The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc, Part 119

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Leggett, Conaway
Number of Pages: 1072

USA > Ohio > Wyandot County > The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc > Part 119

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

CHAPTER X.

RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

THE TOWNSHIP AS ORGANIZED-ITS PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS-NAMES OF ALL THE OWNERS OF REAL AND PERSONAL ESTATE IN 1845-EARLY SET- TLERS-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-BIOGRAPIIICAL SKETCHES.

A T the organization of this county in 1845, the portion now known as Ridge Township was existing under the title of Amanda, in Hancock County. It is a fractional township containing but fifteen sections, and was annexed to this county at the above date, deriving its name from the high limestone ridge which extends across its northern part. It is bounded on the east by Crawford Township, on the south by Richland, and on the west and north by Hancock County. The southern portion of the township is comparatively low, and was once covered with a heavy growth of timber- beech, sugar, ash and walnut-much of which still remains, though the work of improvement is going on rapidly. With the present drainage, large crops of wheat are being harvested from these lands, that at one time were supposed to be adapted to corn-raising only. The northern part is of an entirely different make-up, both as to soil and surface feature. It is con- siderably elevated above the south half of the township, the soil consisting of a sandy loam, with clay base (white and yellow), and is especially adapted to the raising of wheat, an interest closely looked after by its in- habitants. Here the general improvements are much in advance of those of the southern part, most of the earlier settlers having located in this vicinity, George Greek, Casper Updegraff and William Hunter being a few of the exceptions.

The following were the owners of real and personal estate in Ridge Township in 1845:

OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE.

John Allman, Henry Amarine, Jacob Bowers, John Bowers, Jacob Baker, George Cross, Amos Brown, Elijah Brown, Daniel Beck, Sarah Beck, Samuel Brown, Henry Beck, Henry Bacon, William Bennett, Frede- rick Baugher, William Brown, Silas Brown, George Bucher, Jacob Barnd, Jacob Bucher, Elijah Barnd, Joshua Cole, Aaron Corbin, Charles Cross, Amos W. Crain, Henry Christy, William Carothers, R. and S. Dunbar, David Entley, John Fisher, John Fenstemaker, Benjamin Fickle, Sarah Greek, George Greek, Samuel Greek, Samuel Grindle, Jacob Grindle, Green & Reid, Shadrack Highland, William Hancock, Philip Hall, Philip Huber, John Hershberger, Philip Hall, James A. Hunter, Thomas Iliff, Jacob Jackson, Abraham Karn, Adam Kellar, Adam Killinger, Abraham Karn, William Keller, Francis Keenan, James Kelly, George Long, Christian Leitner, John Long, Aaron Moore, William McDonald, James McGill, David Myers, Frisby Nye, John Patterson, Jesse Price, Jacob Putnam, Lemuel Roberts, Michael Richardson, Philip Richardson, Joseph Richard- son, Robert Reynolds, John Smith, Rebecca Saeyards, Jonathan Swihart, David Spade, Thomas N. Shepard, John Starr, George Smith, Ohio,

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RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

William Swick, Joseph Shull, Andrew W. Scott, Duncan Scott, John Scott, Nicholas Shull, George Spangler, Joseph Sherman, Charles Thomas, John Thompson, George W. Tong, Hill Tolleston, Ira Taft, James Un- derwood, Casper Updegraff, Abraham Worley, James Wingate, George Worley, Isaac Wohlgamuth, Michael Yeager.

OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY.

