832 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
CHAPTER V.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
ORGANIZATION-BOUNDARIES-PHYSICAL FEATURES AND PRODUCTS-STREAMS -ROAD& AND RAIL ROADS-FIRST SETTLEMENTS-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-
CEMETERIES-OWNERS OF REAL AND PERSONAL ESTATE IN 1845-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-FIRST THINGS-KIRBY VILLAGE-STATISTICS-BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, which comprises Townships 3 and 4 south, Range 12 east, received its name in honor of Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States. It lies in the southwest part of Wyandot County and was at one time a component part of Hardin County, being a portion of the township lying west of it in said county, and organized home time before its annexation to Wyandot, on the erection of the latter in 1845, in which year it was detached from Hardin.
Jackson is bounded on the north by Richland Township, on the east by Mifflin Township, on the south by Marseilles Township and part of Hardin County, and on the west by Hardin County.
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by the farm of William T. Baker, Section 4 south, flows east and Southeast, and, before bidding adieu to Jackson Township, the third and most southerly Stream, which also rises in Hardin County, flowing northeast and east, adds its quota to the two first streams on the farm of John Wilkins, in the southeast corner of Section 3 south, at which point the trio, now unified, enters Marseilles Township when it babbles onward to its goal under the euphonious title "Little Tymochtee Creek." There area few smaller runs in the extreme northern part of the township, but they are comparatively insignificant. They all ultimately. however, serve to swell the Sandusky River, each modest little stream being quite as industrious and honest on its journey to its final destination as its more pretentious and noisy neighbor. It will thus be seen that for the most part this township is well watered. Good, substantial roads intersect the township from all points of the compass, the first cut and first regularly laid out being the Findlay & Marion road. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad passes through the northern division, entering at Kirby Village (where there is a station), in the northeast corner of Section 1, and leaving at the southwest angle of Section 4, it enters Hardin County a short distance from Forest, where the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad crosses it.
FIRST SETTLEMENTS.
The first white settler in Jackson Township was old Mr. Hooey. Thomas C. Beaven and his son, Henry, came in 1826. Henry S. Bowers, born in Chester County, Penn., in 1805, came to this township in 1832, traveling a distance of 350 miles with his family in a covered wagon. He entered 350 acres of land, and was the Second settler in Jackson Township. J. D. Bowers, born in New York State in 1834, came to this township with his father, Henry S. Bowers, in 1832, and is Still living. He is a leading farmer of the county, residing on Section 36.
John Abbott, a married man with a family of six children, born in New York State, came in 1833, settling on Section 3. Samuel M. Burnett, born February 19, 1820, in New York State, came to Wyandot County, with his parents, Elisha and Polly (Howe) Burnett, in 1834, and settled in this township, where he now resides on Section 3.
John Vanorsdall came in 1834; John Flower and Jacob Derringer in .1835; Abraham Dean. born August 10, 1808, in Cayuga County, N. Y., came with his family to this county and settled in this township in 1836; he died October 20, 1873; his son, Hamilton Dean, now resides on a farm in Jackson Township. William Fitch came in 1837. Walter Sanford, another of the pioneers, was born in New York in 1832, and came to this township not many years after; his farm is on Sections 13 and 24. Other settlers of that period were Thomas Shank, James McDaniels, Isaac Yorringer, Christian Roof, John Fink and Elisha Burnett, who died in 1872, at the patriarchal age of ninety-eight years. At a later day came John Sturm, an Albright preacher, Richard Bainbridge, a local Methodist Episcopal preacher, Dr. Cope, Thomas Scott, Abraham Tilberry, Joseph Barns, Isaac Lane, A. H. Vanorsdall, Walter Simmonson and others. If, here, any names have inadvertently been omitted, we trust no one may be disappointed, though, in the words of Byron:
"'Tis pleasant, sure, to see one's name in print,
A book's a book, although there's nothing in't."
834 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
FIRST THINGS.
The first election for any purpose hold in Jackson Township was at the house of Isaac Yarian, on which occasion were present twelve voters. The first death recorded was that of Elijah Warner. Early settlers had for a long time, when in quest of groceries or dry goods, etc., to go to Marseilles Village, in the township of that name, about two miles south of the town. ship line, or to Patterson, in Hardin County, a short distance from the county line, where a store was kept years ago by one John Hare. The first saw mill in the township is said to have been owned by William Stamp as late as 1864.
" Necessity is the mother of invention " is a time-worn proverb, and understood in its application by none better than the pioneer settlers of Wyandot County. Man is naturally an inventive creature, and whilst many blessings the thousands of modern discoveries have created were totally unknown to or undreampt of by the first settler in his isolated cabin, his innate instinct soon would come to his rescue and discover to him that invention is indeed the natural offispring of necessity. An apt and graphic illustration is given us by Mr. S. M. Burnett, one of " The Old Guard of the Woods," of Jackson Township: " When we had any milling to be done, we had to go a distance of twenty miles through mud and slush to buy a bushel or so of corn, which we had to carry to a horse-mill to got ground, and then, perchance, have to wait twenty-four hours before the ponderous task could be accomplished. Then, again, instead of taking the corn a day's journey to be ground, our ingenuity would suggest some such alternative as making a grater out of a piece of tin by punching holes in it, and then rubbing the corn on it to produce meal; or else we would dig in the bowels of the earth for nigger-head stones, wherewith to make millstones. Then, after a hard day's work, we would lay our wearied frames down and be lulled to balmy sleep by the frightful and incessant howlings of ferocious wild beasts."
The first school was hold in Section 15, and the first schoolhouse was on the lands of James McDaniels, built in 1840; the first teacher was Henrietta Henderson. There are now eight school buildings in this township.
Following were the owners of real and personal estate in Jackson Township in 1845, the year of its erection:
OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE.
Ephraim Atkinson, Francis Ashton, Isaac Alvord, John Ackley, John Abbott, Jacob P. Bowers, William Baker, Leonard Burnett, James Burnett, Aaron Baird, John L. Barton, Thomas Baker, Henry J. Bowers, Elijah Burson, William Baker, Joshua Cope, Samuel Cranson, Artemus Corbett, Alexander Campbell, William Chapman, James S. Connell, Abraham Cross, Peter Curran, Samuel Coy, Malin Cravin, Jacob Darringer, Daniel Daugherty, Abraham Dean, Charles Dane, Charles Ely, Richard Ellis, John Fink, John Flower, Nathan Finman, John Fitch, William Fitch, John Glenn, Joshua Glenn, William C. Greenwood, James S. George, William Gary, Eleazer Goodrich, Charles Huntley, Talmage Hildreth, David Harrold, Rebecca Harrold, Alexander Hutchinson, John Heiser, John Hanna, Robert Hann, William Huckel, James Hodges, David Harpster, Aaron B. Hartley, Jabez Hunter, Thomas James, Kell & McConnell, Samuel Kirk, William Kirk, Robert Laughrey, Sebastian Ley, Jacob Leonard, Jacob Lower, David Lindsley, James Larimer, Isabella McCauley, Samuel Morse, Rodolphus Morse, Charles McClure, Wallace McAllister, John Mong,
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Merriman & Carey, John Mendall, Robert McGowen, David McGowen, Horace Nye, Patrick O'Neil, Thomas Perkins, Erastus Poor, Henry Pixler, Thomas Pugh, Peter Parsell, David Pugh, Ichabod Rogers, Salmon Ruggles, Orrin Ruggles, Christian Ruff, - Rusher, Henry St. John, Thomas Scott, Dennis Roberts, Jeremiah J. Sanford, Elijah Sayles, John Sponseller, John and George Stearn, Fielding Stone, Thomas Snyder, Walter Simerson, David L. Spiker, Thomas Shanks, Samuel Stone, Horace Taylor, Ephraim Van Sickles, John Vanorsdall, John L. Webster, Edward Warner, Aaron and Henry Ward, John Wahn, Parker Willcoxen, Samuel 'Wagoner, Elizabeth Wilson, John Wirts, Thomas S. Wells, Mathias Yearing, Joseph Zimmerman, Peter Zimmerman, Henry Zimmerman, Adam Kuhn, Jacob Frederick.
OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY.
John Abbott, Isaac Alvord, Henry S. Bower, William Baker, Joseph Barnes, James Burnett, Jacob P. Bowers, Catharine Crossan, Samuel Carson, Dr. W illiam. Cope (a practicing physician), Jacob Dearinger, Abram Dean, Daniel Dye, Richard Ellis, John Flower, William Fitch, John Fink, Daniel Harrold, Charles Huntley, Thomas Jones, Daniel Johnson, Robert Laughrey, Jacob Lower, John S. McEwen, Robert McEwen, David McEwen, James McDaniel, Henry Pixler, Jeremiah Poor, John Post, Peter Passal, Abram Passal, Michael J. Rambo, Christian Ruff, Walter Simerson, Thomas Spencer, Thomas Shanks, Jeremiah Sanford, John 0. Stearn, Thomas Scott, Elijah Sayles, Thomas Snyder, David Tyler, John Vanorsdall, Matthew Vanderbilt, Betsey Wilson, Isaac Yarian, Peter Zimmerman.
KIRBY VILLAGE.
This village is situated in the northeast corner of the township, and. was surveyed by Dr. J. H. Williams for M. H. Kirby. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad passes through the village. It has become quite a prosperous place, and is surrounded by a fine agricultural and stockraising district. It was laid out in 1854, and the first store was kept by Philip and Frederick Hineman. Population in 1880, 294.
CHURCHES.
As was customary in all early settlements, preachings in the primitive times of Jackson Township for the most part were held in some convenient schoolhouse, or, more frequently, in the cabins of the pioneers. In this, section the earliest expounders of the Gospel were John Sturm, on Albright preacher of some merit as an orator, and Richard Bainbridge, an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first regular place of worship attended was " Shiloh," of the Christian Union denomination, located on Section 3.
The Church of God, sometimes called " Kirby Bethel, " stands within the precinct of Kirby Village, and was organized in 1855 by Moses Coates, missionary of the Church of God in Ohio, at the residence of James Warren, located on the present site of C. E. Sherman's brick business room. The first membership numbered seven souls, viz.: John Mann, Susanna Mann, James Warren, Mary Warren, Matilda Warren, Mary Barker and Jefferson Johnson. The initiative meeting was held in 1855, in the back room of James Culberson's unoccupied grocery, those present being Moses Coates, A. J. Warren and Charles Coates. The church building of this society was erected in 1868 in Mifflin Township, Section 6, Lot 7 ( Isaac Mann's; since added to the village of Kirby). The building is of frame work, 40x5O
836 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
feet, and was erected at a cost of $1,400. The pastors have been as fol. lows: From 1855 to 1863, inclusive, Moses Coates, Norris Coates, A. J. Warren, J. W. Ankerman, J. W. Senseny, Levi Keller, David Sherner and Lyman Ensminger. From 1864 to 1867 the church was without any pastor. In the latter year, it was reorganized by J. W. Senseny, General Missionary of the Church of God in Western Ohio. In 1867-68, the pastors were J. W. Senseny and John Yenner; in 1861), J. W. Senseny; in 1870, Lyman Ensminger; in 1871, T. H. Deshiri; in 1872, Joseph Neil; in 1873, W. H. Oliver; in 1874-76, J. V. Updike; in 1877, J. S. McKee; in 1878, G. W. Wilson; 1879-80, J. H. Koogle; in 1881-82, M. C. Mowen; in 1883, J. E. Hopard, and the pastor at present (1884) is J. H. McNutt, with a flock of forty-six members. The church officers are: W. H. Mann, Asa Quail, - Buting, Elders; John Fernbaugh, George Drews, Deacons; W. H. Mann, Clerk; J. H. Hazendobler, William Stambaugh, W. H. Mann, Trustees; W. H. Mann, Secretary; William Stambaugh, Treasurer.
As, unfortunately, no record of the first organization has been kept, the number of members enrolled during the nine years from 1855 to 1863 (both inclusive) cannot be accurately given, but there must have been. at least, fifty, so avers Mr. W. H. Mann, Clerk of the church, whose authority on all matters pertaining to this society cannot well be other than conformable to facts, as his intimacy with its history was very close, the house of big father, in the earliest days of the church and for many years afterward, having been on most occasions the dulce domum and headquarters of the pastors. Since 1869, 173 members have been enrolled, and of these fifty-three have moved to other parts, and others have drifted away by withdrawals, demission, disfellowship or in the unfortunate role of backsliders.
This church has always been a very spiritual and liberal, as well as enterprising society. It has one Sunday school and one missionary society. The mode of baptism has uniformly been immersion, and members are taken into full fellowship without any probation, and retained as such until unworthy of church fellowship.
CEMETERIES.
The " silent cities of the dead" in this township number five at least, one being in each of Sections 4, 14, 23, 36 and 9 south. There are, no doubt, in addition to these, several private burial places, where rest in peace the ashes of honest-hearted, primitive sons and daughters of the Soil, and full many a weather-worn tablet marks the spot where
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep."
TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
The following is a list of the officials who have served Jackson Township since the organization of the county in 1845:
1845-Trustees, John Vanorsdall, Thomas Snider, Joseph Barnes; Clerk, Isaac Yarian; Treasurer, James McDaniel.
1846-Trustees, Thomas Scott, John Vanorsdall, Robert McQuown; Clerk, Isaac Yarian; Treasurer, Henry S. Bower.
1847-Trustees, Abram Dean, Robert McQuown, Peter Zimmerman; Clerk, Stewart Adams; Treasurer, Henry S. Bower.
1848-Trustees, William Baker, Peter Parsell, Peter Zimmerman; Clerk, Stewart Adams; Treasurer, Henry S. Bower.
1849-Trustees, William Baker, Thomas Scott, Abram Dean; Clerk, Stewart Adams; Treasurer, Mathew Vanderbelt.
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1850-Trustees, Joseph Barnes, Abram Dean, Isaac N. Lane; Clerk Stewart Adams.
1851-Trustees, Jacob Derringer. John S. McQuown, Charles Andrews; Clerk, Stewart Adams; Treasurer, Mathew Vanderbelt.
1852-Trustees, John S. McQuown, Peter Zimmerman, John Vanorsdall; Clerk, Abram H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, Mathew Vanderbelt.
1853-Trustees, John S. McQuown, Peter Zimmerman, Tunis Snider; Clerk, Abram ff. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, Philip Vanorsdall.
1854-Trustees, Tunis Snider, Joseph Barnes, Edward A. Clark; Clerk, Abram H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, Philip Vanorsdall.
1855-Trustees, Tunis Snider, Joseph Barnes, Edward 1. Clark; Clerk, Abram H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, Philip Vanorsdall.
1856-Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Daniel Snider, Thomas Armstrong; Clerk (appointed), J. S. McQuown; Treasurer, Philip Vanorsdall.
1857-Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Daniel Snider, Thomas Armstrong; Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall.
1858-Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Daniel Snider, Thomas Armstrong; Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall.
1859-Trustees, Daniel Snider, Jacob Hemmerly, Robert P. Baker; Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall.
1860-Trustees, Daniel Snider, Jacob Hemmerly, Robert P. Baker; Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall.
1861-Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Elijah Vanorsdall, Robert P. Baker; Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall.
1862-Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Elijah Vanorsdall, Robert P. Baker; Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall.
