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Biographies
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)
Source :
HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY, OHIO
and Representative Citizens
Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio
Published by Biographical Publishing Co.
Chicago, Illinois
1907
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JOSEPH WALLISCHECK,
a prosperous farmer of Recovery township, whose fine farm of
90 acres is located in section 7, was born in Baden, Germany,
July 19, 1846, a son of Philo and Varona
(Theobald) Wallischeck.
Mr. and Mrs. Philo Wallischeck came to America in
1853, first locating for a short time in Cincinnati. From
there they moved to Galion, Ohio, thence to Marion County, and
in 1855 finally located on a farm in Recovery township, Mercer
County, which is now owned by their son Joseph. They
had five children: Joseph, our subject, who is the
eldest of the family; Charles; Frank, who is a
well-known farmer of Recovery township; and Mrs. Susanna
Barth and Catherine, who live in Illinois. Charles
Wallischeck named above, studied for the Catholic
priesthood at St. Charles Seminary, Carthagena, and at other
schools and is a very well educated man. He became a priest in
the Catholic Church and is known as Father Peter. For
the past 12 years he has been a resident of California, where
he is a professor in a college. Recently he made a visit to
his old home in Mercer County, the first visit in 28 years.
Joseph Wallischeck was just seven years old when
his parents came to this country and located in Cincinnati. In
1855, when he was nine years old, his parents settled in
Recovery township on the farm which he now owns. Here he was
reared and educated, and since reaching manhood he has
continued to reside on the home farm, his parents moving in
1880 to Illinois, where they passed the remainder of their
lives. Mr. Wallischeck lives in a fine brick
house, which was built by his father. The family first lived
in a log house and it was necessary to clear the land of the
forest growth before any crops could be grown.
Mr. Wallischeck was married on the 26th of
October, 1880, to Theresa Esser, a daughter of
John Esser. They have had seven children:
Philo Peter, John, Christina
Catherine, Elizabeth, Godfrey, Mary
and Dora. Mr. Wallischeck and family are
all members of the Catholic Church of Mary, Help of
Christians, at Fort Recovery.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 735 |
Price T. Waters, M. D. |
PRICE T. WATERS, M. D.,
who has been established at Chattanooga, Liberty township,
since 1898, is an experienced member of the medical
profession and is recognized as the leading physician and
surgeon of the north-western section of Mercer County.
Dr. Waters was born in Delaware County, Ohio, June
27, 1853, and is a son of Eber D. and Sarah J. (Taylor)
Waters.
His parents removed from
Delaware to Mercer County, Ohio, in 1857, settling in
Jefferson township at a time when few homes had been founded
there. The father was an ardent Republican, and during
the Civil War period was a strong supporter of the
government. He served some years as an officer in the
internal revenue service.
Price T. Waters was reared in Jefferson
Township, where he obtained his primary education. He
was ambitious from boyhood, although mainly dependent upon
his own resources, and persisted until he was able to take
advantage of better opportunities in the Celina High School.
He then engaged in teaching, first in Mercer County and
later in Dallas County, Iowa. In the meantime he
prepared by private study for his chosen profession and then
entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, where
he was creditably graduated in 1886. He first located
at Celina, where he was in partnership, for a short time,
with Dr. G. J. C. Wintermute, and then settled at
Redfield, Iowa, where he remained in active practice for
three years. Delicacy of heath appearing in his
family, he then turned to a warmer climate and for some
years practiced in various parts of the South - at Harriman,
Tennessee, and Dry Branch, Georgia, in particular. He
then returned to Mercer County and after a short practice at
Celina located at Chattanooga, where he is in the enjoyment
of a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Waters
keeps in touch with all modern line of thought in his
profession and is an active and valued member of the county
and State medical societies and also of the American Medical
Association. He is examining physician at Chattanooga
for a number of insurance and fraternal organizations,
including the New York Life Insurance Company; Mutual Life
Insurance Company of New York; the Northwestern Mutual Life
Insurance Company of Milwaukee; and for the New Corydon
(Indiana) camp of the Modern Woodmen of the World, of which
he is an associate member. He is a member of Celina
Lodge, No. 241, F. & A. M., Celina. Ohio.
