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590 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. GERMAN TOWNSHIP. AUGUST ALBRECHT, farmer, P. 0. Lima, is a native of Stadt Aldendorf, duchy of Brunswick, Germany, born March 2, 1822, son of Carl and Joanna (Fine) Albrecht, of whose family only four survive: Amelia, Joanna, Ferdinand and August. Our subject, who was the only member of the family to come to this country, arrived at Boston, Mass., in 1848, and there lived until 1861, then came to Ohio, and lived in Amanda Township, Allen County until 1866, when he again moved to Boston, and resided there until 1879, when he came to Ohio for second time and settled at his present home in German Township, this county. He followed sugar-refining for several years, but now gives his attention exclusively to farming. Mr. Albrecht was married, May 28, 1853, to Mrs. Eliza (Schiel) Haase, of Boston, Mass. (widow of Conrad Haase, by whom she had one son, John, now a resident of Sidney, Ohio), and to this union were born three daughters and one son: Nettie, Carrie, George A. and Lizzie, all now living. Mrs. Albrecht died October 16, 1881. She was a native of Bavaria, born February 18, 1823. Her father died in his native country, and her mother and sisters came to America and settled in Boston, Mass. (Sophia, who now resides in Lima, Ohio, is the only one of the family now living). In politics Mr. Albrecht is a Democrat. CHRISTOPHER ASHTON, farmer, P. 0. Lima, is a native of England, born in the village of Einton, Lincolnshire, August 5, 1828, and iu 1832, was brought by his parents, Francis and Elizabeth (Mackender) Ashton, to America. They (the parents) settled in Richland County, Ohio, where they remained a few years, and then moved to Hardin County, Ohio, and in 1858 came to this county, where they died. Our subject came from Hardin County, Ohio, to this county, in 1872, and purchased a farm in German Township, on which he still resides. He was married, in 1850, to Susan Throne, of Richland County, Ohio, a native of York County, Penn., born January 15, 1832, and daughter of Michael and Susannah Throne, who both died in Richland County, Ohio. To our subject and wife were born seven children: Lewis J., Ann M. L., Mary V., Francis M., William Mc., Charles E. and Elizabeth, all now living, except Elizabeth. Mr. Ashton is a Democrat in politics. SMITH BAXTER, farmer, P. 0. Elida, is a native of Ross County, Ohio, born October 10, 1824; son of Samuel and Keziah (Cremean) Baxter, who were of English and Scotch descent, and who came from Ross County, Ohio, to this county in 1828, where the father soon afterward died, and where the mother died in 1853. Of their family of nine children only five survive: James, Curtis, Smith, David E. and Eliza. Our subject was married, March 29, 1845, to Miss Mary Cremean, of German Township, this county, a native of Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of William and Margaret (Miller) Cremean (both deceased) who came from GERMAN TOWNSHIP - 591 Ross County, Ohio, to this county in 1839; and reared a family of eight children, all now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Baxter were born the following children : Sarah E., James J., Elizabeth J., Rachel A., Samuel B., Mary M., Freemont W., Roxana M. and Flora T., all now living but Samuel and Roxana. Mr. Baxter entered land in German Township in 1847, which he cleared and improved, and about ten years later went into general trading, continuing in same until about 1867, after which he confined himself to the lumber trade for several years, then operated his farm for a few years again, and in 1881 engaged in mercantile trade in Elida, Ohio, disposing of his business there in 1883. Since that date Mr. Baxter has been somewhat retired. He has served in some of the township offices. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Baxter was a Democrat until 1852, since which time he has been a stanch Republican. BENJAMIN BECHTOL, farmer, P. 0. Lima, was born in Center County, Penn., June 21, 1821, son of Samuel and Mary (Ebler) Bechtol, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and who moved in an early day to Delaware County, Ohio, where Mrs. Bechtol died in 1845. Samuel Bechtol then went to Seneca County, Ohio, and came to this county in 1854. He had a family of fourteen children, all now living, excepting one. Our subject was married, September 12, 1847, to Miss Mary A. Waters, of Delaware County, Ohio, a native of Northampton County, Penn., born April 8, 1818, daughter of John and Barbara (Elamire) Waters, natives of Pennsylvania. of German and French-English descent, respectively. Both died in Northampton County, Penn., aged seventy-nine and forty-nine, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Bechtol are the parents of six children, of whom three are now living : Martha M., Alice V., and Caroline C. Our subject has devoted most of his time to the carpenter's trade, at the same time operating a small farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bechtol are members of the Presbyterian Church at Lima,Ohio. In politics he is a Republican. JOSEPH