The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 132

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214

USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county > Part 132

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JOHN HISER, farmer, P. O., Dayton, is a son of John and Barbara Hiser, and was born Aug. 9, 1811 lived at home until his marriage, Oct. 21. 1832, to Mary Caylor, daughter of Daniel and Mary Caylor, of Jefferson Township. Her mother was born in North Carolina, Dec. 28, 1792, is in possession of her mental faculties, and bids fair to live a number of years yet. She was twice married. Her first husband died March 23, 1838, and four years after she was married to Samuel Noffsinger, who lived about nine years, thus again leaving her a widow. She is a member of the German Baptist Churchli, and is spending her last days happily with her daughter, Mrs. Hiser, which is the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Hiser are the parents of two children, Mrs. David Hatterman, of this township, being the surviv- ing one, and both are members of the German Reformed Church.

JOHN H. LINEBAUGH, wagon-maker, P. O., Ellerton. John H. Line- baugh, the subject of this sketch, was born in the village of Myersville, Frederick Co., Md., in the year 1837, Nov. 26. He spent his early life with his parents, Jonathan and Catherine Shank Linebaugli. Mr. Linebaugh is of German extraction. The vocation followed by our subject while witli his father, was farming. In his boyhood he gained a fair common-school educa-

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tion, while living at home. But not feeling satisfied to stop there, attended Dickinson College of Carlisle, Pa., thinking of graduating himself. But at the breaking-out of the Rebellion changed somewhat his collegiate course, and his school days there came to an end. In the spring of 1863 Mr. Linebaugh came to this county, a single man in search of his fortune, locating in Jefferson Township, where he married Margaret J. Patten, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Patten, residents of this county. The fruits of their union are as follows: Charles F., John Edward, Loiza Alice, Elcie Jane, Henry Mason and Thomas Patten, all living but Charles Franklin, John Edward and Loiza Alice. After marriage Mr. Linebaugh moved to Indiana, to make his home and follow teaching, but not find- ing matters just as expected came back to Ohio and located at Liberty, teaching their school six months, after which time he moved to Gettersburg and lived on a place then owned by Mr. Snepp, while building his house, the present home, Mr. Linebaugh's present vocation being farming, wagon-making and undertaking. He was elected to the office of Magistrate in the summer of 1869, and has held that position ever since, discharging his duties with ability and alacrity. In politics a Democrat and a warm supporter of Democratic principles; also an active member in the Reform Church, as also is his wife. Mr. Linebaugh began life with nothing, but has been quite prosperous in all his business interests. He is a man largely known in his locality, being a good neighbor, a kind husband and father, whole- some in all his habits and a man highly respected throughout the county.

LEVI P. MEDLAR, farmer, P. O., Dayton, is the son of Samuel and Mary (Staver) Medlar, he a native of Berks Co., Pa., and emigrated to this county 1832; she born in this county. They were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters, viz: Levi P., of this sketch, Hiram, Elizabeth, Alvin L., Benton I., Daniel W., Clara A. and Amelia M. The subject of this sketch was born May 23, 1848, and lived with his parents until his majority. Sept. 26, 1875, he was united in marriage with Susan E. Huffman, born May 23, 1852, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Fink) Huffman, natives of Lebanon Co., Pa., who emigra- ted to this county about 1835. He died 1859, she surviving him. Since his marriage our subject has purchased a home in Sec. 4. By this union they have had three children, two living-a son and a daughter-viz: Luther E., born Feb. 22, 1878; Laura May, born May 23, 1880. He is a member of the Reformed and she of the Lutheran Church.

CORNELIUS MICHAEL, farmer and manufacturer of sorghum syrup, P. O., Dayton, is a son of John and Charlotte Michael, natives of Frederick Co., Md., who came to this township in 1836, and settled upon the farm where he yet resides. He began life in Ohio a poor man, but by well directed effort he has accumulated a large property, being now considered one of the wealthiest men of his township. They have had nine children; eight now survive. The subject of this sketch was born May 10, 1830, and came to this county with his parents, with whom he lived until 25 years of age, his schooling being little. He was married Aug. 12, 1855, to Sophia Crouder, daughter of Jacob and Rachel Crouder, of German Township, this county, who was born May 9, 1838. Of this union ten children have been given them, viz: John W., Noah E., Jacob A., George W., Emanuel (deceased) Seabery F., Laura M., Ora E., Edward L. and Clara S. Mr. Michael, wife and eldest son are members of the United Brethren Church. For the three years fol- lowing his marriage Mr. Michael worked by the day and on rented land, after which he rented farms for five years; at the expiration of this time he bought 12} aeres of land near Carrollton Station, upon which he built a factory for the mann- facture of sorghum syrup, and continued this business successfully at that point for six years, when he sold out and bought the farm of 120 acres, where he has since resided. Beside running his farm he still manufactures sorghum, and, having the latest and best-improved machinery, produces a superior article of syrup. Mr. Michael deserves praise for the steady success he has made in life, having by his

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own efforts accumulated a handsome property, the legitimate result of persistent industry and rigid saving.

