The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 88

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 88

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The first of the second class of settlers were principally from Berks Cou Penn., who, later, were re-enforced from the same and other States. In 19 Philip Gunckel, Christopher Emerick, David Miller and George Kern, all tives of Berks County, Penn., came to Ohio on a prospecting tour. After v ing different localities, they concluded to purchase land about sixty miles of Cincinnati, on Bull's Skin Creek, near its junction with the Ohio River. Gunckel was a miller by trade, and, in the selection of land, aimed to secu site for a mlll, an l the others deferred to Mr. Gunckel's judgment in their, lections of land. The four contracted for 1,000 acres on this stream, from agent of a Virginian named Redford, which land was a part of the Virg Military Survey. They started for Virginia to see Redford and secure | him deed and title of the land which they had bought from his agent, but arriving at the man's residence, they found that he was dead, and the exec lived 150 miles further off. They therefore abandoned the project of settling Bull's Skin, and returned to Pennsylvania, still. however, with the intentio moving to Ohio. Their glowing account of the beauties of this State creat " Western fever " in their locality, and twenty-four families concluded to out and move to Ohio during the following spring, all of whom were naf of Berks County, Penn., although a few were then living in Center Count the same State. They set out on their westward journey in the spring of 1 met at Pittsburgh, as previously agreed upon, where they loaded their wa; and goods upon flat-boats, and. with their families, floated down the Ol. Cincinnati, arriving at that town June 20, 1804. From there they weil Reading, a hamlet not far from the former place. where they tarried a night, considering what to do or whence to direct their steps. A few f. employment and remained; the rest continued their journey toward the no intending to locate in the Miami Valley, of which they had heard, but with special obiective point in view, trusting rather to fortune and the guidano providence. Passing through the Miami Valley, they were delighted with country which they saw, finally arriving at " Hole's Station," near which I a wealthy German farmer named Alexander Nutz, whom they were very g): meet. for he spoke their own tongue. They encamped on his farm, and weather being warm and pleasant, they took up their abode in the woods, w they lived in wagons and temporary huts for about two weeks.

Mr. Gunckel was looked upon by these people as their leader, being al of superior intelligence, and the only person among them who spoke the glish language with any degree of fluency; therefore, they were inclined to low his fortunes, and locate wherever he did. He explored the countr miles around, and finally concluded to settle on Big Twin Creek, within present corporate limits of Germantown, and the rest of the colony mac their minds to locate around him. Mr. Gunckel was influenced in this s tion by the fact that the stream afforded a good mill site, as it was his in tion to erect a mill as soon as properly settled. Those who followed Mr. Gunc leadership crossed to the west bank of the Miami River, traveled on in direction of Twin Creek, which they reached August 1, 1804; and her the side of this stream. they rested as the end of a long and wearisome

GERMAN TOWNSHIP.

), and here was now their future home. The earlier settlers who lived in b valley were ready to sell out to the Pennsylvanians, and those of the latter v) had the means at once purchased land, while a few found unentered Gov- r ment land and secured that. Before winter set in, the newly arrived immi- mats had secured land, built their cabins and begun the battle of life in the unitive forest of the Twin Valley. Such was their enterprise and industry L; they did more for the improvement of the country in one year than their lecessors had done in half a dozen of years, and at the end of twelve miths, they had attained such a condition of independence and thrift that vlt or suffering was unknown among them. Religiously, they were either herans or Reformed, and in those days it used to be said that all the differ- r between the two denominations was that in the Lord's Prayer, the one said tter Unser and the other Unser Vater," hence there was little occasion for Ination between them. After the first arrivals, came others, and the immi- mion hither continued steadily, so that in 1808, German Township was pretty bkly populated, and the land in the entire township, excepting some swampy ›cions, had been entered and occupied. The following are the names of bre heads of families who came to this valley from Pennsylvania in the 1804 ony, some of whom, however, settled outside the present limits of German Menship: Philip Gunckel, Christopher, John and William Emerick (who ve brothers), George Kiester, Jacob Bauer, George Moyer, John Gunckel wo subsequently returned to Pennsylvania), John and Christopher Shuppert, er Gebhart, George Stettler and his five sons, William, Henry, Daniel, Urge and Jacob, John Barlet, Abraham Puntius and George Kern (who came je them as far as Cincinnati, where he remained two years, coming to this ohship in 1806). There were twenty-four families of them when they started mo Pennsylvania, but they did not all get to the Twin Valley. Some dropped fin their way hither and settled elsewhere, while others remained so short a in that they cannot be claimed as pioneers of this valley. The names of all 1i have been omitted from the above list. and those alone appear who became · cal settlers.