P. BENERDOM, farmer, P. 0. Allentown, was born in Leesville, Va., November 27, 1826, son of John and Mary (Carr) Benerdom, who were married in Virginia, moved to Ohio in 1834, settling in Carroll County, where they died a few years since. Our subject came to this county in 1864, and settled in German Township, where he still resides. He was married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William and Margaret (Junkins) Holms, who now reside in Hardin County, Ohio. To this union have been born nine children : William, Mary. John, Charles, Margaret, Oby, Bertha, Thirsey and Ida, all now living but Margaret. Mr. and Mrs. Benerdom are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Allentown, Ohio. JOHN W. BLACKBURN, farmer, P. 0. Allentown, was born in Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, June 18, 1835, and is a son of William and Rebecca (Cully) Blackburn, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, of Irish and German descent, respectively, and who settled at Wapakonetta, Auglaize Co., Ohio, in 1834, where the father served in the office of land receiver for several years, and about 1844 they came to Allentown, this county, where he purchased land, and built a saw and grist-mill. They reared a large family. William Blackburn served several times in the Legisla- 592 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ture, and was very active in the affairs of this county; he died May 7, 1859, aged seventy years. The widow died December 26, 1878, aged eighty-one years. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and has followed general agriculture all through life. He was married, February 27, 1870, to Miss Mary J. McBride, of this county, by whom he had three sons, two deceased, one now living-William J. Mrs. Blackburn died July 9, 1872, and our subject then married, in August, 1877, Mrs. Charity Stull, of this county, widow of John Stull, by whom she had one son-Abraham. Mr. Blackburn served over three years in the late civil war, in Company B, First Ohio Cavalry, and passed through fiery battles. He was over seven months confined in rebel prisons. In politics he is a Democrat. DANIEL BROWER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Rockingham County, Va., November 24, 1815, son of John and Hannah (Miller) Brower, of German descent, former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of Virginia. After the death of John Brower, his widow moved to this county, where she died in June, 1856. Our subject came to this county in 1844, settling on Section 4, German Township, on land entered by his father in about 1832, he having made a trip through this county about that time. Our subject was married, May 20, 1841, to Elizabeth Leedy, also a native of Rockingham County, Va., daughter of John and Eve (Keiser) Leedy, also of German descent, and who died in Rockingham County, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Brower were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are now living: Mary C., Melissa J., Joseph M., Sarah E., David B., Lydia M. and Amanda F. Mrs. Brower dying May 7, 1874, our subject married, February 21, 1875, Lydia Miller, a native of Rockingham County, Va., and daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Thomas) Miller, who both died in Virginia. Mr. Brower has improved many acres of land in German Township, and has followed general farm work, but for the last ten years has given most of his time to the ministry of the gospel, to members of the old German Baptist persuasion. He was received into the German Baptist Church, with his wife, in 1845; in 1849 to the office of deacon; in 1854 to the ministry, and in 1863 to the eldership, where he has been laboring faithfully in observing the ancient order and practice of the church, laboring with his own hands, that he might not be chargeable to any, and in 1883 he took his stand with the old German Baptist Church, which, in the year 1881, had resolved to withdraw from the many innovations that had crept into the church, and fully adhere to primitive Christianity, as taught by Christ and His Apostles, in all His commands and precepts, as practiced by our f ore- fathers. WILLIAM J. CREMEAN, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in Ross County, Ohio, February 26, 1830, son of Smith and Mary (Dillen) Cremean, natives of Maryland, and who were married in 1807, in Ross County, Ohio, where they lived until 1831, when they moved to this county, settling in German Township. Of their family of eleven children only three survive: Curtis, Stephen D. and William J. The father died July 28, 1858, and the mother March 2, 1881, aged seventy-six and ninety years respectively. Our subject was married November 6, 1851, to Miss Malvina Smith, a native of Greene County, Ohio, born August 24, 1835, GERMAN TOWNSHIP - 593 daughter of William and Elizabeth (Neely) Smith, natives of Virginia, and who were married in this county. They had a family of ten children. The father and mother now reside in Missouri, aged seventy and sixty-eight respectively. To our subject and wife have been born fourteen children, all living: William A., Eliza