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WOOD COUNTY, OHIO
History & Genealogy

BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record
of Wood County, Ohio,

Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897
 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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J. I. Hankey
I. L. HANKEY

Source: Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 464


John R. Hankey
   JOHN R. HANKEY

Source: Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 436

  SAMUEL J. HARPER is a native of Holmes county, Ohio, where he was born Sept. 22, 1829.  His parents were Thomas and Mary (White) Harper, the former of whom was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1816, and the latter in Washington county, Penn.  They were married in Jefferson county, and moved to DeKalb county, Ind., in 1852, and Mrs. Harper died there in 1855.  Mr. Harper returned to Ohio in 1858 and settled in Wood county, where he married Mrs. Nancy (Barton) Jamison.  He died at the home of our subject in 1880.  He was the father of the following children:  William is a farmer in Weston; Jane married George McKeg, and died in Cincinnati; Samuel J., is our subject; George P. resides in DeKalb county, Ind., on a farm; Elizabeth died unmarried; James H. is a railroad man of Bellevue.
     William Harper, grandfather of our subject, was born in Ireland, where he married a Miss Johnston, a native of the same country.  He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was accidentally drowned in the Ohio river.
     Our subject remained in Holmes county, Ohio, until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he went to DeKalb county, Ind., where he stayed until 1856, when he came to Wood county.  He was married in Perrysburg, Oct. 23, 1856, to Miss Mary J. Barton, who was born in Holmes county, Apr. 11, 1835.  They have one child, Thomas, a railroad conductor residing at Leipsic Junction, Putnam Co., Ohio.  He was born Feb. 27, 1858, and married Miss Addie Boggs, who was born in Weston township.  Three children have been born to them: Harry, Harvey and Bessie.  After his marriage our subject lived in DeKalb county for a year, then came to Wood county, and from here went to Tontogany, where he accepted an appointment on the C. H. & D. railroad as brakeman, and in two years was promoted to the position of conductor.  From 1860 t 1865 he ran an accommodation train from Toledo to Lima, after which time he entered the mercantile business at Milton Center.  In 1871 he sold out and entered the railway mail service, running between Toledo and Cincinnati for two years, when he was transferred to the fast mail on the L. S. & M. S. R. R., and ran from Cleveland to Syracuse for fifteen and a half years.  He then quit the mail service to enter the egg and poultry business in Weston, where he remained for three and a half years.  Becoming tired of that, he moved to the farm on which he now lives.  He is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.  He cast his first vote for Winfield ScottMrs. Harper was in the millinery and dress-making business in Weston for nine years, while he was engaged in the mail service.
     Mrs. Harper is the daughter of James and Charlotte (Johnson) Barton, the former of whom was born in Mifflin county, Penn., Feb. 27, 1807, and the latter in Jefferson county, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1811.  They were married Dec. 18, 1826.  She died Apr. 23, 1896, but Mr. Harper is still in the enjoyment of good health.  The following children blessed their union: Ann, the wife of George Bell, of Holmes county, Ohio, died in Wood county in 1855; John died at the age of two and a half years; Mary Jane is wife of our subject; Henry J. died Dec. 7, 1894; Samuel J. lives in Weston township; Harriet E. married Ellis Williams; Stephen Taylor lives in Weston township; one other died in infancy.  Mrs. Harper grew to womanhood in Holmes county, and came with her parents to Wood county in 1852, and they later settled in Grand Rapids township, from where they went to Weston township.  Mr. and Mrs. Barton were both members of the Disciples Church, and he is a Democrat in politics.
Source: Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 1102

W. S. Haskell
WILLIAM S. HASKELL

Source: Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 456

 

COLLISTER HASKINS.  Among that dauntless set of Eastern men who, ambitious to carve out for themselves homes from the then wilds of the West, and who left peaceful firesides and braved the dangers and privations incident to a frontier life is the whose name introduces this memoir.  Born of good parentage at North Prescott, Mass., Aug. 25, 1799, young Haskins was early educated to habits of virtue, morality, order industry and economy and was therefore well prepared for the task before him.  He removed to Maumee river, settling at Waterville in 1817, and, June 16, 1818, was married to Miss Fanny, daughter of Martin Gunn, of that place, the ceremony being performed by Seneca Allen, a justice of the peace.  The mother of Collister Haskins, a woman of many virtues, was an own cousin to President Franklin Pierce.  The parents of Mrs. Haskins - Martin and Sarah (Winslow) Gunn - were from Massachusetts, becoming early settlers in the Maumee Valley; the Guns were of Scotch descent.
     To the marriage of our subject and wife were born children, as follows:  Two (a boy and a girl) who died in infancy; Delia, who died unmarried in Portage; Wealthy, the wife of John De Witt, a farmer of Wood county; Sarah, the wife of Joseph Clark, a resident of Missouri; Henry a resident of Butler, Ind., whose first wife was Hannah Ferside, and whose present wife was a Miss Hutchinson; Chrissa, who married Isaac Van Gordner, and resides in Portage, Wood county; Cynthia, the wife of Jesse Lane Roller a prominent druggist and business man of Toledo.
     Pioneer Haskins, it will be observed, was only a boy of eighteen years at the time of his marriage; but, possessed of a good constitution, and being of a resolute and determined will, he at once set out to make for himself and family a home.  During his stay on the Maumee river, he passed some three years on what is known as Granger's Island.  In July, 1824, he entered, from the government, land in Section 12, Liberty township, this county, and in September following removed to the east half of the northeast quarter of the same section.  When his cabin was ready to be raised, his friends came from Waterville, twelve miles distant, to assist him.  This cabin was built of logs, and stood near the bank of a creek, not far from the old stockade made by Gen. Hull in 1812, and which was occupied by a few soldiers during the war, as an advance post on the "middle route" to the Foot of the Rapids.  Here Mr. Haskins began trading with the Indians.  He kept a variety store, being supplied with such goods as were then in demand, and purchasing his goods from Gen. John E. Hunt, of Maumee City.  During the first four years of his residence in Wood county, Mr. Haskins' nearest neighbor was at Miltonville, twelve miles north, and his next, twenty-two miles south.  Through his efforts a post office was established at "Haskins Place" in Jan. 1829.  He laid out the village of Portage in 1836, and was an honored citizen of that place and vicinity throughout his life.  For some years after Mr. Haskins settled on the site of Portage, the Indians still lingered in their old homes, retaining almost undisputed possession of their sugar camps and hunting-grounds, although the whites were rapidly appropriating the sites of their villages and their favorite fishing-grounds.  A description of the Indians of this vicinty was they were from 1825 to 1840, which is of great interest, was given to history by our subject.  The death of Mr. Haskins occurred at his residence in Portage, May 7, 1872, after a life of great usefulness to the pioneer people among whom he passed the vigor of his manhood.  He had lived a pious life, and when death came it had no terrors for him, his last words being: "It is all right; glory to God."
     With other early pioneers, Mr. Haskins passed through the hardships and privations incident to such a life, and performed the labors, which fell to his lot, with patience and cheerfulness, never murmuring at his misfortunes or losses, but ever laboring to make others happy, sacrificing his own means, ease and quiet for others without reserve.  His enemies, if he had any, were few, and his  friendship was constant and sincere.  He was a member of the Baptist Church.  He was careful in his words and acts, calm in his demeanor, intelligent in his conclusions, and outspoken in his sentiments, when he deemed it duty to speak thus yet always mindful lest he might needlessly give pain or offense.  Such a character was not formed hastily, resembling rather the oak which in the growth of centuries.  In the death of an old man, whose memory is retentive and pure, much that is valuable to society dies with him.

