The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 139

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 139

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GEORGE WIELAND, farmer, P. O. Farmersville, born in Maryland, November 4, 1824, is a son of Burnhard and Elizabeth Wieland, he a native of Maryland and she of Virginia. The grandfather, Burnhard Wieland, was a native of Germany, but who emigrated to America and settled in Maryland, where he lived and died ; his son, Burn- hard, was born and raised in Maryland ; was married, and became the father of nine children ; six survive-Susan, John, Jacob, Samuel, George and Elizabeth. Mr. Wie- land resided in his native State till his death, which occurred about 1831 ; his widow came to this State and lived in this county till her death, which occurred about 1865. Our subject was about seven years of age when his father died, after which he remained with his mother till her oldest son was of age and married, and settled in life, when George lived with him till his majority; was married, October 4, 1850, to Susan, daughter of Frederick and Susan Rudy, natives of Maryland, who lived and died in their native State. They were parents of eight children ; six now survive-Hanson, Daniel, Joshua, Lucretia, Rebecca and Susan. Mr. Wieland emigrated to Ohio in 1839, re- maining here a few years, thence returned to Maryland ; thence, after three or four years, he came to this county again, thence returned to Maryland, married and brought his wife here and located upon the farm where he now lives and has since resided, a period of thirty years. This farm he purchased of William Zehring; it consists of 169 acres of land, upon which he has erected all the buildings on the place, which are large and commodious, with good improvements, constituting a good home and farm residence.

MARTIN WOGAMAN, farmer, P. O. Johnsville, born in Madison Township, February 25, 1825, is a son of John and Mary (Burket) Wogaman, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of North Carolina. The grandfather, John Wogaman, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio and located in Perry Township, on the farm now owned by S. Crull, in 1805, and was with Christian Wogaman, among the first settlers of Perry Township. Here Mr. Wogaman resided till the death of his wife, about 1833, after which he lived with his son John, in Madison Township, till his death, about 1844 or 1845. John, the father, was born in Pennsylvania in 1797; was eight years

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of age when they settled in this county, and here he was raised, and grew to manhood, accustomed to the hardships and roughness of pioneer life; was married to Mary Bur- ket August 13, 1818, with whom he lived till March 2, 1881, when death took her from him ; she was eighty-seven years of age, and they had shared the toils and hardships, as well as the joys of life, for nearly sixty-three years. They had seven children ; six now survive-George, Anna, Martin, Sarah, Moses and Mary. He is still living, now eighty-four years of age. Our subject was married, October 15, 1848, to Hannah E., daughter of John H. and Mary (Suman) Brandenburg, natives of Maryland, who came with their parents to this county when about eight years of age, being among the early settlers of Van Buren Township, and here they were raised and grew to maturity ; were married and had nine children, eight now living-William H., Catharine, John, Han- nah E., Elizabeth, Anna, Peter and Isaac. They lived in Van Buren Township till about 1836, when they moved into Dayton, where they lived till their death ; he died in 1837 and his wife in 1849. Mr. Wogaman and wife have the following children-John Webster, Arminda, Willis E. and Harry H. After their marriage, they located in Madison Township, where they resided till February, 1875, thence located upon the farm where they now live. This farm he purchased of Jacob Baker ; it consists of 142 acres, with large, commodious buildings and good improvements, constituting a pleasant home and residence. This is a brief sketch of one of the oldest pioneer fami- lies, whose lives and labors make up a prominent part of the histories of the communi- ties and townships in which they lived. They were men of undoubted integrity, and of intellectual and moral worth. John Wogaman held the office of Township Trustee several years, and is a devoted Christian man. Martin, our subject, held the offices of Township Trustee and Assessor for many years. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, to which they have belonged for eighteen years.

JONATHAN P. WOOD, physician and surgeon, P. O. New Lebanon, born in Warren, R. I., Jan. 2, 1817 ; a descendant of Dr. Thomas Wood, who emigrated to North America in 1642, and settled in Newport, R. I. J. P. Wood came to Ohio in October 1828, where he remained, living in Dayton until 1834, when he returned to Rhode Island ; was two years in Brown University, after which read medicine with Dr. Alfred Wood, of Taunton, Mass., and completed preparatory studies at Berkshire Medical School, Pittsfield, Mass., settled in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, the fall of in 1845, where he now resides.

BUTLER TOWNSHIP.