Dr. Waters was married (first) to Alma E.
Jamieson, of Redfield, Iowa, and they had two children,
the one survivor being Kate, who is the wife of L.
J. Hamilton, of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Dr. Waters
was married (second) to Florence Feldheiser, widow of
Henry Feldheiser and daughter of the late Hon.
Jacob Broadwell, who was at one time probate judge of
Mercer County. Dr. Waters votes with the
Republican party. His portrait accompanies this
sketch.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 403 |
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JAMES SANFORD WATKINS, justice
of the peace of Gibson township and one of the leading farmers
of the township, owns and operates a fine farm of 80 acres,
located in section 27. He was born June 28, 1851, in that part
of Darke County that is now included in Mercer County, and is
a son of James and Laura (Scranton) Watkins.
James Watkins was born in Gallia County, Ohio,
and when a boy was brought by his parents to Darke County,
where he was reared and educated. Fie was married to Laura
Scranton and they became the parents of six children, namely:
Abram, deceased in infancy; Peniah, deceased in
1876, who was the wife of Bentley Masslich;
Clementina, who married Ephraim Hall and
resides at Fort Recovery; Louisa, who married Frank
Hall, of Fort Recovery; James Sanford;
and John, who lived at Fort Recovery at the time of his
death, August 8, 1906. James S. Watkins was
reared on a farm and has spent all his life on one.
Mr. Watkins moved to
his present farm in 1876, at which time it belonged to his
father-in-law, John Sutherland. After the death
of Mr. Sutherland, Mr. Watkins bought out the other
heirs, and has made many improvements on the place, having
built a large frame house and barn. He was a teacher in Mercer
and Darke counties for 21 years.
Mr. Watkins was married
January 6, 1875, to Minerva E. Sutherland, and they had
five children: Charles N., married, who is
practicing medicine at Chattanooga, Mercer County, being a
graduate of the Ohio Medical University at Columbus; Minnie
Annetta, who married Amos Ulmer and has
three children; James S., a resident of Fort
Recovery, who is married and has two children; William,
who died in infancy; and an unnamed son that died in infancy.
Mrs. Watkins died May 4, 1887. Mr. Watkins married
Martha Alice Pearson on January 12, 1889, and one
child was born to this union: Elsie L., who died an
infant. After the death of his second wife he was married,
March 14, 1907, to Mrs. Margaret A. (Gilbert) Richardson,
widow of John S. Richardson.
Mr. Watkins is now serving his second
term as justice of the peace of Gibson township. He was for
some time a member of the School Board. He is a member and
trustee of the Evangelical Church.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 736 |
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WILLIAM WEIR, a representative
farmer and well-known citizen of Hopewell township, who owns a
superior farm of 80 acres, situated in section 30, was born
here, December 9, 1855, and is the only son of Christian and
Minnie (Vogel) Weir.
The parents of Mr. Weir were both born in
Germany and came to Mercer County as settlers when the
greater part of this township was awaiting development.
Christian Weir purchased 40 acres of land, right in the green
woods, obtaining it from the government. He was a
hard-working, thrifty man and cleared his land and reaped
ample returns from it. He was twice married, the mother of our
subject dying in 1871. Politically he was a Democrat.
Religiously he was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.
Christian Weir lived to advanced age, dying May 17, 1902, in
his 90th year.
William Weir remained at home assisting
his father and securing a fair common school education in the
vicinity of his home. He has always devoted his time and
attention to agricultural pursuits and, with the exception of
a residence of nine years in Shelby County, has always lived
in Mercer County.
Mr. Weir was married (first) to Mary A.