John Allman, Henry Amarine, Jacob Blinger, Solomon Baugherd, George Baugherd, Jackson Baugherd, Jacob Boucher, Henry Beck, Jacob Bowers, Henry Blosser, William Cheesebro, Abraham Carothers, William Carothers, George Cross, Thomas Cole, Nicodemus Corbin, Boyd Dunbar, Robert Dunbar, Daniel Findlay, John Free, John Fisher, Benjamin Fickel, Samuel Grindle, Jacob Grindle, Samuel Greek, George Greek, David Graham, John Hershberger, Arthur Hazen, Philip Hall, William Hancock, Jacob Jackson, Adam Killinger, Adam Keller, Samuel Keller, Isaac William Kern, John Long, Joseph Leitner, Thomas McHorter, John Miller (German), John Miller (English), Amos R. Moore, Gideon Nye, Frisby Nye, John Pat- terson, Peter Putnam, Jacob Putnam, Jacob Putnam, Jr., Michael Richard- son, Elizabeth Richardson, Hyatt Roberts, Lemuel Roberts, Joseph Stahl, Daniel Spade, John Starr, Daniel Stahl, John Smith, Thomas Shepard, George Spangler, William Swick, Jacob Thomas, George W. Tong, John Thompson, Casper Updegraff, James Underwood, Isaac Wohlgamuth, Dr. Noah Wilson, a practicing physician.

TOWN OF RIDGEVILLE.

Of the twenty-four lots in this plat. Lemuel Roberts owned eighteen; Amos Moore, three; Daniel Miller, one; Jacob Plummer, one, and John Ragon, one.

TOWN OF JAMESTOWN.

Of the twenty-four lots in this plat, twelve-Nos. 1 to 12 inclusive-were situated in Ridge Township, and twelve lots-Nos. 13 to 24 inclusive-were located in Richland Township, all of which were owned by the State in 1845.

EARLY SETTLERS.

As nearly as can be ascertained, the first white man who " blazed " his way in and out of the sylvan wilds of this township was William Homan, who located here with a wife and five children in 1832-33. He was fol- lowed soon after by Andrew Bates, with a wife and three children. In 1834, Jacob Jackson appeared upon the scene. He was born in Berks County, Penn., July 26, 1812, and was a son of Henry and Hannah (Hough) Jackson, with whom he came to Ohio in 1822. He came to this county as above stated, and has ever since resided on the farm which he then entered. He is still living. George Greek, one of the few struggling pioneers in 1836, is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., son of Jacob and Martha (Miller) Greek, and was born December 27, 1806. He moved with bis parents to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1816, where he grew to manhood. He subsequently spent two years in Baltimore, one year in Cincinnati, then came to this county, and settled on his present farm. He is still an active old man, notwithstanding his many years of toil and pioneer hardships. James Hunter came to this county with his parents, William and Elizabeth Hunter, in 1836. He is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, his parents be- ing natives of Pennsylvania and Delaware respectively. He has resided on

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

his present farm since 1845, and is still hale, hearty and happy, an exem- plary and jovial pioneer. Casper Updegraff was one of the early settlers, and located in the township about 1840. He was a native of Northumber- land County, Penn., and was regarded as one of the sturdiest settlers. He was a man of great physical power and endurance, and in his lifetime did much hard labor. He was born in 1801, and died in 1870. One of the old- est of the venerable pioneers yet living is Benjamin Fickle, who located in this township in 1841. He is a native of Monongahela, Penn., and was born February 29, 1808. He was employed thirteen years on the Ohio Canal, and then moved to his present farm, entered in 1834. He is now quite feeble with age, and broken down by hard labor. Solomon Bocher, son of Frederick Bocher, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 2, 1821, and settled in this township in 1844, having since resided on his present farm, which was entered by his father at a previous date. One of the prominent pioneers of the township is Isaac Wohlgamuth, who was born in York County, Penn., January 3, 1806. He came to Ohio with his par- ents in 1815, and afterward to this township in 1843. In 1846, he was elected County Commissioner, serving two terms. He has been Justice of the Peace over thirty-three years. Jonas Wohlgamuth settled in the town- ship in 1846. He is brother to Isaac W., and was born in the same local- ity in 1810. He is regarded as one of the most successful of the pioneer farmers. Joel Chesebrough, one of the wealthiest of the early settlers, lo- cated here in 1844. He was born in Albany County, N. Y., January 1, 1810, and resided in that State several years, but has remained in this town- ship since his first settlement here. He now owns 360 acres of valuable land, all earned by hard labor. Henry Brown settled in this township in 1845. He was born in Otsego County, N. Y., September 7, 1809.

