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BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
 Source:
History of Crawford County, Ohio
Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers
186 Dearborn Street
1881
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Whetstone Twp. -
DAVID SCHRECK; P. O. Galion; was born in
Dauphin Co., Penn., Aug. 22, 1829. He is the son of
Andrew and Elizabeth (Buffington) Schreck, both of
whom were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married, and
resided until 1835, when they came to Crawford Co., Ohio,
locating on the Annapolis road, a short distance from Bucyrus.
They remained there some four years, and then removed to
Whetstone Township, which they made their home until their
deaths. The mother died in 1858, and the father in 1872.
The father was a soldier of the war of 1812. When he
arrived with his family at Bucyrus, in 1835, he had but $4.
He was an industrious man, however, and, with the assistance of
his good wife, who was a great weaver, and kept her loom going
early and late, managed to raise their large family in a very
creditable manner. David's early life was passed
upon his father's farm. He received such education as the
schools of that early day afforded. He was married to
Miss Belinda Sherer Oct. 19, 1851. She was born in
Stark Co., Ohio, Mar. 30, 1832. There have been eleven
children born to them, nine of whom are now living - John A.,
Francis M., George W., Sarah E., Sina B., Emanuel W., Ira E.,
Clara E. and Samuel I. The names of those
deceased were Martha J. and Ida M. Mr. Schreck
followed, for twenty-five years during the fall and winter
months, threshing. He also, during that time, cleared with
his own hands 60 acres of heavily timbered land. From
boyhood to the present time, he has paid close attention to
diseases of the horse. He uses only new and rational
remedies, and is one of the most successful veterinary surgeons
in Crawford Co. He owns 180 acres of well-improved land;
is a stanch Republican, and a member of the English Lutheran
Church.
Source:
History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin &
Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 901 |
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Bucyrus Twp. -
JOSIAH SCOTT, son of Alexander Scott
and Rachel McDowell, was born near Cannonsburg, Washington
Co., Penn., Dec. 1, 1803. While yet a youth he entered
Jefferson College - walking from home every day and back - and
graduated in 1823. After this he spent nearly six years in
teaching - two years in Newtown, Berks Co., Penn., two years
near Richmond, Va., and two years as tutor in his Alma Mater.
While engaged in teaching, he studied law privately , borrowing
books for that purpose. He commenced the practice of law
in Bucyrus in the spring of 1829. Some ten years after
this he was a member of the Ohio Legislature, and, in 1844, was
the elector for his district on the Henry Clay ticket for
President. In 1850 he removed to Hamilton, Ohio, and in
1856 was elected to the Supreme Bench of the State, and twice
afterward re-elected, positively declining a re-nomination.
In 1868, he returned to reside in Bucyrus, and, in 1876, Gov.
Hayes appointed him as the head of the Supreme Judicial
Commission, on which he served for the three full years of his
appointment. He died June 15, 1879, about three months
after his term of service had expired. Mr. Scott
never sought any official position to which he was chosen or
appointed. The office sought the man, and not the man the
office. Although a man of great and varied talent, he was
constitutionally modest and diffident. He was a man of
extensive learning - a fine scholar in all the branches of an
academic course. He excelled both as a linguist and
mathematician. He could translate the Greek and Latin
author is with great ease and accuracy. He learned to read
the Hebrew Bible without a lexicon, grammar or instructor.
He was a complete master of mathematics, and it is said never
failed to solve any problem given him that was solvable.
He was the author of the rules for the formation of "perfect
magic squares." As a lawyer he was logical, eloquent,
brilliant, humorous, pathetic or sarcastic, as the circumstances
dictated. As a Judge, he was learned, profound, concise,
and thoroughly conscientious. As a Christian he was
humble, devout, thoroughly familiar with the Scriptures, and a
fine theologian. He was a ruling Elder in the Presbyterian
Church for nearly forty years. He had an unusually large
head and brain, and without effort could concentrate his mind
upon all questions he was called upon to consider. His
moral character was above reproach."His life
was gentle, and the elements
So mixed in him, that nature might stand up
And say to all the world, this was a man."
Source: History of Crawford County,
Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186
Dearborn Street. - 1881 - Page 808 |
JACOB SCROGGS
(Portrait found with his son, Charles Jacob Scrogg's biography) |
Bucyrus Twp. -
JACOB SCROGGS, attorney at law, Bucyrus.
Among the names of prominent men in Bucyrus and Crawford Co.,
that of Hon. Jacob Scroggs, deserves especial mention.
Jacob Scroggs, son of John and Ann (Shawke) Scroggs,
was born in Canton, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1827. His father was
born in the city of Baltimore June 9, 1794, and was a hatter by
trade, having served his apprenticeship seven years, in his
native city. In 1819, he removed to Cumberland Co., Penn,
where he lived one year, and then removing to Columbiana Co.,
Ohio, where he was married in 1821. Was engaged in
business at Canton. He removed from Stark Co. in 1839,
coming to Crawford Co. by team and settling on the site of his
son's present residence. He died in 1861. Throughout
his life he was a pure-minded, fervent Christian, a member of
the M. E. Church. He participated in the war of 1812,
being engaged in the bombardment of Fort McHenry and North
Point. His wife's father, Jacob Shawke, was a
soldier in the Revolution. His son Abel Shawke
invented first steam fire-engine, which was tried in the winter
of 1851-52, in Cincinnati. the subject of our sketch
assisted his father in the hat trade until he attained his
majority, acquiring a limited education. He also spent
some time in the printing office of T. J. Orr, publisher
of the Democrat-Republican, and, later, with J. R.