1863-Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Elijah Vanorsdall, Robert P. Baker; Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall.
1864-Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, Elijah Vanorsdall, Robert P. Baker; Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall.
1865-Trustees, Peter Zimmerman, William Cope, Abram Dean; Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall.
1866--Trustees, Abram Dean, Robert P. Baker, John Parsell; Clerk, A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vauorsdall.
1867-Trustees, Robert P. Baker, John Parsell, Peter Zimmerman; Clerk. A. H. Vanorsdall; Treasurer, John Vanorsdall.
1868-Trustees, Robert P. Baker, Peter Zimmerman, Henry Beaven; Clerk, Cornelius Tuttle; Treasurer, Reuben Barlien.
1869-Trustees, Robert B. Baker, Henry Beaven, Simon Zimmerman; Clerk, A. IL Vanorsdall; Treasurer, Reuben Barlien.
1870-Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, William T. Baker, John H. Forney; Clerk, D. W. Alter; Treasurer, Reuben Barlien.
1871-Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, William T. Baker, William Redfox; Clerk, D. W. Alter; Treasurer, Reuben Barlien.
1872-Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, William T. Baker, John Parsell; Clerk, M. H. Waltermire; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall.
1873-Trustees, William T. Baker, John Parsell, John H. Forney; Clerk, M, H. Waltermire; Treasurer. A. H. Vanorsdall.
1874-Trustees, John Parsell, William T. Baker, John H. Forney; Clerk, M. H. Waltermire; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall.
1875-Trustees, John Parsell, William T. Baker, Philip Heller; Clerk, M. H. Waltermire; T easurer, A. H. Vanorsdall.
838 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
1876-Trustees, John Parsell, Philip Heller, Reuben Barlien; Clerk, M. H. Waltermire; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall.
1877-Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, Henry Beaven, Anthony Molter; Clerk, M. H. Waltermire; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall.
1878-Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, Henry Beaven, Philip Holler; Clerk, John H. March; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall.
1879-Trustees, Simon Zimmerman, Henry Beaven, Mathew Briggs; Clerk, John H. March; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall.
1880-Trustees, Henry Beaven, William T. Baker, Charles Dietz; Clerk, John H, March; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall.
1881-Trustees, Henry Beaven, Charles Dietz, Mathew Scott; Clerk, John H. March; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall.
1882-Trustees, John Parsell, Simon Zimmerman, John H. Forney; Clerk, John H. March; Treasurer, A. H. Vanorsdall.
1883-Trustees, John Parsell, Simon Zimmerman, John H. Forney; Clerk, John H. March; Treasurer, Reuben Barlien.
The following were Justices of the Peace: William Baker, 1846; John S. McQuown, 1849-52; H. S. Bower, 1854; Edward A. Clark, 1854; Isaac N. Lane, 1856; Joshua McJunkin, 1857; A. H. Vanorsdall and Aaron Bradshaw, 1858; Henry Purdy, 1861; Andrew J. Bainbridge, 1864; Cornelius Tuttle, A. H. Vanorsdall, 1867; M. H. Waltermire, 1869; A. H. Vanorsdall, 1870; M. H. Waltermire, 1872; A. H. Vanorsdall, 1873; M. H. Waltermire, 1875; Samuel C. Anderson, 1876; M. H. Waltermire, 1878; A. H. Vanorsdall, 1879; M. H. Waltermire, 1881; Conrad Lue, 1882; George W. Beard, 1883.
STATISTICS.
Jackson Township hag an area of twenty-seven square miles. Popula. tion in 1880 (not inclusive of Kirby Village), 1,037. The State election returns for 1879-80 show the vote in Jackson Township as follows: For Governor (1879), Charles Foster, 46; Thomas Ewing, 118; Gideon T. Stewart, none; A. Saunders Piatt, none; total vote, 163. For Secretary of State (1880), Charles Townsend, 64; William Lang, 127; Charles A. Lloyd, none; William H. Doan, none; total votes, 191. For President (1880), James A. Garfield, 64; Winfield S. Hancock, 130; James B. Weaver, none; Neal Dow, none; total votes, 194. In Kirby Precinct, for Governor (1879), Charles Foster, 53; Thomas Ewing, 191; Gideon T. Stewart, none; A. Sanders Piatt, none; total votes, 244. For Secretary of State (1880), Charles Townsend, 61; William Lang, 192; Charles A. Lloyd, none; William H. Doane, none; total vote, 253. For President (1880), James A. Garfield, 67; Winfield S. Hancock, 210; total vote, 279.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
DAVID ALTER, the subject of this sketch, is one of the representative farmers of Jackson Township. He was born in Allegheny County, Penn January 27, 1840. His parents were John and Mary (McCutchen) Alter, whose history appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Alter took up his residence in this county in 1859, and engaged in farm labor with his father until 1863, when he enlisted in the service of the United States, under the command of Col. Gallaher, but was afterward transferred to the First Pennsylvania Cavalry. He received his discharge in 1863, December 29, and returned home, where he remained with his father till his marriage. This event took place September 15,1870. Miss Catharine Zimmerman, the
JACKSON TOWNSHIP - 839
bride, is the daughter of Peter and Caroline (Felty) Zimmerman, whose history will also be found elsewhere recorded. She was born April 22, 1851, and is the mother of four children-Mary L., born August 4, 1872; Perry L., born June 2, 1875; Bessie M., born September 30, 1877, and Joseph F., born September 3, 1883. After his marriage, Mr. Alter moved to the farm which he had bought a short time prior to that event, and upon which be still resides. The original amount, thirty-seven acres, he has since increased to seventy-four, and is thus enabled to live in comfort. In politics, Mr. Alter is a Republican. He was reared in the Presbyterian Church, and became a member of that church in his twenty-fifth year; his wife united shortly after their marriage, in 1870, at Forest, Ohio.
JEREMIAH M. ALTER was born in among the hills of Allegheny County, Penn., December 5, 1817. He was the son of David and Elizabeth (Mell) Alter, also natives of Pennsylvania. Thirteen children were born to them, six of whom are still living, Nancy, John, Daniel, Jeremiah M., Elias and Sampson. The deceased are Joseph, Jacob, Samuel, David, Henry and two others. The grandfather of Mr. Alter was born in Switzerland, and for 'a period of twenty years was a member of the Legislature of that country. Our subject, Jeremiah M. Alter, was educated in the select schools, choosing for his occupation the blacksmithing trade, when about seventeen years of age. On February 14, 1840, Mr. Alter forsook his single life, and married Miss Sophia Mell, daughter of John and Polly (Kiel) Mell, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and German descent. Mrs. Alter was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Alter were the parents of four children, Two of these are still living-Daniel W. and George N. John W. and Flora E. have passed away. George N. entered the United States service for 100 days, Eighty-second Regiment, and left a good record for that time as a soldier. Mr. Alter continued to work at his trade kill the year 1866, when he removed to Jackson Township, Wyandot County, Ohio, purchasing eighty acres of land, on which he now resides. His farm is in good condition, and is valued at $70 per acre.