J., James H., Frances M., Edward S., Henrietta E., Emma, John N., Charles W., Lewis N., Jackson A., Addie L.. Bertha M. and Stephen D. Mr. Cremean purchased his farm in 1852, and has followed general agriculture chiefly ever since. He served nine months in the late war of the Rebellion, in Company H, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and since 1865 he has devoted considerable time to preaching in "the Church of Christ, in Christian Union," traveling from 1,400 to 2,350 miles annually. DANIEL CRIDER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Cridersville, Auglaize Co., Ohio, February 15, 1857; son of Isaac and Susan (Searfoss) Crider, natives of Pickaway County, Ohio, where they were married and whence they moved in 1854 to Auglaize County, Ohio, where they lived until 1863, and then moved to Shawnee Township, this county. They reared a family of twelve children, of whom ten are now living, and in the fall of 1884 they removed to Kansas. Our subject was married, March 25, 1880, to Maryettie East, a native of German Township, this county, born October 6, 1862, and daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Mumaw) East, natives of Pickaway and Knox Counties, Ohio, respectively, and who were married in this county in 1855, parents of nine children, of whom five are now living. To the union of our subject and wife has been given one son, Orvin M., born December 10, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Crider are members of the United Brethren Church at Elide, Ohio. In politics he is a Democrat. JACOB CRITES, farmer, P.O.Allentown,was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Oct. 19, 1822. He was made a cripple for life by accidentally stepping on the knife of a straw-cutter, nearly severing his left foot from the leg.. Early in life he commenced to work at the blacksmith trade, an occupation he followed seventeen years. He came to this county, in 1842, and October 2, 1845, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Cremean, who died September 12, 1859, leaving to his care seven children. His second marriage occurred February 5, 1860 with Mrs. Emily Sellars. During his lifetime Mr. Crites served the public in nearly all offices of trust in the township, and to the people of the county he has been very useful as county commissioner, to which office be was twice elected, filling the same with honor to himself and to the full satisfaction of the people. A great many private trusts also have been assigned to him, such as administering on the estates of many of his deceased neighbors. It is his intention and desire, however, to retire from public life and devote his entire attention to his farming interests, (which are considerable,) in addition to which he has, for several years, been engaged more or less extensively in raising stock; his specialties being thorough-bred hogs. Mr. Crites was one of the incorporators of Allen Lodge, I. O. O. F., and for four years was master of German Grange, of which he has thrice been State delegate. Since the age of twenty Mr. Crites has been identified with some religious denomination, 594 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. and for several years with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been very useful, filling several offices of the same, at present being superintendent of the Sabbath-school. ELIAS CRITES, farmer, P. 0. Elida, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, June 21, 1825, son of John D. and Catharine (Petra) Crites, natives of Pennsylvania, and who were married in Berks County, Penn., and moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1812, where they died. Of their family of thirteen children only five are now living: Charles, Amos, Levi, Jacob and Elias. Our subject was married, in 1851, to Miss Catharine Mowery, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Rachel (Dunkel) Mowery, who were among the first settlers in Pickaway County, Ohio, where they lived and died. To our subject and wife were born three children: Mary S. (deceased), John D. and Willison W. Mrs. Crites died in 1862, and in the fall of same year Mr. Crites married Mrs. Leannah (Mowery) Reichelderfer, a sister of his first wife, and widow of Venus Reichelderfer, by whom she had two children, of whom George S. is now living. Our subject came to this county in 1871, and settled in German Township, where he still resides. He spent his early years working at the carpenter's trade, but now follows farming and pays special attention to raising short-horn cattle exclusively. He has served in some of the township offices; in politics he is a Democrat. DANIEL L. CRITES (deceased) was a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born October 30, 1833; eldest son of Charles and Sophia (Ludwig) Crites, natives of Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio in 1812, locating first in Pickaway County (where they were married October 4, 1832) and in 1839 moving to this county and settling ill German Township. They were parents of twelve children, all living but two. The father and mother are now seventy-six and seventy-one years of age respectively. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and was reared a farmer. ' He followed teaching in winter and farm Work in summer for a few years. He served' two years as deputy auditor in Pickaway County, Ohio. Mr. Crites read medicine in 1854-55, from which time he practiced to some extent until 1862. He served over two years in the late war of the Rebellion as lieutenant in Company K, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1865 he accepted the position as deputy auditor of this county, which he held until 1869, when he was appointed to fill the unexpired term in same of William Dowling, who died in August of that year. In 1870 he accepted the position as deputy clerk of the county, in which capacity he served five years, and in 1875 was elected to the office of clerk of the County Courts until 1882. Mr. Crites served as assessor and land appraiser in his township ; was surveyor of Putnam County, Ohio; was licensed clerk in the House of Representatives at Columbus, Ohioe during the Sixty- first General Assembly. He took great interest in improving the schools of his village. Our subject was married March 3, 1855, to Miss Martha John, a native of this county, born September 25, 1833, daughter of Griffith and Rachel (Miller) John, and who is now the oldest person living in the township, who is a native of it. To this union were born two daughters: Bertha and Tirzah K. Mrs. Crites' parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively, and were married in Ross County, GERMAN TOWNSHIP - 595 Ohio, in 1816. They reared a family of thirteen children, and settled in this county in 1832, where the father died February 20, 1855, aged sixty-one years, and the mother June 23, 1861, also aged sixty-one years. Daniel L. Crites, the subject of above sketch, died March 30, 1885. DAVID CULP, farmer, P. 0. Elide, is a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born October 10, 1838, eldest son of Christian and Elizabeth (Good) Culp, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, and who were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, and moved with their family to this county in 1851. Christian Culp died January 5, 1883. His widow still resides in this county. Our subject was married, June 20, 1861, to Miss Nancy Brenneman, of German Township, this county, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, daughter of John and Nancy (Grove) Brenneman (both deceased) who came from Virginia, and were among the first settlers in Fairfield County, Ohio, and who moved to this county about 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Culp are parents of ten children : John B., Elizabeth A., Emma J., Nancy C., Melinda A., Christian L., Ella M., Cora M., Martha M. and Sarah E., all now living except Elizabeth A. and Ella M. Mr. Culp purchased land in German Township, this county, in 1871, which he has cleared and improved in many ways. He gives considerable attention to the breeding of Durham cattle, pure bred hogs, etc., etc,. He suffered a serious loss a few years since by fire, but is now in a prosperous condition. He owns 152 acres good land, with excellent buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Culp are members of the Mennonite Church. ISRAEL FRAUNFELTER, farmer, P. 0. Lima, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, July 6, 1834 ; son of Adam and Salome (March) Fraunfelter, natives of Pennsylvania, and who were married in Berke County, that state, moved to Pickaway Countye Ohio, and here died. Of their family of ten children, eight are now living. Our subject moved first to Ross County, Ohio, and in 1865 came to this county, where he now resides. He operated a dairy for four years and now follows general agriculture. He is a stock grower, making a specialty of Spanish merino sheep, also graded horses, and has a good class of hogs. Mr. Fraunfelter, was married, February 4,1860, to Miss Leanna Goodman of Pickaway County, Ohio, a native of Hocking County, Ohio, and daughter of John and Sarah (Weaver) Goodman. To this union have been born five children : Frank, Otis, Shanon, James and Mary A. Our subject owns 216 acres good land ; has served in some of the township offices ; is now infirmary director. He and his wife hold membership in the Lutheran Church at Elide, Ohio. In politics he is a Democrat. CHARLES IRELAND, farmer, P. 0. Allentown, is a native of Caroline County, Md., born November 21, 1803, and was reared in Ross County, Ohio, where his parents settled in 1800, and where his mother died. His father died in this county. Our subject came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1835, settling in German Township, where he still resides. He was married in Ross County, Ohio, to Miss Catharine Shobe a native of Virginia, and by her he has nine children. Mr. Ireland has cleared many acres of land in German Township and has given his attention to general agriculture. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican. GEORGE D. KANAWL, farmer and contractor, P. 0. Lima, was born in Juniata County, Penn., March 22, 1847 ; son of John and Bar- 596 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. bara A, (Woods) Kanawl, natives of Pennsylvania, and who were married in Juniata County, Penn., and there reared their family. They had nine children: Elizabeth M., Maggie E., John F., William W., George D., Joseph C., Peter P., Henry, and Jacob L., all now living except William W. The mother died in March, 1872, and the father now resides with his second wife in his native county, where he has held the office of commissioner. Our subject came to this county in September, 1866, and engaged in general job work for a few years. He was married in July, 1868, to Miss Adaline E. Ransbottom, of German Township, this county, where she was born October 30, 1852, daughter of Cornelius and Hannah (Reese) Ransbottom, who came to this county about 1831, are still residents of the same, and who here raised a family of nine children: Aluste A., Melissa A., Adaline E., Elzina E., Neuton F., Franklin T., Mabel G., Alonzo L., and Lifus M., all now living except the two last named. To the union of our subject and wife have been born two children: Charles L. and Fannie M. Mr. Kanawl became owner of land in German Township a few years since, and devotes his attention to farm work and contracting in stone work. He is township trustee. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Democrat. HENRY KIRACOFE, retired farmer, Elida, is a native of Augusta County, Va., born May 13, 1820; son of Henry and Margaret (Detamore) Kiracofe, natives of Virginia and of German descent. They were married in Augusta County, Va., and reared a family of eight children. The father died September 2, 1840, in his native country, aged forty-nine years, and the mother died in this county April 27, 1865, aged seventy- four years. Our subject came to this county in 1847, followed general agriculture in German Township until 1877, since which time he has lived a retired life in the village of Elida, Ohio. He was married April 15, 1841, to Miss Margaret Fifer, of Augusta County, Va., who bore him two children : Robert and Mary A. (latter deceased). Robert now operates his father's farm in the township. Mrs. Kiracofe died July 8, 1844, and Mr. Kiracofe then married, December 5, 1847, Mrs. Elizabeth (Beiler) Metcalf, of this county, who died December 20, 1857, without issue. Our subject married his third wife, Miss Delila Huffer, of this county, September 8, 1859, and by her has three children: Saloma J., Lucinda M. and Henrietta. This Mrs. Kiracofe died August 3, 1884, Mr. Kiracofe has served in some of the township offices. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, in which he is an officer. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN W. MURRAY, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Ashland County, Ohio; born February 1, 1820; son of Edward and Christens (Youngblood) Murray, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German descent respectively, and who moved to what is now Ashland County, Ohio, where they both died. Our subject was married, October 28, 1840, to Christeann Reese, of Ashland County, Ohio, and a native of Stark County, Ohio, born May 8, 1824, daughter of Daniel and Susan (Stockman) Reese, natives of Stark County, Ohio, of German descent, and who moved to Ashland County, Ohio, at an early day, and later to this county, where they died in German Township. To our subject and wife were born seven children: Daniel, James, Melissa A., Lorenzo D., Roxann, GERMAN TOWNSHIP - 597 Isabelle and Charles D.-all living except James. Mr. Murray purchased land in German Township, this county, in 1853, where he now has 120 acres well improved. He has served in some of the township offices; in politics he is a Democrat. He is a m ember of the German Baptist Church. JAMES H. NEELY, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Bath Township, this county, March 4, 1844; son of William and Matilda (Snodgrass) Neely, who were married in this county August 19, 1840 (of their family only three are now living : Henry C., Alonzo L. and James H.) The father died February 5, 1880, the mother February 10, 1877. Our subject was married October 29, 1864, to Miss Sarah H. Mason, of Bath Township, this county, where she was born October 29, 1846, daughter of Jarvis and Elizabeth (Hall) Mason. early settlers in this county, and the parents of fifteen children. Mr. Mason died several years since; his widow now resides in Bath Township, this county. To our subject and wife were born seven children : Charles E., Juna L., Jesse M., Clifton L., Rufus M., Olive L. and Bessie, all now living except Bessie. Mr. Neely owns 120 acres of good land, and gives his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Neely is a member of the United Brethren Church. In politics Mr. Neely is a Republican. RICHARD RICE, physician, Elida, was born February 7, 1825, in Oswego County, N. Y.; son of Joseph and Sarah (Buel) Rice, former a son of Asa Rice, and a carpenter by trade, a native of Connecticut; later a native of Vermont, and both of Welsh descent. They were married in Oswego County, N. Y., whence in 1844 they moved to Covington, Ky., and from there, in 1868, to Elida, this county, where they both