Knapp, of the Bucyrus Forum, as a type-settler.
After he was 21, he taught school five terms, and was also
Deputy Sheriff. He was also employed in the Clerk's and
Probate offices as copyist, in the meantime acquiring a
knowledge of medicine, and was a clerk in Toledo in 1851 and
1852. He then represented Winthrop D. Smith, in
introducing the Eclectic school books, traveling one season. He
then entered the law office of D. W. Swigart, having been
a student of Judge Hall. Next, he attended the
Cincinnati Law School, graduating in May, 1854, and was admitted
to the bar in Hamilton Co. He continued with D. W.
Swigart until February, 1855, when he opened an office here,
beginning without capital, and has worked his way into
affluence. He was Mayor of Bucyrus from 1855 to 1859.
He is now serving his way into affluence. He was Mayor of
Bucyrus from 1855 to 1859. He is now serving his eighth
year as member of the School Board, and fifth as President of
that body. Was Presidential Elector on the Republican
ticket, in 1864, for the Ninth District. He was married,
in September, 1859, to Julia A. Walwork of Bucyrus, a
native of Pennsylvania. They have one son, Charles J.,
a promising student at Ann Arbor, Mich.
Source: History of Crawford County,
Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186
Dearborn Street. - 1881 - Page 817
NOTE: Also See his Father's Biography (see
biography) in A Centennial Biographical History of
Crawford County, Ohio - Chicago: 1902 - Page 266 |
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Bucyrus Twp. -
WILLIAM M. SCROGGS, deceased; is the son
of John and Anna (Shawke) Scroggs, and was born May 27,
1825, in Canton. He left school at 11 years of age, and
entered a tailorship to learn the trade; he worked in the town
of Canton until about 14, when he came to Bucyrus with his
father's family, in 1839. He here completed his trade with
Peter Howenstein, and in a few years opened a shop of his
own, and in 1851 added a stock of clothing, being one of the
early merchant-tailors of Bucyrus. He retired from the
business of tailoring about the year 1860. Apr. 25, 1849,
he was married to Miss Margaret A. Byron, of Bucyrus; she
was born in Huntington Co., Penn. and came to Bucyrus in 1835.
About 1850, Mr. Scroggs was elected Mayor of Bucyrus, a
position he held for several years, being at the same time
Justice of the Peace. On the completion of the Ohio &
Indiana Railroad, he was appointed conductor, and run the first
regular passenger train over the new road, having his office at
Crestline. Subsequently he returned to Bucyrus and studied
law, for which he had a profound admiration, and was admitted to
the bar about 1864. In 1868, he was elected Auditor of
Crawford Co., and re-elected in 1870 by a large popular
majority; he proved a faithful and efficient officers. He
died peacefully Nov. 6, 1874, in his 50th year. Of his
family, there is but one daughter living - Frank M., a
teacher in the Bucyrus schools; two sons and a daughter are dead
- Mary A., Edmund K. and George B. Mr.
Scroggs began life with few of this world's goods, and by a
life of earnest labor, left his family in good circumstances..
Deprived of the advantages of education in youth, he sought by
personal endeavor to repair the loss. He studied that book
of books, the Bible, until he was familiar with every portion of
it. While following his vocation, a convenient volume was
ever near him, until he became one of the best-read men of his
day. He collected an extensive library, embracing the
choicest treasures of history and literature, over which he
pored with an ever-increasing delight. He was generous to
a fault, and within the sacred domain of home, surrounded by his
family, he deemed himself more favored than the monarch on his
throne.
Source: History of Crawford County,
Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186
Dearborn Street. - 1881 - Page 811 |
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Lykens Twp. -
JACOB SEERY, farmer; P. O. Poplar; was
born in Ross Co., Ohio, Nov. 19, 1825, and is a son of
Solomon Seery, Sr., one of the pioneers of this township.
He passed his youth and early manhood in assisting his father
and elder brothers to clear the old homestead. Not until
25 years old did he commence doing for himself. On Jan.
22, 1852, he was united in the bonds of wedlock to Miss
Lavinia A. Coon, who was born Dec. 18, 1833, in the Dominion
of Canada, and is a daughter of Elisha and Olivia (Boyce)
Coon. In October, 1840, they moved to Ohio, and
settled in Crawford Co. After his marriage, Mr. Seery
located on the farm on which he now lives, the improvements
consisting of a small cabin and stable. It was partly
cleared, and by industry and careful management he has brought
it to a high degree of cultivation, and possesses one of the
most valuable farms of the township. His marriage has
proved a happy and prosperous one, and has been blessed with
four children, Alvaro, De Forest B., Lorenzo M. D., and Reno
Roscoe. The eldest died when 12 years old.
Mr. Seery served in Company C, 136th O. N. G., during the
late rebellion, being located at Fort Worth. He has served
as Trustee, has been a Republican since the organization of the
party, and was a Whig in early life.
Source2: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin
& Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 1040 |
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Lykens Twp. -
PETER SEERY, farmer; P. O. Poplar; is one
of the substantial and well-known citizens of this township, and
is prominently identified with her growing interests. He
was born Oct. 5, 1818, in Ross Co., Ohio, and is a son of
Solomon Seery, Sr., whose sketch is given elsewhere.
He has always been a farmer, and July 13, 1845, was married to
Margaret A., daughter of William and Rhoda Pennington.
She was born Oct. 13, 1818, in Virginia, and came here about the
year 1826. After marriage, Mr. Seery settled on the
farm on which he now lives, the improvements consisting at that
time of a cabin and a few acres cleared. By years of
patient and steady labor, he has created a productive farm, and
many years ago their primitive house was replaced by one more
commodious and elegant. His wife departed this life Nov.