Source: The Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County - By: M. A. Leeson - Published: 1897 - Page 439

  C. B. HEDGE, is one of the steady going young men and prosperous farmers of Montgomery Township, where he was born Oct. 11, 1866, in Section 17, at the home of his parents, George B. and Kate (Crawfoot) Hedge.  His education was such as the district schools of the neighborhood afforded, his first teacher being Miss Mollie Smith, and he completed his literary studies at the age of nineteen years.
     The boyhood days of Mr. Hedge were spent upon his father's farm, and when not in the schoolroom he assisted in its cultivation, and was also employed in his father's mill; but farming and teaming were his principal pursuits. He remained a member of the parental household until his marriage, which important event in his life was celebrated Oct. 4, 1888, in Bowling Green, Ohio, Miss Elsie Gobble, the daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Echelberger) Gobble, becoming his wife.  Her mother is now the wife of George Amos, a prominent resident of this county. Three children have come to the union of our subject and his wife: Nora M., born Sept. 21, 1891; Elva, born July 9, 1893; and Harry, born Apr. 28, 1895.  After his marriage Mr. Hedge located upon a portion of his father's farm, where he yet owns a house and an acre of ground. In March, 1892, he removed to his present residence, and is now engaged in operating his father's place, also devoting considerable time to teaming.  He is a wide awake, progressive young business man, public spirited and enterprising, and no doubt a successful future awaits him. He is an excellent farmer, and just such a citizen as the name Hedge in Montgomery Township suggests.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 1225
Contributed By: Bob Weaver
  F. T. HEDGE, the senior member of the well known firm of F. T. Hedge & Co., is at the head of the largest tile factory in Wood county, and is one of its most successful and enterprising business men.  He is a native of Ohio, born in York township, Medina county, May 5, 1853, and is the second son and third child in the family of George B. and Kate (Crawfoot) Hedge.  He was quite small when brought to Wood county, where he acquired his education in the district schools, and previous to his seventeenth year worked upon the home farm and in his father's mill.  At that time Mr. Hedge began learning the saddler's trade with Andrew Emerine, at Fostoria, Ohio, where he worked for two years, when failing health caused him to abandon that trade for a time, though he later followed it for several years, in fact, until 1885.  In the early ‘'eighties’’ he began brick and tile making in Montgomery township with his brother G. W., buying an interest in the business of Russel Morgan.  His father afterward became a partner in the enterprise, but later sold his share to another brother, H. W., and the firm assumed the present title, that of F. T. Hedge & Co. They are now extensively engaged in the manufacture of tile, having a large plant erected in 1892, the main building being 40 x98 feet, four stories in height, with a wing 36x82 feet.  Our subject thoroughly understands the business in all its departments, the arrangement for drying being originated by him, and very economical.
     At the home of Harlow Hill, in Montgomery township, on Feb. 13, 1887, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hedge and Miss Martha Caskie, who was born near Carey, Ohio, May 3, 1858, and is the daughter of James and Matilda (Smith) Caskie.  They began housekeeping in Montgomery township, on Section 18, and in 1892 remodeled their residence, and now have a comfortable and pleasant dwelling.  The home has been brightened by the birth of two children - Jay C., born Jan. 19, 1889; and George B., born Oct. 9, 1892.  Mr. Hedge uses his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, but takes no active part in political affairs; socially he is a worthy member of Petroleum Lodge No. 499, K. of P., of Prairie Depot; of Prairie Depot Lodge No. 646, I. O. O. F.; and Crystal Encampment No. 271.  Like all of the members of the well-known Hedge family, of Montgomery township, he is prosperous and well-to-do, his success being mainly due to his own ability, enterprise and industry, and as the result of his efforts he has secured a comfortable competence, which is justly merited.

Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 502
  GEORGE B. HEDGE.    Among the venerable citizens of Montgomery township, none is better known or more highly respected than he whose name opens this sketch,  and whose family of children are also worthy members of the community.  He was born Sept. 28, 1819, in Concord, N. H., and is the son of George T. Hedge.
    