JOHN ALTER was born in Allegheny County, Penn., in 1808. He is the son of David and Elizabeth (Mell) Alter, the former born in 1776, the latter in 1780, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. Mr. Alter remained with his parents till the event of his marriage, receiving the ordinary education that the common schools of his time afforded. After the death of his mother in 1837 he remained at home and took care of his father, who was an invalid, till his death in 1838. In 1869, he moved to Jackson Township, buying 100 acres of land. His marriage to Miss Mary McCutchen occurred in January, 1835, and six children have been born to them-Eliza, Matilda, David, Nancy, John K. and Joseph. Of these, one died in infancy. Of these, the last named enlisted in the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry of the United States service and died at Stoneman Hospital August 23,1864, of wounds received in the head and of disease. Mr. Alter continued his work on the farm and in the milling business till his second marriage, which took place November 14, 1850, taking for his bride Mrs. Sarah A, D. McGahan, widow of Robert McGahan. One daughterSarah R., wife of John A. Stewart--was the result of this marriage, At their marriage they each had five children. Two of Mr. and two of Mrs. Alter's have since died; the rest are all married and settled in life. Mr. Alter still resides on his farm, and is comfortably situated in a good home. In politics, he is a Republican. He united with the Presbyterian Church of Plum Creek, when eighteen years of age, and was afterward a member of
840 - STORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY
the Church of Parnassus, where he was ordained an Elder about the year 1865. When he united with the church in Forest, he was at once inducted into the session, and is the oldest member, with one exception, in the church. His first wife was a member of the Plum Creek Church until her death, February 27, 1849. Mrs. Alter, his present wife, was a member of the Saltsburg Presbyterian Church, and united, with her husband, successively in the churches of Plum Creek, Parnassus arid Forest.
SAMUEL BAKER was born in Columbiana County May 29,1819. He is the son of John and Catharine (Mummery) Baker, both natives of Adams County, Penn., and of German lineage, The children of these parents numbered ten in all, of whom but six are living-Elizabeth, Abraham, Jonas, Isaac, Samuel and Lydia. The deceased are Sarah, William, Catharine and Moses. At the age of fifteen Mr. Baker left school to engage in daily labor at the carpenter's trade and other work. He was married to Miss Susannah Zimmerman, daughter of Peter and Sarah (Kennel) Zimmerman. Mrs. Baker was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, December 29, 1820 Eight children are the fruits of this union-Peter J., Andrew J., David S., Sarah C., Simon Z., Mary F. (deceased), Henry O and William L. After marriage Mr. Baker followed the occupation of weaver and carpenter till 1861, when he moved to Jackson Township, Wyandot County, Ohio, and settled upon a farm of 100 acres. By long years of industrious toil he has succeeded in placing most of this land in a state of cultivation, and is now the possessor of a comfortable home. In politics he is independent, believing that the safety of the Government depends most upon those principles.
J. P. BERLIEN was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., April 4, 1841. He came to this county with his parents, Jacob and Salina Berlien (whose history appears in another part of this work), when but four years of age. He was educated in the common schools and has spent the greater part of his life in agricultural pursuits. December 22, 1864, he married Miss Lydia A. Roose, daughter of David and Mary (Arner) Roose, who was born in Columbiana County September 22, 1840. They have been blessed with four children, three of whom are still living-Umphry L., born October 31, 1866; Ida A.. April 26, 1872; John Z., March 5, 1879; Myrtle E., the deceased, was born August 8, 1876, and died March 8, 1877. Mr. Berlien was engaged in the late war, having enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, February 23, 1865. He was mustered in at Camp Chase, moving from there to Virginia, thence to Winchester and the South, doing patrol duty till the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged, Returning home, he resumed his agriricultural pursuits, renting land in this county for two years, then moving to Hardin County, returning to this county in 1873, buying forty acres of land, to which he has since added six acres more. By, economy and industry he has succeeded in making of this a comfortable home, and from its products a substantial living for himself and family. Mr. Berlien is a Democrat in politics. and a member of the Christian Union Church.
REUBEN BERLIEN, born in Westmoreland County, Penn., September 27, 1831, is the son of Jacob and Salina (Zimmerman) Berlien, The former is a native of the same county, born January 4, 1804, the latter born November 28, 1807, in Lancaster, Penn. The death of the father occurred December 9, 1863, and that of the mother May 12, 1871. Nine children followed this union, eight still living-Henry, Reuben, Katie A., Susan, Sarah A., Jacob P. B., Peter Z. and Saloma. Anna M., deceased.
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Jacob P. B. enlisted in the war in the spring of 1865, One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment, serving about seven months, when he was honorably discharged. Peter Z. was mustered in in September of 1864, serving about eleven months in Sherman's Corps. He was engaged in several battles, but fortunately escaped without injury, and received an honorable discharge. Reuben Berlien, the subject of this sketch, enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment August 11, 1862, Company F, and was mustered into service September 24. The following day he was moved to Virginia and joined the command of Gen. Millroy. On the 12th day of June, he was taken prisoner at Winchester, but was exchanged November 6, joining his regiment at Martinsburg in March, 1864. After this his first engagement was at New Market, under the command of Gen. Siegel. Following this came the engagements of Piedmont, Lynchburg, Linchford, Winchester, Martinsburg, Strausburg, Charleston, Halltown, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. All these battles were passed through without injury, and followed by an honorable discharge on the 12th day of June, 1865, at Columbus, 'Ohio. He was married to Mary E. Zimmerman, daughter of Conrad and Margaret A. (Ropp) Zimmerman, and is happily residing on his farm at the present time. He is highly esteemed by his neighbors, and looks back with considerable pride and satisfaction upon his military record.
HENRY S. BOWER was born November 30, 1805, in Chester County, Penn. He is the son of David and Susan (Kepner) Bower. His greatgrandfather was a native of Germany. Receiving an ordinary education in the schools of Now York, on March 29, 1828, he married Miss Dorothy Bower, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Shoenmaker) Bower, also of German parentage. Mrs. Bower was born July, 28, 1806. After his marriage Mr. Bower removed to Livingston County, N. Y., stopping in that locality four years, after which he emigrated to Ohio in 1832. This trip, a distance of 350 miles, was made in eleven days, traveling in a covered wagon, as was the usual custom of those days. Settling in Jackson Township, Wyandot County, Mr. Bower entered 300 acres of land, himself and a neighbor, Mr. Hovey, being the first settlers of the township. He was at one time the owner of 400 acres, 175 of which he cleared and broke as " first land." It is now divided among his children, with whom he at present makes his home. He is the fat-her of seven children, five still living-Susan, wife of Erastus Bohannon (deceased); Jefferson D., Nelson J., Rosanna H., wife of Thomas B. Flower, and Henry. The deceased are Israel, Roxyanna. and Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Clinger. Mr. Bower has always been a faithful Democrat, having cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson. He has served as Justice of the Peace eighteen years; as Trustee, two years; as Treasurer, two years; refusing all the honor of these offices longer. He was, at one time a member of the Masonic, also of the 1. 0. 0. F. fraternity. He is still strong for one of his years.
JEFFERSON D. BOWER was born in the State of New York, September 12, 1834. He is a son of Henry S. and Dorothy (Bower) Bower, with whom he came to Ohio when very young. On the old homestead he was reared and educated, leaving off his studies at the age of nineteen. He remained at home, however, worked by the month and " farmed on shares " till his marriage, which important event took place March 26, 1863, Miss Sarah J. Flower, daughter of John and Susannah (Fitch) Flower, being the fortunate bride, her parents being natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was born in Bedford County, February 16, 1804, and her mother in Beaver County, July 11, 1808. They came and settled in Jackson Township, Wy
842 - STORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
andot County, about 1825, being among the first settlers of this locality. They are the parents of twelve children, of whom six are still livingHenry, Thomas, Lydia A., Sarah J., Martha and Samuel. Mr. Flower died March 30, 1873, Mrs. Flower still living in the seventy-sixth year of her age, and being remarkably strong for one so old. Mr. Bower, the subject of this sketch, by inheritance and purchase, has secured eighty-six acres of land, which he keeps in a good state of repair and cultivation, and values at $75 per acre. In 1875, he constructed a handsome residence at a cost of $1,250. He also erected one of the finest barns in the township in 1883, at a cost of $600. He deals in the beat grades of live stock, and votes the Democratic ticket, having cast his first vote for Buchanan. He is an enthusiastic Granger and one of the most respected and worthy citizens of his township.