3, 1873. She had borne five children, Mary F., who
died in infancy; William H., Willard W., Rhoda M. and
Phoebe J. The sons are married. Both he and his
wife united with the United Brethren Church before their
marriage, and have devoted their lives to Christianity. He
was identified with the Whig party in early life, and cast his
first vote for Gen. Harrison. He is at present a
Republican.
Source: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin
& Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 1041 |
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Lykens Twp. -
SOLOMON SEERY, farmer; P. O. Poplar; was
born Sept. 22, 1823, in Ross Co., Ohio. Solomon Seery,
Sr. his father, was born in Washington Co., Penn. and when
10 years old accompanied his mother to Ross Co.
Educational advantages were meager at best, but he, being the
only child, was compelled to forego these, and labor for the
support of his mother, and is said to have learned to read after
his marriage. His mother was afterward united to Jacob
Foy, and came to this county. He was married in Ross
Co., to Magdalena Van Gundy, who had come there from
Pennsylvania when yet young. He developed a farm there,
and in the fall of 1832, with his two eldest sons, came here,
and commenced clearing, having entered three 80-acre lots.
He returned to his family, and the following spring came here,
erected a cabin, planted a small crop of corn, and then leaving
his eldest son and daughter to keep house, himself and second
son went back, and, after harvesting, started for the place with
the family, and arrived here Sept. 1, 1833. He afterward
entered three 80-acre lots, making 480 acres of Government land
taken by this one man, which he and his sons developed as fast
as possible. He died July 2, 1860, and his companion on
July 24, 1873. The subject of this sketch has always been
a tiller of the soil, and his early life was spent in developing
forest land. On Sept. 4, 1856, he united his fortunes with
those of Elizabeth Park. She was born Nov. 9, 1832,
in Hampshire Co., Va., and is a daughter of Amos and Sarah
(Baker) Park. Her father moved from there to Licking
Co. Ohio, in 18326, and, two years later, came to this county,
where he lived until 1873, and has since been located in
Williams Co., Ohio. His wife died in 1871. Since
marriage, Mr. Seery has lived on the farm where he now
resides, and where he has erected convenient and elegant
buildings. His marriage has been blest with three children
- Independence, John W., and Russell O. Both
he and his amiable companion have devoted many years to
Christianity, and are consistent members of the United Brethren
Church. He is identified with the Republican party, and
advocates temperance.
Source: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin
& Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 1041 |
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Chatfield Twp. -
GEORGE SHAFFER, farmer; P. O. New
Washington; was born Dec. 15, 1815, in Alsace, Neabronn,
Uhrwirller, and is a son of John and Catharine (Zeider)
Shaffer, who were born in April, 1786, and January, 1787,
respectively. John Shaffer, the father of our
subject, was a tailor by trade, which vocation he taught his
son, but, it being distasteful to him as an occupation, he never
followed it. Having entertained favorable impressions of
America, he resolved he would cast his lot with it, and, at the
age of 18, he bade adieu to the "Faderland," "and set sail for
the land across the sea, to better his fortune, and a farmer to
be." Upon his arrival, he turned his steps toward the
Buckeye State. Reaching Stark Co., he remained within its
borders two years, during which time he worked by the day and
month, and then came to this county in 1835, having $50 in
money. He entered 40 acres the year previous to his
coming, in Chatfield Township, Sec. 3, in the southeast quarter.
The land was covered with dense timber, which he began in a
small way to clear up. So, building a rude cabin, he and
his wife began life in earnest. They were married in Stark
Co. July 15, 1833. Her name was Anna Zoebst, and
she was born in 1809, at the same place as himself. She
was a daughter of John and Margaret (Liever) zoebst, who
emigrated to his country. The log-cabin above mentioned
was for many years the best house in the neighborhood. The
first year, he had three acres cleared, which he sowed in wheat.
The wolves and other wild beasts were his most plentiful
neighbors and frequent visitors. Money was exceedingly
scarce, and very hard to obtain. Their wants were few,
but, when money became a dire necessity, he would go off
many miles and obtain work on the canal and other public
works to obtain the "Needful." Their furniture was plain and
home-made. Their frugal meals were relished heartily,
though eaten off rude tales of his own construction, while
sitting on the soft side of slab stools. Yet they were
happy and murmured not, but hoped for better days, when they
should be able to afford better. The children born to him
are George, now of Henry Co.; Elizabeth, now
Mrs. Donnenwirth; John, now in Indiana;
Jacob in Cranberry; Adam, on the home farm;
Catharine, now Mrs. Shaver, and Anna, now
Mrs. Richart, of New Washington. His wife died in
March, 1877. His farm consists of 150 acres of land.
Mr. Martinis one of the best citizens in the township,
stanch and reliable in every particular. He has been a
member of the church founded by Martin Lulther
since he was 15 years of age, and is on exemplary and consistent
Christian.
Source:
History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin &
Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 1013 |
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Whetstone Twp. -
C. R. SHECKLER, physician; P. O. North Robinson.
This gentleman attended the public schools of Bucyrus until the
age of 15, when he began the study of medicine in the same town,
in the office of Dr. Cuykendall under whose instruction
he completed his medical education in about three years, after
which he attended the Columbus Medical College, at the capital
of the State, at which institution he graduated during the
spring of 1876. Soon after his graduation, he began the
practice of his profession in the village of North Robinson,
where he has since remained, with a rapidly increasing business
practice. He was born in the county seat Mar. 7, 1855, and
is the son of E. F. and A. G. (Shawk) Sheckler, both
natives of Pennsylvania from which State they emigrated to
Bucyrus at quite an early day. The subject of this sketch
was united in marriage with Miss Kate Bogan Apr. 15,
1880; she was born in Whetstone Township, Crawford Co., Ohio, in
January, 1862. Dr. Sheckler is also engaged in the
drug business in the village, and has quite a flourishing trade,
which is on the increase. He is a member of the Democratic
party.