Wenker, of Shelby County, who became the mother of four
children: Clara M., wife of Charles Haney, of
Hopewell township; Henry C, of Hopewell township;
Minnie, who resides at New Bremen; and John
William Edward, who lives at home. Mr. Weir
married (second) Elizabeth Eichenauer, and the
two children of the second marriage are: Ada L. and
Orville E.
Mr. Weir is. a good
citizen and an intelligent student of public affairs. He has
not identified himself with any political party, but casts his
vote as his judgment dictates. In local matters his
fellow-citizens know that they can depend upon his support in
promoting all objects looking to the development of the
agricultural resources and the betterment of the public
schools.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 744 |
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WILLIAM ROSCOE WEST,
who owns and operates a fine farm of 95 acres in section 6,
Jefferson township, was born in Darke County, Ohio, July 13,
1859, and is a son of Marcus and Martha (Pratt) West.
Marcus West was born in Delaware, but was taken
to Pennsylvania in childhood and was reared in that State.
In young manhood he came to Darke County with his father,
Jonathan West, and there married Martha Pratt, a
daughter of James Pratt, a farmer of that section.
When William R. West was about three years old, his
parents moved to Mercer County, and settled on a farm of 80
acres which is still occupied by his mother. There he
was reared and remained until his marriage. His father
died Feb. 21, 1905. He was a well known and highly
respected citizen.
On Oct. 15, 1881, William R. West was married to
Emma Karzch, who is a daughter of John Karzch,
and farmer of Hopewell township. Mr. and Mrs. West
have eight children: Ellen, Frank, Lewis, Noah, Floyd,
Bryan, Clara and Lucy. Mr. West is serving
as school director in his district.
After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. West settled on the
farm they leave occupied ever since. His resources
being limited, his first purchase of land consisted of six
acres, to which he gradually added as he could afford it,
buying 37 more in the next purchase, then 12½
and later 40 acres, until now he has a farm as large as he
can conveniently operate, even with the help of his sturdy
sons. Mr. West has reason to fell gratified
with what he has accomplished, as it has been entirely the
result of his own industry and good management. He has
his land in fine condition, and has a comfortable home and
substantial barns and outbuildings.
In politics Mr. West is a Democrat. He is
a good, reliable, industrious citizen and a man in whom his
neighbors repose the greatest confidence.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 410 |
Upper row: Children of Mr. and Mrs. John White
Lower Row: (reading from left to right) - Horace White, John
White, Mrs. Emmarelda W. White, Mrs. Hannah W. Mohat.
On side on top: Mrs. Sarah W. Faught
On side on bottom: Mrs. Rozella W. Miller |
JOHN WHITE, a
leading citizen and representative farmer of Liberty
township, who has resided for a number of years upon his
well-developed farm of 190 acres, situated in section 27,
near Durbin, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, Apr. 5, 1835,
and is a son of John and Sylvia (Wyman) White.
According to family traditions, the White family,
of which our subject is a member, was founded in America by
an ancestor who landed on Plymouth Rock in what is now
Massachusetts, having been one of the "Mayflower's
passengers. The name White appears on the list
of passengers and there is every reason to suppose that the
claim of the family is a just one. From New England, a
branch of the family removed to New York and in that State
John White, the father of our subject, was born and
married. Early in the settlement of Scioto County,
Ohio, he and his wife settled permanently there after a
short residence in Kentucky. Eleven children were born
to our subject's parents, of whom but three are now living,
namely: Horace, John and Mrs. Hannah W. Mohat.
John White served in the War of 1812. Three of
his sons served in the Civil War in defence of the Union:
Horace and Asa in the 91st Regiment, Ohio, Vol.
Ind., and Nelson in the 100-day service.
John White, the subject of
these lines, attended the district schools, the sessions
being held in log structures, rudely built, and grew to
manhood well trained in agricultural work in all its
details. Early in life he became self-supporting and
may justly be termed as a self-made man, having accumulated
his possessions through his own efforts. His
well-cultivated farm is one of value and the family
residence is a pleasant, comfortable home.
