SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 987
SENECA TOWNSHIP.
JOHN ADELSBERGER (deceased) was born in Maryland January 17, 1815, son of Jacob and Barbara (Adelsberger), natives of the East. Our subject when eighteen years of age came to this county with his parents, who subsequently died near Tiffin, Ohio. He was united in marriage, August 31, 1841, with Josephine C. Rickets, who departed this life November 25, 1846, and of the four children born to this union only one is now living. Mr. Adelsberger married for his second wife Mary A. Albert, born in Pennsylvania, October 5, 1828, daughter of Daniel and Mary Albert, also natives of Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio in 1834, first settling in Stark County; thence moving to Wood County, where Mrs. Albert died. Mr. Albert subsequently went to Fostoria and lived with his son until his death, which occurred March 2, 1878. Our subject was engaged in farming, and owned 130 acres of improved land (where his family now reside) at the time of his death, September 16, 1878, an affliction which deprived his wife of a kind husband, his children of a loving father and the township of a good citizen.
MICHAEL ARBOGAST, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Virginia. August 1, 1824, a son of Peter and Sophia Arbogast, natives of Virginia, where they first settled; thence came to this county in 1826, locating in Hopewell Township, where they lived and died, the former in 1833, and the latter in 1861. Our subject was united in marriage, December 19, 1847, with Jane Gedulting, born in Frederick County, Md., a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Gedulting. Mrs. Arbogast departed this life January 6, 1849, and our subject then married, March 11, 1852, for his second wife, Jane R. Stoner, born iť Frederick County, Md., January 18, 1825, a daughter of Henry and Sandi Stoner. Mr. Arbogast is the father of nine children, six now living: Alice M. (wife of Jacob Staib), John F., Anettie A. (wife of Robert Lutz), Lewis H.. Charles S. and Rush R.; and three deceased: Henry W., an infant and Warren D. June 23, 1882, Mr. Arbogast had the misfortune to lose his second wife by death; she was a faithful helpmeet and a loving mother. Our subject, who was reared on a farm, has met with fair success through life, and now owns 300 acres of land.
JAMES M. BARE, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Wyandot Comity. Ohio, June 29, 1832, a son of Abraham and Mary Bare, the former a son of Virginia, the latter of Pennsylvania. They were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, located in Wyandot County in a very early day, and entered the land on which they remained until death. Abraham Bare died in 1869 his wife in 1866. Our subject was twice married; on first occasion, January 1, 1855, to Eliza J. Pennington, born in Seneca County, Ohio, January 13, 1837, daughter of Adam and Ann Pennington, and to this union were born six children, five now living: Seymour 0., John E., Elva M. (wife of William Heilman ), Alma A. (wife of John Miller) and James L. Ada C. is deceased. Mrs. Bare dying March 28, 1876, Mr. Bare, February 21, 1878, was married to Ellen Bereaw, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, April 9, 1844, a daughter of Peter P. and Sarah Bercaw, natives of Pennsylvania, and who settled in this county, where they remained until death. Mr. Bercaw died August 3. 1882, his wife June 1, 1876.Our subject owns 102 acres of im-
988 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
proved land, where he and his family reside. Mrs. Bare is a member of the United Brethren Church.
SIMON P. BEMISDERFER, merchant, Berwick, was born in Franklin County, Penn., June 12, 1841. His parents, John and Christian Bemisderfer, were natives of Franklin County, Penn., where they were married and remained until 1876, at which time they came to Wyandot County, Ohio, and in 1882 moved to Kansas, where they reside at present. Our subject was married, March 7, 1867, to Emma L. Zigler, born in Wyandot County, Ohio, December 25, 1847, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Zigler, natives of Adams County, Penn., and who in a very early day came to Wyandot County, Ohio, where they still reside. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Bemisderfer has been blessed with seven children: Annie M., John J., Estella C., Loring L., Bertha E., Harvey O. and Lula M. Our subject, who is a miller by trade, came to Ohio in 1862, and on August 12, same year, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participated in several battles, and was mustered out of service June 12, 1865. After returning home he served as clerk in a store at McCutchenville, Ohio, for a short time; then engaged at farming until 1880, when he sold his farm and moved to Berwick, where he has since engaged in mercantile business. July 1, 1881, he was commissioned postmaster, which office he still holds. Mr. Bemisderfer has met with a fair degree of success in all his business enterprises. .
SILAS W. BERCAW, express agent, Berwick, was born in Pennsylvania May 22, 1837, a son of Peter P. and Sarah Bereaw, who were born and married in Pennsylvania, and moved to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1840, where they remained. Peter P. Bercaw died August 3, 1882, his wife having preceded him June 1, 1876. Our subject was united in marriage, April 17, 1866, with Nancy J. Mullholand, born in Wyandot County, Ohio, September 28, 1842. Her parents, Richard and Margaret Mullholand, former a native of the old country, latter of Virginia, first settled in Crawford County (now Wyandot County), Ohio; Mr. Mullholand died October 12, 1848, and his widow April 1, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Bercaw are the parents of six children: Harry P., born January 20, 1867; George W., born July 24, 1868; Arthur W., born October 22, 1871; Edward H., born September 5, 1875 ; Ora T., born February 26, 1879; and Emma J., born April 21, 1882. Mr. Bereaw was reared on a farm. In 1867 he was employed as a ticket and freight agent by the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railway Company. The same year he was appointed postmaster by the United States Government, and these two positions he held for fifteen years. He is now agent for the United States Express Company. Mr. Bercaw owns nice town property, where he and his family reside.
JOSEPH CONAGHAN, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Adams County, Penn., June 8, 1808; son of Dennis K. and Magdalene Conaghan, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Pennsylvania; they were united in marriage in Adams County, Penn., where they remained until 1832; then moved to Stark County, Ohio, from there coming to this county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Our subject was united in marriage, in Adams County, Penn., October 8, 1835, with Margaret Eyler, born in Adams County, Penn., February 12, 1811, a daughter of John and Mary M. Eyler, who came to Ohio and located in Seneca County, where they remained until their death. To Mr. and Mrs. Conaghan have been born five children: Ellen M., Horatio D., Lucy M., Clara L: and Ids A. Mr. Conaghan was reared on a farm, and now owns 473 acres of good land. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and Mrs. Conaghan of the German Lutheran denomination. They are a very pleasant couple, highly respected by the community in which they live.
SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 989
HORATI0 D. CONAGHAN, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Stark County, Ohio, February 22, 1839; son of Joseph and Margaret Conaghan, natives of Pennsylvania (where they were married), whence they moved to Stark County, Ohio, and from there to this county, where they still reside. Our subject was united in marriage, September 14, 1872, with Bertie E. Lease, born near Tiffin, this county, July 8, 1842, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Lease, former a native of Maryland, latter of Ohio, and who located in Seneca County, Ohio, where they remained until the death of Mrs. Lease. Mr. Lease was afterward united in marriage with Mary L. McCormick, and moved to Wyandot County, where this wife died and he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Conaghan were blessed with two children: Gertie A., born July 3, 1873, and Orland J., born March 15, 1875. Mr. Conaghan was raised on a farm and he now owns 100 acres of land. He had the misfortune to lose his wife May 25, 1876, while his children were quite young.
TIMOTHY CONNOR, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Ireland, January 17, 1818, son of Lawrence and Mary Connor, who remained in the old country until their death. Our subject immigrated to America, July 16, 1848, going first to Connecticut, where he remained five years engaged in the rolling-mills. thence came to this county, where he has since resided. He was united in marriage, February 16, 1857, with Mary Coleman, born in Ireland in 1831, daughter of Daniel and Mary Coleman, also natives of the Emerald Isle,where the family remained until Mr. Coleman's death. Subsequently his widow and children immigrated to America about 1845, and here Mrs. Coleman was again married, this time to Michael Twomey, who died March 14, 1875 ; she still survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Connor were born ten children, six now living: Mary F., Honora E., Daniel F., Lawrence J., Katie A. and Julia A. Our subject, a farmer by occupation, owns 160 acres of land with good buildings thereon. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.
HENRY DAVIDSON, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 18, 1818, a son of John and Mary A. Davidson, of Irish descent. The ceremony which made our subject's parents husband and wife was performed in Ireland, and in 1812 they immigrated to America, and to Pen iisylvania, where they remained but a short time, however, then moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, and from there to this county, in March,1834, and here the v lived and died. Our subject was united in marriage, December 7, 1843, with Rachel A. Morrison, born in Pennsylvania, October 10, 1823, a daughter of John H. and Charlotte Morrison, also natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, thence moved to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1837, and here remained the balance of their lives. Mr. Morrison died November 17, 1857, and his widow August 16, 1883. To Mr. and Mrs. Davidson were born six children of whom five are now living: Mary A., wife of Thomas Hedges; Sarah C., Arthur J., Henry C. and George W.; an infant is deceased. Our subject came to Ohio with his parents in March, 1834, and in 1843 settled on his pros ent farm comprising 106 acres improved land. Mr. Davidson was real estate appraiser in 1870. He is a member of the United Brethren Church.
WILLIAM DAVIDSON, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 15, 1821, son of John and Mary A. Davidson, of Scotch descent, and who were married in Ireland. They immigrated to America in 1812, bringing one child with them. They first lived a short time in Pennsylvania, then moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, and from there., in 1834, to this county, where they remained until death. Our subject was united in marriage, in December, 1843, with Maria Morrison, who was born iii Pennsylvania November 1, 1819, daughter of Alexander and Mary Morrison,
990 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
natives of Maryland; and who moved to Pennsylvania, and from there to Seneca County, Ohio, about 1825, and here lived and died. To our subject and wife have been born nine children, six now living: Mary J., wife of Rev. Hiram Shumaker; John A; James; William H:; Margaret A., wife of Austen C. Littler; and Ira L. Robert M. C., born January 2, 1851, died August 10, 1862; Thomas M., born May 20, 1859, died March 4, 1860; and Walter S., born October 14, 1853, died July 14, 1883. Our subject, who owns 180 acres of land, mostly improved, settled on his present farm in 1843. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church at Tiffin, Ohio.
JACOB DICE, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, one of the first settlers of the county, was born in Franklin County, Penn., February 18, 1809, son of John and Esther Dice, natives of the East, who moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1811, thence to Stark County, where they remained until death. Our subject was united in marriage, in Stark County, Ohio, March 14, 1833, with Maria Apley, a native of Pennsylvania, and to this union were born thirteen children, eight of whom are now living: Caroline (wife of John Benson), Ephraim, Amanda (wife of Charles Baker), John, Sarah (wife of Adam Weikert), Mary (wife of C. H. Sting), Frank and Sibylla, and five deceased: Lucinda, Matilda and three infants. Our subject after marriage first lived in Stark County, and from there moved to Seneca Township, this county, settling on the farm, now comprising eighty acres of good land, where he has since resided and where his wife died March 16, 1879. She was a member of the German Reformed Church, to which our subject also belongs.
THOMAS DUNN, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in the State of New York May 12, 1825, a son of James and Mehitable Dunn, natives of New York, where they remained until death. Our subject was united in marriage, May 30, 1854, with Ann Lake, born in New York, a daughter of Elijah and Dorcas Lake, natives of New York, and who came to Wyandot County, Ohio, where the former died; the latter is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn arc the parents of eight children, seven of whom are now living: Irena A. (wife of Joseph Atteln), Lafayette N., Elmer E., Flora E. (wife of David W. Slone), James E., Elmira L. and Alfred D. Mehitable A. is deceased. Our subject owns 120 acres of land, mostly improved, where he and his family live. He is becoming quite an old resident of Seneca Township, having settled here in 1854 on his present farm, which has undergone many changes since then.
ROBERT H. DUTROW, P. O. Tiffin, an enterprising young .farmer and descendant of one of the pioneers of Seneca County, was born January 28, 1851, in Seneca Township, on the farm where he and his family now reside. His parents, Philip H. and Elizabeth Dutrow, were natives of Maryland, where they first settled after their marriage, and resided one year; thence moved to Ohio, locating in Seneca Township this county, about 1832, and here they remained until Mrs. Dutrow's death in 1881. Mr. Dutrow subsequently came to Tiffin, Ohio, where he now resides. Our subject was united in marriage, November 9, 1882, with Florence Holtz, born in Frederick County, Md., November 14, 1859, daughter of Oliver and Louisa Holtz, now residents of Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Dutrow are the parents of one son--Oliver P., born May 11, 1884. Our subject resides on the old homestead, all of which his father cleared except one small field. He and his wife are members of the Second Reformed Church of Tiffin, Ohio.
DAVID M. FOGHT, farmer, P. O. McCutchenville, Wyandot County, was born on his present farm in Seneca Township, Seneca County, March 6, 1842, a son of David and Varonica Foght, who were born in Pennsylvania, married and located in Fairfield County, Ohio, moving from there to this county, about 1828.
SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 991
being among its early settlers, and hero lived and died. Mr. Foght died in 1881, his wife in 1874. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom only five are now living. Our subject was united in marriage, January 20, 1870, with Rebecca Zeis, born in Seneca County, Ohio, July 26, 1844, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Zeis, natives of Germany. Mr. Zeis. who was only four years of age when he came to this county, died in August, 1876: his widow, who was seventeen years old when she came here, died in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Foght have one child, Libbie F., born April 1, 1871. Our subject owns 124 ˝ acres of land, mostly improved where he and his family reside. He enlisted during the late civil war, in 1864, in Company B, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville, serving in all about sixteen months.
HENRY FUNK, P. O. Berwick, an enterprising farmer, was born on the farm whore he and his family now reside in Seneca Township, this county, March 19, 1837; son of Daniel and Sarah Funk, former born in Fairfield County, Ohio, latter in Pennsylvania; they first settled in Fairfield County, afterward moved to Seneca county, and here remained until Mr. Funk's death. August 19, 1879; his widow is still living. Our subject was united in marriage, March 12, 1867, with Elmira Shoup, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, born August 14, 1846, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Shoup, the former a native of Franklin County. Penn., the latter of Frederick County, Md., and who came to this county in 1844, where they have since remained. To Mr. and Mrs. Funk were born five children, of whom Clara, Daniel G. and John L. are now living. the others having died in infancy. Our subject enlisted in the army during the late civil war, October 26, 1861, in Company K, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged December 31, 1865. He is a F. & A. M. e and his family are highly respected in the community in which they live.
J. K. FUNK, farmer. P. O. Berwick, was born on the old home farm where he and his family reside, in Seneca Township, this county, July 29, 1841, son of Daniel and Sarah Funk, the former born in Fairfield County, Ohio, the latter in Pennsylvania; after their marriage they settled in Fairfield County; thence moved to Seneca Township, this county, where they remained. Daniel Funk died August 19, 1879; his widow resides with her son J. K. Our subject was united in marriage, October 25, 1877, with Silva A. Stoner, boric in Seneca County, Ohio, July 21, 1854, a daughter of George and Louisa Stoner, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Knoxville. Peim. After Mr. and Mrs. Stoner were married they settled in this county. where they remained till 1866, at which time they moved to Henry County, Ohio, where they have since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Funk are the parents of four children: Oliver M., Hattie E., Arthur and Bertha. During the late war of the Rebellion Mr. Funk enlisted, October 26, 1861, in Company K, Fortyninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participated in several serious engagements. was always found at his post, and was mustered out at Texas after serving four years, four months and ten days. He is a F. & A. M. He and his family are highly respected in the community in which they live.
JOSEPH GILLIG, farmer, P. O. Tiffin was born in Stark County, Ohio, in August, 1825, a son of Andrew and Catharine Gillig, natives of Germany. and who immigrated to Lancaster County, Penn., in 1815, where they lived seven years; thence moved to Stark County, where they remained until 1844, and from there to this county, residing here until death. Mrs. Gillig died several years ago, and Mr. Gillig in 1869. Our subject was twice united in marriage; the first time, in 1850, with Caroline Sanders, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, and departed this life in 1870. Mr. Gillig was married on sec. and occasion, February 1, 1871, to Mary Myre. born in Seneca County. Ohio,
992 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
July 9, 1842, a daughter of John and Margaret Myre, the former now living the latter deceased. Mr. Gillig has had seventeen children, nine by his first wife: and eight by the last, and of these twelve are still living. Our subject is a tamer by trade, but has engaged in farming and bee culture most of his life. He owns 168 acres of land, mostly improved, where he and his family reside. He has served as a member of the school board of his township. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.
PETER HAEFLING, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Germany, October 3, 1821, son of Balthasar and Margaret Haefling, also natives of Germany, where they were married, and who immigrated to America and to Pennsylvania in 1833. where they lived until 1839, then came to Ohio and located in Tiffin, Seneca County, and here remained until death; Mrs. Haefling died in 1845, Mr. Haefling in 1864. Elizabeth, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Strausbaugh. was born in Pennsylvania, November 19, 1829 and on February 19, 1852, was united in marriage with the subject of this sketch, and to this union were born five children. Mrs. Haefling departed this life, June 30, 1864, a communicant of the Catholic Church. Our subject married, November 29, 1866, for his second wife, Joanna Redmond, who was born in Sandusky, Ohio, July 30, 1834, a daughter of Michael and Bridget Redmond, natives of Ireland, and who were married in Halifax, N. Y., where they settled until about 1832, when they came to Sandusky County, Ohio, thence moved to Seneca County, in 1835, where they remained during life. Mr. Redmond died in 1849, his widow in 1854. Our subject is the father of ten children: John M., Joseph P., William F., Charles E., Margaret. E., Louisa E. and James M. (living) and Henry A., George B. and Anna E. (deceased). Mr. Haefling, a miller by trade, is now engaged in farming, and owns 136 acres improved land whereon he and his family reside. Mr. and Mrs. Haefling and family are members of the Catholic Church. He has filled the office of justice of the peace about nineteen years, and served two terms as infirmary director. He is a self-made man and has met with fair success through life.
OVEN HAINES, P. O. Berwick, was born in Carroll County, Md., September 15, 1830; son of Job and Ann Haines, born in Carroll County, Md., and Schuylkill County, Perm., respectively, and who moved to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1840, where they died, the former in 1845, the latter in 1857. Our subject was married, November 10, 1859, to Nancy Torflinger, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, November 18, 1835. Her parents were Jacob and Elizabeth Terflinger, former born in Ohio, latter in Switzerland, and who settled in this county, where they remained until death. Mr. and Mrs. Owen Haines have had six children: Levi C., Esther, Ida M., Charles, Leroy and Bertha E. Our subject was raised on a farm, which he left when eighteen years old to learn the trade of stone-mason; when twenty-one years of age he drove cattle across the plains to California, where he engaged in mining until 1854, when he returned home, and has since been farming, except for four months when he was in the army; he was a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He and his brother Levi C. are enterprising farmers of this county. Mr. Haines owns a nice farm where he and his family reside. He has been a F. & A. M. since 1854.