Source:
History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin &
Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 902 |
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Bucyrus Twp. -
DANIEL J. SHECKLER, Eagle Machine Works,
Bucyrus; was born in April, 1824, in Bedford Co., Penn., and is
a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Needler) Sheckler.
His father died when he was 1, and his mother when he was 5
years old. He lived with his aunt in Bedford until he was
8, when he went to live with his godfather, George Beegle,
having been christened in the old Lutheran Church. He
worked with him on the farm until he was 14 years old. He
then returned to the village of Bedford, and worked at tailoring
for two years; then worked at cabinet-making, which proved more
congenial to his tastes. He learned the trade with
John Stall, working some seven years in Pennsylvania, and
came to Bucyrus, Ohio, in the fall of 1845. Began work
first on a farm, and at whatever he cold find to do, having but
50 cents when he landed. He soon found employment in the
shop of C. Howenstine, where he worked one year at $15
per month, and then formed a partnership with him, but had run
but about six months, when all was swept away by fire, having
just laid in a stock of lumber, which was also destroyed.
They again started upon Mansfield street, and continued about
two years, when Mr. Shecker retired, and went to work in
a machine-shop operated by James Kelley. He worked
as a hand about eight years - his true employment. In
about 860, he and F. E. Frey bought the stock, Kelley
& Widgeon having failed. They paid for the stock the
first year, and the assignee offered the property for sale about
1862, when they purchased it for $3,500, and continued the
business about four years with good success, when, in August,
1867, all was again destroyed by fire, leaving them with nothing
but $4,000 insurance. With this they began building the
following winter their present foundry, which is known as Eagle
Machine Works. The partners were F. E. Frey, Mr.
Sheckler (the subject) and George Quinby, each owning
a third interest. They manufacture engines, horse-powers
and saw-mills, brick machines, and do a general foundry
business, and, of late years, make the Eagle Portable Engine.
The firm changed in 1875, when Mr. Sheckler retired,
selling his interest to Mr. Quinby, and, in the meantime,
running the works for the firm. Mr. Quinby retired
in 1877, and William Hoover purchased his interest.
The firm now is Frey, Sheckler & Hoover, Mr. Sheckler
having again taken an interest. The works at present
employ eighteen hands, and have six buildings - foundry,
machine-shops, blacksmith-shops, engine house, coke and sand
house, store and paint-shop, office and pattern-room.
Mr. Sheckler has been married twice - the first time, April
26, 1848, to Sarah Ann Albright, of this county, and, of
this marriage, all are dead but one daughter - Mary.
The wife died Apr. 3, 1855. He was married a second time
to Charlotte Stewart, daughter of Joseph Stewart,
Oct. 28, 1857. Eight children have been born of this
marriage - Franklin J., Jackson, Vaneleer, Amelia, Edward,
Stewart, Frederick, Jesse. Mr. S. votes the Republican
ticket, and is a member of the M. E. Church, and one of its
Trustees.
Source: History of Crawford County,
Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186
Dearborn Street. - 1881 - Page 816 |
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Bucyrus Twp. -
FRANK J. SHECKLER, Bucyrus; was born July
14, 1857, in Bucyrus, and went to school, graduating in the high
school at the age of 20. He then entered the office of the
Eagle Machine Works, where he served as clerk, book-keeper and
financial manager. In the spring of 1879, he began buying
and grazing stock, and doing a general shipping business.
He still, however, gives his attention to the machine works.
He was married, May 21, 1879, to Miss Jennie Bryant, of
Wyandot Co. She is a daughter of the late Isaac Bryant,
and was born Feb. 22, 1858. They have one daughter - an
infant - born July 6, 1880. Mr. Sheckler is a
thriving and energetic young business man, who is succeeding
admirably, and is a valuable citizen of Bucyrus.
Source: History of Crawford County,
Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186
Dearborn Street. - 1881 - Page 816 |
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Auburn Twp. -
JOHN P. SHECKLER, farmer and stock-dealer;
P. O. Plymouth; was born in Auburn Township, Mar. 3, 1829.
He is a son of John and Rachel (Pettit) Sheckler.
The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of
Virginia. They were married in Richland Co., Ohio, in
1820, and were the parents of eight children - Elizabeth,
Catharine, David, Thomas, John P., Christina, James and
George. David is dead. Thomas and
George are in Indiana, Christina is in Richland Co.,
and the balance are in Auburn Township, Crawford Co., Ohio.
Mr. Sheckler died in 1860, and Mrs. Sheckler in
1835. They came to Auburn Township in 1821, and were of
that class of pioneers that dangers and hardships did not daunt.
Mr. Shecker was said to have been one of the best
and most respected men that are identified with Auburn
Township's early history. His son John was
reared on the farm. He received a good common school
education, and was married in 1862 to Lenora Ashley,
a daughter of Ebenezer and Mary Ashley, and by her has
the following family: Rachel E., born Mar. 9, 1863,
and died Sept. 10, 1864; Mary, born Aug. 15, 1864, and
E. Blanche, born Jan. 1, 1867. Mr. Sheckler is
a prominent Republican and farmer in Auburn Township. He
owns 112 acres of excellent farming land, and is highly
respected by his friends and neighbors.
Source: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ.
Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn
Street. - 1881 - Page 875 |
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Whetstone Twp. -
SAMUEL SHOOK, farmer; P. O. Bucyrus; he is
the eldest of a family of twelve children born to Valentine
and Nancy Shook, the former a native of Northumberland Co.,
Penn., and the latter of Hagerstown, Md. They were married
in Stark Co., Ohio. In 1827, the father entered the
eighty-acre tract of land now belonging to Christopher Kiess,
in this county, and, the following year, he left Stark Co. with
an ox-team, two cows and six head of sheep for his possessions
in Crawford Co. The family had to live in their wagon
until a log cabin was built, which took some time, after which
they got on quite well, as all were willing to work. The
father had been an Ensign in a regiment under the command of
Gen. Harrison during the war of 1812. After coming to
this county, he followed carpentering in connection with
farming. He died in 1843, and his wife some twenty years
afterward. Samuel Shook was born in Stark Co.,
Ohio, March 15, 1815, and, from the time he was 8 years of age,
was kept almost constantly at work helping to care for the
family, and, in these pinching times of want and necessity, he
learned the salutary lessons of economy and industry which have
marked his career through a long and eventful lifetime. He
was married, Oct. 5, 1848, to Miss Margaret Christman,
who was born Sept. 4, 1828, in Germany. Her parents,
Adam and Elizabeth (Snyder) Christman, came from Germany to
the United States in 1840. To Mr. and Mrs. Shook
have been born five children - Francis L. and Sarah R. E.
living; Jefferson, John and Mary deceased.
In politics, Mr. Shook was at first a Whig, and later,
when new issues gave rise to the Republican party, he took an
advanced position with it in favor of the Union and equal
rights. He owns 264 acres of land, and, beginning as he
did, a poor boy, he has struggled up through his own efforts to
a position of wealth and influence. He is eminently a
self-made man, and may well be proud of his achievements.
Source:
History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin &
Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 900 |
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Lykens Twp. -
MICHAEL SHUPP, retired farmer; P. O.
Broken Sword; the eldest of a family of nine children; was born
in Dauphin Co., Penn., July 24, 1809. His father, whose
name was also Michael Shupp, was a native of that county,
and was there married to Rebecca Wise. Being a
farmer by occupation, he concluded to emigrate to the West,
where land was plenty and also cheap, and, the 28th day of May,
1828, he landed at Bucyrus, Ohio, with is family. He
immediately entered 80 acres of land in Lykens Township, which
he carefully developed, and then sold, and bought a
quarter-section of new land. He again entered the struggle
with the elements of Nature, but had the satisfaction of
possessing a larger farm when once he had it cleared. He
died in 1836, and his wife in 1843. The subject of this
sketch commenced doing for himself when 22 yeas old, and,
working out one year, received the sum of $100 for his services,
with which he entered 80 acres of land. After improving it
he sold, and bought the quarter-section where he now lives.
This he has also cleared and rendered valuable by a lifetime of
industry and careful attention to the minute details connected
with the duties of a successful farmer. He was married,
Mar. 4, 1834, to Susannah, daughter of John Adam and
Anna Maria (Wirt) Miller. She was born June 19, 1817,
in Union Co., Penn., and came to this county in 1830. She
died Dec. 19, 1877, having born fourteen children, twelve of
whom are living - Isaac, Amanda, Mary Ann, Lavina, Noah,
Caroline, Lucinda, Benjamin, Henry, Susannah, Catharine and
Julia. All are married except the youngest three.
Mr. Shupp is a member of the church known as the
Evangelical Association, in which his son Noah is a
minister. His wife also was a member of the same church.
Source: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin
& Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 1043 |
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Sandusky Twp. -
ALEXANDER SMITH, farmer; P. O. Sulphur Springs, was born
in Washington Co., Penn., June 2, 1821, and is the son of
Joseph and Jane (Hogan) Smith. His father was born in
Pennsylvania in 1797, and came first to Ohio in 1821. He
entered 160 acres of land and settled on it permanently in 1825,
being one of the earliest settlers in the township, there being
but five families then there. He settled on the land now
owned by his son. He lived here and exerted himself to
improve his land until his death, in 1843, at the early age of
46. The subject of our sketch was left, as the eldest of
six children, to look after the interests of both farm and
family, which he did in a creditable manner, working hard and
being economical. He early took a lively interest in
religion, and has been, throughout his life, a consistent,
earnest Christian worker, who has devoted much time and means to
the advancement of Christ's cause. He was one of the
earliest residents of his township, and is now probably the
oldest living settler. He was married in 1843, to Nancy
Jane Dicks, of Columbiana Co. Of this marriage, there
are five children living -
Martha Jane,
Joseph Marion, Porter Willis, Ada and Alexander.
Phoebe Murilla and Tabitha Ann are dead. Mr.
Smith has been one of the most successful farmers of the
township, and is one of its most prominent men.
Source: History of Crawford County,
Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186
Dearborn Street. - 1881 - Page 881 |
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Lykens Twp. -
CORNELIUS SMITH, carpenter, Broken Sword;
is the eldest child born to Frederick and Lucy Ann (Shupp)
Smith, and was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1847.
He received a good common-school education, much of it being
secured by his own exertions when not at school, through his
habits of study at odd hours. When 18 years old he
commenced teaching, and followed it for several years with fair
success, but relinquished it for the carpenter's trade, which is
his present business, and his efforts have been crowned with
like results. He was married Apr. 3, 1870, Mary
Catharine Ludy become his wife. She was born in this
county Mr. 17, 1850, and is a daughter of Michael and
Catharine (Leimenstoll) Ludy, who came to this country from
the Old World. They have two children Joseph Clarence
and Cora Ellen. Both he and wife are consistent
members of the German, Reformed Church. He has a pleasant
property situated at Wingert's Corners, and is one of the
cultured citizens of the place. He is a Democrat.
