up their children to useful manhood and womanhood.

FRANKLIN FISHER, manufacturer, and proprietor of the Sugar Creek Woolen Mills, Shanesville, was born in the year 1832, in Sugar Creek Town- ship, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. He is a son of Jonathan and Esther Fisher, the former of whom was a native of Maryland, and the latter born in Somerset County, Penn. They came to this county in 1830, and died Jeaving the fol- lowing-named children; Daniel J., of Lakeville, St. Joseph Co., Ind .; Ade- line, wife of E. Showalter ; Isaac, of Wawpecong, Indiana ; Eliza, wife of C. Zimmer, Newcomerstown, Ohio; Solomon, of Sugar Creek Town- ship; Susanna, wife of J. Weidman, of Stark County, Ohio; and Lucinda, wife of C. Penrod, whose biography is also in this work. In 1833, Jonathan Fisher bought a small farm and erected a fulling mill. He gradually added

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to the work until it developed quite a large trade. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were industrious pioneer people, and left behind them a good record for honesty and integrity of character. Our subject was brought up to the trade of wool manufacturing by his father, and attended the common schools of the township. In 1861, he was married to Miss Sarah Grupt, who was also born in this town- ship. This union has resulted in six children, viz .: Anna, Cora, Charlotte (wife of Ira Wolf), Jonathan L., Joseph F., Susanna and Elwyn. In 1860, Mr. Fisher took charge of the woolen mills on his own account. He is very enterprising, and has improved the building and machinery and increased the 'facilities for the business. By his close application and courteous treatment of his patrons, he has secured a large custom, extending even into the sur- rounding counties. The Shanesville Woolen Mills have a first-class reputation for honesty and good workmanship for many miles around. They buy wool and manufacture plain and fancy stocking yarn, satinets, cloth, cassimere, jeans, etc. Mr. Fisher intends to still further increase the facilities of his business, to keep up with the growing trade. He also owns the old home- stead. In politics, he is a Democrat, and is a member of the German Re- formed Church. He is an ardent friend to the cause of education, and has given his children good educational advantages. He himself is well educated in both English and German. His children are bright and intelligent, and give promise of great usefulness in future years. Sugar Creek Township has no more upright, influential citizen than Franklin Fisher.

HENRY FROELICH, farmer, P. O. Barr's Mills, was born in Rhine Bavaria, Germany, in 1830, and is a son of Henry and Margaret Froelich, the latter a daughter John Andrus Lanzer. They were married in Germany in 1824, and came to this county with their family in 1844. Mr. Froelich died January 14, 1872. His widow, who still lives, resides with her daughter, Mrs. Henry Schumacher, in Bucks Township. Our subject was raised on a farm, and obtained his education in Germany. Since he came here he has, by private study, obtained a pretty good knowledge of the English language. He lived with his father until his marriage to Miss Phebe Schumacher in 1852. She was also a native of Germany, but came here in infancy. Their family numbered eleven children, of whom eight are living, viz .: Phebe, wife of Henry Widder; Albert, married to Henry Allison; Barbara, wife of Adam Lahm; John, married to Mary Yanney; Emma, wife of Lee Miller; William. Benjamin and Clara, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Froelich have been industrious and successful in life, and by their own hard work and good management have acquired a fine farm of 264 acres of well-improved land. He takes an interest in the culture of live stock, and has some full-blooded animals on his farm. In politics, he is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church. Mr. Froelich and Josiah Stough built the cheese factory at Barr's Mills in 1883. It is now operated by Frederick Von Gunter, a na- tive of Switzerland, who has been in this country five years.

ERVIN FULTON, manufacturer, Shanesville, was born in Fayette County, Penn., in 1844. His parents, James C. and Margaret Fulton, were natives of Pennsylvania and came to this county in 1854. Mrs. Fulton died in 1873; her husband, who survives, is a resident of the State of Indiana and is seventy years of age. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days on a farm and for his education attended the common schools. In 1863, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Wertman, who was born in Bedford County, Penn. ; her parents, Jacob and Sarah Wertman, are two very old residents of Tusca- rawas County. To Mr. and Mrs. Fulton have been born two children-George W. and William S. Mr. Fulton farmed during his early years, but soon went into the lumber business and spent fifteen years (1863 to 1878) in Defiance

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County, Ohio, getting out lumber. He still owns a saw mill, which he is now setting up in the town. His principal interests are centered in the brick and tile mill which he owns and operates. The mill embodies the very latest im- provements, and is the only one of its kind in Tuscarawas County. Mr. Ful- ton is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the United Brethren Church. He is energetic and enterprising, and by his own efforts has made a success in life.

