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BIOGRAPHIES
* Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records
of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896
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ALEXANDER McDONALD Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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JAMES McDONALD Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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JOHN McKENZIE Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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DAVID McRITCHIE Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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JAMES H. McRITCHIE,
postmaster at ort Clinton, Ottawa county, was born in
Bay township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, Sept. 24, 1854, a son of
David and Jane (Yulee) McRitchie, a son of
David and Jane (Yule) McRitchie, who were married in
Forfarshire, Scotland.
The parents of our subject emigrated to America in
1832. After arriving in New York City they
journeyed westward to Buffalo, there taking passage on a
vessel, bound for Chicago, where they expected to meet
some friends. The vessel, however, was wrecked in
a storm near the harbor of Port Clinton, and they were
taken ashore at that place, stopped at a brick hotel
that now forms part of the "Lake House," kept by John
Mitchell. This was in August, 1832.
Mr. McRitchie relinquished his plan of going to
Chicago, and instead bought a farm of 120 acres of
timbered land in Bay township, Ottawa county, which he
cleared and which served him and his family as a home
for many years. The country was then almost a
wilderness, and the pioneers endured many privations.
There was no work for laboring people at which they
could earn money, except in the quarries at Plaster Bed,
and that was seven miles from his farm. He was
accustomed to go to his work on Monday morning,
returning on Saturday evening, carrying provisions with
him for a week, and was often obliged to take his pay in
dry goods and groceries and such like, in lieu of money.
As soon as he was able to purchase an ox team he got his
supplies from Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), which
occupied two days - one to go and one to return.
Having received a fairly liberal education in Scotland,
Mr. McRitchie was well qualified to fill various
positions of honor and trust to which he was afterward
elected. He held the offices of township clerk and
justice of the peace; later (1848) was elected auditor
of Ottawa county, which office he held nine years, and
in 1874 was elected county treasurer, in which
incumbency he served four years. He was a member
of the Presbyterian Church, and was an enterprising and
public-spirited citizen. He died Apr. 7, 1883,
after which his widow remained on the homestead until
1888, when she went to live with her son James H.,
at Port Clinton. Their children were: Jeanette,
William, Maria, Ellen, John D., Jane, Nancy, David
and James H., all born in Bay township, Ottawa
Co., Ohio. Of these, Jeanette died in
childhood; William died at the age of twenty-six;
Maria married Darwin Hyde, and lived on
Catawba Island, where they both died, leaving three
children - Homer, Ora and Lemuel; Ellen
married Charles Darr and lived in Bay township,
where they both died (one of their sons, William,
lives on the family homestead, the other, Frank,
died at the age of sixteen); John D. married
Sarah Legget, lived on a farm for a time, then moved
to Port Clinton, and followed butchering (their children
were - Emma, William, Mary, Charlotte, Ida, Ora,
Clara and George); Jane married J.
W. Mizner, hardware merchant, Port Clinton (their
children were - James H., Clara, Edward and
Grace); Nancy married James L. Mackey
(they lived on a farm in Bay township, where he did,
after which she moved to Port Clinton, their children
were Pearl, David and Alma); David
married Alice Hyde, and follows the butchering
business in Port Clinton (they have one child,
Charles S.). In politics Mr. McRitchie
was a Democrat and all his sons are Democrats.
James H. McRitchie, the subject proper of this
sketch, was raised on his father's farm and attended
country schools during the winter seasons. In 1888
he commenced the butcher business, and so continued
until May 22, 1893, when he was appointed postmaster at
Port Clinton by President Cleveland. He is
a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 627, and passed
all the chairs of Lake Erie Encampment No. 232, of
Canton Ottawa, No. 60; also the National Union, No. 60.
On Nov. 6, 1879, he was married to Miss Clara E.
Lettimore, who was born Sept. 25, 1854,
daughter of John and Mary (Park) Lattimore, and
their children are: Irma A., Mack A. McRitchie,
Hattie A., and Mabel. Mr. McRitchie is
a typical self-made man, one whose record is without a
stain, and, whether in prosperity or adversity, he has
ever been upright, conscientious and honorable.
(Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 683) |
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JOHN H. MAGEE Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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JAMES H. MAGRUDER Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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SAMUEL A. MAGRUDER Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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GEORGE MALLORY Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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FRANKLIN H. MARTIN Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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JOHN C. MARTIN Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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JOHN
MEEKER, one of the highly esteemed farmer
citizens of Carroll township, Ottawa county, is a native
of same, his birth having occurred in Carroll township,
Nov. 27, 1838, and he is a son of John and Nancy (Lindsley)
Meeker.
The father of our subject, who was born Dec. 27,
1802, was united in marriage Apr. 23, 1835, in Essex
county, N. J., with Miss Lindsley, who was born
in Morris county, that State, Jan. 20, 1814. In
1837 they located in Carroll township, Ottawa county,
where they remained honored residents the remainder of
their days, the father dying Dec. 31, 1848, and the
mother Dec. 16, 1878. To their union came five
children - Sarah Jane, born Jul. 11, 1836, who is
the wife if Ira P. Russell; John, subject of this
sketch; Smith M., born Jan. 1, 1841, who is a
resident of Carroll township; Amy, born June 8,
1843, who died Sept. 9, 1874; and Gailbreath,
born Feb. 27, 1844, who died Jan. 24, 1845.
Our subject was reared to farm life and received a
limited education in the old log schoolhouse of the
district, and he has a vivid recollection of this
institution, with its puncheon seats and the hickory rod
wielded by the stern-visaged school-master. After
completing his school days, which certainly had not been
numerous enough to keep him away from the farm to any
great extent, he settled down to a practical farmer's
life, and in that honorable occupation he has spent his
useful life. On Nov. 27, 1872, he was united in
marriage with Miss Sophronia Ogden, daughter of
Jeptha Lindsley and Margaret (Covers) Ogden.
Mr. Meeker and his amiable wife attend the United
Brethren Church, and are honored and respected in the
community for their sterling worth and generous
hospitality. In politics he is identified with the
Democratic party, and is a strong believer in its
principles. On great fact is apparent in the
history of Mr. Meeker, and that is that his
success and prosperity have been accomplished by hard,
earnest labor, good management and care, which qualities
are numbered among his chief characteristics. In
addition to general agriculture, he engages in fruit
growing and his well-stocked farm and neat and
attractive surroundings bespeak industry and thrift, and
in all his dealings he is the soul of honor.
IRA P. RUSSELL, brother in law of
Mr. Meeker, is a prominent agriculturist of
Carroll township. He was born in Chautauqua
county, N. Y., Oct. 15, 1835, and is a son of William
Peckham and Sarah Ann (Webster) Russell, both
of whom were natives of the Empire State, the father
born in Wayne county, February 9, 1910, and the mother
in Cazenovia, Madison county, May 22, 1815. They
removed to Ohio in 1837, locating in Knox county and
there remaining until the fall of 1840, when they came
to Portage Township, Ottawa County. Here they
resided for five years, in September, 1845, returning to
New York; but in Apr. 1847, they again came to Ottawa
county, this time locating in Erie township, where the
mother died May 11, 1849. In their family were two
children - Ira P., and Charity Ann,
who was born Mar. 17, 1838, and died in December of the
same year. After the death of his first wife,
Mr. Russell was again married, and subsequently
removed to Carroll township, where he resided until
October, 1880, going thence to Sugar Ridge, Wood Co.,
Ohio, where his death occurred Jun. 15, 1885.
The advantages afforded Ira P. Russell for
securing an education were very meagre. At the age
of seventeen years he left home, going to Chautauqua, N.
Y., where he spent three years in mastering the mason
and a bricklayer's trades, at which he worked in various
cities of the Union until 1857. In that year he
located in Carroll township, where he has since carried
on agriculture with excellent success with the exception
of four years spent in Clay township, Ottawa county.
On Mar. 19, 1857, in Carroll township, Mr. Russell
wedded Sarah Jane Meeker, who was born in Butler
county, Ohio, Jul. 11, 1836, and they have become the
parents of two daughters. Nancy Elizabeth Ann,
born in February, 1859, was married Mar. 25, 1877, to
Albert H. Conkey, who died on the 13th of September
following; on Aug. 25, 1891, she was united in marriage
with Charles H. Veler, and to their union
has come one daughter - Lillie A., born Jan. 30,
1892. The second daughter of Mr. Russell, Amy
Corena Josephine, was born May 14, 1870, and was
married Mar. 17, 1890, to Charles H. Veler; she
passed away Mar. 19, 1891.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Russell has
been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, but he
is in no sense an office seeker, and, though many times
solicited to accept positions of trust in both county
and township affairs he has always felt that his time
could be best spent in attending to the duties of his
home and farm,. He is possessed of a most
retentive memory, recalling with wonderful accuracy
details and dates of incidents which occurred during his
lifetime from his earliest days, thus permitting him to
live over again the happy days of his past life.