On Oct. 26, 1856, Mr. White was united in
marriage with Emmarelda Wilson, who was born in
Jackson County, Ohio, in 1841, and is a daughter of James
and Michal (Gilliam) Wilson, and a granddaughter of
Jeremiah Gilliam, a ship carpenter by trade, who owned a
vessel which was destroyed by the British in the War of
1812. James Wilson, the father of Mrs. White,
was born in Kentucky, and his wife was a native of Chester
County, Pennsylvania. Mrs. White was reared in
Jackson County until the age of six years, when her parents
moved to Scioto County and became neighbors of the White
family. The children of our subject and wife were
as follows: William J., a resident of Stark
County, Ohio; Levi A., of Scioto County; Mary A.,
wife of Daniel C. Roberts, of Dayton, Ohio; George
E., of Liberty township; Lenora A., wife of
John O. Brock, of Liberty township; and Sarah Eliza,
Rozella Adella, Lola I., Edward V. and Clarence V.,
all deceased.
After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. White continued to
reside in Scioto County until 1881, when they removed to
Mercer County. With but a short interval, they have
resided ever since in Liberty township. When the Rebel
general, Morgan, made his famous raid through
Southern Ohio, in the Civil War, Mr. White sent out,
with other good citizens, and assisted in driving the
Confederate raiders from the State. He has always been
active in politics to the extent of good citizenship, and is
identified with the Republican party. For three years
during his residence in Madison township, Scioto County, he
served as constable.
Mr. White has been a church
member since young manhood. During his residence in
Madison township, Scioto County, he was prominently
identified with the Methodist Protestant Church, for several
years serving as class leader and as superintendent of the
Sunday-school, and assisted in the building of two churches
of that religious body. After coming to Mercer County,
both he and his wife united with the Church of God and he is
now a trustee of the church in Liberty township.
Individually and collectively, this family is held in high
esteem in Liberty township.
The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. White was
celebrated at their home on Friday, Oct. 26, 1906, the
guests present on this occasion numbering about 90.
Among those who came from a distance were the following:
Horace White and Mrs. Hannah W. Mohat
(brother and sister of our subject), J. Dillon, Mr. and
Mrs. G. W. White and L. A. White, of Scioto
County; J. O. White, of Columbus; Mr. and Mrs.
Daniel C. Roberts, of Dayton; Dr. and Mrs. A.
Stephenson, of Celina and Mr. and Mrs. White were
present, also seven of the nine grandchildren and six of the
seven great-grandchildren. The surprise of the
occasion was the marriage of their granddaughter, Edna
White, to David Freeman, Rev. O. A. Harris, of
Bluffton, Indiana, performing the ceremony and the
grandfather and grandmother of the bride acting,
respectively, as groomsman and bridesmaid. After the
marriage ceremony, which took place at high noon, all
partook of a bountiful dinner. Many valuable presents
were received by Mr. and Mrs. White.
A family group picture, taken
at the time of the golden wedding, and portraits of two
deceased daughters of the family, accompany this sketch.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 413 |
 |
GEORGE WASHINGTON WILLCUTT,
one of the substantial citizens and representative farmers
of Union township, was born in Center township, Mercer County,
Ohio, Aug. 30, 1853, and is the son of Edward and Susan
(Fox) Willcutt.
Mr. Willcutt comes of Scotch ancestry on the
paternal side and of Dutch on the maternal. His father
was born in Portage County, Ohio, and died in Mercer County,
in 1901, in his 71st year. The mother passed away in
1876, aged 53 years. They were married in Portage County
but moved to Mercer County in 1850, settling in Center
township, where the father purchased 80 acres of land and
established the family home. Here the family of five
children were reared; they were as follows:
Louisa, born in Portage County, who married William
Ballinger, and moved to the vicinity of Bluffton, Indiana,
where she died, leaving a daughter; Emeline, born in
Portage County, who married Joseph Ballinger, has five
children and resides in Norton County, Kansas; George W.;
Mary, a resident of Hoopeston, Illinois, who is the widow
of John Smith; and Jesse, who married Elva
Cook, lives on the home farm and is engaged in farming.
