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 93

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 93

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JOHN GREER, son of Thomas and Catharine (Rhodes) Greer, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, July 10, 1828. His parents were na- tives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and of Irish and English parentage. They were married in Columbiana County, where they resided till 1838, his father being a carpenter by trade. In the above year they moved to Seneca County, and settled upon eighty acres of land entered sev- eral years previous. They sold this farm in 1845, and purchased 160 acres in this township, where the father died in 1867, and the mother in 1869. Their children were Joseph, John, Francis, William, Margaret A., Sarah J., George W., Mary A. and Abigail M. William and George lost their lives in the late war, Joseph also losing an arm in the service. Our subject worked at home till of age, and then spent a few years working on his own responsibility. He was engaged three years in mining in California, re- turning to Ohio in 1856. He was married, December 7, 1857, to Mary A. Crooks, a resident of Seneca County, native of Muskingum County, and daughter of Andrew C. and Mary (Arnold) Crooks, natives of Ohio, and of German descent. Her parents were married in their native county, and moved to Seneca County in 1849. They had seven children-Mary A. be- ing the only deceased. The mother died in August, 1868, and the father still resides in this township. In 1851, Mr. Greer purchased twenty-four acres of land, and this number he has increased to 162}. He erected an elegant brick residence in 1880, and a large barn in 1883. August 14, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and subsequently took part in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Stone River,

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Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Picket's Mills and Kenesaw Mountain. In the latter engagement, he received a shell wound in the left thigh, and lay in the hospital several months on account of his injuries. He was honorably discharged November 22, 1864, returned home, and has since engaged in farming. He is a Republican, and has served several terms as Trustee and Justice of the Peace. Mr. Greer is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R., and is the father of seven children-Thomas W., Sarah K., Andrew C., Asa B., Harry A., Guy E. and John R. M. Thomas W. is deceased. The mother died August 26, 1883, and now rests in the Baker Graveyard.

JOHN K. HARE, County Commissioner, was born in Center County, Penn., July 18, 1819. His parents, Conrad and Anna M. (Spangler) Hare, were both natives of Pennsylvania, as were also several previous genera- tions of the Hare family. Conrad Hare, wife and five children came from Pennsylvania to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1823, and ten years later moved to Crawford Township, this county. Seven more children were born to them in this State; ten grew to maturity-Solomon, Susanna, Mary A., John K., Levi, Lucetta, Margaret, Jonathan S., Rebecca, Samuel S. and Christopher S. The father died in 1847, aged fifty-six years: his wife lived to an advanced age. At twenty-one years of age, Mr. John K. Hare began work at monthly wages. At twenty-three he took contracts on the I., B. & W. R. R., and continued in this kind of work at intervals for about ten years. After four years in dry goods and grocery store at Patterson, Hardin County, he returned to farming. In 1867, he removed to South- western Missouri, where he cleared up a fine farm, and eight years later he returned to Ohio and resumed work on the old homestead in this township. Four years after this Mr. Hare moved to Carey and in 1881, was elected Commissioner of the county on the Democratic ticket. He owns forty acres of land in this township, and is discharging his official duties with credit. March 2, 1848, Mr. Hare was married to Mary Warner, who was born in Allegany County, N. Y., August 30, 1826. Her parents, David and Elmira Robins, were both of New York, and with them she came to Hardin County, Ohio, in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Hare have had nine children, six of whom are still living-Almon W., Wilfred C., Sarepta A., Etta M. and Ella M. (twins) and Anna B. The deceased are John A., David O. and Celestia, twin to Sarepta. The whole family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1853 and 1854, Mr. Hare had a contract for grad- ing twenty-one miles on the Eel River & Detroit Railroad west from Au- burn, Ind., and was employing 150 workmen, when the company failed, causing him a loss of $15,000, being unable to obtain even a settlement.

JOHN D. HART, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lowry) Hart, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 3, 1824. His parents were married in his native county, but moved to Wyandot in 1833, and entered land in this township. They had five children-James, Margaret, John D., Francis and Sarah, all deceased but John D. The mother died in 1847, the father January 1, 1880, the latter aged about eighty-four years; he was a soldier in the war of 1812-15. Our subject was married, April 22, 1852, to Emily Stephens, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 15, 1835, daughter of Peter and Hannah (Stevenson) Stephens, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. Her parents were married in Franklin County, but her father being a minister of the Methodist faith, made several removals. About 1841, he located in Mount Blanchard, and, being advanced in years, gave up his regular charge, and has since officiated as a local preacher.