JAMES I. ANDERSON, steam-saw and planing mills, Vandalia, born in Butler Township January 23, 1836. His father, William Anderson, a native of Pennsylvania, emigrated to Ohio in 1811, and bought Government land at $1 per acre ; lived here all his life ; died November 23, 1867. James remained on the farm with his father until his death, where he removed to where we now find him, and engaged in the above- mentioned business. Has been in good standing in the United Brethren Church for fifteen years ; has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for four years ; also held the office of Supervisor for two years. He married Rebecca L., third daughter of John Car- mony, of Champaign County, December 27, 1855; seven children have been born to them, four of whom are living-Orien E., Etta M., Frank A. and Wilber E. Mr. Anderson's mother was a native of Warren County, Ohio, and was born in the year 1798. (Unfortunately, the exact date of this lady's birth is lost.) She was a member of the United Brethren Church, and died January 23, 1881, after a long and useful life of eighty-three years.

COL. WILLIAM BAGGOTT, retired, P. O. Vandalia, is one of the early settlers of Ohio. Born in Fredericksburg, Va., December 25, 1798, he remained at home with his parents until fourteen years of age, when he engaged with David Allman to learn the cooper trade. This calling he followed for six years under Mr. Allman's instruc-

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tions, at the expiration of which time he began work on his own account at Newmarket. He emigrated to Ohio in the spring of 1823 and settled in Licking County, where he remained twelve years, when he removed to Clark County. His last move was to where he now resides. These various moves were necessary on account of his occupation, contractor on the "National Gravel Road." He bought the farm where he now resides in 1838. He married Miss Hannah, fourth daughter of Tunis Quick, May 20, 1823. Six children have been born to them, three of whom are living. Mrs. Baggott de- parted this life January 17, 1865; the remains are buried in the cemetery near the Lutheran Church in this township. Mr. Baggott has been a member of St. John's Commandery, F. & A. M., for forty-two years. He has never sought any office what- ever, but has lived a quiet, retired life, and the writer takes pleasure in spreading this sketch on the page of history for the benefit of his family and his numerous friends.

A. M. BARRETT, minister, Vandalia, was born in Indiana County, Penn., June 30, 1853; remained at home with his parents until the year 1867, when he entered school at Glade Run Academy, Armstrong County, from which institution he graduated in the fall of 1875, and the same year removed to Springfield, Obio, and entered Wittenberg College, where he remained until the summer of 1878, graduating with high honors. In September of the same year, he entered the "Theological Semi- nary " and completed his studies in the year 1880. Last July, he received and accepted a call from Vandalia pastorage, Evangelical Lutheran Church, under the control of the General Synod. Although Mr. Barrett is a late comer in this vicinity, his ealling places him in a position to do much good. He is a courteous gentleman, and we pre- dict for him a life of usefulness.

MICHAEL BENNERT, teacher, Vandalia, is one of the veteran educators of this county, born in Baden, Germany, March 21, 1846. The family emigrated to this country, landing at New Orleans, in the year 1855. His father, David Bennert, died on the journey, fifty miles south of Louisville, Ky .; his remains are buried at the foot of " Blue River Island." The family first settled at Liberty, where they remained one year, and then removed to where we now find them and engaged in farming, which occupation he followed up to the year 1859. He received his education at Southwest- ern Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio. He enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, October, 1861, then under command of Col. G. Moodie, and served until his term of enlistment expired, when he returned to Vandalia and commenced teaching. He married Elizabeth, youngest daughter of John Taylor, November 4, 1869. Five children have been born to them-Louis A., Wilber D. and Dawes T., the youngest being twin daughters, Flora and Lora. Mr. Bennert is a member of Vandalia Lodge, No. 657, I. O. O. F. ; has been a member of the United Brethren Church for fifteen years.

G. H. BRENNER, farmer, P. O. Vandalia, born in Montgomery County, December 24, 1833, where he has lived all his life. From the above it will be seen that the subject of this sketch is one of the pioneers of this county. He remained with his parents until he arrived at his majority, at the expiration of which time he bought the farm where he now resides. The home consists of seventy acres, situated on the National Road, a half mile west of Vandalia. In the year 1875, he built a fine residence, and the place is valued at about $12,000. He has held the offices of Town- ship Trustee and Treasurer of the Vandalia Town Hall ; is also a member of the School Board. He married the eldest daughter of Louis Mills, September 24, 1857 ; five ehil- dren have been born to them-Charles O., Emma J., Laura G., Birdie B. and George G. ; the latter was born June 19, 1858. He married Sarah E. McDonald, of Arcanum, December 24, 1877. One child is the result of this union-William L. Mrs. Brenner has been a consistent member of the Lutheran Church for nine years. The friends of this family are numerous, and they are spoken of by their neighbors as people who are an ornament to the cireles in which they move.

