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1008 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP. JOHN BURGBACHER. farmer; P. O. Chatfield. Esquire Burgbacher, one of the stanch and reliable men of Chatfield. was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, town of Boll County of Sulz June 23, 1824: son of Johannes and Rosina (Bippus) Burgbacher. He emigrated with his parents, in 1835, to this State, locating in this township, and purchasing 80 acres in Sec. 7, of Trueman Wilkinson, he being the second owner: 6 acres of this land was all that was cleared. John was thus early in life inured to hard labor, and subject to many of the privations incident to a pioneer settlement. His father dying Jan. 27, 1842, the care of the farm devolved upon John, who was at this time 18 years of age, which post of responsibility he held until he was 25 years of age. On July 3, 1849, he was joined by wedlock to Susanna M. Koenig, who was born Dec. 1, 1829, in Zell, Rhine Bavaria, and whose parents were William and Mary L. (Fey) Koenig, who were born Oct. 21, 1797. and Jan. 4, 1795, respectively. They emigrated to this country in 1833. Mr. Koenig was one of the first coopers in this part of the country. Since the marriage of Mr. Burgbacher, he has remained continuously on the homestead: he began first by buying out the heirs interest, until he became the legal possessor of the entire farm. Ten children have been born to him, six of whom are living, viz.: Mary L., now Mrs. William Hold. of Lima, Allen Co.: John W., in Defiance Co.; Rose, now Mrs. Jacob Breigle, of this township; William H., married Ellen Goler. daughter of George and Mary Strahle. of Defiance Co.; and Elizabeth, at home. The farm of Mr. B. contains 170 acres of land: he has acquired the, same with the assistance of his faithful spouse. During his life, he has been a true Democrat, having served two terms as County Commissioner, as Justice of the Peace over twenty, and as School Director twenty-four years. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. Johannes Burgbacher, above mentioned. died in his 68th year. and his wife, Dec. 14, 1850, aged 64. AARON CARRICK. farmer; P. O. Carothers; was born June 27, 1836, in Huron Co., Ohio, being the third child of Joseph and Frederica (Harklerhodis) Carrick, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. He was horn on July 16, 1808, and she on Sept. 8, 1809, in Bedford Co. They were married April 6, 1829, in Stark, and moved afterward to Columbiana Co. To them were born William, Laura A., Aaron and Sarah. William is in Seneca, Bock- CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 1009 away Township, and Sarah is now Mrs. Jesse English, of Carothers, Seneca Co. The Carrick family came to this township in 1846, locating on the farm now owned by Aaron, purchasing 105 acres; but a small portion was cleared at that time. Aaron's father was a carpenter by occupation. but after coming to this township applied himself to farming. He died Nov. 12, 1877, a worthy and respected citizen. Aaron's early boyhood was spent in attending school and at work on the farm. In August, 1862, when the war cloud was hanging over our Republic, and deluging our land with the crimson tide, and stalwart men were needed to combat the traitors' advance. Aaron was ready to respond to the Nation's call, and donned the blue, and for three years he was found at the front and did his duty until the termination of the war. During this time he was a participant in some of the most sanguinary conflicts of the war. His regiment was the 123d Ohio V. I., and served in the Army of the Potomac. He was once taken prisoner by Moseby, but escaped him and rejoined his command. Upon his return to peaceful pursuits, he came home and resumed farming, and in 1868, was married to Lucy Ann Ficke, who was born in Venice Township, Seneca Co., daughter of Peter Ficke. Of three children born them, but one survives. .Jacob A. He has 105 acres of land. J. H. DAVIDSON farmer: P. O. Chatfield first saw the light of day, May 28, 1835, on the northwest quarter of Sec. 20. in Chatfield Township. His parents were Richard and Rebecca (Hill) Davidson, he was born May 28, 1799, in Virginia. His father was George Davidson who was a first cousin to Colonel Crawford. of Broken Sword fame. He was a soldier in the Revolution when 18 years of age. The land upon which his son Richard was born, was that which he obtained through the Government. in consideration of his services in the Revolutionary war, which title was never perfected, and he failed to have the matter adjusted. and it finally fell into other