The grandfather of our subject was a native of England, and his calling was that of a whaler.   He was the first of this family to come to the United States, and settled in Portland, Me., from which port he sailed on his whaling expeditions.  He was lost at sea while on one of these voyages.   He left two children, George T., and a daughter, Mary.  His widow never re-married, and died in Boston, where she lived with relatives.  Mary married a man by the name of Nobles, and resided in Boston until her death.  George T. married Miss Nancy Bradley, a native of New Hampshire, and of Irish extraction.  Their two children were George B., our subject, and Mary Noble.  The father was a shoemaker by trade, and at one time was overseer of the shoe shop of the State prison of New Hampshire.  After the death of his first wife he married Dorcas Pettengill, who bore him two children.  He was commonly known as “Captain" Hedge, having at one time commanded the Portland artillery.  He was a man of fine character, and was very popular among his acquaintances.  He died Jan. 10, 1865, at the age of seventy years.
     Our subject was only seven years old when he was put out to work with a farmer named Asa Bradley, who soon after moved to northern New Hampshire, afterward going to Medina county, Ohio.  When seventeen years old Mr. Hedge left this family, and began working for himself as a farm hand.  The death of his mother, which occurred when he was a mere child, having broken up the family, he had lost all trace of his father.  About the time last mentioned, in reading a newspaper, he noticed that a man named Hedge had been appointed keeper of the State arsenal, at Portland, Me., and writing to him, the man proved to be his father.  The son took what money he had saved, and went to New England, visiting his father and other relatives.  During this visit Mr. Hedge was for one summer employed in the State arsenal at Portland, Me., where his father was overseer.  He soon after returned to Medina county, and again went to work on the farm.  His only possessions at this time were the clothes he had on, and a very little money.  When he left the Bradley family he had only the commonest of apparel, a palm leaf hat and cotton pantaloons.  His most cherished piece of property was a very small knife, which was made for him by a prisoner in the New Hampshire penitentiary, and which he still has in his possession.  After working on the farm for a time Mr. Hedge was employed in a sawmill where he gained a good knowledge of the business.  He rented a sawmill in Medina county, and afterward bought a half interest in one which was located at Center, York township, Medina county.  His first purchase of land was fifty acres in Guilford township, that county, which he sold on becoming owner of the sawmill.
     Subsequently Mr. Hedge went into the hotel business in Medina county, where he remained three years, coming from there to Montgomery township, Wood county, in September, 1855.  He had purchased land in this township from parties in Pennsylvania, which comprised 240 acres, in Section 5, for which he went in debt.  The family drove from their former home to their new location, and lived in a rough-log house without windows until a better one could be built.  Mr Hedge was married in Medina county, Sept, 10, 1845, to Catherine M. Crawfoot, who was born in the town of Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Apr. 8, 1829.  Her parents were Ambrose and Annie (Snyder) Crawfoot, who came to Medina county when their daughter was seven years old, and settled in the woods in Mountville township.  Her father's family comprised fourteen children, Mrs. Hedge being the eldest of the five children born to the second wife.  Her parents came to Wood county in 1855, and settled in Montgomery township, where they died.
     The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hedge are as follows: George W., Feb. 22, 1848, lives in Montgomery township; Ophelia A., Aug. 7, 1849, is now Mrs. J. H. Lusk; Frank T., May 5, 1853; Albert, Apr. 13, 1859, died May 2, of the same year; Harland W., Feb. 23, 1862; Calvin B., Oct. 11, 1866.  These children all live in Montgomery township, and have given evidence of their excellent home training by becoming most estimable and influential citizens.  Soon after coming to Wood county Mr. Hedge sold off forty acres of his land.  Later he bought, in Section 17, a sawmill with four acres of land, and on the latter built a house, where he has resided ever since.  He was engaged in the sawmill business until 1889, when he sold out to his son, George W., who is carrying on an extensive trade.  At various times Mr. Hedge has bought small amounts of land, and is now the owner of 139 acres.  He was appointed postmaster, under President Buchanan, at Montgomery Cross Roads, which was the first post office in the township, and served until the office was removed to Prairie Depot.  He has always been a Democrat, and cast his first vote in 1840 in Defiance, Ohio, where he was at that time at work on the Wabash canal.  He has served in various township offices, and as justice of the peace.  He was in his early days a member of the Odd Fellows, but on his removal to Wood county was so far distant from any lodge that he dropped his membership.  Mr. Hedge is a self-made man, and had but very little schooling, but has acquired a practical education by observation and reading, he has traveled over the United States from Portland, Me., to San Francisco, Cal., and has made good use of his experiences and opportunities.  He began life with nothing he could call his own, and by industry and economy has acquired a comfortable fortune.  He has reared a large family of children. all of whom live in his immediate neighborhood, are prosperous and highly esteemed; and he is now passing the evening of his life, surrounded by his loved ones, and with the consciousness of having done his whole duty, as far as he can see it, in every relation of life. He has to-day the good will and kindly regard of every one who knows him.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 974
  GEORGE W. HEDGE, an extensive lumber dealer residing at Prairie Depot, is one of the best-known and most popular citizens of Montgomery township, and was born in the town of Abbeyville, Medina Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1848.  He is the eldest child of his parents, George B. and Catherine M. (Crawford) Hedge.
     When our subject was seven years old the family moved to Wood county, and he entered District School No. 3, in Montgomery township, which was taught by Mrs. S. C. Guernsey.  He had already attended school in Medina county, entering at the early age of four years.  He was very apt at learning, and after spending some time in the district school was sent to private institution at Prairie Depot, taught by Mr. McPeck.  His father was at this time in the saw mill business, and the lad early acquired knowledge of its details, so that when seventeen years of age he took entire charge of the mill, early displaying the ability which has manifested itself in the more extensive operations of his later days.
     Mr. Hedge remained at home until his marriage, Dec 28, 1873, in Prairie Depot, to Miss Melita Graham, daughter of John and Melita (Anderson) Graham.  She was born Jan. 8, 1852, in Montgomery township, and was educated in the district schools of that locality.  The young couple located on twenty acres in Section 20, Montgomery township, which, with the exception of clearing of three acres, was in its primitive condition, covered with trees and brush, which had to be cleared away before house could be erected.  On this place Mr. Hedge lived, cultivating his land, and at the same time working in the mill with his father, who had made him partner in the business when he was only twenty-two years old.  They had in operation at this time self acting shingle machine, which was the first one of the kind in this part of Wood county.  This partnership continued until February, 1888, when it was dissolved, and in June, 1889, our subject started the mill which he is now operating.  On Jan. 5, 1874, Mr. Hedge was the victim of terrible accident, from the effects of which he will never recover.  He was caught in belt, and dragged under the shaft and thrown some distance, his right arm being torn into pieces, the hand being thrown in one direction, and other portions in different places, while the bone at the shoulder was entirely stripped of flesh for some nine inches.  It was horrible sight, but Mr. Hedge walked unassisted to his house, distance of thirty rods.  Many man would have succumbed to such shock, but his great vitality aided his rapid recovery, and in four weeks he was again ready to attend to business.  Although the loss of his arm has been great hardship, he has mastered every detail of his business, and has been remarkably successful in all his undertakings.  His saw, planing and feed mill is an extensive plant, built in modern style, equipped with the latest machinery, and from ten to twelve men are employed the year round.  In connection with this he has large lumber business, and handles all kinds of woods, both native and foreign.  He has erected the dwelling in which the family lives, his home place has been transformed into fertile fields and fruitful or chards, and comfortable buildings, with all modern conveniences, have taken the place of the primitive structure in which he at first made his home.  Mr. Hedge now owns 284 acres of land in Montgomery township.  He is stockholder in the Wood County Fair Association, and is one of Montgomery township's leading men and representative citizens.  His grand success in business, wherein majority fail, can be attributed to his thorough knowledge of its requirements, and to his fair and honest methods of dealing.  There is no detail in his establishment, no matter how intricate, that he is not perfectly familiar with.  While suffering under the disadvantage of having but one arm, he can skillfully operate machinery that many men with both arms would not be able to manipulate.  While he had no capital in the way of money with which to start in life, his association with his father, as member of the firm of George B. Hedge & Son, gave him great prestige and credit, which in later years he has never abused, and as an individual he stands as high as that firm ever did.  Mr. Hedge has delightful home, in which he takes great pleasure, and there are few men in Wood county in private life who have so extensive and so valuable circle of acquaintances.  One child, only, has blessed the union of our subject and his wife, daughter, named Carrie.  For many years she was great sufferer from inflammatory rheumatism, but through the best medical skill that money could procure, and the tender nursing of her devoted parents, she has finally recovered.  In his political views Mr. Hedge is in sympathy with the Democratic party, but supports good men for office, even if they happen to be of some other political faith.  He belongs to the I. O. O. F. at Prairie Depot, and both he and his wife are members of the Rebekah Lodge.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 703