LEVI HAINES, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Adrian, was born in Carroll County, Md., August 31, 1838; son of Job and Ann Haines, the former born in Carroll County, Md., the latter in Schuylkill County, Penn.; they came to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1840, and here lived and died-Mr. Haines September 13, 1845, and his widow May 1, 1857. Our subject was united in marriage October 29, 1868, with Mary Zint, born in Stark County, Ohio, July
SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 993
23, 1848, daughter of Joseph and Julia Zint, the former a native of France, the latter of Pennsylvania, and who moved from Stark County, Ohio, to this county, where they have remained ever since. Mr. Zint emigrated to America in 1828, arriving in New York May 4, same year. Our subject and wife are the parents of three children: Harry G., born July 9, 1869; Idella M.. born October 24, 1873; and James A., born October 14, 1880. Mr. Haines was reared on a farm, then worked at stone cutting at Tiffin, Ohio; from there he went to California, where he engaged in mining until 1861, when he made a prospecting tour through Washington and Idaho Territories, returning Home in 1864, and has since remained in Seneca Township. He owns 240 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-dealing. He is a F. & A. M.
GEORGE A. HARMON, farmer, P. O. McCutchenville, Wyandot County. was born October 13, 1849, and reared on the homestead farm, where be still resides, and which comprises sixty acres of land in Seneca Township, this county. His parents were George and Elizabeth Harmon, the former a native e of Virginia, born May 9, 1807; the latter born in Ross County, Ohio, January 6, 1812; they were married in Seneca Township, this county, December 23, 1831, where they remained until Mrs. Harmon's death, July 25, 1875. They were parents of fourteen children, thirteen growing to be men and women, and, of these, ten are now living .in different parts of the United States. George Harmon, Sr., still resides on the home farm, and it is quite interesting to heap him narrate the adventures of his boyhood, when Seneca Township was cov ered with woods which abounded with wild turkeys, deer and hogs, and where were yet some Indians. Our subject was united iii marriage, September 30, 1879, with Alice Cooper, born in Wyandot County, Ohio, December 30, 1856, daughter of John and Mary E. Cooper, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Ohio, and who settled in Wyandot County, where they still remain. To our subject and wife have been born two children: Alva G., born December 22, 1880, died January 8, 1881, and Goldie F., born January 5, 1884.
JOHN HECK, farmer, P. 0. Tifn, is a descendant of one of the old pioneers of Seneca Township, this county. He was born on the farm where he and his family now reside, November 12, 1837; son of George and Sarah Heck, the former born in Perry County, Ohio, October 5, 1797; the latter, a native of Germany, departed this life in 1839. George Heck was subsequently united in marriage with Sarah Karr, who was born near Gettysburg, Penn., and died in 1874; he is still living, and resides on the farm where he has spent sixth three years of his life. Our subject was married, January 4, 1861, the object of his choice being Phoebe. Ralston, who was born in Bloom Township, this county, April 3, 1842. Her parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Ralston, natives of Virginia, came to this county in 1824. Mr. Ralston died January 4, 1868: his widow resides in Bloom Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Heck have been blessed with five children: Sarah E., Georgiana, Joseph H., Maud M. and Alma C. Mr. Heck is one of the enterprising farmers of Seneca County. He and his wife are consistent members of the United Brethren Church.
HENRY HEPF, farmer, P. 0. Now Riegel, was born, July 13, 1813, in Bavaria, Germany, where his parents, Michael and Frances Hopf, lived acid died. Our subject immigrated to America and came to this county in 1830. where he has since lived. He has been engaged in farming nearly all his life and now owns 135 acres of fine land, where he and his family reside. He was married, July 15, 1839, to Elizabeth Copler, also a native of Germany, boat February 27, 1817, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Copler, who immigrated to America and to Seneca County and here remained until death. To Mr.
994 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and Mrs. Hepf have been born twelve children, eleven of whom are now living: Henry, Peter, Magdalena, Joseph, Christens, Margaret, Catharine, Jacob, Frank, Helena and Veronica. Elizabeth is deceased. The family are faithful members of the Catholic Church, and are among the first citizens of the township.
HENRY HOUCK, farmer, P. O. McCutchenville, Wyandot County, one of the early settlers of Seneca County, Ohio, was born December 29, 1810, a son of Michael and Margaret Houck. He was brought up on a farm and received a common school education. In 1832 he settled in Seneca County, Ohio, and after residing near Tiffin a short time, moved on his present farm. He was married, May, 9, 1841, to Rachel J., daughter of Frederick W. and Catharine Shriver. Mr. and Mrs. Houck are the parents of four children: William, Lewis F., Ezra M. and Hiram S. Our subject was reared on a farm and has been engaged in agriculture all his life. He owns forty acres of wellimproved land, where he and his family reside. He and his wife are consistent members of the Reformed Church at Tiffin, and are a very highly respected couple.
AMOS KELLER, miller, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 26, 1839, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Keller, the former born in Pennsylvania in 1797, and the latter in Ohio in 1807. They were married in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1829, where they remained until Mrs. Keller's death in June, 1846; in 1848 Joseph Keller then married Nancy Good, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and in November, 1849, they moved to this county, and here lived until his death, which occurred January 15, 1855. His widow subsequently returned to her native county. Our subject was married, October 10, 1867, to Martha E. Sneathe, born in Seneca County, Ohio, September 1, 1846, daughter of William and Martha Sneathe, the latter deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Keller are the parents of two children: Rufus E., born July 7, 1868, and Addie F., born March 30, 1871. Mr. Keller acquired a college education at Tiffin, and at Delaware, Ohio. He then engaged in teaching for eight years, but afterward embarked in milling business, and now owns a flouring, saw and planing-mill, and a small tract of good land on which he has erected one of the finest residences in northern Ohio. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Keller has taken an active part in every educational, moral and religious enterprise, which has a tendency to elevate his fellow, and especially is he prominent in Sabbath-school and temperance work. He is one of those self-made men who have risen from comparative poverty and obscurity to position and wealth.