In the first settlement of the township there were, of course, no estab- lished roads, and this was the cause of much inconvenience to the settlers. The first regular road constructed was what is called the Mount Blanchard road, as designated by the Commissioners' report. Supplies were obtained from Upper Sandusky, Findlay and Sandusky City, and the thoroughfares leading to these points constituted the chief lines of regular travel till the sectional roads were legally established. The only grist mill, or at least the first one, was located on Section 14, and was operated by Isaac Wohlga- muth. The motive power was supplied by a horse, and, although it was in fact a grist mill, it was usually denominated a "horse mill," the animal doing the grinding instead of being ground. This mill was established in 1848, but is now " closed for repairs." The first saw mill was erected by John Long about 1836. It was run by water, and was constructed on the old " upright " plan. It was in fact an " old-timer " for various reasons, chief of which was that it usually required about two hours to saw through an ordinary log. This, however, afforded leisure for literary improvement, and it was no uncommon occurrence for the sawyer in charge to digest the contents of a whole dime novel while the "old haggler " was working its way through the log at the rapid rate of about five strokes to the minute. Progress and competition have rendered both the mill and its founder use- less, and they have ceased operations. At present, there are two saw mills in operation in the township, one owned by Michael Youngpeter, and the other by F. Williams. The mercantile interests of Ridge Township have not been prominently brought to the front. The first store was established by Eli Ragon, at the would-have-been village of Ridgeville, many years ago, but was never exceedingly profitable, and was at length abandoned.

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RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

Its proprietor was born on the eastern shore of Maryland July 30, 1777, and died in Warren County, Ill., April 9, 1856. At present, there are no mercantile establishments in the township.

The first schools of the township were held in the dwellings of the early settlers, one of these being that of George Greek, the kraut barrel being a valued attendant, as some of the pupils who are yet living aver. Deby Martin has the honor of being the first instructor of the then future citizens of the township, though John Long, the hero of the " upright" saw mill, is said by some to be the original agent in teaching "the young idea how to shoot." When the log schoolhouse near the present site of Mr. Greek's residence was erected, among the first to honor it was J. N. Free, then a brilliant young collegiate, now known as the "Immortal J. N." Other early teachers were Benjamin Burnapp, Samuel Updegraff and Isabel Thompson. There are now five school districts in the township, with sub- stantial and comfortable buildings.

RELIGIOUS.

The Methodist Episcopal Church seems to have been the first to call its members together to consider the spiritual interest of the township. The first meetings were held in dwelling-houses and later in a log schoolhouse west of the cemetery, near which the present church building is located. The first organization was effected prior to .1834, probably by Rev. John Conaway, with the following list of members: John Long, John Smith, William Reynolds, T. N. Shepherd, Thomas Thompson, Thomas Huff, and many of their wives whose given names are not remembered .. In 1835-36, a log church building was erected west of the present structure, at a cost of about $150, and this was in use about twenty-five years. In 1859-60, the present frame Bethel was built at a cost of $1,200, since which time all the pleasures of a neat and comfortable place of worship have been enjoyed. So far as determined, the list of pastors who served in the parish is as fol- lows: Revs. John Conaway, James Wilson, Samuel Allen, Biggs, Hustis, Kimber, Wilson, Wilcox, Pounds, Lee, Thatcher, Graham, Wikes, Lance, Bowers, Good, Frisby, Lindsey, Jagger, Tibbles, Ferris, Miller and Camp. There are now forty members in the society. The first Trustees were John Long, John Smith, David Smith, William Chesebrough, William Carothers, Jacob Jackson and Henry Curtz. The present Trustees are Samuel and Saxton Chesebrough, La Fayette Weaver, Saxton Shoup and Michael Spangler; Stewards-Samuel Smith and William Jackson; Class Leaders- Saxton Chesebrough and Michael Spangler. Among the first revivals were those conducted by John Conaway, and these were followed by Revs. Tib- bles, Miller, Graham, Lindsey and Joseph Good, all attended by greater or less success, those of Conaway and Tibbles being quite successful; these were succeeded by many others of less importance.