hands, where it has remained to this day, though justly should be in the Davidson family. The elder Davidson emigrated to this State in the early part of the present century, and settled in Knox County, being one among the first settlers, and remained here until his death. Richard, his son, removed to this county in 1830, and settled on the land now owned by our subject, who was the fifth child of a family of twelve, nine of whom lived to maturity. In 1832, his father was elected Justice of the Peace, being the first dispenser of justice in the Township, and was, for several years afterward prominent as one of the leading spirits in the township. John H. was 13 years of age when his father died; he then remained with his mother, and assisted in her maintenance. Removed to Marion County in 1857, where he was employed as a teacher, remaining here until 1862 ; he then returned to the homestead, where he has since lived. He has been twice married, first. to Ann M. Hopple. in September 1865; she died two years later. March, 1871 was married to Laura J. Williams, born in Liberty Township in 1818, she is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Shofstall) Williams, why were from Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Three children - Nellie May, Florence M. and Walter Edward are the younger representatives of the Davidson family. Is Democratic in politics, and has served as Justice of the Peace several terms; a teacher for twelve terms in all, and has ever been one among, the prominent. enterprising and public-spirited men of his township. Is a representative of one of the prominent church societies, and is an up right Christian gentleman. JOHN GREEN farmer ; P. O. Sulpha Springs; was born Sept. 15, 18444, in Liberty Township, Crawford Co.; eldest son of Jacob Green. who was born in Wurtemberg March 13, 1818, who was a son of Frantz Gottlieb Green who was born Dec. 11, 1775, and emigrated to this State in 1832 and settled in Liberty Township. Jacob Green was married to Magdalena C. Treftz. who was born July 15, 1823, in Wurtemberg, daughter of Michael and Rachel (Rou) Treftz. who came over in the same vessel with the Green family. Mrs. Green came to this county with her parents, who entered 40 acre in Chatfield Township. When her father went to enter the land, he left his family in a barn a Bloomingville, there being no other accommodations. Mrs. Green and her sister walked from that point to Sandusky, to hire out, which they did. receiving 18 cents per week. She afterward worked in Columbus, walking the entire distance several times, through the forest; and carrying her clothing and food, and stopping at the farmhouses over night when she 1010 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES could, and at the taverns, paying 6 cents for a bed. John was raised to farming. There were eleven children in the family, ten of whom are living. At the age of 25, he was married to Barbara Pitts. born Aug. 25, 1846, in Chatfield Township, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rock) Pitts, who were natives of Pennsylvania. After John's marriage, he engaged in farming on his own behalf. and has now 104 acres of land. Of six children born, four are living-Clara E., Anna M., Oscar L. and Ida A. Jacob Green died in June, 1875. He has a brother, John, who has been serving in the regular army since the Mexican war, now in the West, in the cavalry service: is a General, and a valiant officer, and is a terror to the Indians JOHN HANES farmer: P. O. Carothers is a son of Daniel Haines, whose wife was Susanna Bordner, both of whom were natives of the "Keystone State," near Reading, and emigrated to Stark Co. about the time of the Indian war, locating in Pike Township, where John was born, on Jan. 5, 1819. His father entered 40 acres of land but died soon after. The family being poor. John's minority was spent in acquiring means to maintain them, always turning over his earnings to his mother. Soon after he became of age, he went to Huron Co., where he worked out by the year for ten successive twelve-months. Returning then to Crawford Co., he was united in wedlock to Parmelia Shade, who was born in September 1829. in Stark Co., Ohio, daughter of Samuel Shade. Having some money, he and his brother Chris purchased 80 acres in the northeastern part of Chatfield Township, which they held in partnership for about six years. He then sold out to his brother and purchased 74 1/2 acres of his grandfather and Uncle George Bordner on Sec. 5 and has since added to it until he now has 120 acres, all of which he has acquired by hard toil and prudent management, his farm ranking among the best of its size. It is well tilled and everything pertaining to it proclaims the thrifty enterprise of its owner whose resolve was, in early life, that should Providence grant him health, he would industriously apply himself to the acquisition of a good home and a reasonable competence, which resolve he has now realized. Of seven children born to him five are living - Rufus, of this township: Ellen, now Mrs. Isaiah Keller of Bucyrus ; Samuel, Daniel and Ida, at home. There were twelve children of his father's family, he being the sixth. His school advantages were very limited indeed. He is among the few in the township who cast their vote for Republican principles. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church. FREDERICK HIPP. (HIPP) farmer: P. O. Chatfield. Among the prominent citizen's in this township is the above-named gentleman, whose long association with this locality, his sterling qualities and recognized merits have justly placed him in high esteem in the community, in which he has been a resident since 1833. Was born Dec. 9, 1822. in Bessingheim, Wurtemberg, Germany: son of Christian F. and Sabina (Beckbissinger) Hipp, to whom were born six children, our subject being the second. In 1833, he emigrated to this State with his parents. who located in Chatfield Township, and engaged in farming. After attaining his majority, he went to Bucyrus, where he learned the wagon-maker's trade, which being completed he set up in business at Richville, and continued steadily at the same for over a score of years, when he engaged in the mercantile business at this place for five years, since which time he has been engaged as a tiller of the soil, and has been successful in his efforts. When he began for himself he had nothing: when he went to keeping house he made the greater part of his own furniture, humble and plain of its kind, yet their wants were few, and their chief desires were to secure a home and sufficiency for their declining years. Providence has crowned their efforts with success, they having now 200 acres of excellent land and town property. His amiable wife was Catharine Kunzi, born December 1825, in Wurtemberg, in the "Faderland." She was a daughter of Andrew and Eve Kunzi. Fifteen children have crowned the union of Mr. Hipp and wife. Of the number now living are - .Jacob, in Seneca Co.; Louisa, Mrs. J. H. Robison, of Bucyrus: Henry at home: Mary Ann, Mrs. C. D. Markley; John, Charles, Savina, Sarah, Frederick and Emma. Democratic in sentiment, he has for several years past been one of the wheel horses in the Democratic party, and has filled several offices of trust in his township, as Postmaster and as Justice of the Peace eighteen years, he and Esquire Burgbacher being the present dispensers of Justice in the township. Mr. Hipp
CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 1011 is a liberal patron of the public-journals, and is a friend and supporter of all enterprises in which the public well is concerned. CHRISTOPHER HANES. farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. New Washington; is among the prominent farmers and self-made men of this township, beginning in life a poor boy. His father dying, he was thus early in life left without a paternal friend to counsel and advise, and was thrown out upon the cold world to battle with its tempests and storms without a shilling in his pocket. His only capital was a good constitution and willing hands, which he brought into requisition and to these he is mainly indebted for the condition of things about him as seen today. He was born in Stark Co., Ohio. March 4, 1819, to Daniel and Susanna Hanes, who had twelve children. Christopher worked out by the month to get his start, working six years for Stephen Russell. His school advantages were of an exceedingly limited character. Free schools were not then in vogue. Having saved some money, he in company with his brother John, purchased 80 acres in this township, which they held in common a few years, and. then buying John's interest. He has since added to it at different times, until he now has about 400 acres, upon which are eight orchards. His farm ranks among the best in the township, and is highly productive, he raising as much grain to the acre as any of the surrounding farmers. Stock-raising is given especial attention, and his entire efforts in a business way seem to have been, in the past, crowned with marked success. His wife was Julia A. Smith, who was born in 1822, in Virginia. of well-to-do parents, who, moving West, located in this township and bequeathed to their descendants a liberal patrimony. Eight