Socially, he is liberal, frank and genial, and in
business matters is scrupulously honorable in all
transactions.
* Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 754 |
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CASPER H. MEILANDER Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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EDWARD
G. MESSERSMITH, agent of the Wheeling & Erie
Railway Company at Limestone, Ottawa county, and one of
the busiest and most enterprising young citizens of this
community, is well - known for his personal activity in
the affairs of the county, and also as a member of one
of the pioneer families of Benton township, of which he
is a native.
Our subject was born April 30, 1868, and spent his
boyhood days on his father's farm, attending the
district school and acquiring a liberal education.
He remained at home until the age of eighteen, when he
took up the study of telegraphy with H. C. Federson, of
Limestone Station, on the Wheeling railroad, and in six
months he had so thoroughly mastered the business that
he went to Hartland, Huron county, and took the position
of night operator for the Wheeling railroad. After
eight months' service there he was promoted to a larger
field, and the company gave him the position of night
operator at Orrville, Wayne county, a position he held
one year. He was next at Trowbridge one year, and
thence was removed to Limestone, now having entire
charge of the Company's business at this point, the
freight business alone amounting to some $8,000 per
year. In addition to his railroad business Mr.
Messersmith is also largely engaged in business for
himself, which industry is now assuming large
proportions and is steadily on the increase.
Besides attending to all the above mentioned interests,
he has charge of the old homestead, a farm of 120 acres,
where he now lives with his mother and one sister.
The property is owned by himself and brother Charles
Albert; the farm is rented, but Mr. Messersmith
has full charged and oversight of the business.
Politically he is a Democrat, and is a public-spirited
citizen, taking a loyal interest and pride in the
welfare of his community.
HENRY
MESSERSMITH, father of our subject, one of the
earliest settlers of Ottawa county, and especially
well-known and respected in Benton township, was a
native of Prussia, born in 1823. His parents were
also natives of Prussia, the father born in 1785, the
mother about 1775, and they died at the ages of
seventy-eight and eighty-three years respectively.
They had a family of nine children - four sons and five
daughters. When Henry was eight years of
age he came with his parents to this country, the family
settling in the present city of Cleveland, then a small
town, and there, in the public schools, he received his
education. When eighteen he began life for
himself, learning the cooper's trade, at which he worked
until 1865. He then came to Benton township,
Ottawa county, a region which at that time was a
complete forest, and settled on Section 22, where he and
his brothers Conrad and Jacob purchased
500 acres of wild land completely covered with timber.
There was not a laid-out road in the township, the only
one being a path along the banks of a small stream.
They at once erected a stave and heading factory, and in
connection therewith a sawmill, and commenced the work
of clearing off the timber and making a comfortable
home. Day after day could be heard the ring of the
axe felling the timber for the great mill to convert
into marketable form; the hum of the machinery was heard
early and late; gradually the trees were removed, and in
a seemingly short period of time the 500 acre tract was
cleared and transformed into one of the finest farms in
Ohio. Jacob sold out to his brothers about
1868, up to which time they had all worked together.
In 1849, at the time of the gold fever, Henry
Messersmith went to the mines in California, where
he remained eighteen months, meeting with very fair
success.
In 1870 Mr. Messersmith died at his residence in
Benton township, and he was deeply mourned in the
community, for in his death the county, as well as the
township, lost a thorough business man and a most
esteemed citizen. In 1846 he had married Miss
Margaret Anna Sell, of Cleveland, and to them were
born eight children - five sons and three daughters -
six of whom are now living: Louisa, born in
1850; Jacob, born in 1852; Mary, born in
1855; Henry, born in 1863; Edward, born in
1868, and Charles, born in 1870. The
daughters are both married, Mary living at the
old home, and Louisa (Mrs. Dentzer) in Cleveland.
Mrs. Margaret Anna Messersmith was born in
Prussia in 1833, and when four years old came to this
country with her parents, who settled in Cleveland.
Her opportunities for acquiring an education were very
poor, but her thirst for knowledge great, and she has
walked three miles many a day to school that she might
in a measure satisfy her longing for an education.
She lived in her native city until her marriage, and
came to Benton township with her husband, where she
added her efforts to his in securing a home and caring
for the children born to them, all of whom have now
taken their place among the upright and progressive
citizens of the township. Mrs. Messersmith's
parents were born in Prussia about 1799, and had a
family of six children - two sons and four daughters.
Two yeas after Mr. Messersmith's death the
property was divided equally between the widow and
Conrad Messersmith, and her eldest son took charge
of the farm until 1894, when he sold out his interests
to his brothers Edward and Charles. The old
mill where Mr. Messersmith sawed the timber with
which he paid for his handsome farm and home was
afterward burned.
In the gentleman whose name opens this sketch,
Edward G. Messersmith, we have one of the most
enterprising young men of the times; but in his parents
we have those who helped to make Benton township as
beautiful as it now is; they were among the early
pioneers of the county, and by their industry and
economy carved out one of the finest homes to be seen in
the township of Benton, or even in Ottawa county.
"Honor to whom honor is due."
(Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 376 & 377) |
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GEORGE
F. MEYER. The subject of this sketch, who
has been for nearly twenty-one years a resident of Port
Clinton, Ottawa county, is a prosperous cigar
manufacturer, in his business combining the German
thrift and industry with American push and enterprise.
He is a native of Hanover, Germany, born Sept. 9, 1840.
Mr. Meyer's parents were both natives of
Germany, the father, H. Meyer, born in Lansberger,
Hanover, in 1805, and the mother, Mary (Walsen) Meyer,
in Bad Rehburg, in 1803; the former died in 1868, and
the latter in 1874. The father, who was a man of
much intelligence and ability, was a surgeon, and
practiced his profession from 1825 until his death.
He served during the Franco-Prussian war. He was a
member of the Lutheran Church. This worthy couple
had eight children, as follows: William, who died
after coming to America; August, who lives at
Bremen, Germany, and is engaged in the cigar business;
George F., our subject; Charles, living in
Zulingen, Germany; Frederick, who resides in
Bremen, Germany; Caroline, a widow, residing in
Sandusky; Dorritt, deceased; and Augusta,
who married a Mr. Dinklage. The maternal
grandfather of our subject was a baker by trade, and
also held the office of postmaster at Bad Rehburg, a
position which has been handed down in the family from
generation to generation until the present time.
Others of the connection are also engaged in the postal
service. The paternal grandfather, Henry Meyer,
was born at Lansberger on the Weser, and was a farmer
by occupation.
Our subject attended school in his native country until
fourteen years old, and when eighteen years of age, as
is the custom in Germany, he entered the army and served
over seven years. In all this time his regiment
was not ordered to the front, but he saw enough of a
soldier's life to satisfy him, without remaining longer
in service. After leaving the army he learned the
cigar business, and in 1867 came to America, locating
first in the city of Sandusky, Ohio, and there remaining
until 1874, when he removed to Port Clinton. Since
that time he has carried on business for himself.
He employs from six to eight men all the time, and has a
large trade in the surrounding country; he also has a
fruit farm, etc. Mr. Meyer was first
married in Sandusky, on Oct. 10, 1868, to Miss Julia
Luedecke, by whom he had one child, Gustave,
who is engaged in business in Cleveland, Ohio. The
mother died Sept. 19, 1871, at Sandusky, Ohio, and on
Sept. 28, 1872, Mr. Meyer was again married,
this time to Miss Louisa Bolte, who was born
in Hanover. They have two children: George,
a clerk in the German-American Bank of Port Clinton, in
which his father is a stockholder; and Lillie.
Mr. Meyer has a fine fruit farm at Graytown, this
State, on which he raises quinces, pears and plums; he
also owns property in Port Clinton. In politics,
he is a Democrat, and in religious faith is a member of
the Lutheran Church; socially, he belongs to the I. O.
O. F. He is a public-spirited citizen, always
ready to aid any project tending to the welfare of his
town and county.
(Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 732) |
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JOHN E. MEYERHOLTS Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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CLAUSE MILLER Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
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CONRAD
MILLER, who is widely and favorably known in
Elmore, Ottawa county, was born January 8, 1852, in
Westphalia, Germany, where he spent his boyhood days and
attended school. His ancestors lived for some
generations in that country. The maternal
grandfather of our subject was born in Germany, in 1783,
and was a miller by trade. The father of our
subject, Simon Miller, was born in 1817,
and learned the brick mason's trade, which he followed
through the greater part of his life; he died in 1876,
and his wife, Minnie (Henning), who was born in
Germany, in 1818, survived until 1894. They were
the parents of six children: William, born
in 1845; Fred, November 14, 1848; Conrad,
January 8, 1852; William F., in 1855; Louisa,
in 1858; and William F. in 1861. Fred
and Conrad are the only members of this family
now living.
At the age of eighteen Conrad Miller left home
to learn the butcher's trade, serving a two-years'
apprenticeship, and then following that pursuit in
Germany for eleven years. He is now an expert,
there being no kind of meat that he can not prepare.
He was married Nov. 5, 1876, to Miss Augusta Kroos,
of Lippe Detmold, Germany, born in that country Feb. 16,
1852. Her father, Fred Kroos, was there
born in 1803, and died in 1855. He was a gardener
by trade and lived at Schoedmar, Germany. His
wife, who bore the maiden name of Minne Meyer,
was born at Ahsen, Germany, in 1815, and died in 1870.
Their family numbered six children, namely: August, who
died at the age of eighteen years; William; Minnie
Caroline; Fred, who died in 1889; Augusta and
Henry. Of those living Mrs. Miller
is now the only one in America. She remained at
home until eleven years of age, and from that time until
her marriage cared for herself. To her husband she
has been a faithful companion and helpmeet, aiding him
in securing the competence which they now enjoy.
In December, 1880, Mr. and Mrs. Miller sailed
for America, landing in New York in January, 1881, and
coming direct to Ohio. They located on a farm
which was their home for six months, and then removed to
the village of Elmore, buying a small place, which,
however, was soon sold. Mr. Miller next
purchased four nice lots and a fine residence on Fremont
street, and today has one of the most pleasant homes in
Elmore, characterized by its neatness both within doors
and without. For five and a half years he engaged
in clerking in the hardware store of Wolf & Bendig,
after which he returned to his old trade, and for eight
and one-half years he has been engaged in the butchering
business, six years for Mr. Wittie. He
thoroughly understands his trade, and his long
connection with one store indicates the faithfulness and
integrity that is above question. He and his wife
have many war friends, and are widely known.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
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FERDINAND L. MILLER.
Among the prominent and well-to-do farmers of
Salem township, Ottawa county, who can now look back
nearly half a century to the days when that township was
nothing more than a vast unbroken wilderness, and recall
the many dangers and hardships experienced by them; the
discouragements incident to an early life on the
frontier; and who, as the reward of many years of hard,
honest labor, have now acquired a comfortable competence
to tide them over the balance of life's journey, there
is probably no one deserving of a more prominent place
in this biographical record than the gentleman whose
name introduces this brief sketch.
Our subject is a native of the Fatherland, born in
Baden March 16, 1834. His parents, George
and Lena Miller also natives of
Germany, emigrated to America in 1857, locating in
Danbury township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, of which township
they were honored and respected citizens for many years.
They have both long since passed away from earth, the
father dying in 1864, the mother in 1874.
Ferdinand L. Miller received his preliminary
education in the public schools of his native land, and
since early youth he has constantly been engaged in
agricultural pursuits, his long experience in this
honorable branch of industry making him one of the most
practical farmers of the county, his well-tilled fields,
comfortable home and barns bearing striking evidence of
this fact. In 1854 Mr. Miller crossed the
ocean to the "New World," locating first in Sandusky
county, Ohio, thence, in 1859, moving to Ottawa county,
same State, locating in Danbury township; in 1865 he
settled on his present farm in Salem township, of which
he has since been a continuous resident, honored and
respected by all who know him for his thrift, honesty
and many other sterling qualities.
Mr. Miller was united in marriage in April,
1865, with Miss Mary Winganist of Riley township,
Sandusky county, a native of Germany. To this
union were born six children, five of whom are living,
viz.: Amelia, born January 27, 1867, now
the wife of Henry Godeman, of Toledo, Ohio;
Elizabeth, born August 17, 1868, wife of J. F.
Mylander, of Salem township; Ellen, born Oct.
26, 1870; John, born Feb. 21, 1874; and
Katherine, born Aug. 16, 1877, the latter three
residing on the homestead farm in Salem township.
In 1880 the father was called upon to mourn the demise
of his faithful wife, and the children that of a kind
and loving mother, Mrs. Miller passing away
during that year. In 1881 Mr. Miller was
again united in marriage, his second wife being a
Miss Rosina Koser, a native of Germany, born Oct.
24, 1844. To this union have been born three
children, viz.: Rosa and George
(twins), born Feb. 20, 1882, the latter of whom died in
infancy; and Matie, born Aug. 17, 1886, died
Sept. 23, 1890.
Mr. Miller has ever taken an active interest in
the welfare and progress of his township; but although
he has frequently been req1uested, by his many friends,
to accept positions of trust, he has never been an
office seeker, always refusing to accept them,
recognizing the fact that the duties in connection with
his home and farm commanded his unremitting time and
attention. In his political views our subject
votes with the Democratic party. The family are
strict adherents of the Evangelical Church.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
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HENRY
J. MILLER. This work would not be complete
unless it contained some account of the pioneers whose
lives and labors were given to make possible the
prosperity, wealth and comfort of today. In the
early history of Ottawa county no man took a more
prominent part or did more to mold and influence the
work of his time than died the subject of this sketch.
Henry J. Miller was born May 18, 1812, in the
village of Putnam (now Zanesville), Ohio. His
father, William Miller (born 1777, died at the
home of his son in 1840, a member of a family of ten
children), emigrated from Columbia county, N. Y., to
Ohio soon after the organization of the State. He
raised and commanded a company of volunteers in the war
of 1812. Henry J. came to Ottawa county
(then a part of Huron) in 1828, buying a small farm of
the government. Upon the organization of Ottawa
county he was appointed sheriff, and served until the
first election. After an interval of one term he
was twice elected, and served two terms in that
capacity. After the expiration of his term as
sheriff he was three times elected, and served nine
years as justice of the peace of his township. He
was one of the first to propose the organization of the
Ottawa County Agricultural Society, and served as its
first president, and for several years thereafter.
He was prominent in every enterprise which had for its
object the improvement of his county, and bettering the
condition of her citizens.
Mr. Miller was married Nov. 25, 1836, to
Susan Wonnell, who came to Ottawa county, Maryland,
in 1828. Of this union six children were born as
follows: (1) Maria was born Jan. 15, 1838,
became the wife of William Sloan, and is now
deceased. (2) Wilson S. was born May 9,
1839, (a sketch of whom appears elsewhere). (3)
George W., born Dec. 28, 1840, died Jan. 23, 1864,
of wounds received while defending this country in the
Civil War; he was a member of the First Ohio
Sharpshooters. (4) William, a sketch of
whom follows this, was born Feb. 4, 1844 (5)
James H., born Mar. 15, 1846, was a prominent farmer
of Portage township, and died at the age of forty-six.
(6) Permelia A., born June 10, 1848, became the
wife of Silas A. Hardy.
During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Miller
did valiant service in his country's cause. Three
of his sons served in the army. Too old to go to
the front himself, he was faithful in looking after his
country's defenders at home. The noble work of
these older men during the war has never received the
recognition its importance deserves. Mr. Miller
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and helped,
in 1842, to organize the first society of that
denomination in the county. He remained an active
member of that society until his death, which occurred
November 12, 1874.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
| |
JOHN
H. MILLER (deceased), who was recognized as one
of the representative and leading citizens of Ottawa
county, was the eldest son of Claus and Catherine
(Buck) Miller, and was born in New York City, on the
11th of March, 1851.
During his early childhood he was brought by his
parents to the West, the family locating in Danbury
township, Ottawa county, where he acquired his
education, his privileges being those afforded by the
common schools. Farm labor was familiar to him
from his early youth. He aided in the cultivation
of the home farm during his boyhood and when he began
life for himself it was as an agriculturist.