JOHN M. LAUGHLIN, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Urbana, Steuben Co., N. Y., October 10, 1839, son of John and Mary W. Laughlin, who were parents of twelve children, four of whom are now living. His father was born in Ireland in 1808, immigrated to New York in 1826, and was married in Urbana, about 1836, to Mary W. Hill, who was born in Middlesex, Ontario Go., N. Y., in 1818; they then settled in New York, where they remained until his death which occurred September 4, 1857; his widow subsequently moved to Wyandot County, Ohio, where she now resides. Our subject was united in marriage, January 4, 1866, with Helen J. Ewing, born in Seneca Township, this county, October 8, 1840, daughter of Anderson and Julia A. (Brinkerhoff) Ewing, natives of Gettysburg, Penn., where they were.married and first settled; but in 1840 they came to this county, and remained until Mrs. Ewing's death, which occurred in 1817. Mr. Ewing was married, on second occasion, to Lucretia Crooks; removed to Wyandot County, Ohio, where he died in 1875; his widow still resides there on the old home farm. Our subject and
SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 995
wife are the parents of five children, two now living: Mary A., born January 13, 1869 and Edna E. born July 7, 1873, and three deceased: Albertus E., Hattie M. and Emma E. Mr. Laughlin who in early life engaged in farming and teaming, came to Ohio in 1859, and located in Wyandot County, where he was married, and afterward moved to this county, where he has since been engaged in farming. During the late civil war he enlisted, July 29, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participated in a number of hard-fought battles, and was mustered out June 12, 1865. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
LORENZ LEY, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in France November 19, 1835, a son of Anthony and Mary Ley, also natives of France, where they lived and died, the former July 29, 1869, the latter in 1864. Our subject immigrated to America, coming direct to Seneca County, Ohio, in 1847, and after residing here four years went to Australia, where he engaged in mining for six years; from there he went to New Zealand, and staid two years; after which he returned to his native land, and remained eleven months; then set sail for America again, finally settling in this county. He was married, February 12, 1866, to Catharine Fry, born in Seneca County, Ohio, April 1, 1836, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Fry, natives of France, who immigrated to Ohio about 1830, where they remained until death. Mr. Fry departed this life in 1866, and his widow in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Ley are the parents of seven children: Charles V., Joseph A., Clara E., Mary L., Annie R., Theresa H. and Frank L. Our subject, who is one of the well-to-do farmers of Seneca County, owns 210 acres of improved land, with splendid buildings thereon. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.
JOSEPH LONSWAY, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, an old pioneer of this county, was born in Three Rivers, Lower Canada, February 8, 1818, a son of Baptist and Theresa Lonsway, also natives of Lower Canada, where they remained until their death. Our subject came to the United States in 1836, first to Buffalo, N. Y., then to Michigan, where he remained until 1839; then he moved to Sandusky City, Erie Co., Ohio, and while at that place he and his brother took a contract to build and keep in repair the railroad from Sandusky to Kenton, then called the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad. They followed their contract for eight years, and on the fulfillment of his contract our subject took up his abode in Tiffin, this county, and from there went to farming in Wyandot County, remaining there two years, and then returned to Seneca County, where he has since resided. Mr. Lonsway was united in marriage the. first time, in 1842, with Sarah A. Julian, born in Maryland, and who departed this life in Wyandot County, Ohio, November 29, 1849. Subsequently Mr. Lonsway was married, May 25, 1852, to Rebecca Johnson, who was born in Maryland in 1821, and died in Seneca County, Ohio, in December, 1857. June 18, 1860, our subject was married to his third wife, Mary R. Allwines, born in Pennsylvania October 6, 1840, daughter of John and Mary T. Allwines, who, about 1856, came to Ohio, where Mr. Allwines died in 1877; his widow still survives. To our subject have been born seventeen children, of whom thirteen are now living. He was reared on a farm, and now owns 120 acres of good land where he and his family reside. They are members of the Catholic Church at Tiffin, Ohio.
ROBERT MCCLELLAN, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Kentucky April 17, 1818, a son of Joseph and Jane McClellan, natives of Pennsylvania, who were married in Kentucky, where they remained about six years, thence moved to Seneca County, Ohio, in the fall of 1822, and here lived and died,
996 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the former in 1860, the latter in 1866. Our subject was united in marriage, January 28, 1847, with Sarah Einsel, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 11, 1826, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Einsel, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively, and who first located in Fairfield County, thence moved to this county about 1833, where they remained until their death. Mr. Einsel died in 1872; his wife in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. McClellan have been blessed with seven children, of whom six are now living: Walter R., Caroline, Alice, Flora, Cora and Elizabeth; an infant is deceased. Mr. McClellan, who was reared on a farm, has been very successful, and now owns 177 acres of land mostly improved. He has filled the office of county commissioner six years, and was trustee of his township for several years.
JONATHAN REDFOX, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Seneca Township, this county, December 3, 1843, on the farm where he now resides; a son of Jacob and Joanna Redfox, natives of Germany, who settled in Seneca Township, this county, about 1833. They were parents of eight children: Jacob, William, Henry, Jonathan, John, Rosana, Elizabeth and Christona. Mrs. Redfox departed this life in 1851. Jacob Redfox survived her until 1866, when he, too, passed away from earth. Our subject was reared on a farm, and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits nearly all his life, now owning seventy-eight acres of land in a splendid state of cultivation. He was married, February 15, 1870, to Eliza, daughter of Jacob and Nancy Yon Blon, natives of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Redfox were born five children, three of whom are living: Emanuel, born June 9, 1_874; Charles E., born April 15, 1876, and Andrew W., born October 26, 1880. Mrs. Redfox departed this life November 6, 1880, leaving her husband, children and a large circle of friends to mourn their loss. Our subject served in the late war of the Rebellion sixteen months. He is one of the school board of Seneca Township; a member of the German Reformed Church.
BENJAMIN C. REEME, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Dauphin County,. Penn., September 12,1835; son of Benjamin and Eliza Reeme, natives of Pennsylvania, who immigrated to Ohio and settled in this county in 1857, whore they remained until Mr. Reeme's death November 20, 1880. His widow survives him. Our subject was united in marriage, November 5, 1863, with Cynthia B. Jennings, born in Seneca County, Ohio, August 26, 1838, daughter of Jacob S. and Osee Jennings, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of Warren County, Ohio, and who located in this county several years ago, where they lived and died. To our subject and wife were born three children: Harry E., born August 27, 1864; Oliver G., born November 13, 1866, and Charlie C., born June 8, 1869. Mr. Reeme who was reared on a farm, now owns sixtyfour acres of land mostly improved, whereon he and his family now reside. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Reeme has met with fair success through life, and his family is highly respected by the community in which they live.
DANIEL REISZ, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Bavaria, Germany, November 9,1829; son of Jacob and Mary E. Reisz, who immigrated to America in 1833, coining byway of New York to Seneca Township, this county, settling on the farm of eighty acres (where our subject and family now reside), where they erected a cabin in the woods and here lived the residue of their lives. Our subject, who was reared on a farm, still follows agricultural pursuits. He was married November 15, 1860, to Mary A., daughter of Daniel and Sarah Funk, and who departed this life June 30, 1872. Mr. Reisz remained a widower until June 5, 1873, when he married Susan, daughter of John and Susan Henry, and who was born July 30, 1850. To this union have been born four children:
SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 997
Lucy I., born April 3, 1874; Laura U., born February 1, 1876; Lamantha J., born December 22, 1877, and Charles T., born August 28, 1879. During the late war of the Rebellion our subject was drafted September 28, 1864, into Company G, Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he participated in a number of hard fought battles and was honorably discharged June 16, 1865.