GEORGE MILLER, blacksmith and farmer, P. O., Ellerton, was born in Germany, Dec. 23, 1831, and is a son of G. and Catherine (Staub) Miller, who were the parents of seven children, four now living, viz: Henry, George. Catherine and Conrad. Our subject emigrated to the United States in March, 1852, and engaged in farm work in Delaware, and the following May went to New York, possessing a capital of about $50, and there worked on a farm about six months, then came west to Circleville, Ohio, where he served a three years apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade, afterwards working about one year as a journeyman for the same firm. He then came to Dayton, Ohio, worked three months in a carriage shop and the following three years was employed in the Union carshops, from where he went to Germantown, this county; remained there one year, working at his trade; thence to Sunsbury, where he commenced in business for himself, which he prosecuted about nine years; then came to Gettersburg and purchased the comfortable residence where he now lives. Here he continued the blacksmith- ing business for about ten years, since which time he has devoted his attention principally to the raising of tobacco, and has been very successful. He was married in 1855 to Mary A. Schaffer, of Dayton, daughter of the Rev. Absalom Schaffer, who was Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dayton for many years. Mrs. Miller was born in 1832, and had four children by this union, viz; David, Isaiah, Clara and Sarah M. The mother dying Aug. 25, 1871, Mr. Miller married for his second wife Mrs. Anna Beck, daughter of John Getter, who died March 25, 1879 without issue. In religious belief Mr. Miller is a Lutheran, as were his parents before him; yet he is a man of liberal views, devoid of narrow-mindedness, and is much respected by friends and neighbors.

ABSALOM NICHOLAS, (deceased) was born in this township, upon the farm where his widow now lives, Aug. 16, 1828, and was a son of Abraham and Mary Nicholas, pioneers of Montgomery Co., Ohio. Our subject grew to maturity on the old homestead and, like all pioneer children, received his education in the school of his district. He was married June 5, 1851, to Mary A. Rowlands, a native of Wales, who came to this country with her parents, Rowland and Eliza- beth Rowlands, when she was a small child. To Absalom and Mary A. Nicholas seven children were born, five of whom are living-Elizabeth J. (wife of Peter Little, of Dayton), Joseph L., Catherine F. (wife of Franklin Puterbaugh, of Harrison Township), Abraham R. and Laura V. Mr. Nicholas was much respected and was often offered official position in his township, but declined on account of poor health. He died Sept. 22, 1871, a faithful member of the United Brethren Church, to which denomination his widow and three of the children also belong, and one daughter adheres to the Baptist Church.

HENRY RECHER, retired farmer, P. O., Liberty. The grandparents of this well-to-do farmer were Peter and Elizabeth (Protzman) Recher, natives, respec- tively, of Pennsylvania and Maryland, who came to Jefferson Township, Mont- gomery Co., Ohio, in 1805, settling on Little Bear Creek, where they passed the balance of their days. They raised a family of eight boys and two girls, viz: Peter, Joseph, Jacob, Daniel, Frederick, John, Elias, Lewis, Lica and Susan, one of the daughters being the first wife of the Rev. David Winters, and all of the sons mar- rying but Jacob. Of the above Joseph, Peter and Lewis, with their wives, are living, also the wives of Daniel and Frederick. The father of our subject was Daniel, who was but two years old when his parents came to this county, and here he grew to manhood amidst the primitive woods and frontier scenes of the Miami Valley, growing up pure, rugged and free like the giant-trees surrounding his cabin home. Upon reaching his maturity he was married to Mary Magdalene Apple, daughter of Henry Apple, who came from Pennsylvania, with his wife and family, about the same time as the Rechers, settling 1} miles north of them, where they lived a short time; then moved to the vicinity of Farmersville, where he and wife