The people who came to this valley between the years 1804 and 1SOS were, VI) perhaps a few exceptions, natives of Germany, or of German descent. most fhem belonging to the latter class hailing from Pennsylvania, while a few ae from Maryland and other States; but wherever they came from, they were lof the same stock of people, and may all be ranked under the general category f'ennsylvania Germans. These pioneers were well adapted for the life which h had chosen, being brave and adventurous in spirit, and strong and healthy moody. They were true and hardy sons of the soil, relishing sport no less hi labor and adventure.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PIONEERS.

THE GUNCKELS.

Philip Gunckel, in his day more familiarly known as Judge Gunckel, was tive of Berks County, Penn., born April 7, 1766. When yet a man young nears, he went to reside in Center County, in the same State, from where he a'e to Ohio. He was a man of intelligence, enterprise and activity, of clear o sight and shrewd business capacity. He brought some money with him to h State, which he invested judiciously, thus laying the foundation of future we th. In purchasing his land, he saw the advantages of its location, and in 18, began the erection of a mill, which was finished in 1806, and this was th nucleus of the future town, which he laid out in 1814, and was the first an,only mill for many years in a district of many miles in extent. By means

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

of the income derived from this mill, the proceeds realized from the sale town lots, and from other good investments, he soon accumulated a la. amount of property, so that in his day he was the wealthiest man in Gern Township. For a number of years, he served as Associate Judge of the Co of Common Pleas; was also chosen as a delegate to one of the constitutio conventions of Ohio, and served one term as a Representative in the State L islature. In all these positions he acquitted himself with honor to hims and his constituents. He was, moreover, a leader in all the more import. public movements of his township and county. Many improvements were s ported by him, and, by the aid of his influence, brought to a successful iss Providence had bestowed upon him a sound body and a vigorous mind, and them he made the best possible use which his circumstances permitted hi As a citizen and an official, he has done more than any other man of his ti in his community to promote the interest and prosperity of this section country.

Mr. Gunckel was a member of the Reformed Church, yet favored al aided other denominations in securing places of worship in his town. He v married thrice, but left no issue except by his first wife. This lady's maic name was Catharine Schaeffer, and she was the mother of eight children. these, John, Michael, Catharine, Philip, Jacob and Sarah were born in Per sylvania, whilst David and Elizabeth were born in Ohio. Catharine beca the wife of Lewis Shuey; Sarah was married to Henry Zellers, and Elizabe to Dr. C. G. Espich. The most prominent among his descendants of the pr ent generation are William Gunckel, banker, and Lewis B. Gunckel, attori at law and ex-Member of Congress, both residents of Dayton, Ohio.

Mr. Gunckel's wife Catharine; was born in Berks County, Penn., July 1766, and died August 2, 1836, he surviving about twelve years, and dyi May 24, 1848. The remains of both were buried in the Lutheran Graveya in Germantown, but subsequently exhumed and re-interred in the Germanro Cemetery, where their resting-place is marked by a marble tombstone.

Daniel Gunckel was a brother of Philip's, and came to this township 1811: was a man of rather retired disposition and quiet habits of life; br. and operated a fulling-mill on Mud Lick, where at present stands the disi lery of David Rohrer. He was a member of the Reformed Church, but chang while here to the United Brethren. A nephew of his, by the same name, ca: still later, and was a miller by occupation. All three of the above Guck have left issue, and from them all of the name in Montgomery County are scended.

THE EMERICKS.

There were four brothers of them who came to this township-Jol Christopher, William and Michael --- all natives of Berks County, Penn .- a George, a distant relative of these.

Christopher was one of the four men who, in 1803, came to Ohio on a pre pecting tour. He was married and had several children when he settled this township. He was called by his German friends " Stoffel; " entered Go ernment land on Shawnee Creek, adjoining Sunsbury, and lived here until hour of his death. He was born January 23, 1771, and died January 1837. Of his children, four are still living, viz., William, Christopher. M Christian Rohrer and Mrs. Christian Eshelman.