Afterward he turned his attention to fruit growing in
connection with his other work, and became one of the
leading farmers and horticulturists of his adopted
county. He managed his business affairs on
systematic principles, and as the result of his
well-directed efforts acquired a handsome competence.
Mr. Miller was married on the 20th of Dec.,
1877, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna M. S.
Brauer, a daughter of John H. and Louisa (Lenkring)
Brauer, both of whom were natives of Germany, and
on coming to America cast their lot with the early
settlers of Danbury township, Ottawa county. The
father is still living in that locality, but the mother
died on the 14th of Nov. 1875. Mrs. Miller
was born in Danbury township, Oct. 14, 1854, and by her
marriage became the mother of two children- Henry E.,
born Oct. 25, 1878; and Reuben B., born June 27,
1887.
At the time of his death, Mr. Miller was filling
the office of postmaster at Piccolo. He was
regarded as a public-spirited and progressive citizen,
and took an active interest in all that pertained to the
welfare of the community, and its upbuilding. He
passed away on the 20the of April, 1894, and his death
was mourned by a large circle of friends and
acquaintances, as well as by his immediate family.
He had ever lived so as to merit the highest respect
and confidence of those with whom he came in contact,
and he left to his family the priceless heritage of a
good name.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
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MILLER, JOHN H., MRS. - nee Henrietta Foy |
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JOSEPH MILLER
(deceased) was, during his busy lifetime, one of the
prominent and successful grape-growers of Middle Bass
Island, Ottawa county, and was one of the four original
purchasers of that Island. He was born March 23,
1823, in Baden, Germany, son of Joseph and Anna Marie
(Locherer) Miller, who were also born in the
Fatherland, where they died.
The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood and
educated in the Fatherland, where from early life he was
engaged in grape growing, an industry followed by his
father and grandfather before him. In 1854 he came
to America, settling in Erie county, Ohio, where he
resided three years, and in 1857 removed to Middle Bass
Island, of which he was a continuous resident from that
time for the remainder of his life. On May 14,
1861, in Sandusky, Erie county, Joseph Miller was
united in Marriage with Helena Rehberg, who was
born at Plau, in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany,
Apr. 8, 1843, daughter of John and Christina (Bohndorff)
Rehberg, and their children are as follows:
Anna, born Feb. 10, 1862, is the wife of Henry
Burggraf; they have three children -Carl,
born Dec. 4, 1888; Arnold, born Nov. 28, 1890;
and Ruth, born May 19, 1894. Mary,
born March 30, 1864, was united in marriage with
Ferdnand Sloat on September 4, 1888; they have had
two sons - Gregor J. born June 11, 1889; and
Frank Clyde born July 25, 1892; they reside in
Sandusky. Eliza, born Sept. 4, 1868, was
married to Charles Bretz, Nov. 12, 1890, and they
have had two sons - Sherman Carl, born Aug. 25,
1891; and Leslie Joseph, born Dec. 25, 1893.
Nellie J., born Jan. 1, 1877, and
Herman Joseph, born July 30, 1878.
The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Miller were as
follows: William, who resides on the
Island; John, who passed all his life there,
dying May 5, 1888; Mary, wife of Albany Kubagh,
of Sandusky; and Helena (Mrs. Miller).
Mr. John Rehberg was again married, taking, for his
second wife Mary Prool, who was born in
Mecklenburg, Germany, Mar. 4, 1813, and they had
children, as follows: Frederick, who lives
in Sandusky; Henry, born October 4, 1854, who was
united in marriage April 9, 1876, on Middle Bass Island,
with Mina Kapphengst, who was born in
Mecklenburg, May 7, 1853, and they have had one child -
Clara, born Feb. 22, 1889. Henry
commenced in the hotel business in Middle Bass, in 1890;
and Louis, who was born Feb. 9, 1858, and died
December 11, 1882.
Mr. Miller passed away Jun. 24, 1884. In
his political views he was a Democrat. He
was repeatedly called to offices of responsibility and
trust in his township, which he filled with fidelity and
acknowledged ability, and the memory of his noble
character will long be cherished. His widow, who
is regarded highly in the community and admired for her
many virtues, is now residing on the homestead.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
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MILLER, JOSEPH - See HELENA REHBERG Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
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LORENZ MILLER
(deceased) was a son of Lorenz Verena Miller, and
was born Sept. 11, 1831, at Schopfheim, Weisenthal,
Baden, Germany. In his native land he acquired his
education, grew to manhood, and learned the trade of a
watchmaker. On attaining his majority he sailed
across the briny deep to the New World, and two years
later, in 1854, located on Put in Bay Island, Ottawa
county, where he resided until life's labors were ended.
He was extensively engaged in the cultivation a fine
vineyard, and his business ability and sound judgment
won him a creditable success.
Mr. Miller was married May 26, 1860, to
Henrietta Foy, a daughter of Henry and Henrietta
(Myer) Foy, who were natives of Germany. There
the mother died during the infancy of her daughter, and
the father afterward married Dorothy Myer, a
sister of his first wife. In 1854 the family came
to America and the following year settled on Put in Bay
Island, where Mr. Foy died December 9,
1859, his wife surviving him until Aug. 15, 1879.
By his first marriage there were two children,
Henrietta, Mrs. Miller, and one who died in
infancy. By the second marriage there were six
children, of whom five are still living, namely:
Marie, wife of Jackson Fullington, chief of
police of Santa Barbara, Cal.; August C., who
resides at Put in Bay, and is chief officer on the
steamer "Arrow;" Louis T., who resides at the
same place; Anna, wife of August Renderly,
who is living on North Bass Island; and Henry, a
resident of Detroit, Michigan.
Mrs. Miller was born in Braunschweig, Germany,
June 30, 1842, and came with her parents to America.
Since 1855 she has lived on the Island, and is now
residing at the beautiful home which was left her by her
husband. Their union was blessed with four sons,
as follows: George Frederick, born May 2,
1861; Frank Joseph, born Sept. 1, 1862; Henry
Theodore, born Oct. 11, 1873; and Lorenz,
born Oct. 11, 1873; and Lorenz, born Oct. 26,
1875. The last two are still on the old home farm.
The father of this family passed peacefully away at his
home, Feb. 26, 1875, after a twenty-one years' residence
on Put in Bay Island. He was, however, cut off in
the prime of life, when it seemed that he had much yet
to live for. His whole career was a practical
commentary on the noble virtues of an upright man.
He commenced his course at the bottom round of the
ladder, and by honesty and industry worked his way
upward and acquired a handsome fortune. Although
it was his desire to gain wealth for himself and family,
there was nothing sordid in his nature and he followed
the golden rule, doing unto others as he would have them
do to him. No one could say that he acquired his
fortune through unfair means. His honesty and
liberality were among his most marked characteristics,
and no man seeking to rise by his own endeavors ever
asked assistance of Mr. Miller in vain, while
many a one has received aid without even soliciting it
and owes his success in life to Mr. Miller's
helping hand. In his death the community lost one
of its most prominent and progressive men, his wife a
loving and devoted husband, and his children a kind and
indulgent father.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
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MRS. LORENZ MILLER
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records
of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago:
J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
| |
SAMUEL
MILLER, senior member of the farm of Miller &
Kreilick, manufacturers of lumber and cooperage
stock, and an enterprising, successful business man of
Salem township, Ottawa county, was born in Schuylkill
county, Penn., Aug. 3, 1841, to Samuel and Polly
(Zimmerman) Miller, both natives of Pennsylvania,
who settled in Rice township, Sandusky county, in the
year 1858, and were honored and respected residents of
that county for many years. Their family consisted
of eleven children, nine of whom are yet living:
Nathan, residing in Decatur, Ind.; Mary,
now the wife of Solomon Linn, residing in
Decatur, Ind.; Samuel, our subject; Fiana,
wife of David Davis, of Fremont, Sandusky Co.,
Ohio; Isaac, residing in Ottawa county;
Rebecca, now the wife of Samuel Leaser, of
Sandusky county; Ella, wife of Wallace Bloom,
of Bethlehem, Northampton Co., Penn.; and David,
who resides on the homestead farm in Rice township,
Sandusky county. Both the parents have now been
laid to rest.