SAMUEL M. BURNETT. This worthy pioneer was born February 19, 1820, in the State of Now York. He came to Wyandot County with his parents in 1834, then but a mere boy. He is the son of Elisha and Polly (Howe) Burnett. The former was born July 7, 1773, and died in March, 1868; the latter was born March 15, 1788, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively, and of Scotch lineage. Mr. Burnett was one of the first settlers of Jackson Township, having located there while the Indians were quite numerous, and sometimes troublesome, and when only " blazed " trees were available to guide the footman from one settlement to another. Being on friendly terms with the savages, he frequently joined in the chase with them, though, while yet a youth, was at one time, through some misunderstanding, threatened by violence at their hands. The first and greatest necessity in those days being that of subsistence, and the educational advantages being few, our subject was compelled to devote the greater part of his time to the clearing of the forest fur the production of the potato and the "Johnny- cake. " In the mouth of August, 1849, Mr. Burnett was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Tillbury, daughter of Abraham and Betsy A. (Taylor) Tillbury, who was born May 31, 1834, in the State of New York. They are the parents of eight children-Emily J., born May 31, 1850; Eliza, March 25, 1852; William, April 17, 1854; John H., February 3, 1856; Benjamin, March 10, 1859; Mary E., October 17, 1864; Samuel, March 3, 1867, and Joseph, September 5, 1872. After his marriage Mr. Burnett settled upon a farm of forty acres that had been entered for him when a boy, and this, by subsequent additions, he has increased to 220 acres. His farm is nearly all in a state of cultivation, the improvements thereon having been wrought out for the most part by his own industrious bands. He is well inured to the hardships of pioneer life, and well understands the difficulties incident to the founding of a home in the wilds of the frontier. His faithful wife still lives to share his companionship and the fruits of their mutual toils. Politically, Mr. Burnett is a Republican, and a good neighbor and citizen.
ARNOLD DURENBERGER was born April 20, 1833, in Reigoldswiyl, Canton Basel, Switzerland. He is the son of Jacob and Margaret (Frae) Durenberger, who are both residents of Switzerland at the present time. Of the seven children, of which Mr. Durenberger is one, but three are living, viz.- Arnold, Rheinhart and Justiss. The deceased are Cath. arine, Sarah, Elizabeth and Charley. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of his native country, closing his school work at the age of eighteen. After this he was engaged four years as an apprentice in the carpenter's trade, emigrating to the United States in 1856, and
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settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, where he worked at his trade fifteen years. In 1860, he married Miss Margareta Iti, daughter of John and Margareta Iti. In 1873, he moved to Hardin County, Ohio, where he pur. chased 140 acres of land, afterward adding eighty acres more. Of these 220 acres about 100 are cleared and under a high state of cultivation. The farm is ornamented with a fine residence, which cost $3,000, and a barn worth $2, 000. Its value is estimated at $75 per acre, it being well drained and generally supplied with all the modern improvements, Mr. Durenberger is a member of the Grange fraternity, and is Democratic in poli. tics. He is well respected by all who know him, and one of Jackson's most worthy citizens. His family consists of three children John, Henry and Emma.
HENRY FERNBAUGH was born in Ashland County, Ohio, March 1, 1843. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Brandt) Fernbaugh, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. His father removed to Crane Township, this county, when Henry was but four years of age and entered eighty acres of land, and leaving a possession of 120 acres at his death. The family consisted of nine children-George, Catharine, Eliza, William, Joseph, Henry, Mary A., John T. and Jacob B. The father died in 1877, aged sixty-nine years, and the mother in her seventy-third year, residing in Crane Township at the time of their decease. Henry Fernbaugh was educated in the district schools, and enlisted in Company K, Fifty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the age of eighteen years. He was engaged in some of the most important battles of the war, prominent among which were the following: Moorefield, McDowell, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Freeman's Ford, Sulphur Springs, Second Bull Run, Chancel lorsville, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Charleston, Buzzard's Roost, Hickory Grove, Lost Mountain, Peachtree Creek, and the siege at Atlanta. Besides these heavy battles Mr. Fernbaugh was in every skirmish with Sherman in his march to the sea. He was taken prisoner at Chancellorsville, and detained at Alexandria five months, but was finally exchanged. At the siege of Atlanta he was permanently injured, from the effects of which he has never recovered. He received an honorable discharge in July, 1865. His marriage to Miss Mary E. Shriver, occurred October 7, 1886, she being the daughter of Rev. David and Mary (Hendrickson) Shriver, who settled in Marion County in 1833. Mr. Shriver was engaged in the ministry about forty years; a few years of this time in the interest of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the remainder in the interest of the Church of God. He was the father of nine children, Mrs. Fernbaugh being the seventh. His death occurred in 1874, at the age of sixty-eight years, and that of his wife in 1863, at the age of fifty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Fernbaugh are the parents of seven children, only three of whom are living, viz.: Minnie J., born October 3, 1869, Marion R., born December 2, 1874, and Laura G., born July 8, 1882. The deceased are Ordella E., Sarah F., Anna M. and an infant. In 1865, Mr. Fernbaugh purchased a farm of forty acres, where he resided until the spring of 1875, at which time he purchased another of eighty acres south of Kirby. On this farm he remained until the fall of 1881, when he again sold out and purchased his present tract of forty acres, which he has improved to a large extent, and which he now values at $100 per acre. A neat barn and a comfortable house are among the principal improvements. Politically, Mr. Fernbaugh is a Republican, and, with his wife, a member of the Church of God at Kirby. He has served as Elder, Deacon and Trustee of this religious denomination, and is reckoned among its most worthy members.
844 - TORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
J. H. FORNEY, the subject of this sketch, was born October 12, 1835, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, He is the son of John and Mary (Shroy) Forney, the former born October 11, 1811; the latter in 1813, natives of Ohio and Maryland respectively, and of German descent. They were the parents of seven children-J. H., George W., Amanda J., Margaret A., Catharine E., William R, and Elmira W. Of these but the former three are -living. The second son, William, enlisted in the United States service, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, in August, 1862, and entered the Army of the Potomac. He was engaged in numerous battles, but was unfortunately wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, dying from the effects of his injuries at Little York, Penn. J. H. Forney, the subject of this sketch, was educated in. a common school and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1864, he purchased land in Jackson Township, Wyandot County, to the amount of 152 acres, where he now resides. This entire tract has been cleared by himself, except forty acres which he has sold since the first purchase. The first tree was cut for the log cabin, in which he formerly lived. This cabin has now given place to a fine frame dwelling, erected at a cost of nearly $2,000. Mr. Forney has hold the office of Trustee four years. He is Republican in politics, and one of the most successful farmers of Jackson Township.
JOHN J. GASTER, the subject of this sketch, was born in the romantic country of Switzerland, in 1845. He came with his parents to this country in 1858, settling in this county. His parents were natives of Germany, bearing the names of Henry and Anna (Snider) Gaster respectively. Six children were the fruits of their marriage, namely: Barnabas, Henry, Rosanna, Mary, John J. and Robert. Mr. Gaster was educated in the German language, and on coming to this country, made his first stop at Upper Sandusky. He immediately began his daily labors on the farm and elsewhere, which he continued till 1865. He then enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was mustered in at Lima, and afterward removed to Camp Chase, where he remained till discharged. He then returned to Jackson Township, and resumed his agricultural work, which he has since engaged in. His father's death occurred in 1871. May 1, 1881, Mr. Gaster was joined in marriage to Miss Mary S. Holler, daughter of Philip and Sarah (Switzkable) Heller, born February 22, 1859. After the death of his father, he and his brother worked together on the old homestead, to which they had fallen heirs, until by purchase, he secured his brother's interest, after which he assumed full possession. In politics Mr. Gaster is a Democrat. He is a member of the IOOF, the G. A. R. and still resides upon the old farm of his father. He is an enterprising farmer, and, with his wife, highly esteemed.