CHRISTIAN GRAF, tanner, Shanesville, was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, December 31, 1835. His parents ended their days in their mountain home in the mother country. One of the sons is at present Principal of the city school of the capital. The family are all scattered: four of them are in the State of Ohio. Our subject emigrated to America in 1854. and worked for thirteen months in Virginia, and then traveled for two years as a journeyman tanner, visiting the cities of St. Louis, New Orleans (during the yellow fever epidemic in 1855), Chicago and Milwaukee. In 1858, he came to Shanesville, where he has since remained. He was married, February 9, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Zimmerman, also a native of Berne, Switzerland. To this union were born six children, of whom three are living-Emma, wife of John Davy, Mineral Point, Ohio; Hattie, teacher, Rowville, Ohio, and Mary, at home. Mrs. Graf died on February 9, 1873. She was a member of the German Reformed Church, and was a faithful wife and kind mother. Mr. Graf subsequently married Miss Maggie Norigan, a native of Harrison County, Ohio, and by this union has had one child-Norrie. Our subject has been en- gaged in tanning ever since his residence here. He now owns the only tan- nery in the town of Shanesville. He carries on an extensive business, and has a large custom from the neighboring counties. He is a member of the Ger- man Reformed Church, and in politics is a Democrat.

JACOB GROH, wagon-maker, Shanesville, was born in Rhine-Prussia Oc. tober 17, 1831. His parents, John and Margaret Grob, emigrated to this country, and passed their last days in Auburn Township, Tuscarawas County. They were industrious, honest people, and died having the respect of all who knew them. Our subject obtained his education in the fatherland, and in 1852 came to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, living for two years each in Ragersville and Dundee, thence coming to Shanesville, where he has since resided. He was married, March 9, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Schlarbs, also a native of Germany. To this union have been born ten children, viz., Clara (wife of John Hachtel), Amelia, John, Jacob, Frederick, Anna, Lottie, Alice, Victoria and Robert. Mr. Groh supports the principles of the Democratic party, and, with his wife. is a member of the German Reformed Church. They have given their chil- dren good educational advantages, both literary and musical. Mr. Groh carries on a general wagon and carriage and repair shop, and has a good trade, which he has established by his reputation for good, honest workmanship. He and his wife have raised a large family of intelligent and moral young people, who reflect much credit upon their parents.

ISAIAH J. HARRIS, farmer, P. O. Shanesville, was born in Sugar Creek Township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, April 25, 1853. He is a son of Jacob and Sarah Harris, who were among the early settlers of this county. Jacob Harris died August 6, 1877; his widow survived him and is living with Isaiah. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and obtained his education mainly in the schools of the home district; this he has since improved by his habits of private study and observation. January 5, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Ida J., daughter of Henry Baker, Jr., whose sketch is given elsewhere in this work. To this union have been born two children-Millie and Will- iam H. Mr. Harris has settled on the old homestead. and is taking a tender care

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of his aged mother. He has a fine farm of 196 acres of well-improved land, nicely situated on the Shanesville and Dover roads. He is a Democrat in politics, and at present is School Director of his district. He takes a deep interest in the welfare of his county, and encourages all efforts for the moral and intellectual improvement of the community where he resides.

JONATHAN HIXSON, farmer, P. O. Shanesville, was born in Westmore- land County, Penn., August 27. 1813. His parents, Amos and Mary Hixson, came in the year 1822, with two other families, in a boat down the Youghio- gheny and Ohio Rivers to Marietta, Ohio, thence up the Muskingum and Tus- carawas to Coshocton County, and then by wagon to Tuscarawas County. They then commenced earning their livelihood by working in the woods, and acquired an extensive estate. They were industrious pioneer people, and have both passed to their final resting-place. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and educated in the schools of this township; for one term he taught school, giving satisfaction to his patrons. He was married in 1838 to Miss Mary Helwig, of Dover Township, and by her had two children-Rebec- ca (living in Kokomo, Ind.) and James (deceased). After five years of married life, Mrs. Hixson died. Mr. Hixson subsequently married Mrs. Catherine Mossholder, a native of Fayette County, Penn., by which union there have been eleven children, viz., Luther, of Boulder City, Colo .; Mary, wife of S. H. Mathews, Iowa; Elmira C .; Jacob, living in Terrell, Tex .; Joseph A., of Ne- braska; Samuel, of Nebraska; Albert; Emma, deceased, wife of William Kerns: Martha, Jonathan and Curtis E. Mrs. (Mossholder) Hixson has, by her first husband, one daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Varns, having a family of eight children. They reside in Craig, Holt Co., Mo. Mr. Hixson bought the farm on which he is residing in 1853. He has been industrious and successful in life, and has acquired eighty-nine acres of well-improved land. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has held the position of Deacon and Elder at different times for many years. He is a Republican, but has never sought political prominence.