The subject of this sketch received but the meager
educational advantages of a frontier period. He
attended the German schools of Pennsylvania for a short
time; but his English education has been acquired
chiefly through his own personal efforts. When but
a young lad he apprenticed himself to the trade of a
carpenter, at which he worked until 1861, when he
enlisted in Company G, Eighth V. I., for ninety days,
and when his term of service had expired, having decided
to abandon military life, he came to Salem township and
engaged in the lumbering business, and he has been a
continuous resident of the township for about thirty
years.
In July, 1869, Mr. Miller was married to Miss
Amelia Kreilick, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth
(Reitz) Kreilick, and to this union have been born
four children, viz: Cassie E., wife of
Edward Gordon, of Oak Harbor; Cora Alice, now
the wife of Charles Fought, also of Oak Harbor;
Alvesta, now the wife of Laurence Leiser
and Adam Franklin, both of whom reside on the
home place. During his long residence in Salem
township Mr. Miller has made many warm friends,
who recognize in him a man of sound judgment and of
upright character. In his political affiliations
our subject is an active supporter of the Democratic
party; socially, he is a member of Oak Harbor Lodge No.
495, F. & A. M.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
| |
WILLIAM
MILLER. Among the leading residents of
Ottawa county none are more deserving of representation
in this volume than the gentleman whose name opens this
review, and who is numbered among the valued citizens of
this community, as well as among the prominent fruit
growers and farmers of Portage township. He was
born in that township, Feb. 4, 1844, and is a son of
Henry J. and Susan (Wonnell) Miller, a sketch
of whom appears above.
Mr. Miller acquired his education in the
district schools near his home, and subsequently for two
years pursued his studies in Baldwin University, of
Berea, Ohio. He then turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits, which he has since continuously
followed. He was the first in his township to grow
peaches for market, planting his first orchard in 1868,
and is at present quite extensively engaged in that
branch of fruit growing. He thoroughly understands
his business, and his capable management and fair and
honorable dealing have brought to him a well-deserved
success. During the war of the Rebellion he served
as a private in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth
regiment, Ohio Infantry.
On Jan. 12, 1875, he was married to Miss Eliza
Petitt Alexander, of Marblehead, Ohio, who was born
in Piqua, Ohio, June 23, 1850, a daughter of David
Alexander (a sketch of whom follows) and
Harriet (Petitt) Alexander. Two children grace
this union: Henry A., born Mar. 7, 1877; and
Mary F., born Dec. 20, 1879. The parents of
Mrs. Miller were both natives of Pennsylvania.
The subject of this sketch has filled the office of
director of the County Agricultural Society for several
years. He was one of the organizers of the
Peninsula Farmers and Fruit growers Club. which
existed for several years, and also assisted in
organizing the first Farmers Institute in the county,
acting as its president for two years. He is a
member of the Ad Interim Committee of the State
Horticultural Society; is the present master of the
Grange, and does all in his power for the advancement of
the farming interests of his locality. For ten
consecutive years he has been a member of the township
school board, and the cause of education finds in him a
warm friend. He is an ardent supporter of the
Republican party, and in 1892 was nominated by the
Republicans of the Ninth Congressional District as
candidate for Presidential elector, was elected a member
of the electoral college, and cast his vote for
President Harrison. In his religious views
he is a Methodist. His life has not been one of
excitement, being quietly passed in devotion to his
business enterprises; yet it is not without its points
of interest as is not without its points of interest as
is that of every an who faithfully performs his duty to
his country, his neighbor and himself.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
| |
WILLIAM
G. MILLER, a most prominent fruit grower of
Danbury township, Ottawa county, was born Dec. 13, 1859,
on the old homestead farm which is still his place of
abode, and throughout the community in which he has
always lived he is held in high regard, a fact which
indicates a well-spent life.
Descended from German ancestry, the family was founded
in America by CLAUS MILLER, the
father of our subject, who was born in the Province of
Hanover, June 2, 1821, and emigrated to this country in
1838, locating in New York City, where he engaged in the
grocery business until 1851. In that year he came
to Ohio, and took up his residence in Danbury township,
Ottawa county, casting in his lot with its early
settlers. Here he successfully engaged in
agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred
May 2, 1880. He was married in New York City, June
2, 1847, to Kathrina Buck, who was born in the
Province of Hanover, Germany, Aug. 1, 1824, and with her
parents crossed the briny deep in 1840. To Mr.
and Mrs. Miller were born five children: Anna C.,
who was born in New York, April 2, 1848, is now residing
in Toledo, Ohio; John H., born in the same place,
March 11, 1851, was a prominent farmer and fruit grower
of Danbury township, Ottawa county, and died April 20,
1894, leaving a widow and two sons; Herman, born
March 4, 1853, is now residing in Sandusky, Ohio;
William G. is the next in the family; Matilda E.,
born May 5, 1862, is the wife of J. W. Muggy, who
is living in Catawba Island.
In the usual manner of farmer lads William C. Miller
spent the days of his boyhood and youth and acquired his
elementary education in the district schools of his
native township, after which he entered Oberlin College,
at Oberlin, Ohio, where he pursued his studies four
years. In the meantime he taught school three
terms, and after the completion of his school life
continued teaching several terms, being employed seven
terms in Danbury township, and two on Catawba Island.
During this time he also followed agricultural pursuits
on the old homestead, and since 1886 he has devoted his
entire attention to farming and fruit raising. He
now owns and operates a rich and well-cultivated tract
of land, forty acres being devoted to peaches, pears and
plums, and the neat appearance of the place indicates
his systematic and careful supervision. He has
made the growing of different kinds of fruits adapted to
the soil a specialty, and believes in thorough and
intensive cultivation, to obtain best results.
On January 20, 1892, Mr. Miller married Miss
Lydia Reitz, daughter of Rev. G. F. Reitz,
who was born in Brownsville, Minn., June 29, 1866, and
one child graces their union - Helen C., born
Nov. 8, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Miller attend
the Lutheran Church. He is highly esteemed in the
community, where he resides, for his sterling worth and
strict integrity, and belongs to that class of
progressive and public-spirited young men to which the
West owes its prosperity and advancement.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
 |
CAPTAIN WILSON S. MILLER is one of the
native sons of Ottawa county, and a citizen of whom the
community may well be proud. He was born in
Portage township May 9, 1839, so of Henry J. and
Susan (Wonnell) Miller, the former of whom was born in
Zanesville, Ohio, May 18, 1812, and died Nov. 12,
1874; the latter was born July 25, 1817, and is still
living.
Capt. Miller's paternal grandfather, William
Miller, was born in Columbia county, N. Y., of Irish
parentage. He removed to Ohio, about the time it
came into the Union as a State, settling in Zanesville;
he married a Miss Barnes, a lady of Scotch
ancestry. The maternal grandparents were natives
of Maryland, and coming to Ohio about 1828 settled in
Portage township, Ottawa county, where they passed their
remaining days.
The old home farm was our subject's place of abode
during his childhood and youth. He obtained his
early education in the district schools and then entered
Berea (Ohio) College, where he studied during the fall
and spring terms, and taught in the winter for three
years. His labors in that direction, however, were
interrupted in 1861 by his response to President
Lincoln's first all for 75,000 volunteers.
At the expiration of two years' service he re-enlisted
as a veteran for three years more, and served with
Company I, Forty-first O. V. I., faithfully performing
the duties which fell to him, and valiantly defending
the old flag and the cause it represented. His
meritorious service won him a promotion from the ranks
to the place of second sergeant, then orderly sergeant,
after which he was made first lieutenant and
subsequently commissioned captain of his company, in
which capacity he served until the close of the war.
He was also placed on the roll of honor established by
Gen. Rosecrans. He participated in the
battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Missionary Ridge,
Franklin and Nashville, the Atlanta campaign and others,
and during his four years of service made a military
record of which he may justly be proud. After his
muster-out from the army on Nov. 27, 1865, Capt.
Miller returned to his home farm, and on December
18, 1866, was married to Miss Mary E. Boggs, of
Elmore. Her father, Moses Boggs, was born
in Nova Scotia, Jan. 18, 1807, and became one of the
pioneers of Harris township, Ottawa county. His
wife, Mary, was born in Clark county, Ohio, Apr.
28, 1814, and was a daughter of Joseph and Letha Hall.
They were marred Apr. 6, 1834, and to them were born two
children - Mary E. (Mrs. Miller) and George W.