  HARLAND W. HEDGE, a representative farmer and well-known business man of Montgomery township, was-born in Section 17, that township, Feb. 23, 1862, the fifth child and fourth son of George B. and Catherine (Crawfoot) Hedge, who have taken a prominent part in the upbuilding and welfare of the community.
     The education of our subject was acquired in the district schools, and, when not busy with his text books he aided in the work of the home farm, and in hauling logs to his father's mill.  He much preferred agricultural pursuits, however, and as a result became more skillful along that line that at the other occupation.  He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which was celebrated at Bowling Green, Ohio, Oct. 11, 1883, Miss Annie E. Carr becoming his wife.  Her birth occurred in Eden township, Wyandot Co., Ohio, Jan. 25, 1861, and she is a daughter of Richard and Mary (Alexander) Carr, farming people.  To Mr. and Mrs. Hedge have come two interesting children - Foil D. born Feb. 15, 1888; and Earl S., born Mar. 14, 1893.  The young couple began their domestic life upon a good farm of forty acres in Section 18, Montgomery township, where they still continue to live.  In August, 1892, Mr.
Hedge purchased his father's interest in the extensive tile manufacturing plant of F. T. Hedge & Co., the members of the firm being himself and brother F. T.  This is the largest factory of the kind in Wood county, and the product turned out is first-class in every particular.  Our subject gives much of his attention to the business, but also operates his farm, on which he erected an excellent barn in 1894.  Though a faithful Democrat, Mr. Hedge manifests but a voting interest in politics; he strongly sympathizes with his party, but is not radical, and cares nothing for political preferment.  He is a genial, large-hearted, jolly good fellow, honest and upright in all his dealings, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of the township, in which he has made many warm friends.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 1135
JOSEPH G. HELTMAN, a well known and greatly respected citizen of Prairie Depot, was born in Center County, Pennsylvania, Nov. 24, 1831.  When he was six years old his parents, Joseph [Sr.] and Catherine (Goldman) Heltman, moved to Richland (now: Ashland) County, the journey being made in wagons. In the latter county the father bought 160 acres of land, part of which was improved, on which he built a double hewed log house, which was pretty comfortable for those days, and there reared a family of eight children.  In his earlier days he was a millwright and a thorough mechanic, being an expert in that line.  He was also a cabinet maker, and when his older daughters were married he made them each a set of furniture.  All the children grew to maturity, and four sons and one daughter are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Heltman were members of the Evangelical Church.  They both died in Ashland County, he at the age of eighty four years, and she when ninety five.
     Joseph G. Heltman [Jr.], our subject received his early education in the district schools of Ashland County, where his father built, on his farm, the first school house our subject ever attended.  He worked on the farm and hauled wheat for his father when he was too small to set up a sack in the wagon.  At home he remained until he was twenty one years old, and was married, in Ashland County, to Miss Elizabeth W. Wheeler, who was born in Rochester Township, Lorain County, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Matilda (Link) Wheeler. The mother of Mrs. Heltman died when the latter was a child, and left her and a younger sister, who were reared by their maternal grandfather, Adam Link, a farmer in Ashland County. Mrs. Elizabeth W. Heltman was educated in the Union School in Ashland, and there learned dress making with an aunt, which business she followed, more or less, for thirty five years.
     After his marriage, our subject and his wife located on the paternal homestead, where he followed farming until the spring of 1858, when he moved to Osceola, Crawford County, where he bought land and began to work for a home of his own.  On that place he lived over three years, and then moved to a farm near Annapolis, Crawford County, where he intended going into the hardware business, but changed his mind, and farmed for two years.  In the summer of 1861 he enlisted in Capt. Keller's Company, 49th O. V. I. [Ohio Volunteer Infantry], and went to Galion for examination, but was rejected. Not satisfied, however, he again made application before the examining board at Toledo, but was again rejected. In the spring of 1863 he came to Section 29, Montgomery Township, and bought 80 acres of land, 15 of which were cleared.  His home was part frame and part hewed-logs, and there he lived for 3 1/2 years; at the end of which time, as his health was poor, he went to West Independence, Hancock County, and engaged in a general merchandise business. In that he remained for three years; but indoor work did not agree with him, so he returned to his farm in Wood County which he had rented during his absence.  His health was completely broken down, and for a year or more he was unable to work. Subsequently he bought 60 acres of land in the same section, and built a home, where he lived until Jan. 2, 1891, when he moved to Prairie Depot, at which place, in 1890, he had built the finest house to be seen there. At one time he was engaged in the stock business and raised many fine horses and cattle.
     The children of Mr. and Mrs. Heltman are as follows: Leander, who died when 13 years old; Ora B., deceased at the age of three years; Elmer W., Who lives in Toledo, where he is a well-known specialist and physician, and a lecturer in the Toledo Medical College; Arthur A., now of Prairie Depot, where he is engaged in the general merchandise and the oil business.  At present Joseph has 120 acres of land, all of which is cleared except 10 acres. He has one of the best farms in the Township, besides a fine horse-barn and other buildings, all of which are in excellent condition, and which he has put up by his own means.  Mr. Heltman is a Republican, and has served as Township Assessor; for many years was President of the Board of Education, of which he has been a member some 20 years. He and his wife are identified with the Methodist Church, in which he has been an Elder, Trustee, and for 16 years Superintendent of the Sunday School.  He has always been liberal and his support of all church work, and was active in building the one at Prairie Depot. He is a charter member of Prairie Depot Lodge No. 646, I. O. O. F. [Independent Order of Odd Fellows], and was one of the committee selected to erect a monument to the soldiers of Montgomery Township, at Prairie Depot, the design being the one selected by him.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 920
Contributed By: Bob Weaver
Research Note:
Catherine Goldman & Joseph Heltman are buried in: Ashland Cemetery, Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio
  HENRY HERSH, deceased, who during his life time was a pioneer agriculturist of Grand Rapids Township, and a soldier in the Civil War, was born Nov. 1, 1828, in Carroll County, Ohio, a son of John and Rebecca Hersh; his father had been for many years a leading farmer in that county.  The district schools of his native county furnished Henry Hersh an elementary education, and he grew to manhood upon his father's farm with the usual training of a country youth.  In 1854 he came to Wood County and purchased forty acres of land in Weston Township, and cleared and improved it, planting an orchard, and putting up substantial buildings. A few years later he sold this and bought eighty acres near Grand Rapids, which he also cleared and transformed into a habitable and productive farm. He constructed the first cider mill in the township, and made thousands of gallons of cider each year.  In 1864 Mr. Hersh enlisted in Company I, 144th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (Capt. J. McKee commanding), for the one hundred days service, and served until the expiration of the term. He was disabled in the Army, and died of typhoid fever, Sept. 26, 1889.  Not feeling strong enough to work his farm after his return from the Army, he followed the carpenter's trade, building many of the homes of the neighborhood.
     On Apr. 14 1853, Mr. Hersh was married in Holmes County to Miss Hannah Bell, a native of that county, born Apr. 18 1833, a daughter of Margaret and John Bell. They had nine children whose names with dates of birth are as follows: Margaret, June 12, 1854, married Jacob Gundy; Emily A., born Mar.  20, 1857, died Apr. 16, 1862; John A., Aug. 23, 1859; George E., Feb. 7, 1862, is a farmer of Grand Rapids Township; Edward G., Jan. 29, 1865, graduated a Middle Point, Ohio, and in the Cincinnati Medical College, being now a successful physician at McComb, Ohio; William H., Oct. 12, 1868, received part of his education in Grand Rapids, and is a leading dentist at Piqua, Ohio, having prepared for his profession at the Chicago Dental College, and also at Cincinnati; Arthur B., Jan. 13, 1872, graduated from the Veterinary College at Toronto, Canada, and is now a veterinary surgeon near Grand Rapids, Ohio; Delevan, June 11, 1875, farming on the homestead; Doctor Franklin, Jan. 29, 1878, is at Cleveland, Ohio.
     In politics our subject was a Republican, and in local affairs his well known ability and integrity gave his judgment great weight.  He was School Director for several years, and took deep interest in educational matters.  He and his wife were prominent members of the United Brethren Church. Mrs. Hersh still resides at the old homestead, which she manages with rare discretion, adding valuable improvements from time to time.  A wise and loving mother, her chief care since her husband's death has been the education and settlement of her children, who by their success are bringing her abundant honors.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 1197
Contributed By: Bob Weaver
INSERT PORTRAIT
William W. Hill, M.D.
WILLIAM W. HILL, M. D.

Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 516

  CHRIS A. HOFFMANN, one of the young, active and enterprising merchants of Perrysburg, where he enjoys the esteem and confidence of the community, is a native of Wood county, born in Perrysburg, Aug. 27, 1861.  He is a son of George Hoffmann, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
      Mr. Hoffman was married in Perrysburg to Miss Louisa Armbruster, whose birth occurred in Troy township, Aug. 12, 1865, and to the marriage were born Anna who died at the age of eight yeas, and Elmer H.  Our subject is a member of the K. of P. society at Perrysburg, and is identified with the Order of Elks of Toledo.  As intimated in the beginning Mr. Hoffmann is one of the wide awake and public spirited men of Perrysburg.

Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 1268
  GEORGE HOFFMANN, the well-known proprietor of the oldest meat market in Perrysburg, was born Feb. 4, 1836, in Bavaria.  His parents, George Frederick and Margaret (Scheets) Hoffmann, were also born there, the father in 1811, and the mother in 1810.  They came to this country in 1852, with their family of eight children, locating in Perrysburg township, where they both died of cholera (as did also two of the children  John and Elizabeth) two years later.
     Mr. Hoffmann, the eldest son, then a boy of eighteen, buried them all without assistance, the neighbors fearing contagion.  This sad duty per formed, he took up the task of supporting the younger children, hiring out to work on a farm by the month, and under his kindly care the remainder of the family grew to maturity.  John George married Catherine Cornelius, of Perrysburg, and is a prominent business man of the same place; Barbara married Adam Hazel, of Perrysburg; Christina married Alex. Christ, of Toledo; Margaret is the wife of George Huber, of Toledo; and Mary married William Nopper, of the same city.
     After working nearly five years for his first employer, our subject entered the employ of an other, of whom he purchased a small piece of land.  In 1858 he was married to Miss Elizabeth F. Cornelius, a native of Perrysburg, born Jan. 3, 1841.  Fifteen children were born of this union: George W. married Victoria Schellinger, of Perrysburg; Christopher A. married Louisa Armbruster, of the same place; Elizabeth M. married Casper Brandhuber, of the same place; Ella A. married William L. Stebel, of Liverpool; Henry married Mary C. Armbruster, of Perrysburg; Godfred, Valentine, Victoria, John and Joe are at home.  John, Michael, Daniel, Mary and Anna died in childhood.
     Mr. Hoffmann and his bride of sixteen endured many privations during the first years of their married life, but their mutual affections sustained them.  He continued to work as a farm laborer until 1861, when he came to Perrysburg, and opened the meat market which he has ever since conducted.  His sterling qualities of character have won him the respect and esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances, and he is a notable example among the self-made men of the community.  He is a Democrat politically, and is a devout adherent of the Roman Catholic Church.

Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 1276

John G. Hoffman
Catherine Hoffman
JOHN G. HOFFMANN, leading grocer of Perrysburg, and one of the most successful of the self made men of his vicinity, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 18, 1840.
     In 1852, he came to America with his parents, George Frederick and Margaret (Shutz) Hoffmann, who died two years later of cholera, the mother on July 21, and the father on the 24th of the following month.  Six children were left to fight the battle of life alone, and the subject of this sketch at once began to learn the butcher's trade.  Five years later he started in business for himself, and continued the same until the out break of the Rebellion, when he responded to his country's call to arms.  At the expiration of his term of enlistment, he was honorably discharged, and then returned to the butcher business, in which he continued till 1882.  He then sold out and opened a grocery and saloon, which he still conducts; he also owns a farm and vineyard, and is one of the most extensive wine dealers in Wood county.
     Mr. Hoffmann was married Nov. 25, 1863, to Miss Catherine Cornelius, a native of Perrysburg, born Apr. 3, 1848.  Twelve children were born of this union, of whom nine are living: George Frederick, born Apr. 18, 1867, who married Lulu Witzler, and has two children - Ernest and Edgar; Katie, married to Lawrence Harbauer, of Pemberville; Mamie, at home; Charles H., born Dec. 4, 1874, who is his father’s assistant in business (he married Miss Mamie Schlecht, of Perrysburg, and has one child -Leonidas Charles); and Regina, Alexander, William, Eva and Lillian, all five-at home.
     Mr. Hoffmann’s success in all his undertakings is the more remarkable because he had but a limited English education.  He received a good German education in his native land, and in this country attended a private English school for a short time.  He possesses fine native abilities, as well as great energy, and has made good use of such facilities as have come in his way during his busy life.  He is a Democrat in politics, and in religious faith is a Roman Catholic.

Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 952
  IRA B. HORNER, a farmer in Weston township; post office, Weston, Ohio.

Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 1348

 

ABRAHAM HUFF, (deceased) was one of the straightforward and honorable citizens of Wood county.  He was a native of the Buckeye State, born on Jan. 20, 1825, in Sandusky county, near the city of that name, and was the fourth of six children, the others being Nancy, Mary, Snowden, George and Benjamin.  He received his early education in Missouri, and followed farming as a means of livelihood.
     Mr. Huff was married Feb. 11, 1847, in Washington township, the lady of his choice being Lucy Ward, daughter of J. M. and Maria (Cowen) Ward, prominent farming people of that township.  In religious belief her father was a Drunkard, while her mother held membership with the Lutheran Church.  They are both now deceased, the latter passing away Mar.  21, 1884.  They had four children: (I) Elizabeth, born June 4, 1825, has departed this life. (2) Mrs. Huff is the second in the order of birth. (3) Ira, born Aug. 16, 1831, became a member of Company H, 2Ist O. V. I., during the Civil war, and died in Rebel prison at Andersonville, Ga.  He had married Charlotte Jeffers, by whom he had two children - Elizabeth Maria, wife of Charlie Thompkins, a resident of Missouri; and Alice Ann, wife of James Madison, also of Missouri. (4) Eliza died at the age of fifteen years.
    Three children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Huff, namely: (1) Sarah Maria, born July 27, 1850, is the wife of David McCombs, a contractor of Toledo, Ohio, by whom she had five children - Clinton, who died in infancy; Vernie Minnie, born Aug. 20, 1871; Effie Myrtle, born Sept. 20, 1873; Orlando Lester, born Mar.  20, 1876; and Lucy Pearl, born Dec. 15, 1879.  (2) Ann Eliza, born Dec. 15, 1851, died at the age of three years.  (3) Eugene B., born in Weston township, Jan. 16, 1854, married Della Clark, and resides on his own farm.
     Mr. Huff, for the last twenty-five years of his life, traveled the greater part of the time.  His death occurred in California, Sept. 7, 1876.  In politics, he was a Republican, and by his fellow citizens was chosen to fill several offices of honor and trust, including that of supervisor, which he held for two terms, while for several terms he was constable, and his duties were always faithfully discharged.  He and his estimable wife were ever faithful and devoted members of the United Brethren Church, and the family is one of prominence in the community.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 655