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died. Henry Apple was the father of six boys and seven girls, viz: John, Henry, George, Elias, Enoch, Daniel, Margaret, Catherine, Elizabeth, Eaf, Mary Magda- len, Barbara and Lena, of which the following are living: Elias, Enoch, Daniel, Margaret, Catherine, Eaf, Mary Magdalen and Lena, all of whom were married and temperate, respected people. To Daniel and Mary Magdalen Recher were born three children, viz; Henry, Phillip, (who died in infancy) and Lydia (the wife of C. Becker, of Dayton). Our subject was born upon the old homestead in Jefferson Township, July 22, 1834; grew up under the parental roof, and attended the district-school of his neighborhood, where he received a limited education, but, possessing a large store of good common sense, he has been moderately successful in life, for which he is very thankful to the great Ruler who watches over all. He was married Jan. 11, 1855, to Nancy Kelsey, daughter of David and Margaret (Nicholas) Kelsey, natives of Ohio, who are now spending their last days with Mrs. Recher, he being in his 79th and his wife in her 73d year. Mrs. Recher was the eldest daughter in a family of seven children, viz: James K. (deceased), Nancy, Rachel (deceased), Sarah, Juliann, Lydia A. and William, the living being married and having families. Mrs. Recher was born May 17, 1836, and has had one daughter by this union, Laura E., born Aug. 23, 1856, who married Enos Michael eight years ago, to whom she has borne one son, Clarence E. Mr. Recher's father died fifteen years ago, and his mother is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Becker. Our subject, after marriage, settled on the farm where he now resides, most of which he cleared, also quarrying stone, burning lime and making sorghum molasses, the latter of which he manufactured on a large scale. Beginning with one horse for grinding cane, and boiling the juice in the old fashioned way, he soon changed this for the more modern steam engine, finally using a forty-horse power engine, and boiling by steam. After this he began buying logs and running a saw-mill, in all of which he displayed the same energy, honesty and success. He operated the first steam thresher in the township, also the first circle clips saw-mill; bought and sold a great deal of land, but in all his dealings no man could ever say that they did not receive every cent the contract called for. Politically, Mr. Recher is a Dem- ocrat, and since his 18th year has been a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, his wife joining the United Brethren soon after marriage, to which church her son-in-law and wife also belong. Mr. Recher is ever anxious to further the interests of Christianity, and his time and money are always ready to assist and encourage God's needy poor. Every benevolent purpose finds in him a warm friend and earnest supporter, and the temperance cause has no more determined advocate and defender. He is a good neighbor, a fond father, a provident husband and an earnest Christian, whose whole desire is to try and serve the Lord by every means in huis power.

JAMES A. RIDENOUR, Minister, P. O. Ellerton. The subject of this sketch, Elder James A. Ridenour, was born July 12, A. D. 1840, in Portland Township, Preston County, W. Va. His parents' names were Jacob and Mary. He was raised a farmer; his parents being poor and school facilities not being what they are now, he enjoyed but a limited education. In June, 1861, he entered the min- istry in the German Baptist Church, having been a member of that denomination since his sixteenth year. On the 12th of September, 1861, he was united in mar- riage with Mary E. Bucklew, of the same county and State aforesaid. In the spring of 1863, he, with his wife, moved to Selbysport, Garrett County, Mary- land, and in the spring of 1864 they removed back again to West Virginia, locat- ing in the bounds of the Sandy Creek congregation, some twenty-five miles from the place of his birth. For this congregation he preached sixteen years. In the spring of 1880, he, with his wife and nine children, removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, locating on the Germantown pike, three miles west of Dayton, for one year, and in the spring of 1881 he moved five miles further west to his little farm near Gettersburg, in Jefferson Township, where he still resides, and at present preaches for three congregations, the one in which he lives, in Montgomery

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County, one in Greene County and one in Preble County. He has at this time ten children-six sons and four daughters, nine are living and one is dead. The names of the living in the order of their ages are: James Q., Nancy E., John W., Martin W., Jacob F., Mary A., Eliza M., Sylvanus F. and Violet C., and the name of the one deceased was Samuel C .; he died in infancy. His labors in the ministry were mostly confined to the congregations in which he resided, from the firs. up to 1875. On the 7th of January, 1876, he had the misfortune to be burnt out, so completely burnt out that he was left penniless, turned out in the midst of winter, with wife and eight children, all without a suit of clothes. The fire was during the night, and, being awakened by the flames, he, with difficulty and at the risk of his own life, succeeded in saving the family, but not without himself being seriously injured by the flames. Some of the children had to be dropped from the second-story to the ground, as the only means by which they could be saved. Fortunately, none were hurt. The entire family had to escape from the burning building by knocking out windows and escaping directly from the bed- rooms; the fire had possession of the doors; there was no insurance, hence all was lost. From the time of this sad occurrence up to the present he has spent a con- siderable portion of his time traveling as an evangelist, preaching and baptizing hundreds of penitent believers, who confessed Christ. This work he loves above any other of his life. His labors as an evangelist extended to several different States. It was while on one of these tours that he first visited the Miami Valley, about February, 1879, and while pursuing his labors at Liberty, Sharpsburg, Trotwood, Dayton and other places, his brethren and friends solicited him to move with his family to Ohio, holding out as an inducement for him to do so a donation of $3,000, to assist him in procuring a home. He now lives on the little farm above alluded to, contented and happy, and tries, by his faithful labors in the ministry, to render satisfaction to his brethren and friends as an equivalent for the favor, hop- ing that a longer and more intimate acquaintance will only tend to increase and strengthen their affection for each other.