George W. Willcutt spent his boyhood and youth
in attending the district schools and working on the home
farm. Agricultural pursuits have always claimed his
attention and he is an experienced, practical farmer. In
1894 he purchased his present farm of 40 acres, which had been
partially cleared. For some years, however, it had been
rented to different farmers and was in poor condition.
Mr. Willcutt soon remedied the mistakes of those who
had preceded him, made all the excellent improvements which
now make it a comfortable home, and put the land under a fine
state of cultivation. He has always been a hard worker.
On March 3, 1881, Mr. Willcutt was married to
Mary Belle Severns, a daughter of
Frank and Amanda (Boroff)
Severns. Mr. Severns was born near Sidney,
Ohio, and his wife, in Union township, Mercer County. In
her childhood, her parents moved to Iowa, but subsequently
returned to Mercer County.
Mr. and Mrs. Willcutt have five children,
namely: Amanda Edith, who married Lloyd Prichard
and resides in Van Wert County, where her husband is engaged
in farming - they have two children, Lenore and
Franklin Eugene; Lloyd, a teacher, now
residing in Columbus, Ohio; Laura, who married
Willard Roller, resides in Columbus and has one child,
Ruth; and Ruth and Mary, both living at
home.
Although Mr. Willcutt takes no very active
interest in politics, he always does his duty as a good
citizen. He is identified with the Republicans party.
Mr. and Mrs. Willcutt are both members of Wesley Chapel
Methodist Episcopal Church in Union township.
Accompanying this sketch is a group picture of the Willcutt
family and a view of the Willcutt home.
< CLICK HERE FOR WILLCUTT
FAMILY PORTRAIT & RESIDENCE PHOTOS >
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 681 |
Henry F. Willmann
Mrs. Louisa M. Willmann |
HENRY F. WILLMANN
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 373 |
| |
ALOIS JOHN WILLKE,
M. D., who is practicing medicine at Maria
Stein, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 8, 1865, and
is a son of Gerhard and Theresa (Schaper)
Willke, both natives of Germany.
Upon coming to this country, Gerhard Willke
and wife settled at Cincinnati, Ohio. They were the parents of
seven children, three of whom are still living, as follows:
Anna, who married Thomas Unger and resides
in Cincinnati, Ohio; Caroline and Alois
John.
The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days in
Cincinnati, attending the schools of that city. After some
study under private teachers, at the age of 23 he entered the
Medical College of Ohio, now known as the medical department
of the University of Cincinnati, and was graduated after three
years of study. After his graduation, he was appointed interne
physician of the Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, after a
competitive examination. On October 1, 1893, he came to
Maria Stein and engaged in the practice of
medicine.
Dr. Willke was united
in marriage on May 8, 1894, to Caroline Vanderhorst,
a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Kroger)
Vanderhorst. Five children have been born to Dr. and
Mrs. Willke: Ada; George; Marie;
Lucille; and Edgar. Dr. Willke built
his residence shortly after locating in Maria Stein.
He and his family are members of St. John's Catholic Church.
He is a member of several medical societies.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 730 |
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JOSEPH WINHOVEN, a
prosperous farmer of Granville township, residing on a farm
of 160 acres, located in section 33, was born near Egypt,
Auglaize County, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1868, and is a son of
Martin and Dora (Hauman) Winhoven.
Martin Winhoven was born in Perizes, Germany, May
15, 1808, and lived here until he was 47 years old. He
was married four times, his fourth wife, Dora Hauman,
being the mother of our subject. His first wife lived
but a short time after their marriage. His second
marriage resulted in the birth of four children, whose names
are as follows: Henry, who is married and lives
near Toledo, Ohio; Peter, deceased; Anna, who
married Henry Keuter and lives in Egypt, Ohio; and
Catherine, who married John Rising and lives at
Minster, Ohio. After the death of his second wife, he
married again, and his third wife dying soon after, he was
untied in marriage the fourth time, with Dora Hauman,
who was born in Perizes, Germany, Dec. 1, 1829. After
the birth of their first two children, Mr. and Mrs.