children have crowned the union of Mr. Hanes to Julia, his wife - George (the eldest, resides at home), Samantha (Mrs. John Martin), Elizabeth A., Frank, Susanna (Mrs. William De Roche) and Matilda are those now living. In 1875, he built a spacious brick farmhouse, 32 x32, with a large observatory, and cellar under the entire building, making the finest farm residence in the township. DAVID KALB farmer; P. O. Chatfield; was born on the homestead, situated a short distance southwest of Richville, where he first beheld the light of day May 21, 1844. His father, William, was born in August, 1800, in Wurtemberg, Germany, and was married to the mother of David in the year 1828, whose maiden name was Savina Haner, born in April, 1803. In 1833, they emigrated to this State in company with Esquire Hipp and father, making his first settlement in Holmes Co., where he bought 80 acres in the woods, where he built a rude cabin and lived about two years and a half: In 1836, during the month of February, he came to Chatfield Township and bought 110 acres in Sec. 19, and but 3 acres were cleared. For the 110 acres he paid $400. Their outfit for keeping house was not elaborate or expensive; sat on benches and ate their frugal fare, at night resting their tired limbs on rude bedsteads of their own construction. They planted their corn among the stumps and harvested the same with a butcher knife yet they labored on and awaited the growth and development of the country, and lived to see the day when they were surrounded with all the conveniences of life, and a sure competence for their declining years. David remained with his parents until March 12, 1869, when he was married to Catharine Brigle, born in this township Sept. 6, 1843, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Sheffer) Brigle; since has resided on the homestead. Has six children - Rosella M., Emma M., Lucy E., Clara O., William H. and John A. Has 340 acres. The family are members of the German Lutheran Church. Of the four children-sisters and brothers - all of them are residents of the county. GEORGE LEONHART, farmer, New Washington. Is one of the largest land-holders in the township. He was born March 3, 1810, in Alsace, near the river Rhine. He was a son of G George Leonhart. who was born in 1776, and died in 1832. The year following, our subject embarked for the United States to better his condition, although tolerably well-to-do in Germany, yet, having heard such favorable accounts America of the cheap homes and reasonable compensation for labor he severed his relations with the land of his nativity, and set sail for the "land of promise." He came first to Stark Co., bringing with him $800, which he invested in land this he improved to some extent, and sold it at $200 advance and then moved to this county, locating in Chatfield Township, in 1837, with $1,000 in cash. He purchased 160 acres of land, and has aug- 1012 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: mented the first purchase at different times until he now has nearly 800 acres of land. Having always enjoyed excellent health, he has worked hard, been very economical. managed well, and is to-day one of the wealthiest farmers in the township. Immediately prior to his embarking for America, he was joined in wedlock to Margaret Sceapes, who was born December, 1814. To this couple have been born six children, who are John; Kate, Mrs. Hammer; Elizabeth, Mrs. Adam Reechart; George, in Kansas; Adam, at home. Aside from his land possessions in this township, he has four sections of land in Texas, purchased in 1879. Although he has already reached his three score and ten years, he is looking forward to still riper years, to extend his boundaries and increase his store by laudable and legitimate means. M. J. LUTZ. merchant, Chatfield: is among the rising young merchants of Crawford Co., and was raised to farming pursuits. He was born Aug. 29, 1854, in this township; son of Michael and Savina (Kalb) Lutz, who were natives of Germany and emigrated to this State, locating in this township, many years ago, and have been, since their arrival, closely identified with its interests. At the acre of 18, Michael J. left the farm and engaged at the carpenters trade, which he followed for about five years. On Feb. 6, 1879, he engaged in the mercantile business at Richville, with Mr. Morhoff under the firm name of Morhoff & Lutz, and they are doing a thriving, and prospering trade, it having doubled since their commencement. They keep a general stock, consisting of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, queensware, and such articles as are required among