JOHN T. SNEPP, farmer, P. O. Ellerton, is a son of John and Catherine (Rhodaheffer) Snepp; was born Dec. 2, 1841, and lived with his parents until his majority, when he spent two years at Wittenburg college, Springfield, Ohio, after which he continued to assist his father on the farm. He was married Jan. 7, 1868, to Martha A. Snider, who was born July 8, 1840. She was a daughter of Adam and Mary (Haymaker) Snider; he a native of Baltimore, Md., and she of Rockbridge Co., Va., who were the parents of six children, viz., Sarah J., Nancy C., John T., Martha A., Mary E. and Frances S. The only son, John T., was a member of the 93d O. V. I .; was taken prisoner at the battle of Stone River; suffered the starvation and misery of Andersonville, and afterwards of Florence, Tenn., where he was exchanged, but the joyful news came too late and that very day he was numbered among the dead, and sleeps in a Southern grave. Mr. and Mrs. Snepp are the parents of four sons, viz., Samuel E., born Oct. 31, 1868; Hugh A., born March 2, 1870; Arther E., born Jan. 13, 1872; Lauren H., born Sept. 13, 1873. He is a member of the Lutheran and she of the Reformed Church. She has been quite a Sabbath-school worker. He lias been Township Clerk for the past five years, filling that position with credit to himself and honor to his fellow men. They have a very pleasant home on Sec. 28, where they enjoy the esteem and respect of their neighbors and many friends.

SAMUEL SNEPP, farmer, P. O. Ellerton, is the son of John Snepp, whose biography appears in this work. Samuel, the subject of this sketch, was born in this township July 30, 1845. Lived at home with his parents until his majority, assisting upon the farm and attending school. For three winters after his majority he attended school at Wittenburg College, Springfield, Ohio. Oct. 15, 1875, lie was united in marriage to Ehzabeth Snider, daugliter of Adam and Mary (Haymaker) Snider, who are made mention of in the biography of John T. Snepp in this book. By this union they have had two daughters, viz., Mary C.,

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born Jan. 17, 1877, died Oct. 1, 1877; Editlı, born March 4, 1878, and died Aug. 20, 1880. Since their marriage he has continued to live upon the home- stead in Sec. 27, where he has a bright prospect for the future. He is an acceptable member of the Lutheran Church and she of the German Reformed.

PAUL STUPP, farmer, P. O. Ellerton. Paul Stupp, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., in March 1859, and lived with his father, assisting upon the farm and attending school during winter. His father emigrated from Pennsylvania April, 1871, and has resided in this county since that time. He is the son of John and Ameha (Yeizer) Stupp. Amelia Yeizer was the daughter of Peter and Rebecca (Gerrett) Yeizer, born Oct. 19, 1832. John and Amelia (Yeizer) Stupp were married June 17, 1856. By this union they were the parents of four children-three hving, one son and two daughters, viz., Rebecca, born June 28, 1857; Paul, born in March, 1859, and Katie, wife of William Lucas, born April 28, 1862. 'Dec. 21, 1863, Amelia (Yeizer) Stupp, died in Lebanon Co., Penn. Mr. Stupp lived a widower until Aug. 4, 1866, when he was united in marriage with Henriette Ibach, daughter of Lawrence J. and Lealı (Matthews) Ibach, of Lebanon Co. Penn., (she was born Jan. 19, 1840.) John and Henriette (Ibach) Stupp are the parents of four children, one son and three daughters, viz., Elizabeth S., born June 17, 1867; Emma, born March 31, 1870; Sallie, born Sept. 14, 1876, and Charlie, born Sept. 28, 1878. John Stuppis the son of William and Lydia (Forry) Stupp. They were born in Berks Co., Penn., and were the parents of five children, Caroline, Jolin, Harriet, Purseville and Edmund. Lydia (Forry) Stupp died, and William was then united in marriage with Elizabeth Groby. By this union they had three children, one son and two daughters, Lydia, Emma, (deceased), and William Stupp. Peter and Rebecca (Gerrett) Yeizer were the parents of seven children-three living besides Mrs. Stupp and three others deceased. Henriette Ibach, John Stupp's second wife, is the daughter of Lawrence J. and Leah (Matthews) Ibach. Lawrence J. and Leah are the parents of ten children, viz., Sarah, Burger, Henriette, (John and James deceased) Franklin, Charles. William, Lawrence and Emma. Lawrence J. Ibach, marked the astro- nomical calculations of the principal almanacs in use, his being considered the most correct. He is a blacksmith and hives in Lebanon Co. Penn.