PHILIP HELLER, born July 4,1824, in Dauphin County, Penn., came with his parents to this part of the country in 1826. He is the son of Adam and Anna (Massner) Heller, both born in the year 1806, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. Their family consisted of three children, -Philip, Almira and Mary A. The subject of this sketch, being left an orphan at the age of six years, was compelled to labor for his board and clothes until his sixteenth year, when he engaged in a woolen factory, pursuing this work until the outbreak of the Mexican war. He then enlisted at Buffalo, going directly to Now Orleans; but, the war having suddenly closed, he was honorably dismissed, and returned to Toledo, Ohio, where he engaged on a fishing boat until 1846. He was next engaged in a machine shop at Fostoria for one year, and after that as civil engineer for two years.
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Leaving that occupation, he again resumed work in a woolen factory at Finley for one year, but after that time removed to Blanchard to engage in the same work, buying a half interest in a factory at that place. At Blanchard he remained four years, at the expiration of which he removed to Wood County, where he erected a saw mill and lath factory. Six months were spent in this enterprise, after which the carpenter's trade was taken up and followed till August of 1862. He then enlisted in the United States service, One Hundred and First Regiment, going into camp at Monroeville, Ohio. At Perryville his first engagement took place, and he afterward did skirmish duty at Cumberland Gap. Receiving injuries of the spine, he was placed in the hospital, and soon after received his discharge at Quincy, Ill., for disability. He then returned to Wyandot County, bought thirty acres of land, and engaged with the railroad company at a good salary till 1868. He then purchased the farm where he now resides. In January, 1856, Mr. Holler was married to Sarah Switzkable, ten children blessing their union -Susan, John L. A., Louise B., Martha J., Malinda, Charley, Elijah and Ida L. George and Maggie are deceased. He is a Democrat and member of the G. A. R.
GEORGE HESSELDENZ was born near Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio, February 1, 1854. He is the son of Peter and Mary (Hovt) Hesseldenz, natives of Prussia, and of German descent. They were the parents of nine children, of whom only the subject of this sketch is living. Mr. H. died January 2, 1877, of dyspepsia, at the advanced age of sixty-throe years. Mrs. H. was stricken with paralysis, and died near New Riegel, in 1861. Of their nine children, two sons and three daughters died of cholera near Tiffin, Ohio, in the years of 1848,1850. In 1864, another son and daughter died at New Reigel. The eldest son died in 1882, aged thirty-eight years. He was educated in the German Catholic school, and when eleven years of age moved with his father to Wyandot County, where he followed the vocation of a farmer till his thirteenth year. He then went to Upper Sandusky, where he worked one year as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade, after which he returned to the farm, where he remained till his sixteenth year. Not satisfied with the labor of the farm, he went to Tiffin and began work on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, following the line to Defiance. At eighteen Mr. George Hesseldenz went to Minnesota, doing general day labor, and remained in that State thirteen months. He then returned East to New York and Philadelphia; thence to Wabashaw, where he remained six months. Leaving this place, he visited relatives in St. Louis, and afterward secured a position in a grist mill at Waterloo, Ill., where he remained one year. On June 13, 1876, Mr. Hesseldenz was united in marriage with Catharine A. Schaiper, daughter of Anthony and Mary Schaiper. Mrs. Hesseldenz was born November 9, 1858. They have four children-Henry, Matilda, Charlie and Angaline. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Hesseldenz returned to Wyandot County, and settled upon a farm, where he remained one year. He afterward spent four years in the interest of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, and in 1882 established himself in a grocery store at Kirby, subsequently adding silverware and hardware, and is doing a good business. Mr.Hosseldenz is a Domocrat and a member of the Catholic Church.
GEORGE H. HINES was born October 8, 1853. He was the son of Adam and Sarah (Kitch) Hines, and. like many other pioneers, received but the limited education which the schools of his time afforded. At the age of eighteen he left off his school-going to engage in the more urgent
846 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
duties of the farm. He was married July 14, 1881, to Miss Lizzie Snider, daughter of John and Margaret (Pink) Snider, both born in Germany. In this family were nine children, six now living, viz.: Mary, Lena, John, Lizzie, Bergaman and Charley. The deceased are Bellvy, George and Margaret. Mrs. Hines, the wife of our subject, was born April 20, 1861. One child, Maggie E., has been born to them, her birth occurring July 5, 1882. After his marriage Mr. Hines remained upon the old homestead, which he hired and bought in 1875. He is a Democrat in politics, and shares the companionship of an exemplary wife, in addition to the material comforts of a home.
L. E. LANDON was born May 14, 1844 in Portage County, Ohio. He was the son of James and Ruth (Dudley) Landon, natives of Connecticut, and of English parentage. Mr. Landon was reared on a farm, and when about eight years of age moved with his parents to Ada, Ohio, to assist them to provide a home. He was afterward engaged in saw milling and other work as a day laborer till 1864, when he enlisted in the army, Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in at Camp Chase, and after remaining at that point one week was ordered south. Halting at Martinsburg, his regiment encamped within four miles of that place, and Mr. Landon was placed (in patrol duty to guard the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. They were soon driven from this point to Harper's Ferry, and shortly after engaged in the battle of John Brown's Schoolhouse. This was Mr. Landon's first military fight. He was moved later to Maryland Heights, where he remained till the expiration of his time of enlistment; he then returned to Columbus and was discharged. On June 16, 1870, Mr. Landon was married to Miss Caroline Ott, daughter of J. G. and Evea (Heisel) Ott. Mrs. Landon was born December 25, 1845. They have two children-Clara A., born October 22, 1871, and Clifford F., born August 19,1878. Soon after his marriage Mr. Landon engaged in the drug business in the town of Kirby, as a partner of T. H. Falty, but, subsequently purchasing the latter's interest, he now controls the entire stock and is doing a good business. He is a member of the G. A. R. and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was appointed Postmas. ter at Kirby in 1872, and still holds the office.
JACOB LAUTINSLAGER, physician and surgeon, was born July 29, 1853, in Lancaster County, Penn. His parents were George and Elizabeth (Clois) Lautinslager, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively, and of German parentage. When five years of age, Mr. Lautinslager came with parents to Clark County, where he resided fourteen years, attending the district school as a means of education. At the age of nineteen he moved to Urbana and entered the High School of that city, from which he graduated at the age of twenty-three. He then began the study of medicine at that place with the well-known physician, Dr. H. C. Pearce. By a close application to his studies he soon obtained a thorough knowledge of the science, beginning with chemistry and ending with obstetrics. He subsequently attended lectures at the Columbus Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, graduating with honor February 28, 1882, and soon located in Kirby, where he is building up an excellent practice.
J. A. LILES, born April 25, 1848, in Richland Township, this county, is the son of Isaiah and Catharine (Young) Liles, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. Mr. Liles was reared upon the farm and was educated in the district school. In January, 1863, he enlisted in the Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was mustered in at Columbus, and, pro.