Winhoven came to America, in March, 1855, proceeding to
Mercer County and first settling in St. Joseph's Catholic
Church, upon which he lived for many years. He finally
sold his farm in 1877 and moved to Mercer County where he
bought, of Frank Bachman, an 80-acre tract of land,
located two miles northwest of Burkettsville, which is the
farm that our subject now owns. Only 14 acres of this
property were cleared and under cultivation, the remainder
being in timber. He had a log house built which cost
him $110; before its completion he was obliged to move
into it, and when it was necessary to use blankets in place
of windows and doors. On this farm Mr. Winhoven
lived the remainder of his live, his death occurring in
October, 1897, at the age of 89 years. His widow is
still living and resides on a farm in Granville township
near that of her son, the subject of this sketch.
Seven children were born to Martin and Dora (Hauman)
Winhoven, as follows: Conrad, deceased;
Anna Mary, who died in childhood; Caroline, who
married Henry Brinkman and lives in Granville
township; Antony; Catherine, who married
Windel Fink and resides in Dexter, Missouri; Joseph,
the subject of this sketch; and Frank, a resident of
Mercer County, who first married Theresa Havermeyer
and after her death married Ella Tray.
Joseph Winhoven passed the first nine years of his
live on the farm near Egypt and then until he was 22 years
old lived on the farm in Granville township which he now
owns. After his marriage he lived on his
father-in-law's farm one year, then for four years rented
his father's farm, after which he rented Henry Staggler's
farm for two years. This brings us down to the year
1897 when his father died. His mother then had a
public sale of the property on Nov. 29, 1897, at which sale
our subject bought the homestead farm, which lies two miles
northwest of Burkettsville in section 33. In 1904 he
bought 80 acres more from Gerhardt Hinders adjoining
the 80-acre homestead tract, so at the present writing he
has a well-improved and up-to-date farm of 160 acres well
located and in one piece in section 33. In 1900 he
erected a large barn and four years later built a commodious
nine-room frame house, having up to this time lived in the
old log house which his father built when he first located
on the farm 27 years before.
On January 13, 1891, Mr. Winhoven was married by
Rev. John Vanden Broek C. PP. S., to Margaret
Borgerding, a daughter of John G. Borgerding, who
came to this country from Oldenburg, Germany, in young
manhood and was one of the early settlers of Mercer County.
His wife's maiden name was Clara Slotman. She
was a widow at the time of her marriage to him. By her
first husband, Herman Henry Lang, she had two
children: Henry, who lives in Oregon; and
Elizabeth, who married Andrew Harman and resides
in Granville township. Seven children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. John G. Borgerding, as follows:
John H., who married Anna Nottenbrook and
lives in Darke County, Ohio; Leo, who died in
childhood; Mary, whop married Joseph Fink
and lives in Darke County, Ohio; Robert, who married
Dinah Westerheider and lives in Granville townships;
Joseph, who married Catherine Havermeyer
and died at the age of 26 years; Catherine, who
married John Rammel and lives in Granville township;
and Margaret, the wife of our subject, who was born
in Burkettsville, Mercer County, Ohio, June 10, 1871.
John M. Borgerding was a well-read man and a faithful
member of the Catholic Church. His death occurred on
the 25th of December, 1897. His wife died on Oct. 19,
1899.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
Winhoven, namely: Martin Joseph, born Oct. 8,
1891; Mary Dora, born June 17, 1893; John Herbert,
born Jun. 17, 1895; Henry Edward, born Apr. 18, 1897;
Frank Ferdinand, born June 19, 1899; Julius Robert,
born Oct. 27, 1901; and Martha Ellenora, born May 9,
1904. Mr. Winhoven is at present truant officer
of the Rammel school district. He is a member of St.