ANDREW BRENTLINGER, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, born in Pickaway County, October 4, 1818, and remained at home with his parents until nineteen years of age. His first purchase was eighty aeres in Allen County, in 1840 ; this he held

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for speculation until 1850. Hc first settled in this township in 1844. The farm where he now resides he purchased in 1862. The place consists of 160 acres under good cultivation ; a fine two-story brick residence and other permanent improvements adorn the farm, valued at about $13,000. He married Miss Ruth Watt, March 18, 1844 ; two children were born to them-Cordelia J. and Mary E., the former now Mrs. John Bceson and the latter Mrs. Andrew Eiesman, located at Mexico, Mo. Ruth departed this life December 27, 1846; the remains lie in the Fryback Cemetery. Again he married Ann E., eldest daughter of John Polhamus, June 7, 1847 ; ten children have been the result of this union, eight of whom are living-Martha A., died August 9, 1848 ; John, died January 16, 1856; Thomas J., Caroline, William, Alice N. and Eliza A. Alice married W. S. Sunderland, who died July 18, 1878, and is buried in Tippecanoe Cemetery ; two children were born to them, one of whom is living- Walter E. Mary G. died June 5, 1879, and is buried beside her father. Mr. B. has been a member of the Reed Commandery, F. & A. M., for eighteen years, and a member of the United Brethren Church for twenty-nine years.

JOHN Q. A. COOVER, farmer, P. O. Spanker. Among the enterprising young men of this county is John Q. A. Coover, born February 13, 1847. His father, John M., was born iu Pennsylvania, February 13, 1808, and came with his father to Ohio in 1829 and located in this county. He was deprived of the advantages of obtaining more than an ordinary education and was brought up to farm labor. His father was summoned away by death, which threw all the responsibilities of the farm and the support of a large family upon him and his brother, and they managed the farm until 1840, when he was united iu marriage with Mary, daughter of James and Mary Dunean; they purchased it and cultivated it in partnership successfully until his deeease in 1876. He was elected Representative of this county in 1860-61. Mr. Coover was a self-made man, having begun life for himself in 1840, with nothing but his energy and strength to rely upon, successfully battled with the difficulties of pioneer life, and did his full share toward making Butler Township, as it is to-day, one of the most produetive portions of Montgomery County. He was the father of three children, viz .: Benjamin F. (deceased), Martha E. and John Q. A. The subject of this sketch obtained his primary education in the common schools, attended Wittenberg College three years, and assisted his father during vacation. He celebrated his marriage with Sella C., daughter of John and Elizabeth Beard, June 18, 1874, and rented of his father until his decease, when he inherited his father's interest in the farm and remained in partnership with his uncle until 1878, when he purchased his interest and has cultivated it successfully until the present time. Mr. Coover's business qualities are good, and he is calculated to make a successful farmer, as he is long-headed and enter prising. Two children were born to them, viz. : Winferd F. V. and Leila. He has 230 acres, about 175 of which is under a high state of cultivation and nicely improved.

WALTER CROOK, grain merchant, Postmaster, tieket and express agent, Tadmor, was born in this county, Feb. 29, 1824; remained with his parents on the farm until he had attained his majority ; then removed to Miami County, near West Charleston, Ohio, settling on a farm of eighty acres ; remained three years, at the expiration of which time he purchased a farm near Vandalia. At the outbreak of the war, he enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then under command of Col. G. Moodie. Served two months as a private soldier, when for meritorious conduet he was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned to the command of Company F, with which he served with honor and distinction until his term of enlistment expired. He then returned to this county, and in the year 1869 bought the warehouse, which interest he still con- trols. Has condueted the business of the railroad and post office for eleven years, to the entire satisfaction of all eoneerned. Mr. Crook owns a fine residence near the station ; has held the office of Township Treasurer for twelve years ; has been a member of St. John's Commandery, Masonie fraternity, for twenty-two years. Was married to Miss Martha Jane Bates, of Montgomery County, in the year 1847. Mr. Crook is a man of fine business qualifications and a respected citizen.