Moses Boggs was a son of James Boggs and
Mary O'Brien, who moved with their family from
Nova Scotia to Hamilton County, Ohio, thence in 1824 to
Ottawa County.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller
purchased a farm one mile west of Elmore, living there
until 1870, when he sold that place and purchased the
farm on which he now resides, one mile east of Elmore.
It is one of the finest farming properties in the
county, comprising 175 acres of highly-cultivated land,
supplied with good buildings, and all modern
improvements which indicate the progressive farmer of
the nineteenth century. Four children came to
bless the home: Bert F., born Feb. 8, 1858;
Walter B. and Jessie L. (twins), born Dec.
21, 1870; and Mary B., born Oct. 26, 1874.
The eldest was educated at Hiram College and Butler
University, and is now a lawyer of San Francisco, Cal.;
he was married March 17, 1894, to Estella Thomas,
of that city. Walter was educated in the
Elmore schools, and at Hiram College, and is now aiding
his father in the labors of the farm. Jessie
was educated in the Elmore schools and in Hiram and
Berea Colleges. The youngest daughter, Mary B.,
was graduated from the schools of Elmore in 1893, and
finished her education in Hiram and Bethany Colleges.
The mother of this family died Apr. 27, 1878.
On Nov. 17, 1881, Mr. Miller married Miss
Victoria N. Paddock, of Ashton, Ill., who was born
in Ogle county, Ill., Dec. 19, 1840. Her father,
Riley Paddock, was born in Clark county, Ohio, in
1810, and died in 1887. He married Eliza Scoddy,
who was born in Kentucky, Aug. 31, 1810, and they had
four children, all yet living. Their daughter,
Mrs. Miller, was educated in Rock River Seminary, in
Illinois taking a three years' course there in
literature and music. When twenty-five years of
age she removed to Ashton, Ill., where her marriage was
celebrated. She is a lady of culture and
refinement, and shares the high regard in which her
husband is held.
In addition to his large farming interests Mr.
Miller is extensively engaged in fruit raising, and
has on his farm twenty-five hundred fine peach trees,
twelve hundred plum trees, twelve hundred pear trees,
and considerable smaller fruit. This branch of his
business yields him a good income. He keeps on
hand fine grades of stock, making a specialty of the
breeding of polled Shorthorn cattle, has shipped cattle
to nearly every State in the Union, and has done much to
raise the trade of stock in Ohio. His stock is
registered in both the American Shorthorn and Polled
Durham Herds Books, and he is vice president of the
Polled Durham Breeders Association of America. He
is one of the enterprising, wide-awake farmers and stock
raisers, and is recognized as a leader in his line of
business. He is a contributor to various
agricultural journals, especially on subjects pertaining
to stock. In politics he is a Republican, and an
enthusiastic worker in the interest of his party.
His entire life has been passed in Ottawa county, and he
is known as a straightforward, honorable business man,
systematic in his methods, and possessed of excellent
executive ability. He has won success through his
own efforts, and today is numbered among the substantial
as well as leading agriculturists of the community.
As a citizen he is true to every duty, and all who know
him respect him.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page |
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JOHN MINIER Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio:
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 709 |
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SAMUEL MINIER Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 640 |
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JOHN MITCHELL,
proprietor of the "Lake House," Port Clinton, Ottawa
county, a well-established and popular hotel is a native
of New York State, born Oct. 14, 1833, at Ithaca, a son
of Patrick and Ann (O'Neil) Mitchell, natives of
Ireland, who came to this continent about the year 1828.
Patrick Mitchell was a soldier in a British
regiment stationed at Quebec, Canada, for about a year,
then left for the United States, locating at Ithaca,
where, in 1832, he married Ann O'Neil. Here
for a time he followed the trade of stone mason, and
some years later served in what was known as the Florida
war, under Gen. Wool, having enlisted at Utica,
N. Y., in Company D, Third United States Infantry; also
served in the Mexican war, enlisting at Pontiac, Mich.,
and on his return from that campaign, in 1847, he died
at Detroit, Mich. Later his widow (who with her
only child, our subject, occompanied her husband
during the Florida war), married Patrick Gillick,
she died, in 1866, at Milford, Oakland Co., Mich., her
second husband following her to the grave one year
later.
John Mitchell, our subject, spent his childhood
in Utica, N. Y., and his boyhood in Fennville and
Milford, Mich., until he was eighteen years old, when he
moved to Detroit and hired out as teamster to Reeves
& Jennison, contractors and builders. After
working for them about a year they took a contract to
build a large cement mill at Ottawa City, and sent him
there to take charge of their teams, which he did until
the ill was completed; after that he sailed the lakes
about three years, as a man before the mast, running
chiefly between Toledo and Buffalo, and occasionally to
Lake Huron. He afterward worked among the farmers
on the Peninsula, and was the first to follow fishing at
Port Clinton with pound nets.
In 1861 Mr. Mitchell raised Company I,
Forty-first O. V. I., for service in the Civil war, of
which company, when organized, he was elected captain.
At the camp of instruction, Cleveland, he was by some
unaccountable error, through no fault of his own,
deprived of his rank, and obliged to go as a private,
which he did remaining with Company I until December,
1864, during which time he had been promoted to second
lieutenant, then to first lieutenant, later to captain.
The war being nearly at an end, he resigned and settled
on a farm he had bought on Catawba Island, which he
cleared up and put into fruit. In the fall of 1866
he was elected sheriff of Ottawa county, and held the
office four years. In 1870 he went into the lumber
business, and four years later was re-elected sheriff,
serving four years more. After this he followed
lumbering extensively, in partnership with Alphonse
Couche (since deceased), at various localities -
Port Clinton, Rocky Ridge, and several places in the
State of Tennessee. After that he rebuilt a large
gristmill at Oak Harbor, ran it several years, and then
sold it to a Mr. Barnes. He then took
charge of the "Central Hotel" at Oak Harbor, conducting
it two years; after which he came to Port Clinton and
bought the "Lake House," of which he has since been
proprietor.
On Feb. 8, 1858, Mr. Mitchell was married at
Port Clinton, Ohio, to Miss Nancy Ann Napier, who
was born Apr. 25, 1840, daughter of Benjamin and
Erepta (Landon) Napier, the former by birth a
Scotchman, the later being of English descent.
Mr. Naper was a sailor on the lakes from his boyhood
until seventy years of age, when he died of cholera at
Chicago, Ill.; his wife passed away at Marblehead,
Ottawa Co., Ohio in 1890, at the age of eighty-six
years. The children of John and Nancy Mitchell
are: Jennie Ann (born in Port Clinton
lighthouse), john, Catherine, Delia, Clarence, James,
Alpha, Frank and Robert Emmett.
* Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 594 |
| |
CASPER MOLITOR, a
fruit grower and wine manufacturer of Danbury township,
Ottawa county, was born in Rhenish Prussia, Germany,
July 30, 1828, and is a son of Joseph and Katrina (Cleis)
Molitor, also natives of Germany, who passed away in
the Fatherland, the former about the year 1887, the
latter in 1866. In their family were eleven
children, and those who still survive are John,
Joseph, who since 1894 has resided in Chicago;
Wentzel, a resident of St. Louis, Mo.; Catherina
Miller living in Germany; Marie Josephine,
wife of Henry Spay, a resident of Bloomington,
Ill.; and Moritz, who is still living in the
Fatherland.
The gentleman, whose name introduces this record, was
reared to manhood in his native land, and acquired his
education in the common schools. His father was a
contractor and builder, and in the days of his early
manhood he acted as overseer of his father's business.
In 1849, on account of the Revolution then in progress
there, he left his own country for France, and made his
home in the Province of Loraine some two years. He
then determined to try his fortune in America, and in
1851 crossed the Atlantic to New York, where he resided
three years. A similar period he spent in
Wisconsin, and in 1857 he settled in Cincinnati, where
for a time he was engaged in the leather business which
pursuit he had previously followed in Springfield, Ohio.
In 1869 he returned to Germany, and there remained three
years. In 1872 he again took up his residence in
Cincinnati, and in 1873 removed to Sandusky, Erie
county, Ohio, spending the succeeding four years of his
life in that place, engaged in the manufacture of wine.
In 1877 he purchased his present place of business, and
erected the winery which he now owns, and which is
one of the largest in the county, with a cask capacity
of 150,000 gallons. He conducts his affairs on
strict business principles, and is meeting with
excellent success in his undertakings, deriving
therefrom a good income.