the farmers, and at prices to suit the times. On Sept. 16, 1880, he was united in marriage to Christina Zeller, who was born July 6, 1856, the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Bardon) Zeller. In 1879, he was elected Township Treasurer. He and wife are both members of the Lutheran Church. DANIEL LUTZ, farmer; P. O. Sulphur Springs; was born on the farm he now owns, in December, 1837, and is a son of Gottlieb and Eva Kibler. He was born in Wurtemberg, 1797, at Oberamts, Backnang; she was born July 11, 1808. He died April 28, 1868: she died Oct. 17, 1850. To them were born twelve children, five of whom lived to maturity, Daniel being the sixth. In 1832, Gottleib emigrated to this State, stopping first at New Lisbon, and, the year following, came to Chatfield. where he located, entering 40 acres of land in the "green woods," and building a rude log cabin. He lived several years the life of a pioneer, the wolves and bears being their companions and neighbors, making the night hideous with their howls. and the sheep-pens and sties almost tenantless by their nightly depredations. One viewing the well-kept and farmer like premises of Daniel Lutz in 1880, one would scarcely imagine how great the contrast when his father first settled here and the present time. Now, the forest and rude cabin are things of the past, being supplanted by fruitful and productive fields, the premises being; adorned by excellent and well-designed farm buildings. Daniel stayed with his paternal ancestor until 20 years of age, then, learning the carpenter's trade, he followed the same until he was 27 years of age. On Oct. 5, 1863, he was united in wedlock to Elizabeth Ulmer, who was born July 28, 1837, in Liberty Township, daughter of Daniel Ulmer, who was born in Wurtemberg; to them were born twelve children, eleven of whom are living. Mr. Lutz has 128 acres of choice land, and is an excellent and successful farmer. Two children - David and Katie - compose the family. Mrs. Lutz's mother's maiden name was Barbara Brosey. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz are members of the Lutheran Church, and are true representatives of the better class of farmers. J. D. LOYER firmer; P. O. Chatfield; was born Oct. 19, 1843, in Liberty Township, Crawford Co., Ohio; son of Michael and Catharine Crouse, who were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, his birth bearing record 1805; his wife, one year later. In 1837, they crossed the broad Atlantic, to seek a home in the Western wilds and amid the pioneers of the almost unbroken wilderness. After reaching America, they wended their way toward the setting sun, making their stand in the Buckeye State, where they purchased 90 acres in Liberty Township, Crawford Co. Here the family were raised. which numbered. in all, twelve children, but six now living, J. D. being the ninth in order, who lived with his parents until 21 years of age, after which he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for eight successive years, during this time making his father's CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP - 1013 house his home. In 1871, he came to Chatfield and purchased an interest in a steam sawmill, which he yet holds. Dec. 10, 1874, he was united in marriage to Catharine Lutz, who was born in this county, Oct. 10, 1856, to Michael and Savina (Kalb) Lutz. Two children have crowned this union, who are Clara M. and William F. Farming and milling is the business in which he is now engaged. Has 40 acres of land, and has recently erected a commodious house, completed in 1879, and, during the present year, a large barn, of modern style of architecture. In 1874, he was elected Township Clerk, and is yet serving in that capacity, with satisfaction to the people. MATTHIAS LOYER. farmer; P. O. Chatfield, is the tenth child of Michael and Catherine Loyer, and was born Feb. 24, 1846, in Liberty Township. His father was a farmer, and raised his boys to agricultural pursuits, Matthias living with his parents until he arrived at maturity. He subsequently learned the tanner's trade at Richville, under Gottlieb Kibler, whom he served four years. In 1871, he and his brother, J. D. Loyer, purchased the steam saw-mill at Richville, and are prepared to do custom sawing to order and at reasonable rates. On May 2, 1872, he was married to Savina Lutz, who was born in this township, Sept. 5, 1853, the daughter of Michael and Catharine Lutz. Has three children-Michael E., Ida M. and Mary L. His father died in 1874 and his mother in 1877. All of the family yet living, reside in this county, with one exception, a sister who lives in