LAFAYETTE CURTIS, traveling salesman, Vandalia, born ,in Cincinnati,

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August 11, 1847; removed to this county with his father in the fall of 1855 ; re- mained at home with his parents until twenty-seven years of age ; he has been a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church for eleven years. He married Miss Nancy Palmer, November 29, 1874; two children have been born to them-Minnie M. and Lulu A. Mrs. Curtis contracted pulmonary consumption sixteen years ago and gradu- ally grew worse until the 15th of August, 1880, when death came to her relief. Her remains lie in Poplar Grove Cemetery. Mr. Curtis owns a nice residence, consisting of five acres, on which he erected a fine two-story frame house, valued at $1,800.

JACOB DEARDORF, farmer, P. O. Chambersburg, is one of the early pioneers and prominent farmers of Butler Township, born March 23, 1815. His father, Benj- amin, was born in Adams County, Penn., and moved to York County at an early date, (where our subject was born). He was united in marriage with Hannah Harbolt. They were the parents of eight children, viz. : Elizabeth, George, Rachel, Jacob, John, Abram, Benjamin, Samuel. Jacob received his education, which was an ordinary one for those days, in the common schools, they being very few and several miles apart ; thus the opportunity of obtaining a good education was limited. In 1826, he went to work for his uncle, where he remained for two years, then returned to his father, re- maining only a short time, when he engaged with a neighboring farmer for 83 cents per day for one year. During this time his mother was summoned away by death, loved and respected by her many friends. Jacob returned home to learn the carpenter's trade with his father, working in the summer and going to school in the winter, as there was not much building during the winter months. He finished his trade and worked with his father until 1834, when he was encouraged to come West by the tide of emigration that was flowing westward at that time. On his arrival in Ohio, he located in Tuscarawas County, where he remained only a short time and went to Warren County. Not finding his business in a very prospering condition, came to Montgomery County and settled in this township and followed his business of contracting and build- ing, meeting with good success. He celebrated his marriage with Rhoda, daughter of Robert and Nancy Hosier, December 5, 1839. and moved to Pickaway in the spring of 1840, where he carried on his business with marked success, contracting and building and dealing in real estate very extensively until 1856, when he became tired of the active business life that he was pursuing, purchased a farm of ninety-five acres that was nearly all under a good state of cultivation, and retired to a quiet life on the farm, where he enjoys all the comforts of a happy home. They are the parents of eight children, viz. : Wilson P., Mary A., Nancy, Benjamin F., John G., William E., Laura F. and Robert O. Mr. and Mrs. Deardorf have been members of the Christian Church for the past ten years, and their children are colaborers with them in the cause of religion. He possesses good business qualities, is usually successful and enter- prising and a man that is respected by a wide circle of friends and all who are brought in contact with him.

JOSEPH H. DEBRAY, physician and surgeon, Little York, born in Miami Co., April 28, 1841, received his preliminary education at Pleasant Hill, in the public schools, and finished his studies at the Friends' Academy in Miami County ; commenced the study of medicine under the instructions of William Patty, M. D., where he remained three years ; commenced the practice of medicine in the year 1867, at Pleasant Hill, but after a short time he removed to Dayton, and established himself in the drug business at No. 115 East Third street, which calling he prosecuted one year, at the expiration of which time he abandoned the store and resumed his practice. Two years ago he located where we now find him, he has a good practice which, by close application to his pro- fession, is gradually increasing. He has been a member of the Brethren Church for fifteen years. He married Miss Carrie, third daughter of Richard Shepherd, August 14, 1865; four children have been born to them, three of whom are living-Rutherford B., Dora A. and the youngest, an infant, unnamed at this writing. The eldest died in infancy, and lies in Woodland Cemetery. The Doctor has never sought any office, but has devoted himself to his profession, is a courteous gentleman who commands the re- spect of all good citizens.

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STEPHEN DODSON, farmer, P. O. Vandalia, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, May 20, 1840, but his mother dying when he was only six years old, he went to live with Jonathan Harpster, of Allen County, Ohio, who reared and educated him. In 1860, he removed to Montgomery County, where he was married to Sarah A. Wells, the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Johnson) Wells, October 18, 1863, of which union has been born one son-Harry, who died in infancy. Mr. Dodson has been a member of the United Brethren Church for twenty years, and is well known and re- spected in Butler Township. He and wife are living on her parents' old homestead, ministering to the wants of the venerable couple in their last days.