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ceeding to Chattanooga, was put upon the skirmish line and followed Hood to Buzzard's Roost, fighting on the march. At Ball's Knob he received a wound from a minie ball, from which he became so disabled as to be sent back to the division station, and later to the hospital at Chattanooga. Remaining at the hospital about one month he proceeded to Nashville, thence to Joe Holt, thence to Camp Dennison, where he was discharged on account of disability resulting from wounds causing a disease of the heart. Mr. Liles was married September 24, 1868, to Elizabeth Brockney, daughter of John and Adaline (Kersey) Brockney, who was born September 16, 1848. They are the parents of six children, viz.: Adaline C., Minnie E., Mary L., Ralph A., Loyd E. and Earl L. After marriage he lived with his grandfather, managing his farm until making a purchase of fifty acres for himself, to which he has since added, by subsequent purchases, till he now owns 178 acres. On this farm, which is in an excellent condition, he still ,resides. His residence is one of the finest in Jackson Township. In politics, Mr. Liles is a Republican; he is a member of the IOOF, the G. A. R. and the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN LOUBERT was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 26, 1813. He is the son of George and Mary A. Loubert, the former born in 1768 in Germany, serving in the war against Napoleon, receiving a severe wound on the head by the cut of a saber. He served as a soldier six years and emigrated to the United States in 1803, remaining in Baltimore until 1807, when he removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, while that region was still an unsubdued wilderness. Educated in the log schoolhouse, and sharing the dis. advantages peculiar to the times, Mr. Loubert remained at home till his father's death occurred, after which he engaged in the carpenter's trade until his marriage in 1858. He then purchased a farm of eighty acres, on which he labored, in connection with his work in carpentry, till 1865. Yielding to the call of his country, on February 17, 1865, he enlisted in the United States service, being then fifty-two years of age. He was a member of Company 1, One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in at Camp Chase. He started immediately for Virginia, stopping at Harper's Ferry. From there be proceeded to Halltown, thence to Charleston, Winchester, Stevenson's Station, Reed's Rill and Harrisonburg, at the latter place going on duty, where he remained two weeks. He then returned to Winchester and was mustered out, receiving his discharge at Columbus, Ohio. His military career being ended, Mr. Loubert again turned his attention to his trade and the management of his farm. September 19, 1858, the happy event of his marriage took place, joining his worldly interests with those of Mrs. Mary Miller, widow of the late Jacob Miller, and who was born July 25, 1819. Two children were born to them, viz., John C., born October 25, 1859, and Mary C., born June 12, 1862. In politics, Mr. Loubert is a Republican; he is a member of the IOOF, the G. A. R. and the Lutheran Church.
JOHN H. MARCH was born April 7, 1838. The subject of this sketch first saw the light in Columbiana County, Ohio. His parents were Philip and Sarah (Gilmore) March, the former born in Berkeley County, Va., September 14, 1803, and the latter in Allegheny County, Penn., in 1804, of Irish and German ancestry. They had eight children, six living, viz., William G., Henry C., John H., Samuel Q., Margaret J. and Daniel W. Mary A. and James S. are deceased. Our subject, John H. March, was educated in the ordinary branches of the common schools, and is a farmer by occupation. October 3, 1868, he married Sarah Adams, daughter of Thomas and
848 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
Susanna (Fisher) Adams. She was born January 18, 1848. They have six children-Alvin, born July 6, 1869; Frank, born March 19, 1871: Clara L. born November 5, 1872; Charley, born June 6, 1875; Howard, born February 18, 1879; Roy, born June 4, 1881. After marriage, Mr. March came with his family to Wyandot County, and in 1870, purchased land in Jackson Township to the amount of eighty acres. Of this, about forty acres are cultivated, and the whole forms one of the pleasant and thritfty farms of the township. Mr. March has served six years as Township Clerk, and is a Democrat politically.
ELIAS McPEEK, now one of Wyandot's best citizens, was born August 17, 1833, in Guernsey County, Ohio, being the son of Rev William and Rebecca (Bowen) McPeek, both of whom were born in Guernsey County, the former in 1808. A minister by profession, member of the Baptist Church in Noble County, he is still living, in excellent health for one of his years, filling three appointments in his ministerial work. The latter was born in 1811, and is still living. Seven children have blessed this union, but one having joined the army of the dead. They are Elias, Joseph, Eli D., Allen D., Philipp, Mary, E. and Sarah J., deceased. Three of the sons, Joseph, Allen D. and Philipp, served in the late war. Joseph, enlisting in the three months' service, at the expiration of that time volunteeered in the regular army, Ninety-second Regiment, serving nearly four years. He was at length discharged, however, on account of wounds received by the explosion of a shell, having five bullet-holes shot through various parts of his clothes at the same time. Allen D. entered the same regiment about the same time, but was soon discharged on account of phyiscal disability. Philipp entered the service as a substitute, serving about three months, Elias, the main subject of this sketch, received a fair education in the public school of his time, closing his literary career in his seventeenth year. After this time he was engaged at monthly wages as a laborer on the farm, which occupation he followed till his marriage to Miss Mary A. E. Armstrong July 22, 1858. Mrs. McPeek was born March 22, 1833, and is the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (McQuoun) Armstrong, who are both, yet living and in good health. The former has reached the advanced age of eighty and the latter seventy-five years. Six children are the result of the result of their marriage- Washington A., Thomas M., William F., Eugene, Lillie and Ella M., deceased. After marriage, they rented and farined for five years, then bought seventy-five acres of land in Jackson Township, Wyandot County, where they still reside, in the enjoyment of an elegant home as the fruits of their honest industry. A fine residence, good barn and other improvements to the value of $3,000 are the results of a commencement in life with but $300. In politics, Mr. McPeek is a thorough Democrat.
WALTER SANFORD, now one of Wyandot's most respected citizens, was born in Allegany County, N. Y., May 5, 1832. His parents were Jeremiah F. and Rebecca (Simerson) Sanford, the former being a native of New York, born February 18,1805; the latter, of Now Jersey, born in 1811. They were the parents of eight children-Walter, George F., John F., and Millissie, living, and Christina, Edward, Jackson L. and Jerod, deceased. A farmer by occupation, he received the education afforded by the common schools. March 11, 1858, he married Susannah McDaniel, daughter of Jane and Nancy (Hannah) McDaniel. Mrs. Sanford was born in 1830, December 4, and came of an excellent family. After his marriage, Mr. Sanford removed to Wyandot County, purchasing a farm of forty acres, upon which he still resides. His entire possession of real estate is 120 acres.
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This has been accumulated by hard labor, Mr. Sanford having but one horse, one cow and an ax with which to begin. In politics he is of Democratic persuasion, and is a member of the Grange Lodge and Union Christian Church.
HENRY SCHRIVER was born in Hardin County, Ohio, December 8, 1843. His parents were Henry and Sarah Schriver, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German extraction. Mr. Schriver was educated in the district school, and worked upon the farm till 1861, when he enlisted in the army of the United States, being mustered in at Camp Bartley, Mansfield, Ohio. Moving from this point to Lexington, Ky., and other points, and spending five weeks -of his time in the hospitals along the route, he was at length enabled to join his regiment at Nashville. At the battle of Shiloh, so memorable in history, he first engaged in the dreadful work of destroying his fellow-men. From Shiloh he was moved to East Tennessee; thence to Louisville, Ky., and from that point to Stone River, where he was wounded on the second day of the great fight at that point. After four months" confinement in the hospitals at Nashville, Tenn., and New Albany, Ind., he next joined his regiment at Murfreesboro, taking part in the engagements at Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek and Kenesaw Mountain. Here he received a second wound and was subsequently removed to the rear a short time and again went to the front and served in the engagements of Atlanta and Lovejoy Station, being under fire 112 days. He then went to Chattanooga. His three years' service being now expired, he was mustered out and received an honorable discharge, having participated in some of the greatest battles of the greatest nation beneath the sun. On his return home, Mr. Schriver resumed his labor upon the farm, which occupation be is still engaged in. He was married, September 19, 1869, to Mrs. Susanna Rogan, and subsequently emigrated to Missouri. Meeting with misfortune here in the death of his wife, he returned to Ohio and afterward was united in marriage to Mrs. Maggie E. Morrison, widow of James R. Morrison. She was born August 13, 1849, and was married to her first husband, February 25, 1869. Two children were born to them-Eldorado G., born June 24, 1871, and Lillian M., born August 2, 1873. The wife having obtained the homestead from the administrator, the husband has added fifty acres more by subsequent purchase and a fine new dwelling, worth $2,000, has been erected upon the premises. In politics Mr. Schriver is a Republican. He is a member of the 0. A. R., and also of the Presbyterian Church.