Bernard's Catholic Church at Burkettsville.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 522 |
| |
JOSEPH
WIRTZ, who is engaged in general farming on a fine farm
of 119 acres located in section 30, Granville township, was
born April 10, 1856, in a log cabin on his father's farm,
which he now owns, and is a son of John P. Wirtz, a
native of Germany.
John P. Wirtz was reared to manhood in his
native land and came to America when 21 years of age in
company with Balser Obringer. He first located in
Cincinnati, Ohio, and later went to Covington, Kentucky, where
he was engaged for 10 years as a teamster. From there he
proceeded to Chickasaw, Mercer County, where he bought land
and was later married. About two years later he moved to
Granville township and bought 55 acres of farm land from
Henry Franklin. He afterwards bought the old Walker
place from Henry Romer. He was one of the
pioneers of Granville township ; at that time there were no
sawmills near and wild game was plentiful. He built a log
cabin with a split puncheon floor, and it was here that
Joseph, the subject of this sketch, was born. John P.
Wirtz became the father of three children, as follows:
John, who died aged 14 years; Catherine, who died
aged 18 years; and Joseph. Mrs. Wirtz, who
was Clara Esser in maiden life, died April 12, 1876,
and Mr. Wirtz died July 4, 1904.
Joseph Wirtz was reared on his father's farm in
Granville township, has always been engaged in agricultural
pursuits and has always lived on the farm where he now lives
and where he was born; he continued to live on the farm after
his marriage and being the only living child fell heir to the
farm on the death of his father. He has built a fine,
seven-room, frame house on the farm as well as a large barn
and other buildings.
Mr. Wirtz was married on June 11, 1880, to
Magdalene Bower, a daughter of Jacob and
Magdalene (Horning) Bower. Ten children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Wirtz, namely: Clara, born in October,
1880, who died in childhood; Victoria, born January 27,
1882; Edward, born November 19, 1883; Catherine,
born December 23, 1885; Elizabeth, born December 3,
1887; Anna, born March 31, 1890; Jacob, born June 23,
1892; Wilhelm, born May 11, 1895; Rose, born
March 8, 1898; and Albert, born October 7, 1901, who
died in infancy. Mr. Wirtz at one time had nine
oil-wells in operation on his place. He was road supervisor
for one term, and served on the School Board for a number of
years. He is a member of St. Wendelin's Catholic Church at
Wendelin.
Jacob Bower, the father of Mrs.
Wirtz, was born in Germany, where he was reared to
manhood, after which he engaged in farming. He was married to
Magdalene Horning and they had eight children,
three of whom were born in Germany: Magdalene (Mrs. Wirtz),
born February 22, 1859; Jacob, who married Elizabeth
Hoening and lives at Chattanooga; Matilda, who
died aged 18 years; Elizabeth, who died in infancy;
Fred, who died in childhood; Mrs. Louise
Schwirking, who lives at Cranberry Prairie; Philip,
who married Anna Schultz and resides at St.
Marys, Ohio; and August, living at St. Marys, who married
Blanch Fable. Mrs. Wirtz was eight years old when her
parents came to this country and settled at Cranberry Prairie.
She well remembers when her uncle was obliged to carry her
about two miles through the swamp up to his boot-tops; They
lived for five years at Cranberry Prairie, then moved to St.
Henry, remaining there for three years. They also resided at
Wendelin for eight years, after which they returned to
Cranberry Prairie, where her father retired, and where he is
still living. Mrs. Bowers died December 7, 1904.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 633 |
| |
IRA T. WOLLAM, a prosperous
farmer of Union township, whose well-developed farm of 80
acres is located in section 5, was born Mar. 15, 1847, in
Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a son of Alfred and Nancy
(Thomas) Wollam.