INMAN ROLEY, farmer, P. O. McCutchenville, Wyandot County, was born in Virginia, December 1, 1810, son of Jesse and Lida Roley, natives of Virginia, where they remained until the death of the former, in 1812. Mrs. Jesse Roley and family subsequently moved to Perry County, Ohio. thence to this county in 1833, and here she died July 31, 1843. Our subject was united in marriage, May 15, 1841, with Mary, daughter of Shepherd Cowdry, and who was born March 7, 1817, and died February' 16, 1875. She was a consistent member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Roley was married on second occasion, August 24, 1879, to Millie Twiggs, who was born in Maryland, June 14, 1829, a daughter of Nathaniel Twiggs. Our subject has been engaged in farming through life, and now owns 120 acres of good land, where he and his family reside. Mr. and Mrs. Roley are members of the United Brethren Church. He has been a member of the school board. He located on his present farm in 1833, and has seen Seneca Township changed from a wilderness to what it is at present.
CHRISTIAN RUEHLE, farmer P. O. Adrian was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 29, 1848; son of John J. and Catharine Ruehle, the former born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and the latter in Seneca County, Ohio. John J. Ruehle settled in this county where he died; his widow survives him. Our subject was united in marriage, February 12, 1872, with Mary, Gessner, born in Seneca County, Ohio, April 22, 1851; her parents, Michael and Eva Gossner, natives of Germany, immigrated to America, coming to Ohio several years ago, where they remained the balance of their days. Our subject and wife have been blessed with three children: A. J. David, Hattie L. and Arthur G. Mr. Ruehle is a blacksmith by trade, but has followed farming nearly all his life; he owns forty acres of good land in Wyandot County, Ohio, also his undivided interest in the home farm, where he and his family reside. Mr. Ruehle is one of the enterprising and respected farmers of the township.
DANIEL FRIEDERICH RUEHLE, farmer, P. O. Berwick, an enterprising old gentleman, was born in Germany, March 31, 1814; son of Tobias and Barbara Ruehle, who remained in the old country until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, November 10, 1839, in his native land with Margaret M. Ruehle, of same nativity, born May 29, 1815, daughter of Daniel E. and Anna M. Ruehle, who lived and died in Germany. Our subject and family came to Ohio in 1848 and located in this county, where they reside at present. Mr. and Mrs. Ruehle have been blessed with twelve children-six boys and six girls-of whom six survive: Barbara M., Frederica C., Jacob h.. Louisa C., Daniel E. and Jonas; the deceased are Margaret B., Christian F., Catharine E., Rosanna R., David and an infant. Our subject worked in a vineyard in Germany; has been engaged in farming since he came to this country and now owns 120 acres of land, whereon he and his family reside. Mr. and Mrs. Ruehle and their children are members of the German Lutheran Church.
JAMES SANDERS, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 5, 1829; son of Anthony and Mary A. Sanders, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married and first settled; thence they came to Ohio. locating in Stark County; and from there moved to Seneca County, where they remained until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, May
998 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
24, 1855, with Ellen M. M. Conaghan, born in Stark County, Ohio, August 28, 1836, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Conaghan (whose sketch appears elsewhere). Mr. and Mrs. Sanders are the parents of eight children, of whom six survive: Julius J., Cora M., Arthur A., Ethel L., Eunice C. and Raymond D.; the deceased are Jessie M., born September 23, 1861, and Nellie I., born July 4, 1863. Our subject is serving his second term as infirmary director of the county and has filled the office of trustee of his township. He and his wife are consistent members of the Catholic Church.
WILLIAM SHELDON, farmer, P. O. McCutchenville, Wyandot County, was born in England May 9, 1835, a son of John and Elizabeth Sheldon, natives of England, where they remained until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, March 25, 1858, with Ellen King, also a native of England, born November 25, 1840; her parents died when she was but a child. Our subject and wife were married in their native land, and immigrated to America and to this county in 1861, where they have since resided. This union has been blessed with six children: Henry, born June 21, 1859; Anna M., born December 2 1860; Hattie E., born September 13, 1862; John N., born April 11 1865; George W. P., born October 29, 1872, died March 19, 1885; and Edith M., born October 3, 18'77. Mr. Sheldon was engaged in farming in England, and has followed agricultural pursuits since coming to Seneca County.
JACOB ULRICH STAIB, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, February 13, 1815; a son of Jacob and Elizabeth C. Staib also natives of Germany, who immigrated to America and to Ohio in 1835, locating in this county, where they remained until death, the former dying March 12, 1867, aged eighty. seven, and the latter October 16, 1880, aged ninety-seven years. Our subject came to Ohio in 1833, and was married in this county, July 2 1846, to Sarah C. Houck born in Germany January 11, 1815, a daughter of Christian and Magdalena Houck. To Mr. and Mrs. Staib were born six children, of whom five are now living: Caroline, Jacob, Thusmelda (wife of Valentine Huffman), Catharine (wife of Carl Wittig) and Elizabeth; Magdalena is deceased. Our subject owns 117 acres of good land, mostly improved, all acquired by his own industry. He and his family are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Staib had the misfortune to lose his wife November 10, 1883. She was kind and faithful to him, and was a loving mother to her children.
GEORGE SWIGART, farmer, P.O. Tiffin, was born in Maryland December 20, 1825. His parents, Joseph and Susanna Swigart, natives of Maryland, came to Seneca County, Ohio, in June, 1837, first settling in Bloom Township, but afterward moving to Eden Township, where Mrs. Swigart died. Joseph Swigert married a second time, and is now deceased; his widow still survives him. Our subject was united in marriage, in August, 1850, with Sarah A. Ralston, born in Virginia June 25, 1825, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Ralston, natives of Virginia, and who came to this county in March, 1834. Mr. Ralston died January 4, 1868; his widow is still living. To our subject and wife was born one child, George M. now deceased. Mr. Swigart is a miller by trade, an occupation he followed until four years ago, since when he has been engaged in farming. He owns 124 acres of improved land, where he and his wife reside. He is a F. & A. M. Mrs. Swigart is a consistent member of the United Brethren Church.