Paulding Co. He has 40 acres of land and other valuable property. BENJAMIN MARTIN farmer; P. O. Chatfield; is a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., was born March 9, 1816 and was the eldest son of David and Barbara Martin, who were, likewise, natives of the same locality. David Martin was a Mennonite preacher, and raised his boys to agricultural pursuits. Benjamin's early boyhood was spent in attending school, and assisting in the many duties that pertain to farm life. At the age of 26, he was wedded to Mary Weaver, who was born Dec. 16, 1824, in Cumberland Co., Penn., and at an early age, removed with her parents to York Co., Penn., where she grew to womanhood. They died when she was nine yeas of age Oct. 27, 1842, was the date upon which was celebrated their association as man and wife. The first year after his marriage, he rented land, then purchased land of his father and erected farm buildings thereon, which he occupied for nine years. In the spring of 1853, he moved to this county, locating on 160 acres which he had purchased the fall previous, of Charles Gibson, in Chatfield Township, he being the first owner, having received his title from "Uncle Sam." There were but about 45 acres cleared at the time of his purchase. After the second year he built a stable, and the fifth year erected a better house than the former. Of ten children born to him, seven are living: Henry C., in Montgomery Co., Kan.; Barbara O., now Mrs. John Mahon, of Cranberry Township; John S., Samuel, James M., Mary E. and Peter J. His farm consists of 143 acres, and is well improved, being a pleasant home, adorned with evergreens, and the house and yard with flowers and plants, of which Mrs. Martin is a lover. He and wife are members of the Mennonite Church. They have adopted his brother's child, Marietta; she resides with them. Though the township is largely Democratic, yet he is loyal to the Republican party. GEORGE SHAFFER, farmer ; P. O. New Washington; was born Dec. 15, 1815, in Alsace, Neabronn, Uhrwirller, and is a son of John and Catharine (Zeider) Shaffer, who were born in April, 1786, and January, 1787, respectively. John Shaffer, the father of our subject, was a tailor by trade, which vocation he taught his son, but, it being distasteful to him as an occupation, he never followed it. Having entertained favorable impressions of America, he resolved he would cast his lot with it, and, at the age of 18, he bade adieu to the "Faderland," "and set sail for the land across the sea, to better his fortune, and a farmer to be." Upon his arrival, he turned his steps toward the Buckeye State. Reaching Stark Co., he remained within its borders two years, during which time he worked by the day and month, and then came to this county in 1835, having $50 in money. He entered 40 acres the year previous to his coming, in Chat field Township, Sec. 3, in the southeast quarter. The land was covered with dense timber, which he began in a small way to clear up. So building a rude cabin, he and his wife began life in earnest. They were married in Stark Co. July 15, 1833. Her name was Anne Zoebst, and she was born in 1809, at the same 1014 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: place as himself. She was a daughter of John and Margaret (Liever) Zoebst, who emigrated to this country. The log-cabin above mentioned was for many years the best house in the neighborhood. The first years he had three acres cleared, which he sowed in wheat. The wolves and other wild beasts were his most plentiful neighbors and frequent visitors. Money was exceedingly scarce, and very hard to obtain. Their wants were few, but, when money became a dice necessity he would go off many miles and obtain work on the canal and other public works to obtain the "needful." Their furniture was plain and home-made, their frugal meals were relished heartily, though eaten off rude tables of his own construction, while sitting on the soft side of slab stools. Yet they were happy and murmured not but hoped for better days, when they should be able to afford better. The children born to him are George, now of Henry Co.,: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Donnenwirth: John now in Indiana: Jacob, in Cranberry: Adam, on the home farm: Catharine, now Mrs. Shaver, and Anna, now Mrs. Richart, of New Washington His wife died in March 1877. His farm consists of 150 acres of land. Mr. Martin is one of the best citizens in the township, stanch and reliable in every particular. He has been a member of the church founded by Martin Luther since he was 15 years of age and is an exemplary and consistent Christian. |