The Methodist Protestant Church in this township was first organized in 1866-67, by Rev. Evans, who had, for a time previous, conducted relig- ious services in the "Greek" Schoolhouse. Here it was, in fact, that the organization was effected, there being at that time about thirty members enrolled, bearing names as follows: George, Rebecca, Simon, John, Henry and Elizabeth Greek, Henry and Hannah Hagerman, Martha Montague, N. L. Updegraff, Isabel Updegraff, Isaac and Elizabeth Wohlgamuth, Winfield and Mary Tong, Jacob Bocher, Emily Hysington, John and Catharine Rib- ley, Jerry Snook, William Snook and wife, Louisa Updegraff, William Davis and wife, John Starr, William Baker and wife, Robert and Louisa

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

Warner, Elizabeth Hines and perhaps a few others. In 1868 and 1869, the present church building was erected at a cost of $1,100, and was designated "Grace Chapel." It is a frame building 36x45 feet in dimensions and was erected by the Methodist Protestant society, with some assistance from the United Brethren organization, on the south- west quarter of Section 25. Rev. Evans labored as pastor in this ap- pointment five years; Rev. Baker, two years; Rev. Frailkill and Rev. Ra- venscraugh perhaps two years, and Rev. Overhultz about four years. The present officers are Henry Hagerman, George Greek and Isaac Wohlgamuth, Trustees, but owing to dissensions and indifference on the part of members the organization has recently been abandoned. Rev. Evans conducted the first revival, which resulted in about thirty conversions and as many addi- tions to the membership of the church, and several others followed, but were only revivals, no further additions to the membership being secured. The building is now unused and, considering the causes which have led to abandonment, almost any other title than "Grace Chapel " would be more appropriate.

The English Lutheran Church was organized in this township in 1838 and 1839, and a log building was erected and afterward weather-boarded. The members of the Reformed Church assisted in the enterprise and the house was consequently divided against itself, from which state of affairs trouble soon arose, which it is unnecessary to detail here. Rev. Huffman was the first pastor in charge, and the names of the original members so far as known were as follows: John Hill, Peter Kiser, Peter Stahl, Adam Keller, Frederick Shuman, Henry Shuman, Charles Kaley, Daniel Stahl, John Buchanan and perhaps some of their wives. The ministers, other than Rev. Huffman, who have labored at this point are Rev. Wolf, Rev. Livinggood, Rev. Howard, Rev. Froukenmiller and Rev. Dustman. The present building was erected by the Reform society in 1862-63 at a cost of $1,600. It is a frame structure, 32x46 feet in size, and well furnished. The present number of members is about twenty-five.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

EBENEZER BAUGHMAN is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and was born June 13, 1824. He is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Wymer) Baughman, natives of Pennsylvania, his father born August 23, 1794, his mother about 1796. His parents came with their parents to Muskingum County when children, and to this county in 1836. Their children were George, David, Ebenezer, Hannah, Rachel, Jacob, James, Susanna, Lucy A. and Notchy. The mother died in 1860, the father December 2, 1873. Ebenezer, the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents till his twenty- eighth year. In 1845, he inherited eighty acres from his father's estate in Salem Township, where he resided till March, 1866, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, where he has since been engaged in agricult- ural pursuits. Mr. Baughman was married, July 4, 1850, to Mary Werner, who was born in Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry and Julia A. (Kirtzer) Werner. Ten children have been born to this union, namely: Cornelius, September 30, 1851; George, May 18, 1853; Elizabeth, July 16, 1855; Rachel A., November 1, 1856; Malinda J., September 20, 1858; Emanuel A., August 7, 1860; Emma M., July 8, 1862; Levi B., February 6, 1865; Phœbe, April 27, 1867; Matilda E., September 6, 1868. Two of the above are deceased, namely, Elizabeth E., who died September 14, 1856,

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RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

and Malinda J., September 27, 1861. Mr. Baughman is an old settler, and well respected. He served one term as Trustee of the township, and has held other positions of trust. He is a man of generous impulses and good character generally.