Mr. Molitor has been twice married: first time
to Mrs. Katrina Hemish, widow of Edward Hemish,
the wedding being celebrated in Cincinnati. This
lady died Aug. 24, 1877, and in 1881 Mr. Molitor
was again married, this time in Buffalo, N. Y., to
Josephine, daughter of Mathias and Margaret
Molitor, natives of the Rhenish Province in Germany,
the former of whom has passed away, and the latter is
now making her home in New Orleans. To our subject
and his wife have been born five children, three of whom
are living: Bertha Mina, born Jan. 8, 1884;
Theressa Josephine, born March 21, 1885; and
Marguiretta, born Jan. 12, 1889.
In his political views, Mr. Molitor is a
Republican, having supported that party since 1856,
becoming an American citizen, and in its growth and
success he takes a deep interest. Socially he is
connected with Castle Rock Lodge, No. 21, Knights of G.
R., of Lakeside.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 486 |
| |
GEORGE
O. MOMENY, retired merchant and hotel-keeper of
Oak Harber, Ottawa county, whose parents ranked among
the prominent pioneers of Sandusky county, Ohio, and who
himself is a native as well as one of the oldest living
residents of the section of the State to which this
volume is devoted, first saw the light of day in
Fremont, October, 24, 1822.
JOSEPH MOMENY, father of our
subject is a native of Canada, while the mother, who
bore the maiden name of Catherine Gonia, was born
in Monroe, Mich., and both were of French descent.
The former served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and
was sent by Gen. Harrison with dispatches to
Gallipolis, on the Ohio river. On the close of the
war he took his family and, accompanied by a neighboring
family of the name of Beaugrant, made is way across the
country with one horse from Monroe, Mich., to Ohio.
They left on account of the Indian ravages. He was
well known and on friendly terms with the Indians,
however, and therefore his party was not molested,
though they witnessed the death of several other
settlers at the hands of the savages. The party
landed at Presque Isle, at the head of Maumee Bay, and
continued their journey to the mouth of the Huron river,
where they remained until the winter of 1813. The
following spring they proceeded on their way to Sandusky
county, and located where now stands the city of
Fremont, but at that time the site was an unbroken
wilderness. Joseph Momeny worked at the
baker's trade, and continued his residence in this
section of the State up to the time of his death, which
occurred in 1837. His faithful wife passed
away in 1834. They had a family of eight children,
of whom George O. is the only one now living.
Our subject's boyhood days
were passed in Sandusky county amidst the wild scenes of
pioneer life, and with the dangers of which the present
generation have little realization. Like other
children of pioneer parents, he received very limited
educational privileges, pursuing his studies in an old
log schoolhouse with half barrels for seats. The
strictest discipline was maintained by a stern
schoolmaster, who believed that "to spare the rod is to
spoil the child." In early life Mr. Momeny
was initiated into farm labor, and became familiar with
the arduous task of developing wild land that had
hitherto been untouched by the plow. Subsequently
he entered upon a clerkship in a general store, but his
labors were interrupted in 1846 by his enlistment in the
United States Army. He was assigned to Company C,
Fifteenth Regiment, commanded by Capt. James A. Jones,
of Norwalk, Ohio, and Col. George W. Morgan.
He served for one year, and Sept. 13, 1846, was so
severely wounded in the left arm as to necessitate the
amputation of that member at the shoulder. In
consequence he was detained in the hospital for nine
months, and on becoming convalescent was discharged in
the City of Mexico, whereupon he returned to his home in
Fremont, Ohio.
During the succeeding five
years Mr. Momeny was a tollgate-keeper on the
Western Reserve and Maumee road, and in 1852 was
appointed lighthouse-keeper at Port Clinton, efficiently
filling that position for three years. In 1855, he
embarked in general merchandise there, carrying on his
store until 1858, when he emigrated westward, locating
in Hannibal, Mo., where he was again engaged in general
merchandising for three years. In 1861 he returned
to Port Clinton, and re-engaged in mercantile pursuits
for a year, when he removed to the country, and devoted
his time and energies to purchasing furs. His
residence in Oak Harbor dates from 1866, and for seven
years he was proprietor of a hotel and grocery store.
Since 1873 he has been engaged in fruit growing, but is
now practically living retired.
Mr. Momeny has been
twice married. He first wedded Miss Angeline
Guyett, but afterward separated, and later he was
married at Oak Harbor, in February, 1866, to Miss
Hester La Jenness, who was born in Monroe,
Mich., Jan. 14, 1856, a daughter of Henry L. and
Delia La Jenness, residents of that place and
natives of Canada. Three children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Momeny: George H., born
Sept. 22, 1878; Mary Louise, born Jan. 6, 1880;
and Alvarretta, born Nov. 26, 1890. Mrs.
Momeny and the family attend the Roman Catholic
Church. In his political views Mr. Momeny
is a stalwart advocate of the Democracy, and has served
as a member of the town council of Oak Harbor, and for
four years was a member of the school board, acting for
three years as its president. His fellow townsmen
recognize in him a citizen who is devoted to the welfare
of Oak Harbor, and who in all possible ways will promote
its interests. His career has been that of an
honorable, straightforward business man, and no one is
more worthy of the esteem in which he is held than is
George O. Momeny.
*Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 451 |
| |
JOSEPH
MOMENY - See GEORGE
O. MOMENY Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
| |
IMMER
C. MOORE (deceased) was a farmer and fruit grower
of Erie township, Ottawa county, and a Union soldier in
the war of the Rebellion. He was in Port Clinton,
Portage township, Ottawa county, Aug. 21, 1841, and was
a son of Cyrus and Esther H. (Knight) Moore, who
were among the early settlers of Port Clinton, and
afterward removed to Erie township.
Cyrus Moore died Dec. 7, 1871; his widow,
Esther H., is still living at the age of
seventy-eight years. They had a family of seven
children, as follows: Eleanor E., wife of I.
K. Gibbons, residing at Gypsum, Ottawa county;
Immer C., subject of this sketch; Celina S.,
wife of Richard B. Moore, of Oketo, Kans.;
Lucinda F., wife of Nathan Pierson, of
Carroll; Abigail E., wife of Brinton Hoopes,
residing in Toledo; ROBERT B.; and
Mary A., wife of James Snider, of
Erie township.
When but a youth Immer C. Moore accompanied his
parents to Erie Township. He was reared a farmer's
boy, received his education in the district schools, and
was employed for a number of years in sawmills in Ottawa
county, also railroading for a short time; but the
latter part of his life was spent in agricultural
pursuits. He served as a private in Company C,
Forty-first O. V. I., from October, 1864, until the
close of the war. In Adrian, Mich., Sept. 21,
1876, Immer C. Moore was united in marriage with
MARY E. DUBACH, and they had five
children, their names and dates of birth being as
follows: Laurence D., Jan. 27, 1878;
Mabel, July 31, 1879; Grace, Aug. 13, 1880;
George, Aug. 16, 1883; and Harold, Feb.
23, 1887. Mr. Moore was a Republican in
politics. The family attend the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Immer C. Moore died Apr.
8, 1895.
*Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of
Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.
1896 - Page 399-400 |
|
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DANIEL MUGGY Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio:
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 617 |
|
|
GEORGE E. MUGGY Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 618 |
|
|
J. W. MUGGY Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio:
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 828 |
|
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JOHN C. MUGGY Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 617 |
|
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GEORGE MYERHOLTS Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 612 |
|
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HENRY MYERHOLTS Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 619 |
|
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JOHN E. MYERHOLTS Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and
Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page |
|
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FREDERICK MYLANDER
is one of the sturdy, substantial farmers of Salem
township, Ottawa county, who have endured the trials and
hardships incident to a pioneer life, and been
instrumental in converting what was at one time a vast
unbroken wilderness into well-cultivated, productive
farms; and under whose strong arm the noble giants of
the forest have given place to beautiful fields of
waving grain, and the old log houses of a quarter of a
century ago to homes of comfort and architectural
beauty.
He was born in Prussia, Germany, Aug. 23, 1823, to
Henry C. and Elizabeth (Kelling) Mylander, and
received his preliminary education in the schools of his
native land, during his early life being trained to the
duties of the farm. In 1846 he emigrated to
America, locating first in Cleveland, Ohio, where he
remained until 1853, in which year he purchased some
eighty-two acres of land in Salem township, Ottawa
county, upon which he erected a log house, and set to
work clearing a portion of the land for his crops; and,
being a young man of great energy and determination, he
made great progress in this work. at the end of
four years Mr. Mylander returned to Cleveland,
where he remained some five years, at the expiration of
that time once more taking up his residence in Salem
township, Ottawa county, of which he has added
considerably to his worldly possessions, and is now the
owner of one of the most attractive and productive farms
in the county.