Source: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin
& Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 1043 |
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Lykens Twp. -
LOUIS F. SMITH, farmer; P. O. Lykens; was
born in Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1836, and is a son of
Frederick Smith, one of the most prominent farmers of the
county. Louis was reared to agricultural pursuits,
but, possessing good business qualifications, he has made
himself useful in other ways, while conducting his farm.
He was married Sept. 5, 1859, to Christean Wilhelm.
She was born in Stuttgart, Germany, Dec. 6, 1840, and came to
this country when six years old. Their union has proved a
happy and prosperous one, and has been blessed with eight
children, five of whom are living - Sophia, Adolphus, Clara,
Loretta and John H. Mr. Smith owns a pleasant
farm, which is the result of well-directed labor and care.
He is a man of recognized ability, being at the present time
Master of Subordinate Grange, No. 245, and has important
relations with the county and State Grange. He is
prominently identified with the Crawford Co. Agricultural
Society, and manifests a degree of interest in its success.
Both he and his companion are members of the Pyethist Church.
He has always been a Democrat.
Source: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin
& Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 1044 |
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Lykens Twp. -
LUCY ANN SMITH, farmer; P. O. Broken
Sword; is a daughter of Michael Shupp, one of the first
settlers of Crawford Co., and was born here June 3, 1830.
Her parents dying when she was yet in her childhood, she lived
with her brother Michael until her marriage, Dec. 20,
1847, to Frederick Smith. He was born and reared in
Saxony, Germany, and, when grown to maturity, emigrated to
America. He came direct to Columbus, Ohio, and, being a
stone-mason by trade, immediately went to work and soon
established his reputation as a first-class workman. He
secured contracts for bridges on the National pi8ke then being
constructed, and in a few years had saved several hundred
dollars, with which he bought a quarter-section of Government
land in Lykens Township, Crawford Co. He moved on this in
1840, developing, and bringing it to a high degree of culture.
His first marriage was to Christiana Lipman, a native of
Saxony, Germany. She died in 1846, leaving four children,
Louis F., John F., Adolphus G. and Clara. By his
second union, eleven children were born, ten of whom are living
Cornelius, Matilda, Catharine, Frederick, Henry, Lucy Ann,
Jefferson, Emma J., Melancthon and Serepta. Mr.
Smith departed this life Dec. 3, 1877, and the farm has
since been conducted by his wife. He was an influential
and prominent citizen, and well known throughout the county.
In November, 1862, he was elected Justice of the Peace, an
office which he held till his death. He was Township Clerk
for many years, and School Director most of the time since
living in the county. He was connected with the Grange,
and was Master at the time of his death. He was also a
member of the county and State Granges. He was a member of
the Evangelical Association, but had been a Lutheran in early
life. He was a Democrat.
Source: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin
& Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 1042 |
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Liberty Twp. -
NELSON SMITH, sawyer and farmer; P. O. Bucyrus; was born
Feb. 7, 1844, in this township. He is the son of Thomas
and Mirilla (Ketchum) Smith, who came here young, and, after
they were married, located near where Mr. Smith lives.
Our subject is the seventh of a family of nine children, who are
all deceased, except himself and one brother. His parents
were among the first settlers of the county, and knew well the
hardship which pioneer life subjected them to. Both died
on the same farm, where they first began for themselves the
mother in 1853, and his father five years later. Nelson
worked on his father's farm until he was 27 years of age, except
one year in which he worked at the carpenter's trade. On
Nov. 29, 1866, he cast his lot with that of Cornelia Hise,
who was born in this township Feb. 27, 1846. They have two
children - Willie F. and Nellie B. In 1870,
he purchased and erected a good saw-mill on his premises, which
he has run ever since, doing a good deal of work. He owns
20 acres of land in connection with his mill, which makes them a
comfortable home, and which he has made by his own industry.
He is a member of Liberty Lodge, Knights of Honor, No. 845.
Source:
History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin &
Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 942 |
|
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Jefferson Twp. -
OLIVER SMITH, farmer; P. O. North
Robinson; was born in Crawford Co., in 1846, and is a son of
Joseph Smith, who was of German descent, his parents coming
to America about 1795, and settling in Pennsylvania, where they
lived and died, and where Joseph lived until about 1840,
when he came to Crawford Co. In his family there were five
children—Leonard, Gilbert, Mary E.,
Matilda and Oliver, all of whom live in the county
yet. Oliver is the youngest of the family, and he
yet resides on the farm that his father purchased when he came
to the county, and which was cleai'ed and improved by the
family. In 1869, Oliver was married to Eliza Van
Voorhis, daughter of W. R. Van Voorhis, whose
biography appears in this work, and who was among the first
settlers of the county. From this union there are seven
children—Florence V., Frank, Le Roy,
Jessie M., Orvil A., Harry, and the youngest
is yet unnamed. Mr. Smith has always
followed farming and stock-growing for a business.
Source:
History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin &
Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 1006 |
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Liberty Twp. -
SAMUEL SPONSELLER, farmer; P. O. Bucyrus;
was born Dec. 31, 1836, on the place which he now owns.