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He opened a small store of general merchandise at Mount Blanchard, and for a few years was there thus engaged. There were twelve children in the family, viz., John W., Frances A., William D., Jesse B., George H., Ma- tilda A., Mary J., Emily, Elmira, Susan A., Sarah, Milton. Six are de- ceased, Matilda A., John W., Mary J., Frances A., George H. and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have had ten children-Mary E., Lovina, William, Jesse B., Charles A., Clara B., Samuel, Lora M., Grace, Amos. The de- ceased are Mary E., Samuel, Lora M. and Grace. Mr. Hart cultivated the home farm for several years; engaged in railroad work for a time, and in 1855 purchased twenty acres in this township. He sold this farm a few years later, and returned to the homestead, where he remained till his fa- ther's death, when he inherited sixty acres. In the same year, 1880, he added a few acres more, and with the improvements now values his land at $80 to $90 per acre. Mr. Hart is a Democrat in politics. Mrs. Hart is a member of the United Brethren Church at Carey.

DAVID HARPSTER, jeweler and druggist, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, May 7, 1837. His parents, John and Eva (Hartman) Harp- ster, were both natives of Pennsylvania, were married there, and in 1828 moved to Seneca County, Ohio, and entered eighty acres of land where the village of Flat Rock is now situated. They had a family of ten children- Lovina, Joel, Isaac, George, David, John W., Jacob (deceased), Frederick L., William R. and Susannah. His father was engaged in agricultural pursuits exclusively, till he retired. He now resides in Clyde, Ohio, his wife having passed away in 1866. David Harpster began life on his own

resources in his eighteenth year. He received a good education in the common schools, and passed six terms in a normal school, defraying his ex- penses by teaching, in which he was engaged four terms. His original in- tention was to study medicine, but he was finally dissuaded from this, and purchased a farm which he operated till 1862, when he sold out and re- moved to Carey where he sold dry goods four years. In 1866, he pur- chased a stock of drugs and in this business he is still engaged doing a good patronage. Mr. Harpster was married in December, 1859, to Susan A. Wonder, daughter of John Wonder, of this county. She died, leav- ing two children-Mary A. and Ida V. He was married next to Caro- line Myers, daughter of Dr. Joseph Myers, of Carey, and she departed this life, leaving one child-Anna May. He was then married to Han- nah Holway, who was born in Waterville, Kennebec Co., Me., and who came to Ohio in 1868. She was first a teacher in the schools of Tif- fin, and later at Fostoria, remaining one year at the later place. Three children are the fruits of this union-Charles M., Lida T. and David H. Mr. Harpster was elected Mayor of Carey in 1865, and re-elected in 1866. He officiated as Justice of the Peace nine years. Mr. Harpster had pre- pared to enter the late war, but was induced by the death of his wife, which left him with the care of two small children, to hire a substitute and remain at home. He has always affiliated with the Republican party, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1869, he united with the Masonic order, and has since passed all the chairs of the institution, in- cluding the degrees of Scottish Rite in 1881. He is also a charter member of the Knights of Honor, and served as first Director of the lodge.

VALENTINE HENIGE was born July 28, 1831. He is a native of Worth-am-Rhein, Bavaria, and son of Anthony and Magdalene (Jambo) Henige, natives of the same place. There were five children in the family- Theobald, George M., Valentine, Anthony and Jacob-all living so far as

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

known; Theobald went to California about 1846, and has not since been heard of. The entire family emigrated about 1846, and settled in Vernon Township, Crawford County, Ohio. Here the mother died in April, 1868; the father spent his last days with his children and died at the home of his son Valentine January 24, 1880. Our subject resided with his parents, working for other parties at intervals till his twenty-fourth year. He was married November 27, 1855, to Anna Maria Braun, of Richland County, a native of Rauschbach, Alsace, France. She was born August 15, 1829, her parents being Martin and Cecilia (Grunewald) Braun, natives of France. Her parents were married in Rauschbach and emigrated in 1832-33. The children were Anna M., Joseph, Ambrose, Ferdinand, Samuel, Cleophas and John. The father died March 1, and the mother March 7, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Henige are parents of eleven children, namely: John, born Octo- ber 12, 1856; Jacob and Joseph, December 15, 1857; Rosina, July 7, 1859; Henry, February 8, 1861; Carolina, December 6, 1862; Thomas, August 13, 1864; Cecilia, December 28, 1865; Peter, January 6, 1868; Catharine, February 10, 1870; Elenora, July 15, 1872. Two are deceased-Jacob, who died April 4, 1858, and Henry, who died April 17, 1867. After his marriage Mr. Henige worked in the car shops of the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R., at Crestline, till 1863, when he obtained thirty acres of land from his father. This he cultivated till 1865, when he sold out and purchased 160 acres in Crawford Township, where he now resides. He has added to his original purchase till he now owns 203 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He does an extensive farming business, in which he is quite successful. Mr. Henige is a Democrat and both he and Mrs. H. are members of the Catholic Church.