BENJAMIN B. HOCHSTETLER, farmer, P. O. Shanesville, was born in Dover Township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, September 1, 1823. He is a son of Benjamin and Catherine Hochstetler, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio about 1810 and settled in Dover Township. In 1837, they removed to Sugar Creek Township, where Mrs. Hochstetler died in 1840, aged about fifty-eight years. Mr. Hochstetler then removed to near Winesburg, Ohio, where he died in 1852. They were honest, industrious pioneers, and pious members of the Omish Church. Our subject was brought up on a farm, and educated both in the English and German languages. At the age of eighteen, his father gave him the rights of manhood, when he took a trip to Indiana, which was then quite new, and stayed several months, returning by way of the W. & E. Canal, Lake Erie & Ohio Canal, those being the principal modes of travel at that day. In 1846, he was united in marriage with Magdalene Garber, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, and by her has had seven children, now living, viz .: Elizabeth, wife of Noah Neff; Susan, widow of B. R. Hoch- stetler; Christian, of Auburn Township; Noah, Isaac and Hiram. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hochstetler settled in Sugar Creek Township, and have acquired a farm of 154 acres of well-improved land. The Connot- ton Railroad passes through the land. Mr. Hochstetler was Democratic until the Kansas troubles occurred, since which he has been a Republican, but dur- ing the past two years has taken no part in politics. He with his wife and most of the family are members of the Omish Church. He is retired from active business, and is enjoying the remainder of his years in the quietude of his home.

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BENJAMIN I. HOCHSTETLER, farmer, P. O. Shanesville, was born in Sugar Creek Township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, December 11, 1828. His par- ents, Isaac and Barbara (Miller) Hochstetler, natives of Pennsylvania, were early settlers of this county. They had lived for three years previous to their coming here in Holmes County, near the Tuscarawas County line, and died in this county at the ages of sixty-eight and seventy seven years. They were industrious pioneer people, and left a family of ten children, viz. : Benjamin I .: Frances, wife of John Yoder; Moses I .; Susannah, wife of Absalom King; Rebecca, deceased, wife of Eli Miller; Jacob; Jonas; Elizabeth, wife of Ben- jamin Fenser; Eli; Mary, deceased, and Mattie, wife of John Weaver. The subject of this sketch was raised on his father's farm, and educated in En- glish and German. After attaining his majority, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years. He was married. December 6, 1852, to Barbara Garber, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, and to them have been born two children-William, living on his father's farin, and Polly Ann, wife of William Schrock, of this township. In 1865, Mr. Hochstetler pur- chased the old family homestead, on which he is now residing. He has been industrious and persevering, and has acquired an improved farm of 160 acres, sixty of which he has given to his son. He is an advocate of the Republican party, and at present is Trustee of his township. He and the family are members of the Omish Church.

MOSES I. HOCHSTETLER, farmer, P. O. Shanesville, was born in this township and county on October 5, 1834, and is a son of Isaac and Barbara Hochstetler, natives of Somerset County, Penn. His parents settled in Tus- carawas County about 1815. Our subject's grandfather belonged to the Omish Church, and was one of the first of its members who came to this township. He entered what has since been known as the Hoselton farm, in Dover Town- ship. The subject of this sketch is the fourth child of a large family, and was brought up on a farm, receiving a common school education in this town- ship. In 1853, he was married to Miss Susanna, daughter of Jacob D. Miller, of this county. The result of this union has been eleven children, viz. : Catherine, wife of Cornelius Neff; Jacob, of the Shanesville Planing Mill; Fannie; Salome, wife of A. C. Miller; Albert, Emanuel, Leah, Sarah Ann, John, William H. and Amanda. Mr. Hochstetler purchased his farm in 1876, the land being well improved and amounting to 180 acres. He is a Repub- lican, and has served his township as Trustee for four years. He and the family are members of the Omish Church. He is a man of intelligence and enterprise, with a firm integrity of character.

BENJAMIN D. HOSTETLER, farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Shanesville, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, November 28, 1841, and is a son of Daniel Hostetler. He was raised on his father's farm, and obtained a common school education in Sugar Creek Township, his father having located here when Ben- jamin was a small boy. Our subject was married on January 4, 1866, to Miss Susan, daughter of Jacob Herner (deceased). This union has resulted in six children-Amra, Elmore, Altine, Prudence, Belle Mina and Curtis. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hostetler settled on the farm which they now oc- cupy, comprising ninety acres of well-improved land. Mr. Hostetler devotes most of his time to rearing stock. He is an enterprising and successful young business man. In politics, he supports the Democratic party. He encourages the moral and intellectual improvement of the community, and is giving his family good educational advantages, both literary and musical.

RUDOLPH HOSTETLER, farmer, P. O. Shanesville, was born in Sugar Creek Township, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, January 27, 1845, and is a son of Daniel Hostetler. Our subject spent his boyhood on a farm and at-

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tended the common schools of the township. On August 23, 1873, he was married to Miss Lucinda, daughter of Abraham Deitz, of this township. To them have been born four children-Wilson P., Alvin J., Anola, and one who died in infancy. After marriage, Mr. Hostetler lived with his father for three years, subsequent to which he bought his present farm, consisting of eighty acres of improved land. He is an advocate of the Democratic party, and takes a deep interest in the cause of education and all public improve. ments. He is an upright and reliable business man, and an influential citizen of Sugar Creek Township.

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The History of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Part 112

Author: Warner, Beers & Co. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1017

Author: Warner, Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1017