He is the youngest of a family of eleven children. His
father, Michael, and mother, Susana (Mentzer)
Sponseller, came from Columbiana to Crawford Co. with seven
of their children in 1832. They settled on the northeast
quarter of Sec. 20, in this township, and his first purchase was
80 acres, for which he paid $400 to his brother-in-law, Jacob
Mollenkopf. He (Mollenkopf) had been here as
early as 1828, and made some improvements, but moved west of
Bucyrus when Mr. Sponseller bought him out, where he died
many years ago. Mr. Sponseller was possessed of
considerable money when they came here and soon purchased 80
acres more besides entering other 80 acres. One relic of
the pioneer improvement still remains on the place in the shape
of an old log barn, which was built in 1838. When it was
up to the square, the famous wind-storm, so destructive in this
section, swept over, carrying the tops of a large hickory and
two large oak trees into one of the bays, filling it completely,
which was a terrible job to get cleared out, considering the
height of the walls and the weight of the pieces carried in by
the wind, and while chopping and clearing it out, he sustained a
serious injury on his foot. In 1858, he replaced the old
residence with a good substantial frame dwelling, now occupied
by Samuel. They had eleven children - Elizabeth,
who married George Emery, and died, leaving three
children; John, who died in Van Wert Co.; Susan,
now the widow of Martin Brown, late of Indiana; Julia,
wife of Eli Bressler; George, now in Van
Wert Co.; Fred, in this county; Emanuel, in
Hancock Co.; Henry, now in Kosciusko Co., Ind.; Reuben,
in Defiance Co. and Samuel (he was a twin, but the other
died in infancy.) After many years of anxious care and
toil, with a varied experience of pioneer life, Mrs.
Sponseller closed her worldly cares in death, in 1858.
Mr. Sponseller married a second wife, the widow of one
Mr. Hatten, whom he followed across the river in 1874.
Samuel Sponseller, our subject, married Sarah A.
Kling, daughter of Moses Kling, Apr. 18, 1861.
She was born Oct. 1, 1840. For twelve years after they
were married, they rented land in this neighborhood, although in
nine years from the time they were married, he purchased 40
acres, and afterward bought 15 acres more. He subsequently
purchased the old homestead of 120 acres, after his father's
death. He has held the office of School director for
several years, which office he now holds. They have three
children - Sylvanus E., James Q. and William H.
During the early settlement of this neighborhood, the locality
known as the Wolf Swamp, was infested with wildcats of a very
large size, which caused them much annoyance by carrying off
lambs, and Mr. Sponseller's place adjoining was subjected
to their ravages frequently.
Source: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ.
Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn
Street. - 1881 - Page 942 |
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Bucyrus Twp. -
JOSEPH STEWART, retired, Bucyrus, whose portrait and that of his
deceased wife, appear in this book, was born in Carlisle,
Cumberland Co., PA, where he lived until he was 21 years of age.
He was brought up on a farm and his facilities for receiving an
education were limited, but, such as they were, he
made the best possible use of them, and succeeded
in obtaining sufficient "schooling" to
enable him to get through the world. Mr. Stewart is one of the pioneers of Crawford Co., and
has been an eye-witness to the grand stride of
improvement and civilization made within the
past sixty years. He came to Ohio in the fall
of 1821; entered land in Columbus, but the
family remained in Richland Co, during 1822,
where they raised a crop of grain, and. in 1823,
located in what is now Whetstone Township, in
this county. This season all of their horses
(four in number) died, and they were left in a
rather bad condition. They then traded a copper
still to Nathan Merriman, of Richland Co., for a yoke of oxen, with which a new start was
made in farming and opening of their land, Mr. Stewart's recollection of pioneer days is
very vivid, and, as a matter of interest to the
young financiers of the present day, we will let
him tell us something of early money matters
in his own words. He says: "My brother James and I started down to Carlisle, Penn.; I
took with me $100 in paper money. When we
were ready to return West, my $100 would not buy me a ticket to come home on. My brother
James had as much money as I, but his was in
gold, I had to borrow some money from my
brother John to enable me to get a ticket to
bring me home. If a man had $100 in those
days, he did not know that it would be worth
anything in a week." Mr. Stewart says rattlesnakes
were plenty, and when they used to go
out on the prairies to mow the grass for hay, they were
compelled to make grass ropes and wrap round their legs as a
protection against these poisonous reptiles, and that they had
killed as high as four in mowing "one round," says Mr.
Stewart: "The largest and fattest deer I ever killed was a
fat buck, which, after I had skinned and taken out the entrails,
was so heavy I could not hang up, I took fat enough off the
entrails to make a kettle of soap. When we came here,
there were to be seen the paths made by the buffaloes going to
and from their watering places," The following incident is
related by Mr. Stewart, in illustration of early
life in the wilderness: "I was awakened one night by two men
trying to get the door open, I called to them; they said they
wanted to come in. One had a club in his hand, and sprang
against the door, I went to the window, with my loaded gun in my
hand, and leveled it at his breast. He then came up and
wanted a drink of water, but I told him if his tongue was
hanging out of his mouth, I would not give him a drop, and that
if he did not leave at once, I would blow him through.
They both left without further parley, and I saw them no more,"
In the fall of 1824, Mr. Stewart was married to
Jane Steen, of Whetstone Township. The result
of this union was eleven children, three of whom are living,
viz.: John, a farmer, living in Greene Co., Iowa;
Charlotte, wife of Daniel I. Sheckler, of Bucyrus;
Ruth, widow of the late Jonathan Songer, who
was wounded in the battle of Saulsbury, N, C, from which he died
Mar. 4, 1872. The children who were dead were named
Barbara, John, Elizabeth, Mary A.,
Jane, Matilda, Emily, Caroline and
Joseph. Mr. Stewart has retired from
active business, and is now a resident of Bucyrus, enjoying the
fruits of a life of toil. He has been a member of the M,
E. Church for nearly sixty years, and has voted with the
Republican party since its organization.