CHRISTOPHER TERFLINGER, farmer, P. O. McCutchenville, Wyandot County, was born October 5, 1836, on the farm where he and his family now reside. in Seneca Township, this county. His parents wore Jacob and Eliza-
SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 999
both Terflinger, the former a native of Perry County, Ohio, the latter of the town of Bretzerville, Canton of Basel, Switzerland. They were married in Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, and settled in this county, where they remained until death. Our subject was united in marriage, March 17, 1880, with Julia Shober, born in Maryland, July 3, 1851, daughter of Frederick and Malinda Sbober, natives of the old country, who immigrated to Maryland and from there to W Wyandot County, Ohio, where they lived until about 1860, when they moved to Adrian, this county, and there remained until Mr. Shober death. His widow still survives him. Our subject was reared on a farm and now owns 109 acres of land mostly improved, whore he and his wife reside-. They are consistent members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Terflinger is ;i member of the I. O. O. F.
LEWIS TERFLINGER, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 14, 1824; a son of Christopher and Elizabeth Terflinger, , natives of Virginia, where they were married and where they settled for a number of years ; then moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, and resided twenty years on the same farm; from there moved to Wyandot County and dwelt two years with their son, Daniel; from Wyandot County they came to this county in 1830, and lived on the farm where our subject and wife now reside, and here the mother died in April, 1865, and the father in March, 1866. Our subject was united in marriage, April 16, 1872, with Margaret Kenner, born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 12, 1826. Mr. Terflinger, who was raised on a farm. has engaged in agricultural pursuits nearly all his life,and has lived fifty-four years on his present farm which comprises 120 acres of fine land. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
THEOBALD WAGNER (deceased) was born in Germany, March 19, 1821. His parents, Theobald and Catharine Wagner, immigrated to America, coming direct to Seneca County, Ohio, about 1833, and here remained until the death of Thoobald Wagner, Sr., which occurred in 1847; his widow survives him. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, December 3, 1848, with Margaret Diehl, born in Germany, December 20, 1829, a daughter of Abraham and Catharine Diehl, also natives of Germany, and who immigrated to Hancock County, Ohio, about 1833, where they remained until death, the former dying in 1871, the latter in 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Wagner were born nine children, of whom six are now living: Alpheus, Josephine. George F., John A., Charles T. and Franklin D. The deceased are Mary. Catharine and an infant. Our subject and wife, after they were married, first settled in Hancock County, Ohio, and there remained until 1860, when they came to Seneca Township, this county, and here resided until his death which occurred July 17, 1884. At the time of his death he owned 193 acres of good land where his widow and family now reside. He was a consistent member of the Reformed Church, to which his widow also belongs.
JOSEPH C. WEHRLE, P. O. Berwick, one of the industrious young farmers of Seneca County, Ohio, was born in Big Spring Township, this county, July 5, 1861; a son of George and Elizabeth (Long) Wehrle, former born in Riegel, Germany, March 4, 1820, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Wehrle, both natives of Germany; latter born in Bairon, Germany, June 6, 1827, daughter of David and Margaret Long, also natives of Germany, the former of whom was born in 1791, died in 1857, the latter born May 1, 1801. died November 22, 1866. George Wehrle and Elizabeth Long were united in marriage in New Riegel, Seneca Co., Ohio, June 14, 1847, and were, the parents of fourteen children, of whom seven are now living: Mary, wife of George Emerine, born February 1, 1849 Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Feck, born
1000 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
September 8, 1851; Agatha, wife of William Beilhartz, born February 6, 1858; John J., born April 6, 1859; Joseph C. ; Frank E., born November 9, 1863, and George E., born., March 3, 1870. Our subject was reared on a farm ;aid has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He has been a resident of Seneca Township for five years. He is a member of the Catholic Church.
ADAM WEIKERT, farmer, P. 0. Berwick, is a native of Seneca Township, this county, born April 3, 1836, son of Peter and Susan Weikert, natives of Ohio; they were married in Wyandot County, that State, subsequently, in 1876, locating near Tiffin, Ohio, where they reside at present. Our subject was united in marriage, December 1, 1870, with Sarah A. Dice, born in Stark County, Ohio, July 16, 1843, whore her parents Jacob and Maria Dice, natives of Pennsylvania, were united in marriage, and where they first settled; they afterward moved to this county, where Mrs. Dice died March 16, 1879; her husband survives her. To Mr. and Mrs. Weikert has boon born one child, Charles 0. Our subject was reared on a farm and has followed agricultural pursuits the greater portion of his life; he owns eighty acres of land, on which there is a beautiful residence where he and his family reside. Mr. Weikert, daring his younger days, engaged in teaching school for a few years. He has filled the offices of assessor and trustee of this township. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
JOSEPH WEISENBERGER, farmer, P. O. New Riegel, was born in France, March 17, 1826, son of Matthias and Josephine Weisenberger, who immigrated to Seneca Township, this county, in 1833, and here lived and died, the former in 1846, the latter in 1836. Our subject was united in marriage, August 16. 1848, with Elizabeth Young, also a native of France, and who came with her people to this county in 1846, where they lived the residue of their lives; Mrs. Weisenberger died July 12, 1878. She was a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Weisenberger on second occasion, November 28, 1882, was married to Mary Long, a native of this county, born September 21, 1837, a daughter of John F. and Elizabeth Long, natives of Switzerland, who immigrated to this county, in a very early day, and have here remained ever since. Our subject was the father of seven children, of whom four are now living: Margaret, wife of Frederick Hoffer; Joseph P.; Mary, wife of Joseph Plance; and Magdalene. Mr. Weisenberger owns 242 acres of improved land where he resides. He and his wife and family are faithful members of the Catholic Church.
WILLIAM WENNER, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., September 5, 1824, son of William and Elizabeth Wenner, natives of Pennsylvania, where they remained until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, in Pennsylvania, February 7, 1865, with Mary Stopp, born in Lehigh County, Penn., March 22, 1840. In 1867 they moved to Seneca County, Ohio, settling on the farm where they now reside and which consists of 120 acres of fine land. To this union were born six children, of whom only two survive: Ellen S., born July 27, 1871, and Mary A., born September l6, 1880. Our subject has been a farmer all his life. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church, and are considered among the best people of the county.