died. They were parents of thirteen children of whom our subject is the only survivor. Our subject began the study of medicine in Kentucky, and pursued it there for a short time, and graduated in 1853 from the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. He commenced the practice of his profession in St. Johns, Auglaize County, Ohio, where he remained about two years, then in 1855, came to Elida, this county. Dr. Rice was married in August, 1849, to Miss Samantha M. Carman, of Clinton Co., Ohio, daughter of James and Rosanna (Ellis) Carman, natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively. To our subject and wife were born three children of whom two are now living: Carman F and Charles B. Mrs. Rice died July 22, 1871, and Dr. Rice then married, August 7, 1873, Miss Sarah Brown, of Wood County, Ohio, a native of Perry County, Ohio, born April 15, 1827, daughter of Rev. Matthew Brown, a native of Virginia. The Doctor served three years in the late war of the Rebellion, in McLaughlin's Squadron, Ohio Cavalry, and was promoted from private to captain in 1862, and in 1863 to major. He returned home in 1864. In politics he is a Republican. ISAAC SAWMILLER, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in German Township, this county, March 28, 1845, son of Jacob and Mary A. (Huff) Sawmiller, who were married in this county, and reared a family, of whom four are now living: Ruhanna, Isaac, Sylvester and John. The father died in 1877, the mother still resides in this county. At the death of his father, our subject became owner of land in German Township, this county, on which he now resides, and has added to and 598 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. improved the same. He was married March 28, 1872, to Miss Maggie Herring, of this county, born in German Township, February 18, 1852, daughter of Emanuel and Julia (Crites) Herring, who were also married in this county, rearing but one child, Maggie, wife of our subject. Her father died in May, 1852, and her mother September 22, 1883. To Mr. and Mrs. Sawmiller were born four children: John B., Viola M., Arvilla J. and Addie L. Mr. Sawmiller gives his attention to general agriculture; also operates a threshing machine in the season. He served two years in the late war of the Rebellion, in Company A, First Ohio Cavalry, passing through many hard fought battles, and coming out unscathed, In politics he is a Democrat. JAMES N. SHANE, farmer, P. 0. Lima, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, January 29. 1831, son of Samuel and Sophia A. (Bower) Shane, natives of Ohio and Maryland, and of Irish, English and Dutch descent respectively. They were married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1823, then moved to Holmes County, Ohio, returning to Tuscarawas County, from which Samuel Shane was representative in 1836. He was general of the Holmes County militia at one time. In 1838 they moved to Zanesville, Ohio, where the father died in 1849, aged forty-nine; the mother died in this county in 1874 aged sixty-seven. They were the parents of nine children, of whom three are now living: Elizabeth, Alvina and James N. Our subject moved to Iowa in 1855, and returned to Ohio in 1859, remaining in Muskingum County until 1868, and then coming to this county. He engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business in Lima, Ohioe and in 1871 purchased the land on which he now resides, and which he has cleared and improved. Mr. Shane was married August 23, 1855, to Miss Mary McCain, of Muskingum County, Ohio, where she was born March 3, 1831, daughter of James and Sarah (Croy) McCain, natives of New Jersey and West Virginia., and of Irish and German descent respectively. They were married in Muskingum County, Ohio, and there reared a family of nine children. Here Mr. McCain died, and his widow still resides. To our subject and wife were born three children: Kate, Frank D. and Sarah E. DANIEL STAYER, farmer, P. 0. Allentown, was born in Lebanon County, Penn., in July, 1829; son of Jacob and Catharine Stayer, natives of same county and State, and who were parents of eight children, two of whom died when sixteen years old; six now living. Catharine Stayer, our subject's mother, died when he was fifteen years old; his father and five of his children moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1869, where he bought a farm and engaged in agriculture. He remained a widower the rest of his life, and died in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1880, at the age of seventy-seven years, ten months and six days. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Tobias Stayer, had nine children living when he died, and his grandfather on his mother's side, Frederick Sprecher, had four children living when he died. Daniel Stayer's great grandfather, on his father's side, came from Germany when a young man. He was the first Lutheran preacher in this section of country, when there were yet Indians in these parts. Our subject remembers seeing, when a boy, the old church wherein his great grandfather preached; it was of logs and weather-boarded, and was used as a church about ninety years; was GERMAN TOWNSHIP - 599 then torn. down and converted into a dwelling-house. Daniel Stayer came to Pickaway County, Ohio, when twenty-one years old, having then but sixty cents left. He hired to work on a farm, and saved his money till he had earned $1,300, and in the spring of 1860 he came to this county, settling in German Township. Mr. Stayer was married in the same year to Elizabeth Crites, of German Township, this county, daughter of Cyrus and Catharine Crites, natives of Pickaway county, Ohio, both now deceased, and three of whose children are now living: Amos, Isaac and Catharine. To our subject and wife have been born nine children, of whom five are now living: Sarah, Jacob, Adaline, Cyrus and Emma. Mr. Stayer owns 260 acres of well improved land. He served his township three years as trustee, and fourteen years as treasurer, which latter office he still fills. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church in Allentown. In politics he is a Democrat. JAMES A. SWISHER, farmer, P. 0. Elida, was born in Vinton County, Ohio, November 22, 1842; son of Jackson and Melissa (Pilcher) Swisher, the former born in Rockingham County, Va., and the latter in Vinton County, Ohio. They were married in Vinton County, and reared a family of seven children, of whom four are now living: James A., Minerva, Lafayette W. and Amanda. The mother died in 1858; the father now resides in Clarke County, Mo. Our subject was married, November 16, 1865, to Miss Sarah E. Baxter, a native of German Township, this county, daughter of Smith and Mary (Cremean) Baxter, now residents of German Township, this county, and to this union were born seven children: Clara B., Mary A., Linnie M., Edna A., Ama R., Ola M., and Charles E., all living except Charles E. Mr. Swisher served in the late war of the Rebellion from August, 1861, to May, 1865. passing through twenty-two engagements, in the last of which, at Atlanta, Ga., August 7, 1864, he was Wounded by a musket ball passing through the left knee, necessitating amputation of the leg just above the knee. Mrs. Swisher is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Swisher is a member of Jehu John Post No. 476, G. A. R., at Elida, Ohio. He has given some attention to carpentering. In politics he is a Democrat. HERMAN TREMPERT, farmer, P. 0. Lima, is a native of Saxony, Germany, born in December, 1836; son of John and Margaret (Miller) Trempert, who came with their family of four sons to America in 1850, settling in German Township, this county, where the father and mother died. One of the sons was killed in the late war of the Rebellion; the remaining three are now living: Charles. Edward and Herman. Our subject was married, in 1862, to Miss Mary Hany, of Montgomery County, Ohio (where he was then working), a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, and daughter of John and Mary Hany, also natives of Germany. Mr. Hany died a few years since, and his widow now resides with our subject. To Mr. Trempert and wife have been born three children: Anna, Ella and Lizzie. He has 120 acres of land which he has improved, and on which he has good buildings, etc., and here he gives his atteation to general farming and stock-raising. In politics Mr. Trempert is a Democrat. AMOS YOUNG, farmer. P. 0. Lima, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 25, 1843, son of John and Sarah (Meyers) Young, natives of Berks 600 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. County, Penn., where they married. They moved to Ohio in 1820, and settled in Fairfield County, where they died, the former in December 1842, and the latter in April 1879. They were buried in Dutch Hollow cemetery. Of their family of twelve children, four are now living : David, Sylvanus, Silas, and Amos. Our subject, who is the youngest in the family, was married in this county April 2, 1865, to Miss Rebecca Crites, of German Township, daughter of Charles and Sophia (Ludwig) Crites, who still reside in German Township, and to this union were born two daughters : Aurelia and Melinda, both now living. The mother died June 13, 1869. Mr. Young was married November 19, 1874, to his present wife, Mrs. Catharine (Pfeifer) Borst of German Township, this county, widow of Michael Borst, who died March 25, 1870, (by whom she ,had two children—Mary and William—latter deceased), and daughter of Nicholas and Eva (Zioer) Pfeifer, natives of Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, and who came to America about 1834, halting first at Springfield, Ohio, thence moving to Fairfield County, Ohio, from there coming to German Township, this county, where they died, both in November, 1871. They were parents of eleven children, all now living. To the union of our subject and wife have been born one son and one daughter : Oscar N. and Lelia M. Mr. Young did not make a permanent settlement in this county until 1868. He followed saw-milling from 1871 to 1874. He makes a specialty of breeding Spanish Merino sheep. He was township clerk from 1879 to 1883, land appraiser in 1880. In politics he is a Democrat. Both Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. |