  WILLIAM HUFF.   Quite a number of the leading and prominent citizens of Wood county are of alien birth, and have transported to this land of fertility and plenty the thrifty habits of their native country.  Among these there is no one better known or more widely respected than the gentleman whose name here appears.  In England, beneath the roof of his parents, William and Ann (Hardy) Huff, who were natives of Lincolnshire, our subject was born, in 1833, one of a family of six children, namely: Mrs. Mary Alexander, who died at Perrysburg, Ohio, in 1853; Stephen, now a resident of Van Wert county, Ohio, who, during the Civil war, en listed in Allen county, Ohio, in the First Ohio Squadron, and served three years in the Union army; Jane, a resident of Missouri; Mrs. Ann Mills, of Perrysburg; William, subject of this review; and Mrs. Hannah Liverton, of Bowling Green, Ohio.  In 1837 the family came to America, first locating in Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1840, when they removed to Plain township, Wood county.  There the mother died in 1866, after which the father married a Mrs. Clark.  He was born in 1829, and died in 1877.
     Our subject was about six years of age when he arrived in Wood county, and in Plain town ship he was reared and educated.  In 1862 he first located upon a farm in Lake township, which he continued to cultivate and improve until in August, 1862, he enlisted at Millbury, Ohio, in Company K, 111th O. V. I.  At Toledo he was mustered in and assigned to the Western army, with which he participated in the following engagements: Huff's Ferry, Campbell's Station, siege of Knoxville, Dalton, Smoke Creek Gap, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Pumpkin Vine Creek, and Kenesaw Mountain. On becoming ill, he was sent to the hospital at Knoxville, Tenn., and, later, was placed on the Invalid Corps at Washington, D. C., where he received an honorable discharge, June 26, 1865, after three years of arduous and faithful service.  Returning to Wood county, he engaged in farming in Perrysburg township until 1880, when he removed to the farm in Lake township, which he now carries on.  In 1859, in Perrysburg township, he married Miss Isabel Simons, a native of that township, and a daughter of Pearl and Cassina (McCarty) Simons.  Her father was born in Connecticut, but at a very early day became a resident of Perrysburg township, where he was married, in 1833, to Miss McCarty, a native of New York, and to them were born children as follows: Mrs. Delia Cook, of Perrysburg; Arabel and Oscar, who both died in childhood; Mrs. Huff; Byron, who died while young; Lewis, who died at the age of thirty-five years; Celia, who died in childhood; and Frank, a resident of Lake township.  By trade the father was a cooper, which occupation he followed in Perrysburg, where his death occurred in 1884, and his wife died three months later.  He had served as county recorder one term.
     To
Mr. and Mrs. William Huff were born eleven children, three of whom are now deceased, viz.: Delia, who became the wife of Charles Pinniger, and died Dec. 17, 1889; Ella, who was the wife of William Taylor, and died Dec. 29, I892; and Jennie, who died Jan. 3, 1864.  Those living are: Maggie and Mary (twins), the former being now the wife of Oscar Nicodemus, and the latter Mrs. Richard Fralic, of Perrysburg; Ernest, a resident of Cummings, Ohio; and Carrie, Charles, Grace, Mabel and Robert, all at home.  Mr. Huff is a prominent member of George Douglas Post No. 183, G. A. R., of Millbury, in which he has served as officer of the day, and his wife belongs to the Woman’s Relief Corps.  In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.  He is one of the representative men of the county, and a credit to the land that gave him birth.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 1097
  DANIEL W. HUFFMAN, farmer and fruit grower, Washington township, was born Sept. 12, 1841, in Dauphin county, Penn., the third son of John and Nancy Huffman.
     Our subject's boyhood was passed on his father's farm, which he assisted in clearing up, while in the winter months he also attended the district school.  He was seven years old when he accompanied his parents from Pennsylvania to Weston township, Wood county, and when be attained his majority, he began to work for his father on wages.  In 1867 he bought his first land, forty acres, and, when he had improved it to a considerable extent, sold it and bought sixty acres.  On disposing of this last property, he bought eighty acres in Washington township, and has transformed it into a valuable farm, highly improved.  In 1872, he bought eighty acres ad joining, and now has a quarter section, all under a high state of cultivation.  Thereon be erected a comfortable country residence, at a cost of $2,000.00, and has built commodious barns and other necessary out-buildings.  In addition to the cultivation of grain he raises some fine varieties of fruits, which find a ready sale on the market.  For the past ten years he has also engaged in stock raising.
     On May 2, 1864, Mr. Huffman enlisted at Tontogany, in Company B, 144th O. V. I., under Capt. Black and Col. Miller.  The regiment went to Columbus, Ohio, thence to Baltimore, Md., participated in the battle of Monocacy, July 9, 1864, and Aug. 13 following, our subject was taken prisoner, by Col. Mosby, while he was guarding a wagon team en route from Harper’s Ferry to Winchester.  It was the more aggravating to Mr. Huffman, as on that very day his term of enlistment had expired, and he fully expected he would be sent home as soon as the wagon train should arrive in Winchester.  After capture, he and three fellow prisoners (two of whom were John Phillips, of Tontogany, and Hugh Stewart, also of Wood county) were placed on mules and started off, under guard, to join the Rebel army at Culpeper, Va.  At the end of some forty-eight hours’ ride, however, Mr. Huffman succeeded in effecting his escape by hiding in the bush, his guard being not over ten feet from him when he made his dash for liberty.  This was on a Monday morning, and the following Saturday night he found himself within the Union lines, near Alexandria.  During the nights he tramped along with great caution, in daytime keeping close or resting himself, never once stop ping at any house for fear of capture, but living on green apples and anything else he could find in the woods.  He suffered much from hunger and exposure, which resulted in an attack of rheumatism.  On Sept. 14, 1864, he was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio.
     In 1866, Mr. Huffman was married to Carrie Phillips, who was born Apr. 27, 1844, a daughter of John Phillips, of Washington township.  They had four children: Arthur, who died in infancy; Alice, wife of Charles Bassett, of Weston town ship, by whom she has three sons - Wayne, Clyde and Cecil; and Eva and Howard, both at home.  The family is one of considerable prominence in the community, and the home is noted for its hospitality.  Mr. Huffman has been school director for a number of years, and clerk of the board.  He was also supervisor for some years, and is now serving his fourth term as trustee.  He belongs to Walter A. Wood Post, G. A. R., of Tontogany, and in politics is a Republican.  His possessions have been acquired entirely through his own efforts, and his career demonstrates what can be accomplished through earnest labor.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 486
  FLOYD D. HUFFMAN, the popular young editor and proprietor of the Grand Rapids Triumph, was born in Grand Rapids, Wood Co., Ohio, July 8, 1873, and is a son of John and Emma (Mins) Huffman, both natives of Pennsylvania, but now residing near Grand Rapids.
     Here our subject passed his boyhood and youth, attending the common schools, and at the early age of fourteen years began learning the printer's trade, at which he has since worked, with the exception of one winter, when he at tended school.  He experienced all the vicissitudes incident to the life of a printer's “devil," and soon became an expert type-setter, as well as becoming versed in the all-round duties of a newspaper office.  Being possessed of an energetic spirit, good executive ability, and an excellent judgment. he determined to establish himself permanently in some literary work, and accordingly in December; 1890, purchased his present paper, of which he is sole proprietor.  The Grand Rapids Triumph is a five-column quarto sheet, independent in politics, and does a large amount of advertising, while, as a literary production, it is numbered among the foremost papers of the county.

Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 749
  HENRY HUFFMAN, a leading agriculturist of Grand Rapids Township, was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Nov. 4 1831. His family is of German origin; but his father, John Huffman, was born in Pennsylvania, where he followed, for many years, the occupation of tailoring.  He married Miss Nancy _____, and reared a family of twelve children, of whom our subject is the eldest. Catherine is the widow of Jacob Walters; Mary is the widow of John Walters; Jacob and Daniel are farmers in Washington Township; Harriet married Francis Franklin of Tontogany; John is a farmer in Grand Rapids Township; Jeremiah is a grocer in Grand Rapids; Israel is a butcher in the same town; Anna married R. D. Hannah; Joseph is a farmer in Washington Township; and Sarah is the wife of Byron Phillips, of Otsego.  Our subject's father came to Wood County in 1850, and bought a large tract of land in Grand Rapids Township, which he cultivated until his death, which occurred Mar.  15, 1864.  His wife survived him many years, passing away Aug. 12 1880, having seen her large family, whom she and her husband had early trained in the Christian faith, all well settled in life.
     Henry Huffman, the subject of this sketch, attended school in his native State during his boyhood, and afterward learned the tailor's trade, which he followed for some years.  At the age of twenty one he took a farm on shares, and kept it for seven years, when he bought eighty acres in Washington Township, where he constructed a dwelling and farm buildings our to logs. In 1868 he bought forty acres more, and built a handsome brick residence, with barns of modern style, and a few years later, he bought forty acres near Grand Rapids, building a fine residence, in which he now lives, and making first class improvements. He has since purchased thirty acres more, now owning 190 acres of land; but for the last ten years he has left the active work of his estate in the hands of his sons and sons-in-law.  He has been twice married - first, in 1859, to Miss Christiana Seitz, who was born in Lancaster, New York, Oct. 31 1836. Eight children were born of this union, whose names, with dates of birth, are as follows: Lucy E., November 1860, is the wife of C. A. Eager, of Pleasant Bend, Ohio; Clark F., Apr. 25 1864; Samuel H., Aug. 10 1862; Fannie E., July 17 1865, married Charles Riggs, of Grand Rapids, Ohio; Sarah A., Apr. 9 1867, married George Kylean; John W., Nov. 13 1868, is in the windmill business at Boston, Mass; Cristie Maria, Oct. 9 1872, married George Mason; and Meno M., Feb. 15 1874, is a manufacturer of windmills, at San Francisco, California.  The mother of this family died: May 21 1876.
     On Mar.  3 1878, he married, for his second wife: Miss Mary Roth, who was born Feb. 27 1844, a daughter of Nicholas Roth, a well known farmer of Lucas County.  Cheered by her companionship, Mr. Huffman is passing his declining years in retirement, taking no part in worldly affairs, and already looking forward to the joys of another and higher life.  He is a devoted student of the Bible, and a member of the New Mennonite Church.
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 1177
Contributed By: Bob Weaver