MARTIN WERLING, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Stark County, Ohio, September 28, 1832, son of Nicholas and Susan Werling, natives of Belgium, where they were married; thence they emigrated to America and to Stark County, Ohio, in 1831, and after remaining there five years they moved to Seneca County and then to Indiana in 1867, where Mr. Werling lost his wife by death in 1873, he remaining until 1880, when he came to this county
SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 1001
and made his home with his son until 1881, when he, too, died. Our subject was united in marriage, September 10, 1861, with Marv Lonsway, born in Seneca County, Ohio, May 14,1843 a daughter of Josephand Sarah A. Lonsway, the former living, latter now deceased. To our subject and wife have been born eleven children, ten of whom are now living: Joseph A., Sarah A., Emma E., Rosa A., Susan K., Lewis S., Leander M., George E., Leo A. and Mary M. Emily is deceased. Our subject acquired the means to make a start in life in the mines of California, and now owns 173 acres of land, mostly improved, where he and his family reside. They are members of the Catholic Church.
AARON YAMBERT, minister, post-office McCutchenville, Wyandot County. a native of Berks County, Penn.,was born February 14, 1809, son of John H. and Sibylla (Glick) Yambert, natives of Pennsylvania, where they married and settled, and where Mrs. Yambert died. John H. Yambert subsequently married Catharine (Cooney) Yambert, also a native of Pennsylvania, and with his family moved to Seneca Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1831, where be resided until his death, which occurred May 24, 1863. He had four children by his first wife: John H., Aaron, Sarah and Mary; and seven by his second wife: John, Daniel, Samuel, Solomon, Lydia, William and Susannah. His father was a native of Saxony, a physician of prominence, who emigrated to this country in the colonial period, and served as an officer in the Revolutionary war. Our subject was reared on a farm until eighteen years old, after which he worked several years at the carpenter's trade. At the age of twenty year he was converted, and at about twenty-one became a member of the Evangelical Association under Conrad Kring's administration. In 1832 Mr. Yambert was licensed by the conference as an itinerant minister, and commenced his ministerial labors in Lancaster and Pickaway Counties, Ohio, and continued in this calling for twenty-seven successive years, during much of which time he experienced the hardships and privations incident to ministerial pioneer life. After traveling a few years in this State, he returned to Pennsylvania and traveled one year on a circuit, called Somerset, which was located partly in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland; then Erie Circuit, Penn. (in what is now Eric, Crawford and Warren Counties), and here, on one occasion, rode sixty mile through a bold, rough country in one day, and preached at his regular appointment that night. In 1837 be assisted Rev. Jacob Bose in conducting the first protracted meeting ever hold by the Evangelical Association. The man. at whose house the meetings were held, was not a believer, and talked of not letting the meetings go on there much longer, when one night Mr. Yambert, in a sermon so graphically described the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden by the serpent, that it made a deep impression on his mind. This man kept a still-house, and the next morning the first thing that met his eyes on opening the still-house door was a large serpent coiled in beer hogshead. He was so confounded. by the coincidence that he returned to the house, told what had occurred to those present, ate nothing, that day, and the following morning ascended to the meeting room upstairs and began praying, finally became fully converted, and did not return to the still-house during the meeting. Thence Mr. Yambert was sent to Miami Circuit, and while there was married. He remained on that circuit two years in all, and then returned to Wayne Circuit, thence to Pickaway County. While on a circuit in Marion County, he went to 'the Whetstone Settlement and settled a dispute, concerning lightning rods, between the class leader and exhorter vs. some of the members, who, in their superstition regarded any precautionary measures as defying the power of God. He traveled for many
1002 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
years afterward in the western portion of the State, on different circuits. On one occasion, after preaching in Bettsville in the forenoon, he attempted to cross to Mud Creek Prairie, which was in sight, to meet an appointment there. He could see the house, and on horseback started to cross direct, but the ground was wet and the grass as high as his head. His horse got stuck in the mud, slipped and fell, throwing Mr. Yambert off and completely covering him with mud; in that condition he arrived at his destination and preached just as he was. At another time, after starting to go through a dense forest in search of a new preaching place, he lost his way. He started Monday morning before breakfast, although requested to take refreshment, saying " no, old Adam might fast," expecting to get through by noon; wandered around in the woods and did not find his way until the next morning, when he broke his fast for the first time, and his text afterward was for " more light. " He subsequently preached on Michigan Circuit, in Michigan, Ohio, etc. He now owns 161 acres of good land in this township and 170 in Illinois, and is a local minister of the Evangelical Association of which his family are also members. Mr. Yambert was married, February 10, 1839, to Sarah Huffer, of Pickaway County, Ohio, also a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born December 28, 1813, daughter of Isaac and Julia Huffer, who were born in Pennsylvania, but in the course of time moved to Pickaway County, Ohio, and there lived and died. To the union of our subject and wife were born thirteen childrennine of whom are now living: Caroline (wife of George W. Rosier), Mary (wife of Chancey Boucher), Lavina, Joshua J., Aaron H., Sarah C. (wife of George Ingman), Susanna (wife of J. W. Boucher), Sibylla J., Julia M. (wife of Rev. Daniel Elenburger).
LEANDER ZEIS, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Tiffin, one of the wellto-do farmers and stock-dealers of Seneca Township, was born in this county, December 25, 1845, son of Jacob and Elizabeth M. Zeis, who, in 1828, settled in this county, when it was mostly a wilderness, and here remained until their death. Jacob Zeis was born in Baden, Germany, died August 17, 1876; and Elizabeth M. Zeis was born in Bavaria, Germany, died October 9, 1878. Leander Zeis was reared on a farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits since the death of his father. He acquired a good common school education and taught ten terms of school. He was married, February 1, 1872, to Sarah C., daughter of Jacob .end Sarah Martin, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Seneca County. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Zeis have had two children: Benjamin H., born February 7, 1875, and lea, born. December 15, 1883. Our subject has a nice farm, consisting of 103 acres, where he and his family reside. He filled the office of justice of the peace two terms in Seneca .Township with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents.
CASPER ZIEGLER, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Bavaria, Germany, September 13, 1829, son of Paul and Margaret Ziegler, who were married in Germany. Our subject came to this country and to Seneca County from Bavaria in 1840, and was united in marriage, September 24, 1855, with Emma Bartz also a native of Bavaria, born August 31, 1836, daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Bartz, of same nativity, and who immigrated to Seneca County, Ohio. in 18-10, and here lived and died. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler eight are now living: Christian, Frank, Daniel, Nancy, Margaret, Henry, Emma and Grover E. The deceased are John and Elizabeth. Our subject, who was raised on a farm, now owns 300 acres of fine land with good buildings thereon. He started for himself with nothing, but by industry and perseverance has accumulated a comfortable competency. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.