John was an elder brother; was never married, and lived in Christophe family. As late as 1810, he entered about one thousand acres of land on L Run, which was considered valueless, being wet and swampy; but it is n among the best in the township. Both he and Christopher were good mu cians; brought with them the first pipe organ ever seen in Twin Valley, al

GERMAN TOWNSHIP.

afrward manufactured a number of similar ones, some of which are still in god repair. From far and near, the pioneer fathers, with their families. wold gather at their house for the purpose of enjoying the harmony of song wlh there prevailed, as well as to take part in the social dance, and on this c unt the name of Emerick became a household word throughout the valley. Tliam Emerick bought land west of Germantown, of James Porter, and lived wfre now stands the residence of Christian Dechant. He was born July 1. 17 .; reared a numerous and respectable family-most of whom have passed Wy-and died February 10, 1842.

Michael was a man of means. who came in 1806 and bought land about n'mile west of Germantown, upon which Conover's Mill now stands; born le'uary 10, 1756; died October 14, 1820. Those brothers were members of k€ Lutheran Church; were among the founders of the congregation in Ger- a;own, and helped to build the first church located here. The most remark- ol among the Emericks at this time is William, the son of Christopher, born rks County, Penn., June 29, 1794; he is consequently near eighty-eight e; old. His memory is wonderfully vigorous and retentive, his form erect. step as elastic and firm and his movements as quick as if still in the prime fe. He was married, in 1820, to Sarah Gunckel, daughter of Daniel ruckel, who yet remains to cheer and comfort him. It is due to Mr. Emerick r to state that many of the facts here recorded were obtained from him. He skept a record of names, dates and events, which he kindly placed at our ree, and without which this history would be incomplete, as many historical · ciwould have long since passed into oblivion.

George Emerick lived on land entered by George Worthington, adjoining 1.antown on the north. He was born in Dauphin County, Penn., October ., 789; came to Ohio previous to 1810; was a prominent member of the Lu- Then Church: was twice married; reared a large and respectable family, and »(April 12, 1859. His mother, who came to Ohio with him, and who died ron her ninetieth year, had been an Indian captive when young, and had a nsheart-rending story to tell of her sorrow and sufferings during her cap- i

JOHN GEORGE KERN.

ohn George Kern was one of those who came to Ohio in 1803, with Philip rtel. He was born in Berks County, Penn., February S, 1775; was a mill- ist by trade, and remained working at his trade in Cincinnati from 1804 16, when he followed his friends to German Township and made the buhrs 'unckel's mill, which was finished in that year. Shortly after coming, he ed the quarter-section of land now the property of his son William, upon ic he ever afterward lived. Mr. Kern belonged to the Lutheran Church; consciencious and honest man in all his dealings, and died in January, "aged eighty-two years.

GEORGE MOYER.

eorge Moyer started from Pennsylvania with the others, but parted from nat Pittsburgh, from where he took a different route, and reached this mip before any of his friends, taking up his temporary residence on a I'r-section of land about two miles north of Germantown, on Little Twin ve later owned by his son Jonathan. After a brief stay, he bought land tl Miami River, near where Carrollton Station now is, and there died in ). . o'r. 1804. His son Jonathan, now in his eighty-fourth year, is the only .vier of his family who resides in this valley.

GEORGE KIESTER.

jorge Kiester, one of the settlers of 1804, lived in this valley a number of yes, when he moved to Darke County, Ohio, and there found a home.

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Peter, his brother, came out some years later, and from him all of the na living in German Township are descended. He had served as a scout in Continental army, had often been taken prisoner, and had passed thro many perils. Both he and George were members of the Lutheran Church.

JACOB BAUER.

Jacob Bauer came to this township from Center County, Penn., in 18 and owned the farm at present the property of the Keedy brothers. Hisy was the daughter of the Rev. Ilgen, a Lutheran minister. Mr. Bauer was of the founders and supporters of the Lutheran Church at Germantown, a after some years' residence, moved away. since which time the name has tirely disappeared from this township.

GEORGE BOYER.

George Boyer was a native of Berks County, Penn., but, previous to removal to Ohio in 1805, had resided in Center County, Penn. His wife a sister of Mrs. Philip Gunckel, and their two eldest children were bor; Pennsylvania. Mr. Boyer purchased a tract of land east of Germantown, f Anthony Richard. He was the father of five sons and five daughters, of wh two sons and two daughters are still living. William is the only one at pre residing in German Township. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer were members of the thieran Church, and the remains of both lie buried in front of the Luthe Church in Germantown.