ABRAHAM TROXELL, farmer, P. O. Liberty. The subject of our sketch, Abraham Troxell, was born in Miami Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1832, Jan. 25. His parents, Samuel Troxell and Rosanna (Weaver) Troxell, were natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohio and located with their parents in Miami Township and grew to man and womanhood. The father and mother of our subject were not married until full maturity, and the fruits of mar- riage are as follows: Mary Ann, Lewis and Abraham. Lewis died in his sixteenthi year. Mr. Troxell, in his boyhood, lived under the parental roof until reaching his eighteenth year, after which time he worked by the month two seasons. Then began life for himself; raised tobacco and butchered until his marriage, in 1858, to Rebecca Protzman, daughter of John and Margaret Protzman. Their mar- riaga has been quite fruitful; have had born to them Minerva L., Mary R., Charles E., George W., Lovie A., William A. Ida May and Minnie A .; all living but Ida May, who died at the age of six months. Mr. and Mrs. Troxell are blessed with the society of their children except a little babe and Minerva L., who has taken upon herself the burthen of a family, hier husband's name being David Phil- baum. After the marriage of our subject he was engaged in the grocery busi- - ness one year, after which time he went to farming, and bought the farm where he now lives, in Jefferson Township, having made valuable improvements to his home, thereby making it really desirable. From the appearance of his place one can only say Mr. Troxell has been a financial success. He is looked upon as one of the leading farmers of his township, and has always, and is to-day, regard- ed as one of the most charitable men in our land, being ready to administer to the wants of the needy. Neither is he alone in these deeds of charity. The same

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qualities are possessed by the entire family. He has served the people of his township in places of public trust, having been elected Township Trustee four times. May prosperity reward him and his for their many deeds of charity and kindness.

MADISON TOWNSHIP.

SAMUEL BASORE, farmer; P. O., Trotwood, is a native of Lebanon Co., Pa. He is a son of Benjamin and Mary Basore, both natives of the Keystone State. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm in a manner incident to youth. But on arriving at the age of maturity, he learned the trade of cooper, which he followed for many years in Pennsylvania and for fourteen years after coming to this State. About thirty-five years ago he was married to Lydia Fetters. They are parents of eight children, viz .: Absolom, Sarah, Catharine, Susannah, Lydia, Samuel and John living, and an infant deceased. About twenty years ago Mr. Basore abandoned the trade of cooper and bought the farm of 100 acres on which he lives and devoted his energies to the raising of grain and stock. He has added to his possessions a farm of 165 acres in Butler Township. Mr. Basore's success in life has been due entirely to his own exertions, and as we gaze with admiration on the granaries filled with the life giving products, we are constrained to say, by his labor, industry, perseverance and integrity he has made himself one of the substantial farmers of Madison Township.

ABRAHAM DENLINGER, farmer; P. O., Box 791, Dayton. The subject of this sketch is a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., born Aug. 4, 1806. He is a son of Abraham and Annie (Neff) Denlinger. His parents dying when he was but a boy, he lived with his grandfather until after he attained the age of 17. He then engaged to learn the trade of blacksmith with Amos Cooper, near Lancaster, where he remained two years, after which he worked with his uncle, Isaac Bresler. He then farmed for the widow of Michael Sechrist about one year. Again he returned to Amos Cooper and worked two years more at the trade. Being dissat- isfied with the opportunities offered to young men in that section, he decided to come to Ohio on a tour of inspection, and in the spring of 1832, carried it into execution. While here he bought the farm on which he now resides. He then returned to his old home, where he remained until the fall of the same year, com- pleting his arrangements for leaving for his permanent home. He has been twice married. First to Margaret Miller, daughter of Daniel Miller, in the spring of 1833. Seven children were the result of this union, four of whom are still living. David, born March 25, 1838, was killed in the service of his country at Atlanta. Ga. Mr. Denlinger's second marriage was consummated in April, 1865, with Eliza Linville.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 132

Author: W.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1214

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214