Source: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ.
Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn
Street. - 1881 - Page 813 |
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Bucyrus Twp. -
PETER STOCKMAN, Bucyrus; was born in Stark
Co., Ohio, July 11, 1823. His parents, Jacob and
Mary (Bolinger) Stockman, were natives of
Pennsylvania. They were married in Stark Co., and were the
parents of eleven children, seven of whom are now living.
In 1828, they came to Crawford Co., and settled in Liberty
Township. The father died in 1867. His wife survives
him, and resides with a daughter in Indiana. They were
hard-working people, and greatly respected by all who knew them.
Peter Stockman was brought up on a farm. He
received but a limited education, as his services were required
at home in assisting to care for the large family. He was
united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret Shroll
in 1865. She was born in Baden, Germany, June 8, 1834, and
her maiden name was Bickle. Her first marriage was
to Mr. Daniel Shroll, one of the early
settlers of this county. From her marriage with Mr.
Stockman there are six children, viz., George P.,
Mary A., John W., Margaret M., Aaron A. and Esther H.
Mr. Stockman began life as a poor boy, and has, by economy
and hard work, made for himself and family a comfortable home.
He owns 138 acres of land, the greater part of which is under
cultivation. He is a man whom every one respects, and has
unbounded confidence in. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ.
Chicago: Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn
Street. - 1881 - Page 810 |
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Vernon Twp. -
J. G. STOUGH, retired farmer; P. O.
Shelby; was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Oct. 11, 1802, and is a
son of John and Catharine (Trautman) Stough. His
father was a native of York Co., Penn., and his grandfather was
born in Wurtemburg, Germany. His mother's father was born
in Maryland, and, while he was very young, the Indians killed
his father and carried away into captivity three of his sisters.
Some time afterward, he came to Ohio, on the Kilbuck, near
Wooster, and rescued them, taking them back home. Mr.
Stough's father came to Ohio in October, 1806, and settled
first in Columbiana Co., where he lived some twenty-three years.
In November, 1826, the subject of our sketch moved to Crawford
Co. and settled in Liberty Township. His father came in
1829. He was a ministry of the Lutheran Church in 1793,
and served the Lord in his calling for fifty-six years, dying in
July, 1845. Mr. Stough received a substantial
education, and commenced to farm. He was a farmer in
Liberty Township for forty years, and has been a resident of
Vernon for thirteen years. He was married to Sarah
Charleton, in Columbiana Co., Aug. 22, 1826. She was a
native of Washington Co., Md., and born Apr. 8, 1805. She
was a devoted and Christian wife, a loving and sacrificing
mother, and blessed Mr. Stough's varied pathway for
fifty-three years, departing this life the 4th of September,
18879. They had eleven children - Elizabeth, who is
still living and married; John T., dead; Jehu,
dead; Catharine living; Jonas, dead; Francis,
dead; Alba dead; Joseph, a member of Co. C, 49th
O. V. I. and was killed at the battle of Murfreesboro; Sarah
Ann, living; Frances, dead; Mary, still
living. Throughout his long and peaceful life, Mr.
Stough has been a consistent Christian, and more, he has
worked hard in the vineyard of the Master, with an eye single
for the glory of God. His father before him beheld his
labors blessed, as he lifted up his voice in the primitive
scenes of this county. Revered be his memory, and also the
memory of his son, who, old and feeble, is now waiting for the
gates of pearl to open, and once more join with those who have
gone before, and he again united with the wife of his youth and
the comfort of his declining years.
Source:
History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin &
Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 976 |
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Bucyrus Twp. -
D. W. SWIGART, attorney at law, Bucyrus.
This gentleman, one of the eminent practitioners of the Crawford
Co. bar, is a son of George and Elizabeth (Small) Swigart,
and was born Dec. 12, 1824, in Franklin Co., Penn. His
father was born in Pennsylvania in 1789, was a farmer, and
removed to Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1844, where he died in 1856.
His mother was born in 1796, and died in 1874. Their
children numbered twelve, nine of whom are still living.
George is a farmer in Knox Co., Ill.; John, a
merchant in Bloomville; William a farmer in Seneca Co.;
Joseph R. is at Bowling Green, Ohio, practicing law.
The daughters are all married and settled in Ohio. The
subject of this sketch spent his boyhood on a farm, and attended
Marshall College, Mercersburg, Penn. He taught in his
native State for some time, and removed to Seneca Co., Ohio, in
1845, where he taught in the winter and worked on the farm in
the summer. In 1846, he came to Crawford Co., where he
taught school one term, and, in the spring, was made Deputy of
the Clerk's office, holding this for one year, when he was
appointed Clerk, and served until 1852. He attended the
Cincinnati Law School, graduating in June, 1852, and was soon
after admitted to the bar. In 1861, he entered the service
of the United States army as Assistant Quartermaster, and,
during the three years following, handled some six millions of
dollars. He returned to Bucyrus, and continued the
practice of his profession until 1869. In that year, he
was elected President of the A. & L. E. R. R., serving four
years, when he again resumed the law. He was married, Oct.
9, 1848, to Rebecca A. Sweney, a daughter of George
Sweney; they have one child living, Rebecca S. Mr.
Swigart was one of the prominent citizens of his city and
county, and stands high in the estimation of all who know him.
[Since the above was written, Mr. Swigart died suddenly,
Nov. 25, 1880.]
Source:
History of Crawford County, Ohio, Publ. Chicago: Baskin &
Battey, Historical Publishers, 186 Dearborn Street. - 1881 -
Page 813 |
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