PETER CATEROW.

Peter Caterow, father of Zephenia and Middleton Caterow, located German Township in 1804. His parents were natives of Germany, who set in Frederick County, Md., and there Peter was born in the year 1781, and t his father died. In 1802, Mrs. Caterow, her son Peter, and her two day ters, with their husbands, Walter Cox and Zachariah Selby, started for O arriving in Warren County in January, 1803, and in the spring of that located on land in Butler County. Peter, being unmarried, lived with and Selby until Charles, his brother, came to Ohio, and the two entered a l section of land in German Township, about two and one-half miles to the so of Germantown, which they occupied in the spring of 1804. On the 1: January, 1805, Peter married Christina Loy, daughter of Adam Loy, and sided on his farm until 1850, then moved to Sunsbury, where he died in seventy-third year of his life. The remains of himself and wife are inte on Sunsbury Hill, where sleep so many of the pioneers of German Towns.

HENRY CRIST.

Henr. Crist, a native of Berks County, Penn., came to this townshi 1804, and, soon after his arrival, purchased the farm yet owned by his desc ants. He was not only a good farmer, but a skillful worker in iron; be good character, and was a member of the Lutheran Church.

LEONARD STUMP.

Leonard Stump came to Ohio in 1805, in company with Martin Shuey Michael Cotterman. He was married when he came and bought and settle land adjoining on the west side the tract which subsequently became the si Germantown, where he lived until he was called away by death, July 29, 1 He was born in Berks County, Penn., July 11, 1767, and left three child John and George, who lived and died in Germantown, and a daughter, married a Mr. Lanig, with whom she moved to Darke County, Ohio. Ge fell heir to the homestead, married a daughter of the Rev. John C. Dill,

GERMAN TOWNSHIP.

sor his death the farm was divided between his children. John became a osminent business man of Germantown, and lived to a high old age.

Leonard Stump had two brothers, George and Michael, who came to this unship in 1810. They were all members of the Lutheran Church, and all Ł Stumps living in and about Germantown are descendants of these three others.

MATHIAS SCHAWARTZEL.

Mathias Schawartzel came from Somerset County, Penn., in 1805, and pred a section of land on Dry Run. a part of which is still in possession of n son Frederick. He died a few years after his arrival, and his widow as- u.ed the management of the farm; was very successful, and accumulated a d'e amount of property. His brother, who came the same year. located some liance north of Germantown. but soon exchanged his land for a part of Ma- hs' tract, where he passed the balance of his days.

MARTIN SHUEY.

Martin Shuey. another of the pioneers of 1805, was born in Lebanon 'nty, Penn., January 20. 1750, and brought with him to Ohio a large sum fioney, with which he purchased land just beyond Sunsbury. on the Franklin i), which became later the Beard farm. Mr. Shuey, although coming to h valley with an abundance of means, met with adverse fortune. He was a na of good mind and excellent character, and his financial reverses were wig to causes over which man has little or no control. He was a member of h Reformed Church, and one of the founders of that congregation in Ger- « town, and was the father of ten children, most of whom became residents of i county. Mary became the wife of Capt. John C. Negley; is in her eighty- igth year, and a resident of Germantown. Adam resides in Dayton, and is heather of the several Shuey families of that city. Martin served as a Cap- laj, in the war of 1812, and later ranked as Brigadier General of militia; he 1 in California in his ninetieth year.

LEWIS SHUEY.

Lewis Shuey was a nephew of Martin; was born in Dauphin County, Pe'l., November 17, 1785, and when yet quite young, his father moved to Au- ua, Va., where Lewis passed his early years. In 1806, he came to this » ship, and in 1808 married Catharine Gunckel, daughter of Judge Philip r ckel, by whom he had four children-Philip, Lewis. Jacob and Michael. Iobtained the mill property of his father-in-law, which he rebuilt and im- r'ed.

Mr. Shuey was a man of wealth and influence, and a member of the Re- ned Church, but, late in life, became a Methodist. After the death of his 1, he was again married, to Mrs. Elizabeth Espich. widow of Dr. Espich, n sister of his first wife. The Shueys of Montgomery County. of whom there €, great many, are descended from these two-Martin and Lewis.