JACOB HICKEL is a native of Alsace, Germany, born January 15, 1819. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Hammer) Hickel, who were also natives of Germany and who reared a family of seven children-Jacob, Mary, Eve, Margaret, Catharine, George and Martin. Margaret and Catharine are de. ceased, as are also the parents, who died in their native country. Mr. Hickel emigrated to this country in 1847, and settled in Seneca County. In 1853, he sold out in that locality and purchased land in this township, now owning 245 acres. In 1869, he erected a fine brick residence and many other improvements have been made upon his premises. He was married, September 5, 1849, to Mary Hamm, who was born while her parents, Valentine and Eve (Hickel) Hamm, were on their voyage to this country, September 20, 1832. Her parents had four children-Catharine, Mary, Valentine and Eve. The father and mother both died in Seneca County. Mr. and Mrs. Hickel are parents of eight children-Elizabeth, George. Mary, Jacob, Caroline, Wilson and William (twins) and John F. The twins and Mary are deceased. Mr. Hickel devotes his entire attention to farming. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church, of which society Mrs. H. is also a member.

LEVI HILE was born in Big Spring Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, February 24, 1853, son of John and Susan (Putman) Hile, natives of Ger- many and Ohio respectively. His parents were married in this county, but lived in Seneca, where they reared four sons and four daughters, namely: Mary A., Lovina, Daniel, Levi, John H., Franklin, Ida E. and Emma A. The deceased are Mary A. and Lovina. The father died in 1869, in his fifty-ninth year; the mother is still living on the home farm. Levi, our subject, has followed farm labor from his youth. He was married, Decem- ber 21, 1882, to Miss Emily J. Shuman, who was born in this township December 16, 1853. Her parents, Fred and Ann M. (Stahl) Shuman, were

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natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. They settled in this town- ship at an early day and reared a family of nine children-Joseph, Sylves- ter, Ellen, Emily J., Catharine, Angeline, Susan, George and Frank. Her parents are yet living. Mr. Hile purchased 152 acres of land, April 1, 1883, in this township, where he still resides. He has made many improvements on the farm, and now values it at $90 per acre. He is a Republican, and with his wife holds a membership in the Lutheran Church.

PAUL and ANNA HOUK with their six children-Margaret, Catherine, John, Elizabeth, Peter and Henry-emigrated from Smallenburg, Bavaria, and landed in the United States in July, 1828, having spent three months on the voyage. They were shipwrecked, but were finally picked up by another vessel. They spent six months in Philadelphia, and then came to Ohio and located three miles south of Carey. . Here the sons and daughters grew to maturity. The two brothers, Peter and Henry, were twins, and Do less closely related in their business life. They were born in Bavaria April 21, 1819, and at the age of maturity learned the trade of carpenters, working at the same together, building many of the houses in Carey. Henry Honk married Juliette Irene Searless, in November, 1844. She was an estimable lady and died June 27, 1865-childless. Her husband contin- ued his trade several years after his marriage. He then engaged in the hardware business, next the drug trade, and afterward turned his attention to the real estate and broker's business. He married Elizabeth Sutphen, daughter of Richard D. and Sarah Sutphen, who then resided at Toledo, but now at, Carey. By this marriage there were ibree children-Harry S., Hallie G. and Willis Henry. Mrs. Houk is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and was born November 1, 1835. Mr. Houk was quite successful in his business affairs and at his death, April 6, 1880, was the owner of con- siderable real estate in Carey, and some in Toledo, Ohio. He erected Lis large, fine residence in 1876. Peter Houk married Susan Carr, daughter of Nicholas and Margaret Carr, in April, 1844. Ho was engaged as clerk in a dry goods store, at Adrian, Mich., for some time, but subsequently returned to this county and purchased a farm of 300 acres where he spent the re- mainder of bis days. He died July 5, 1870, leaving a wife and six chil- dren-Clinton N., Alvin D., Althea F., Anna M., Nollio I. and Herry Peter. The death of Alvin D. preceded that of his father five days. Mrs. Houk still rosides on the old homestead.