JACOB BLOOM was born in Bavaria April 7, 1831. He is a son of Philip and Mary (Cammer) Bloom, who were born in Germany in 1801 and 1811 respectively. His father was a farmer and blacksmith in Germany, and emigrated to America in 1852, settling in Tiffin, Ohio, moving later to Big Springs Township, where he died in March, and his wife in May, 1869. Their children were Philip, Charles, Caroline, Charlotte, Mary, Dora and Jacob. The latter came to America with his parents, and engaged in blacksmithing in Seneca County about twenty. two years. In 1878, he lo- cated on his present farm of 100 acres, which he values at $75 per acre. Mr. Bloom was married, October 7, 1856, to Catharine Drumm, who was born in Bavaria February 16, 1837. Her parents were Jacob and Catharine (Harbaugh) Drumm, who were both natives of and died in Germany-her father in 1844, her mother in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Bloom have six children, namely: Albert, born February 13, 1858; William, May 31, 1859; Mary C., November 25, 1861; Caroline, April 25, 1864; Charles, November 23, 1866; and Catharine, November 7, 1869. In politics, Mr. Bloom is a Dem- ocrat; be and his wife both being members of the Reformed Church.

JOHN GREEK, son of Samuel and Sarah (Welshhammer) Greek, was born on the homestead where he now resides November 5, 1844. He was em- ployed at home on the farm till December 28,1863, at which date he enlisted in Company A, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Hartsough, going direct to Chatville, where his regiment encamped one week, then joining the main army at Chattanooga and started on the At- lanta campaign. He participated in all the battles of this campaign, re- turning and taking part in the battle against Hood at Nashville; thence to Greenville, in camp there when Lincoln was assassinated; thence to Nashville, in camp two months; thence via Johnstonville and Indianola to Green Lake, in camp one month; thence via San Antonio, Richmond and Galveston to Louisville, Ky .; thence to Columbus, Ohio, where he was dis- charged after a service of two years, without a scratch. Returning home, Mr. Greek resumed work on the farm, and, with the exception of one year in the saw mill business at Carey, has since been engaged on the homestead farm of 200 acres, where he was born and reared. He was married to Miss Jemima A. Crawford, November 15, 1866, their children being Samuel, Eva C., Mary E., Myron M., John M., Tilden, Walter W. and Edith E. Mrs. Greek is a native of Hancock County, Ohio, and was born January 31, 1845, her parents being Samuel and Phœbe (McPherson) Crawford. In politics, Mr. Greek is a Democrat. He is a man of good character, and is well respected in his community.

GEORGE GREEK. This pioneer of Wyandot was born in Lancaster County, Penn., December 27, 1806. He is a son of Jacob and Martha (Miller) Greek, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, the former born near Philadelphia, the latter in Dauphin County. His parents moved to Lan- caster, Ohio, about 1816, and resided in that vicinity till they were quite old; they subsequently came to this county and resided among their chil- dren till the dates of their respective deaths, 1877 and 1876. Their chil- dren were George, Catharine, Samuel, Jacob, Martha, Mary A. and Will- iam, all living but Catharine. George Greek was employed at home till twenty-one years of age. He then went to Baltimore with a drove of hogs