ABRAHAM H. VANORSDALL was born March 18, 1827, in Cayuga County, N. Y. He is the son of Andrew and Catharine (Vanorsdale) Vanorsdall, natives of Pennsylvania and Now Jersey respectively; the former born in the year 1800, and the latter in 1803, of German lineage. In 1846, Mr. Vanors. dall, with his family, moved to Ohio, settling in Wyandot County, Mifflin Township, where he purchased eighty acres of land, upon which he resided till his death, which occurred in July, 1848. Eight children were born to them, six of whom still survive-Abraham H., Hannah P.. John A., Jonathan 0., Katie and Ruby. The deceased were Lovind and Isaac A. Our subject received a liberal education in the common schools of his day, closing his literary pursuits at the age of nineteen years. After this he was engaged in farm labor during the summer, and taught school in winter until his marriage, which took place in June, 1849, to Miss Ruth Snider, daughter of Daniel and Anna (Dean) Snider. Six children were the fruits of this marriage, all of which are still living except Daniel S. Their names are as
850 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
follows: Daniel S.; Agnes, wife of G. N. Fox; Julia M., wife of B. F. Stultz; Emma E., wife of John M. La Rowe; Curtis A. and Minnie M. Mr. Vanorsdall purchased 240 acres of land in Wyandot County, and settled upon the same in 1868. Since that time he has served in nearly all the offices in the township in which he resides, and also in some of the county offices. As Township Clerk he served for a term of sixteen years; as Treasurer, ten years; as Justice of the Peace, twenty-one years; as Assessor, two years. By appointment he was made Infirmary Director for one year, and afterward, by election, six years. In 1882, he was chosen as Commissioner, which office he still (1883) holds. He is a member of the F. and A. M., IOOF, and Grange fraternities, and also of the Christian Union Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat. He is still living on his finely cultivated farm, in the companionship of an excellent wife, and surrounded by a host of friends.
M. H. WALTERMIRE was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 29, 1827, and is the son of Samuel and Margaret (Clymer) Waltermire. Having a good knowledge of the English branches, at the age of twenty-one years he obtained a livelihood by teaching school and laboring at the carpenter's trade till the year 1865, when he obtained a piece of land in Jackson Township, Wyandot County, where he has since resided. On January 26, 1854, he married Mary E. Edwards, daughter of William and Mary A. (Bell) Edwards. Mrs. Waltermire was born November 22, 1832, in Belmont County, Ohio. Their marriage has been blessed by eight children William M., born January 21, 1855; Mary M., born Sept-ember 5, 1856 (wife of J. D. Alexander); Samuel H., born August 3, 1858; Andrew J., born August 30, 1860; Lemuel G., born February 19, 1864; Joseph H., born February 23, 1866; George W., born June 7, 1868; Emma M., born May 6, 1875. Mr. Waltermire is the owner of 120 acres of land, all under cultivation, and provided with a comfortable residence. He is a member of the IOOF, and a sound Democrat. As Justice of the Peace he has served fifteen years, and as Township Clerk five years. He enjoys a pleasant home, the companionship of an excellent wife, and is well respected as a citizen.
HEZEKIAH YOUNG. In Crawford County, Ohio, March 11, 1844, this gentleman first appeared on the scene of life. He is the son of Surrena (Sinn) and George Young, the former born in Pennsylvania, in 1810, the latter in Virginia, in 1806, and dying in the years 1877 and 1848 respectively, being of German ancestry. Eight children blessed this union, five of whom are still living, as follows: Peter S., Jeremiah, Delilah, Hezekiah and Martin. Fannie, Isaac and Maria are numbered among the dead. Mr. Young was a soldier in the Mexican war, and in that capacity rendered able service in the cause of his country. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of his day, emigrating to Missouri at the age of fifteen, but returning to Crawford County, Ohio, after an absence of six months, and working on the farm as a hand till the spring of 1864, at which time he entered the United States service. He was enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment, and, after three months' skirmishing in the Shenandoah Valley, was honorably discharged. Returning home, he labored on the farm till his marriage, which took place September 27, 1866, to Miss Malinda Baum, daughter of Jackson and Jane (Stokely) Baum, who was born May 8, 1847. As a result of this marriage eight children were born to them, all of whom are still living. The names of these are as follows: George W., Mary M., Ruie S., James W., Hezekiah, Gustus F., Harley L.
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and Myrtie J. After marriage he still engaged in farming and saw milling till the year 1877, when he purchased 107 acres of land in Wyandot County, sixty of which are in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Young is Independent in politics, is a member of the G. A. R., and highly respected as a citizen.
PETER ZIMMERMAN. On May 15, 1811, in Columbiana County, Ohio, the subject of this sketch first saw the light of this world. He is the son of Peter and Sarah (Connel) Zimmerman, the former born April 15, 1770; the latter was born in Northampton County, Penn both of German extraction. Our subject received a moderate English education in the common school, closing his work in that direction to engage in the more rugged pursuits of farm labor. On January 14, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Felty, daughter of John G. and Barbara (Hemmerly) Felty. Her father was born in Wittenburg, Germany, in 1789. Her mother was born in Wittenburg, Germany, in 1792. To them were born seven children, but three of whom are now living, viz.: Catharine G., Caroline and Frederica. The deceased are Christina E., John C., Jacob and John. After his marriage Mr. Zimmerman moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, locating in Jackson Township. Here he entered 160 acres of land, making the entry in 1835, when but little more than a dozen families were living in the township, it being then in its wildest condition, with the Indian roaming at will over its uninhabited plains. Of this land he has placed about 130 acres in an enviable state of improvement, and by incessant toil has built for himself a comfortable home. In politics, Mr. Zimmerman is a firm Democrat, having cast his first vote for the venerable " Hickory "' Jackson. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is the happy father of twelve children, ten of whom are still living, named as follows: John F., born December 23, 1841; Simon P., February 9, 1844; Henry K., November 8, 1845; Juda, March 30, 1849; Catharine, April 22, 1851; Christina, May 11, 1853; David W., born August 11, 1855; Susana, April 18, 1860; Conrad T., February 23, 1862; Perry C., November 22, 1865. The deceased are Sarah, born August 18, 1847, died October 6, 1848; Caroline, born December 1, 1857, died March 1, 1865.
SIMON ZIMMERMAN was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, August 12, 1823. He is the son of Peter and Sarah (Kemne) Zimmerman. His father was born in Virginia, May 15, 1776, and died September 15, 1861. His mother was born in Maryland, May 26, 1781, and died January 18, 1834. Mr. Zimmerman obtained his education in the common schools, and at the age of eighteen turned his entire attention to farming. On September 7, 1854, he married Miss Mary A. Dubbs, daughter of John and Anna (Woolfrom) Dubbs, born January 29, 1837, in Columbiana County Ohio. They are the parents of three children-George L., born June 11, 1855; Ida Ann, born May 26, 1858; John 0., born January 30, 1869. Mr. Zimmerman emigrated to Wyandot County, Jackson Township, in 1863, buying 160 acres of land, to which he afterward added forty more. Although overgrown with timber, Mr. Zimmerman has made his farm tillable, and now lives, in the enjoyment of worldly plenty, surrounded by many warm friends. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Lutheran Church and of the, I. O. O. F. He has served nine years as Township Trustee.