CHARLES HOYT was born in Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., May 8, 1834. His parents, Samvol and Abigail (Alford) Hoyt, were natives of New Hampshire and New York respectively, the former born August 21, 1788; the latter October 9, 1792. They were married, September 15, 1814, and moved to Ohio in 1854, locating in Seneca County. Their children were Zina, Harrison, Mary, Aurilla A., Samuel J., Sarah J. and Charles, all Jiving but Aurilla. The mother died August 16, 1863; the father June 27, 1872. Charles Hoyt remained with his parents until the opening of the late war, when he enlisted, August 14, 1861, in Company D, Forty-ninth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, and entered the service. He participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Serratt's Hills, Corinth and others, ro- ceiving an honorable discharge, September 11, 1863. May 22, 1864, ho again took the field as Captain of Company F, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regi- ment Ohio National Guards, but soon after returned to his position on the home farm, where he remained till 1882, when he purchased 160 acres of Gov. Charles Foster, in this township, where he now resides. He has since added twenty-eight acres; now values his farm at $125 per acre, and is engaged

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HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.

in general agriculture. Hlo was married, Decambia 15, 1864, to Miss Sa. loma Yentzer, of Adrian, Ohio, daughter of John and Catharine Yentzer, natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. She was born Novem- ber 1, 1839. Her parents reared six children- Jacob, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Susan, Saloma and John. The father died June 6, 1876, the mother in 1879. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoyi two children were born, namely, Abigail C., May 16, 1865; Saloma C., November 11, 1866. On the 8th of October, 1868, Mr. Hoyt was again married to Miss Emma M. Lott, a native of Mansfield, resident of Tiffin, and daughter of Cornelius and Eliza (Hitchne) Lott. She was born May 22, 1844. Her parents were married in Emmetts- burg, Md .; moved to Obio in 1844, and located in Tiffin. Her father was a carpenter by trade, and reared four children -- Emma M., Amanda H., Winfield S. and an infant daughter. Her mother died in August, 1853, her father is now in his sixty-eighth year. Mr Hoyt is a member of De Molay Commandery, at Tiffin, and of tho G. A. R. at, Carey. He and Mrs. Hoyt are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. Hoyt is a Republican.

WILLIAM K. HUMBERT, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, Carey, was born in Berks County, Penn., January 10, 1826. His father and mother, Jacob and Catharine (Kitling) Humbert, were also natives of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. They had eleven children- William K., Jacob, Sarah, Daniel, Catharine, David, Ann, Mary Frank, Amelia and Charles. The latter was killed in the battle of Gettysburg. Daniel was also a soldier, and was killed by Mosby's Cavalry in Virginia. David, Frank and William K. were also in the army. The children were reared to farm life, and at the age of twenty William K. took up the car- penter's trade, which he continued two and one- half years. He then went to Tamaqua, Penn., and worked two years; then to Reading two years at cabinet work; then to Philadelphia until the spring of 1853. In the latter city, he married Flora Ludwig December 21, 1852. She was born in Lehigh County, Penn., October, 1833. They removed to Allentown, Penn., and resided there till April, 1857, when they removed to Carey, Obio, where he established a furniture and cabinet business with his brother-in-law. Two years after, he disposed of his interest and worked at cabinet manu- facturing till the beginning of the war. August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the Virginia campaigns. After six months' service, he was detailed to the medical department, officiating as master in the hospital at Grafton, Va. He was discharged in September, 1865, and returned to his family at Carey, resuming his former trade, which he continued till the fall of 1883, when he leased the Commercial Hotel, which he has since managed. Mr. and Mrs. Humbert have five children-Dallas J., Lizzie, Harry, Katie and Clarence. The family is associated with the Lutheran Church. Mr. H. is a charter member of the G. A. R., and is a genial and hospitable landlord.

THOMAS HUNTER. This enterprising farmer was born September 22, 1839, is a native of this township, and son of William and Elizabeth (Reed) Hunter, natives of Pennsylvania and Delaware respectively. His parents were married in Fairfield County, and moved to Wyandot, entering land in Crawford Township. The children were Mary, James, Eliza, Zelinda, Lida, Mahala, John, Hester, Amelia, Isabel, Martha, Mar. garet and Thomas. Zelinda and Margaret are deceased; the mother died in 1850, the father in June, 1860. After the death of his parents, Mr.