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

. and remained there two years, after which time he returned home, worked with parents one year, and then went to Cincinnati, where he was employed one year in the butchering business. Following this, he spent three years on the canal and other work, locating on his present farm in 1836. He first entered 160 acres, to which he added till he owned 300 acres. By the aid of his sons he cleared most of his land, to which in the beginning he was compelled to cut roads near two miles through the dense forest. Mr. Greek was married January 23, 1831, to Rebecca Harrison, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 5, 1811. She was a daughter of James and Hannah (Crumley) Harrison, her father having been a celebrated weaver of England; her mother a native of South Carolina. Their chil- dren were John, James, William, Amos, Henry J., Delilah, Eliza and Re-

becca. Mr. and Mrs. Greek have had twelve children, namely: Martha A., born June 3, 1832; Hannah, August 20, 1833; Jonathan, July 20, 1835; Harrison. December 13, 1836; Eliza, July 31, 1838; Jacob, February 13, 1840; William, November 4, 1841; George W., December 5, 1843; Delilah J., December 17, 1845; Mary C., August 22, 1847; Alexander, May 20, 1850; Sarah R., November 17, 1852. Of these Jonathan died January 16, 1843; Sarah, at the age of eighteen months; George died at Douglas Hos- pital, Washington, 1863; and Harrison died in Utah, en route to California, in the fall of 1880. Mr. Greek is a Democrat in politics, and is recognized as one of the most worthy of Wyandot's revered pioneers. His son,

WILLIAM GREEK, remained with his parents till "of age." In the spring of 1863, he went to the mining districts of Idaho, where he remained four years engaged in the mining districts. He returned in 1867, and in 1873 purchased forty acres in Hancock County, selling the same two years later and purchasing his present farm of eighty acres, where he has since resided. He was married, January 6, 1871, to Sarah Alspach, who was born in Han- cock County. Ohio, August 31, 1851. She is a daughter of David and Rosilla (Ewing) Alspach, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, the former born January 6, 1821, the latter August 20, 1829. Her parents came to Han- cock County in an early day and still reside there. Their children are Rebecca J., Sarah, John W., Laura L. and Emma A., the latter deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Greek have no children. They are thrifty farmers and are highly esteemed as citizens. In politics, Mr. Greek is a Democrat.

JAMES A. HUNTER, one of the pioneers of this township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 21, 1817. His parents were William and Elizabeth (Reed) Hunter, the former born in Pennsylvania January 14, 1790; the latter in Delaware February 3, 1798. They were married in Pickaway County, but resided in Fairfield County about twenty years, mov- ing to this locality in 1834. His father died June 30, 1860; his mother May 14, 1858. Their children are Mary B., James A., Elizabeth T., Ze- linda M., Lydia J., Esther A., John W., Amelia R., Mahala M., Isabel B., Martha M., Margaret A. and Thomas T. The deceased are Zelinda and Mar- garet. James A., the subject of this notice, resided with his parents till about eighteen, and was then employed by the month at home till his twenty- eighth year. He then purchased forty acres of his present farm, and located on the same in 1846, since being engaged in clearing it of its heavy growth of timber, making other improvements and adding to its area. He now owns 173 acres, all of which has been obtained by the " sweat of the brow." Mr. Hunter was married in 1846 to Lydia Sudds, daughter of James and Mary (Rush) Sudds, the former born in October, 1801, the latter November 11, 1797. Their deaths occurred December 9, 1826, and December 21, 1844,

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RIDGE TOWNSHIP.

respectively. Mrs. Hunter was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 15, 1825. She died January 28, 1849, leaving one child-Albert, born April 30, 1848. Mr. Hunter was married, July 9, 1850, to Sarah J. Upde- graff, who was born in Carroll County, Ohio, February 19, 1830, and the children by this wife were Granville, born March 3, 1851; Cyrus S., March 22, 1855; William and Elizabeth, August 31, 1859; Otis, January 26, 1862; Amelia A., October 12, 1863; Martha, February 27, 1868, all deceased but Granville and Cyrus. In politics, Mr. Hunter is a Republican. He has always been a hard worker and has undergone much of the perplexities and hardships incident to pioneer life.

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The History of Wyandot County, Ohio, containing a history of the county, its townships, towns general and local statistics, military record, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc, Part 119

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, Leggett, Conaway Number of Pages: 1072

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, Leggett, Conaway
Number of Pages: 1072