Mr. Mylander has been thrice married, the first
time to Miss Anna Maria Frieze, of Cleveland,
Ohio, to which union were born eight children, only
three of whom are now living, viz.: Henry,
John Frederick, Jr., and August, all
residing in Salem township. Our subject's second
wife was Mrs. Anna Marie Summenmeyer, widow of
Fred Summenmeyer and in 1877 he was again united in
marriage, this time with Mrs. Anna Marie Tousing
to which union one child, Louis T., was born Aug.
3, 1878. The family are strict adherents to the
Lutheran church, taking an active interest in all church
work, and socially they enjoy, to the fullest extent,
the respect and esteem of the community.
JOHN FREDERICK MYLANDER, a son of
the subject of this sketch, was born in Cleveland, Ohio,
Dec. 31, 1862, and came with his parents to Salem
township, Ottawa county, when but one year old.
His primary education was received in the district
schools of the township, and until reaching manhood he
remained at home assisting his father in the care of the
farm. In 1893 Mr. Mylander left the
paternal abode, going to Kansas, where he remained about
fifteen months. Then returning to Salem township
he engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of
years. Later he spent three years in Toledo, Ohio,
in which city he worked as a carpenter; but always
having a preference for the place where he had spent his
boyhood days, he again returned to Salem township in
1894, and has since been engaged in agricultural
pursuits. Our subject has inherited all his
father's good qualities, and as a consequence is a man
of indomitable perseverance and of upright character.
On Mar. 12, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss
Elizabeth Miller a daughter of Ferdinand and Mary
Miller, and to this union have come two children:
Gertrude L., born May 7, 1892, who died July 28,
1892; and Lester R., born Dec. 16, 1893.
(Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of
the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J.
H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 796 |
|
|
H.
C. MYLANDER, the popular hardware merchant of Oak
Harbor, Salem township, Ottawa county, and a prominent
and progressive citizen, was born in Oak Harbor, May 22,
1860, the oldest son of H. H. Mylander, also a
resident of that enterprising town.
Our subject received his preliminary education in the
public schools of his native place, and was employed in
his father's store up to 1879, in which year he engaged
in the mercantile business at Rocky Ridge, Ottawa Co.,
Ohio. In 1880 he disposed of this business, and
returned to the place of his nativity, of which he has
since been a constant resident. Mr. Mylander
was united in marriage, at Oak Harbor, June 1, 1880,
with Miss Marion A. Young, who was born Mar. 17,
1861, daughter of George and Emma J. Young, of
Carroll township, Ottawa county, and to this union came
six children, as follows: Pearl, Georgia, Francis,
Marguerite, Robert, who died Feb. 17, 1892, and
Howard.
Politically, Mr. Mylander is a stanch
supporter of the Democratic party, and for two years he
very acceptably filled the position of corporation
treasurer. Socially he is a member of Oak Harbor
Lodge No. 495, F. & A. M., Fremont Chapter No. 64, R. A.
M., and Fremont Council. But few men have taken
more interest in the welfare of the county, and none
command more completely the respect and confidence of
the community at large than does Mr. Mylander.
The family are members of the M. E. Church.
(Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 718 |
|
|
HENRY
O. MYLANDER, a carriage maker and blacksmith of
Oak Harbor, and a popular and progressive citizen, was
born upon the old homestead farm in Salem township,
Ottawa county, Feb. 27, 1864, and is the eldest son of
Casper and Flora (Brinkmyer) Mylander The
public schools of the neighborhood afforded him his
educational privileges, and he spent the days of his
boyhood and youth upon his father's farm until eighteen
years of age; but not wishing to make agriculture his
life work he then began to learn the blacksmith's trade
in Oak Harbor. A few years later he embarked in
business for himself, and carried on operations for
about eight years, when he found that his health was
failing. This necessitated a change of employment,
and selling out, he accepted a position on the steamer,
"Frank E. Kirby," plying on the lakes. He
continued in that employ for three summers, working at
the blacksmith's trade during the winter. On the
expiration of that period he returned to Oak Harbor, and
in December, 1894, again began business for himself in
that place.
Mr. Mylander was married in Port Clinton, Ohio,
Mar. 17, 1885, to Miss Annie Holder, daughter of
Christian and Mary Holder who was born in
Wittenberg, Germany. They now have two interesting
children: Eleanora F. R., born Nov. 24, 1885; and
Clara Lucilla Mary, born July 27, 1889.
They gladden the home with their presence, and the
little household is noted for its hospitality which is
cordially extended to the many friends of our subject
and his wife. In his political views, Mr.
Mylander is a Democrat, but has had neither time nor
inclination for public office, although he faithfully
performs every duty of citizenship as it comes to him.
He is now doing a good business as the leading carriage
maker and blacksmith in Oak Harbor, where by courteous
treatment, fair dealing and an earnest desire to please
his customers he has built up an excellent trade.
He is enterprising and progressive, and well deserving
of the success that may come to him.
(Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 635 |
|
|
HERMAN
H. MYLANDER, county treasurer of Ottawa county,
by virtue of his long residence at Oak Harbor, and high
position in society, is well worthy of a prominent place
in the pages of this volume.
A Prussian by birth, he was born in the town of Menden,
Westphalia, Nov. 8, 1830, a son of Henry C. and
Elizabeth (Kelling) Mylander, both also natives of
Prussia. In 1854 they emigrated to the United
States, with a small party of German colonists, locating
in Ottawa, Ohio, where the father died in 1880, the
mother in 1883. They had eleven children, all born
in Germany, four of whom survive, viz.: Frederick,
residing in Oak Harbor; Herman H., subject of
this sketch; John H., residing in West Harbor.
Our subject, as will be seen, was a fourteen year old
boy when he came to this country, and as a consequence
his education was for the most part received in his
native land. About a couple of years he spent at
Toledo and Woodville, Ohio, as an apprentice to the
mercantile business, at a salary of four dollars per
month; but in 1857 he returned to Oak Harbor and
commenced business on his own account, since which time,
now a period of some forty years, he has been
continuously identified with Salem township and Oak
Harbor, and their development. In the year last
named he established the first general store in Oak
Harbor, at that time a mere village, known as
"Hartford," and in connection with this business he has
also been largely interested and extensively engaged in
the manufacture of staves and headings, having a factory
at Oak Harbor. During these forty years Mr.
Mylander's line has been devoted to an industrious
and energetic business career, and every dollar he has
accumulated has been invested and expended in the
building up and development of his town and township.
There is not a Church in Salem township that has not
been benefited by contributions from Mr. Mylander,
and to every public enterprise of moment he has always
been a liberal subscriber.
On July 22, 1859, our subject was married, at Oak
Harbor, to Miss Sarah Troutman daughter of
John and Elizabeth (Heilbach) Troutman, and born in
Tuscarora, Schuylkill Co., Penn., Dec. 23, 1841; she came
to Ottawa county, in 1855, with her parents. This
union has been blessed with four sons and two daughters,
as follows: Henry C., born May 22, 1860, a
prominent hardware merchant of Oak Harbor; William
H., born May 28, 1861, a manufacturer of cooperage
stock, and having charge of his father's business in
Sandusky, Lindsay and North Creek; Franklin E.,
born May 19, 1863, died June 13, 1864; Mary A.,
born Nov. 21, 1864, wife of W. Harmon, deputy
county treasurer; George C., bookkeeper in his
father's store at Oak Harbor, born Mar. 27, 1869, and
Emma B., born Feb. 16, 1872, for some time a teacher
in Ottawa county.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Mylander has never
been an office-seeker; but in 1894, without any
solicitation on his part, he was nominated, by his
party, as a candidate for county treasurer, and on
November 6 of that year was elected to that honorable
position, one that he fills with characteristic ability
and fidelity. For twelve years he served as
councillor of Oak Harbor, and for eight years was school
director, also filling the position of school treasurer
for the same length of time. He is a man of more
than ordinary business qualifications, to-day ranking
among the solid men of Ottawa county, and enjoying an
enviable and well-merited popularity. He is also
highly respected in the community for his moral worth,
and many unassuming charitable deeds.
(Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of
the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J.
H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 381 |
|