Alfred Wollam, a native of Columbiana County,
Ohio, was born Feb. 8, 1820, and died in January, 1898, in
his 78th year. He were a son of Jacob Wollam, a
native of Virginia, and a resident of Columbiana County
during the latter years of his life, who was always engaged
in farming. He was a son of Balsam Wollam.
Alfred Wollam was married to Nancy Thomas in
his native county, after which he moved to Fairfield County
and lived there for a period of 16 years, then removing to
Mercer County in 1865 and locating two miles east of Celina
in Jefferson township, where he and his wife passed the
remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Wollam
were the parents of seven boys and two daughters, as
follows: Ira T.; Hiram, a preacher of the
Society of Friends, who resides in Richmond, Indiana;
Warren J., carpenter by trade, residing at Hood River,
Oregon; Byron, a painter by trade, living at St.
Marys, Ohio; Emma, who married Ellsworth Green
and lives on a farm near Celina; Joseph M., who
resides in York township, Van Wert County, where he is
engaged in farming; Maria, who married Walter
Townsend, of Neptune; George H., who resides on
the home farm two miles southeast of Celina; and Michael
H., who resides on the line between Van Wert and
Paulding counties. Mrs. Wollam died in 1902 at
the age of 80 years.
Ira T. Wollam passed his early boyhood days in
Columbiana County. He was about 16 years old when his
parents moved to Mercer County, and he has resided in this
county since that time. Mr. Wollam purchased
the farm upon which he now resides in the spring of 1876, at
which time it was wholly unimproved. He has made many
improvements, having built a fine barn and other buildings
and having cleared a greater part of the farm, which was
chiefly timberland when he became the owner.
On Feb. 25, 1869, Mr. Wollam was married to
Mary Loretta Bolton, a daughter of Lewis and Mary
(Parker) Bolton, who came from Knox County, Ohio, and
settled in Mercer County just south of Mendon. Mr.
Bolton was born Jan. 12, 1825, and died Nov. 25, 1860.
Mary Parker was born Dec. 25, 1824, and was married to
Mr. Bolton on Oct. 30, 1845. They had four
children, namely: Matilda, deceased; William Lewis,
who resides on a farm in Union township; Simon Peter,
deceased; and Mary, the wife of our subject.
After the death of Mr. Bolton, his widow again
married, this time to Noah Pile, and has one son by
this marriage, Basil T. Pile.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wollam,
namely: Ella, who married Isam Ross and
lives in Union township; Mattie, who married
Parker Rhodes, resides on a farm in Union township and
has three children - Hazel, Frank and Lena;
Charles, deceased at the age of 10 years; Alice,
who married Oscar Waltz, of Van Wert County, and has
two children - Edna Pauline and Ira Kenneth;
and Nannie and Bessie, who live at home.
In the Civil War, Mr. Wollam served in Company
D, 193rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Gen. Winfield S.
Hancock. He was mustered in at Camp Chase,
Columbus, Ohio, and participated in battles throughout West
Virginia and Maryland. He was mustered out at
Winchester, Virginia, and discharged at Camp Chase. He
is a member of McKendree-Murlin Post, No. 318, G. A. R.
Mr. Wollam is a Republican and was first elected
township trustee in 1884, serving for seven years.
After an intermission of nine years, he was again elected,
in 1899, and has since served seven years. In 1903,
while Mr. Wollam was trustee, the splendid Town Hall
at Mendon was erected jointly by Union township and
Mendon village at a cost of about $12,000. It is
one of the finest buildings in the county, being in every
way modern in architecture, construction and appointments.
The same building at the present time would cost at least
$14,000. Mr. Wollam makes a popular officer and
his services have been entirely satisfactory to his
fellow-citizens. Mr. Wollam began life entirely
on his own resources and to-day stands among the most
prosperous farmers of the township. He has bought and
paid for his home and farm of 80 acres. He is a member
of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Mendon, and is connected with
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 563 |
NOTES:
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