REV. EPHRAIM EBY, minister, Little York, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., May 27, 1833 ; remained at home until twenty-two years of age, during which time he learned the business of milling. He removed to Ohio in the spring of 1858, and settled where we now find him. He entered the ministry of the Brethren in Christ May 17, 1869. He married Miss Elizabeth, fifth daughter of Rev. John Win- ger, April 5, 1860; three children have been born them-Annie W., John Wesley and George W. The former is now Mrs. Silas Myers, located on the home farm. Christian Eby, the father of the subject of this was born in Pennsylvania, in February, 1800, and died June 28, 1870. The remains are buried in Strickler Cemetery, Lan- caster County, Penn.

C. W. EBY, farmer, P. O. Vandalia, born in Lancaster County, Penn., April 18, 1841 ; he received his education at the State Normal School, Millersville, Penn., finish- ing his education in the summer of 1861. He remained at home with his father until he arrived at his majority, when he removed to Ohio, locating near Little York, April, 1862, at which place he taught his first school, 1862-63. During the next five years, he taught in Vandalia, Districts No. 8 and 9. His first purchase was ten acres of land, at a cost of $950. By industry and economy, acre after acre has been added, until now the home consists of seventy acres, all in a fine state of cultivation, with good substantial buildings; total valuation about $8,000. In the meantime, he has been largely interested in educational matters, teaching in District No. 2, eight years. Has been Township Superintendent of Schools four years, and has been a member of the United Brethren Church for twenty-two years. He married Miss Fanny, youngest daughter of Rev. John Winger, of Little York, March 17, 1864. Three children have been born to them-Almira, Clara M. and Anna Mary. Mr. Eby never sought any office whatever, but has lived a quiet, retired life, and is a man respected by a wide circle of friends.

HENRY EIDEMILLER, farmer, P. O. Vandalia ; born in Maryland February 28, 1837. He removed with his parents to this State in the year 1837, and settled in Montgomery County, where he remained until the time of his father's death, which occurred August 29, 1877. His remains are buried in Maple Hill Cemetery, near Tip- pecanoe, Ohio. Henry remained at home with his father until he reached his twenty- fourth year. His first purchase was the farm on which he now lives, 110 acres; origi- nal cost, $4,017.50, now valued at $12,000. The farm is situated on the Miami and Montgomery gravel road, two miles north of Vandalia, and is the dividing line between the two counties ; a large and commodious dwelling and barn adorn the place, and the evidence is not lacking to establish the fact that Montgomery County farmers are up with the times. He married Miss Mary B., eldest daughter of James Madison, of Miami County, December 12, 1860. Five children are the result of this union, four of whom are living. His wife departed this life November 5, 1873. He was again married to Miss Lizzie Huffman March 4, 1874; three children have been born to them. Mr. Eidcmiller is a prominent citizen, and a man who commands the respect of all with whom he comes in contact.

JOHN EWING, farmer, P. O. Spanker, was born in Ohio October 29, 1823. His father, William, was born in Kentucky October 27, 1789; came to Ohio with his parents in 1797, and settled in Montgomery County, Washington Township. He received his education in the common schools, and was brought up to farm labor. He was united in marriage with Jane Magarva in 1819. They were the parents of five children-Elizabeth, James, Nancy, John, and one dying in infancy. When he

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arrived at the age of twenty-one, he inherited his father's farm, containing 160 acres, and has since added, by economy and persevering labor, 400 acres, making in all, 560. The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the district schools, and assisted his father on the farm until he celebrated his marriage with Julia, daughter of John S. and Susan Hole, in 1851, when he rented of his father for the following seven years, and proved very successful. In 1859, he purchased a farm in Washington Township, con- taining 144 acres, where he remained until 1865, when he sold it and purchased the place where he now resides, containing 120 acres, which is nearly all under cultivation. He has a large and commodious farm house, and many other improvements to corrc- spond, which could only have been obtained by hard labor, perseverance and industry, with the assistance of his noble wife. He has never been an aspirant for office, but has been elected Township Trustee, which shows the popularity and confidence he holds in his township. He and wife are worthy members of the Christian Church and their children are co-workers with them in the cause of religion. They are the parents of three children-Mary M., Eva and Olive. Mr. Ewing is an industrious and enterpris- ing man, and is held in high esteem in his community.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 139

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