Jacob Huffman
JACOB HUFFMAN.   Among the representative citizens of Washington township, none stands higher than the subject of this review, who is now engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile.  He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Dauphin county, August, I834, a son of John and Nancy Huffman, both born in Pennsylvania, the father in 1808, the mother in 1813.
     Our subject received his education at the public schools of Pennsylvania, and then commenced to learn the trade of a tailor, which he followed some four years.  In 1850, when six teen years old, he came with his parents to Ohio, locating in Weston township, on a partially improved farm, which he assisted in clearing and improving.  After his marriage, which event will be spoken of presently, he bought eighty acres of wild land, and at once set to work to improve it.  In 1862 he built a log house, into which he and his wife moved, and he has since added to his property until his farm now consists of 190 acres, all well-improved, besides land in Lucas county and in the West.  In 1882 be erected his tile and brick factory, the second in Washington township, which he has since successfully managed, finding a ready sale for his products in Wood and adjoining counties.  In this enterprise he employs from six to twelve hands.  He is enterprising and industrious, and his honest dealing and straightforward business methods have won him a liberal patronage.  He is also engaged in stock dealing, selling in Buffalo and Eastern markets.
     In 1858 Mr. Huffman was married in New York to Miss Elizabeth Kraus, a native of that State, born in 1839, daughter of Melchior and Elizabeth (Letwyler) Kraus.  Her father, who was a farmer, was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, whence, when eighteen years old, he came to America.  Her mother was born in Switzer land, and was fourteen years old when she came to this country; both her parents died on the voyage, leaving four children on the ship without any means; but when they landed in Philadelphia, they found homes.  The mother of Mrs. Huffman died Nov. 10, 1884, the father, a farmer by occupation, on Aug, 18, 1885, in Erie county, N. Y.  They had a family of five children: Anna (Mrs. Shiffley), living in Ohio; John, a farmer in Erie county, N. Y., a member of the Legislature, and holding other prominent positions; Fannie (Mrs. Stutzman), also of Erie county; Susan (Mrs. Rupp), of Lucas county; and Elizabeth (Mrs. Huflman).  Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, who is nineteen years of age, and was four years old when adopted.  During the Civil war, Mr. Huffman served as a member of Company B, 144th O. V. I., under Capt. Black and Col. Miller.  Politically he is a Republican, and for several
Source:  Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 928

Christena Hummel
J. E. Hummel
JAMES E. HUMMEL, proprietor of a general mercantile establishment at Wingston, has a well-equipped store, containing a large and carefully selected stock, and the public accords him a liberal patronage.  His earnest endeavor to please his patrons, and his honorable dealing, have enabled him to build up a good business, and he occupies an enviable position in social circles.
     Mr. Hummel was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, Aug. 30, 1846, and is a son of John and Mary A. (Ellsworth) Hummel, the latter of whom was born in Painesville, N. Y., in 1823.  The father was born in Germany, in 1820, and came to the United States with his parents when seven years of age.  They located first in Columbiana county, Ohio, subsequently removing to Jackson township, Sandusky county, where the grandfather died.  John Hummel was there reared and educated, and after his marriage located in Scott township where his death occurred in 1886.  His widow is still living.  Their children were James E.; George W., a farmer of Arkansas; Lorenzo D., of Sandusky county; Matilda, wife of Wesley Smith, of Seneca county; Margaret M., widow of John Michaels; Albert F., of Seneca county; Mary E., of Fostoria, Ohio; and Alonzo, of Seneca county.
   
 Mr. Hummel, the subject proper of this review, was early inured to the arduous labor of developing a new farm, and at the age of seventeen he started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand until he had attained his majority, after which he operated the old homestead for three years.  Subsequently he rented a farm for a year, and then removed to Michigan, where he aided in laying out the town of Freeport.  A year later he returned to Sandusky, county, Ohio, where he bought twenty acres of land, making his home thereon four years, and on Apr. 12, 1876, he came to Liberty township, trading his farm for thirty acres here.  In April, 1877, he went to Milton township, and two years later to Portage township, where he lived three years.  In the spring of 1882, he embarked in merchandising in Wingston, and in the spring of 1891, he erected his present store.  He build his home in the spring of 1882, and in addition to this property he owns a forty-acres farm in Henry township, and 112 acres of land in Sandusky county.  He has an eighty-acre oil farm in Section 33, Liberty township, containing seven oil wells, and twenty-two acres of land in section 29, Liberty township, whereon stands his fine home.
     Mr. Hummel was married Sept. 12, 1869, in Sandusky county, to Christena Riegler who was born Dec. 25, 1851, a daughter of John G. and Mary (Stohl) Riegler natives of Germany who were married in Holmes county, Ohio, and died in Sandusky county.  Mr. and Mrs. Hummel have three children:  Laura, wife of George Brink of Liberty township; Mary E., wife of John Gilger, of Liberty township; and Dolly M., at home.  In politics Mr. Hummel is a Republican, and he served as justice of the peace for one term.  He is a man of excellent business and executive ability, and has been the architect of his own fortunes.  In manner he is genial and courteous, traits which make him very popular.  Socially, he is a member of Subordinate Lodge No. 598, I. O. O. F., at Milton Center, with which he united in 1892, and also of the Encampment; and he is a most valuable and active member of Wingston Lodge No. 533, K. of P., which was instituted Mar. 25, 1892, mainly through his instrumentality.  He secured the first sixteen names to the charter list, which comprises thirty-five names, was first chancellor commander, and has filled nearly all offices in the lodge, which now has more than seventy members in good standing.
Source: Commemorative Historical & Biographical Record of Wood County, Ohio, Past & Present - Publ. Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1897 - Page 1056

NOTES:

 

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