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Hunter resided with his brother-in-law at Mccutchenville till his marriage, March 20, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Zabriskie, who was born at the above town September 27, 1837. She was a daughter of Peter and Sarah (Reade) Zabriskie, natives of Ohio and Delaware respectively, and of English, Polish and Dutch parentage. Her parents were married in Lockport, N. Y., moved to Ohio, located at Mccutchenville and engaged in the butch- er's business. Their children were Mary E., Angelett, George and Ara- minta. Mary E. and George are deceased. The father died in May, 1845. The mother now resides in Adrian, Seneca Co., Ohio, in her seventieth year. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have two sons -- Edwin E., born November 24, 1862, and Charles W., May 10, 1877. Mr. Hunter rented land a few years, and in 1864 purchased forty acres in Ridge Township. He sold this, pur- chased a second forty in the same township, sold again, and in 1872 pur- chased eighty acres, on which he now lives. In 1883, he added twenty-two acres in Salem Township. Politically, Mr. Hunter is a Republican.

EDWARD ILLIG, M. D., retired, is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., born August 28, 1806. The Illig family is among the oldest of Pennsylvania. They were of German extraction, and settled in the State many years antedating the Revolution. The parents of our subject, George and Mary (Weiser) Illig, the latter of English descent, and well-to-do farm- ers, besides operating an extensive tannery. They reared five boys and one girl, Dr. Illig being now the only living representative of the family. Con- sidering his facilities in his youth, Dr. Illig obtained a good education: he was of a studious turn of mind, as is evidenced by the fact that his text. books of sixty years ago are still in his possession, besides a copy of Dil- worth's Arithmetic, published in Philadelphia in 1748, and various other relics of a similar character. At the age of twenty-seven, he began the study of medicine, his elder brother being his preceptor. After a thorough course at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, he returned to his native place, where he enjoyed a lucrative practice. His course being determined, he chose for himself a partner for life in the person of Sarah Fisher, whom he married in November, 1836. She was a native of Berks County, Penn. In 1837, Dr. Illig removed to Stouchsburg, Berks Co., Penn., and established himself in his profession, which he con- ducted with the most flattering success till 1866. He then retired from his professional duties and removed to Carey, Ohio, in the same year. Since that time he has lived a quiet, retired life, leaving the responsibility of his profession on his son, Gus F. Illig, until the death of the latter on February 8, 1884. Dr. Illig united with the Lutheran Church when quite young, he and his family now being devoted members of that society. He has always been a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school; has been a devoted husband and father, and for one on the verge of four- score years is well preserved in mind and body. Five children resulted from his marriage, two of whom, Gus F. and Mary R. F., reached the years of maturity. The latter passed away when about nineteen years of age, mourned by a large circle of friends, as is evidenced by resolutions drafted by a committee of the Sabbath school of which she was an active worker, and published in the various papers of her native and adjoining counties. Mrs. Illig, wife of our subject, departed this life March 27, 1882, aged sixty-seven years two months and twenty two days.

GUS F. ILLIG, M. D., was born in Lancaster, Penn., November 12, 1838. When about eighteen years of age, he began the study of medicine under his father's instruction, and subsequently took a thor-

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ough course in the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, graduating at that institution with the highest honors of the class in January, 1861. He then entered upon the practice of his profession with his father in his native county, and from the first was eminently successful. He was a gen- tleman of rare talents and possessed a thorough knowledge of therapeutics, but was especially skilled in surgery, having devoted much study to the anatomy of the eye, in the treatment of which organ he had few superiors. His taste for books of a more solid nature was very distinctive, not a single work of fiction being found among his large collection of general and pro- fessional literature. His cabinet of surgical instruments is equally choice, as he possessed both the means and judgment necessary for procuring the best. His cabinet of rare and antiquated specimens and relics of Indian warfare is also quite extensive, and deserves more than a passing notice; his marriage to Miss Mary M. Keiser, of his native county, occurred May 11, 1862. They had one child-Minnie E. As a physician, Dr. Illig stood in the first rank of his profession; as a citizen he was universally respected. Although somewhat conservative in expression, he was always loving and kind as a husband and father. His life closed peacefully February 8, 1884, leaving a widow and one daughter.

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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 93

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

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