ANDREW ZELLER.

Andrew Zeller, the founder of the Zeller connection in this county, was in Berks County, Penn., and came to this township in 1805, settling on ir one mile to the north of Germantown, where he resided until the day of isleath. In Ohio, he identified himself with the United Brethren Church, ne became a Bishop of that denomination. His home was for many years LE eadquarters of the followers of Otterbein in this part of Ohio, and his de sce lants are numerous and respected people.

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

JOHN CASPER STOEVER.

John Casper Stoerer, the patriarch of the name in German Township, born in Dauphin (now Lebanon) County, Penn., and in 1806 came to the Tr Valley, and then already an old man. There came with him his three so Frederick, Casper and John, all of whom were at that time heads of famili and all settled in German Township, where they spent the balance of th days. Casper lived on a farm on the Dayton pike, about one mile from G mantown; Frederick's farm was about one mile further to the northeast; wi John purchased a farm on the Little Twin. where his son Samuel now resic The father of these three died at the residence of his son Casper, at an vanced age, and was buried in the Lutheran Graveyard at Germantown, which church the family were, and are to-day. members.

JONATHAN LINDAMUTH.

Jonathan Lindamuth came to this township with his father-in-law, . chael Emerick, in 1806, and secured land one mile west of Germantown, uj which he lived and died. He reared a large family, consisting of nine s and two daughters; two of the former settled in Darke County, Ohio; the 1 all settled about Germantown. He was one of the founders of the Luthe congregation in Germantown, and his remains are buried in the Luthe Graveyard.

GEORGE COLEMAN.

George Coleman was here on a visit in 1806; entered land and went b to Pennsylvania. In 1809, he returned to this township, bringing his fan with him, and settled on his land, which lay about one mile northeast of G mantown. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was the father seven children. all of whom are still living.

FREDERICK KIMMERLING, SR.

Frederick Kimmerling, Sr .. resided in Frederick County, Md., previ to his removal to Ohio in 1808. In that year, with his family, consistin; his wife and four children, he located on a farm adjoining George Colema which became his future home. His son Frederick inherited the place, also spent his life here, dying February 15, 1880, at the age of seventy years. Both the father and son were Lutherans.

THE SCHAEFFERS.

The only family of this name who can be called pioneers are the child, of Peter and Catharine Schaeffer, of whom there were eight; viz., Mrs. Ph Gunckel, Mrs. George Boyer, Mrs. Pressler, Jacob, Michael, Peter, John Henry, all born in Pennsylvania. and all came to German Township and ( here. The daughters came out in 1804 and 1805: the sons, not until al 1814. John and Henry became farmers; Jacob was a wagon maker, and resi in the town; Michael built the Schaeffer Hotel. which was afterward kept his son George; Peter was an able man, taught school, practiced law, wa- first Postmaster of Germantown, and served in the war of 1812, and his wid who is still living, receives a pension from the Government for his service that struggle. The mother of this family has a very romantic history, hay been captured by the Iadians when about seven years old, and held a cap for seven years. She was adopted by the tribe, and assigned as servant to old Indian chief, who was no longer able to follow the chase. She was fini recaptured by some whites, who were building a boat not far from the Inc camp, one of whom took her to an Eastern city, educated and supported her his own child until she reached womanhood. She wrote a letter about this t

GERMAN TOWNSHIP.

here she supposed her early home had been, addressing the same to her fa- (h, who, with her little sister, had been captured at the same time, but sub- ecently released, her mother having been brained by an Indian for resisting h capture of her little ones. To her great joy. she received an answer to her ptr, sought out her father, and again, after many years' separation, became nof his household. Soon afterward, she married Peter Schaeffer, and bore in eight children. Her husband died in Pennsylvania, after which she lived i her daughter, Mrs. George Boyer, and removed with that family to the Uma Valley in 1805. During her captivity, she learned the Indian language, ., ell as the medicinal properties and uses of herbs and roots, and always *t practiced the healing art. She died August 16, 1818, in the seventy-third t'of her life, and her remains are resting in the Lutheran Graveyard in Ger- a own, to which denomination she ever tendered a loving fealty. The num- If descendants of Mrs. Catharine Schaeffer cannot, by this time, fall far c of one thousand, for at least five hundred of the people of Germantown re escended from her.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 88

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