* Click on underlined names for
photos or more information.
Sargent, Jacob -- Jacob Sargent was
engaged for many years in the boot and shoe business [in Bellville]. He was the
father of C.D. Sargent and Mrs. Florence Comin and Mrs. A.L. Cameron of
Mansfield. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Messenger: 28 May 1903, Vol. 11, No.
21]
Schaeffer, George A. -- Squire George A.
Schaeffer, of Marion Avenue (Mansfield), is probably the only person in the city
who had the pleasure of listening to Abraham Lincoln when he delivered his
famous Gettysburg address. Mr. Schaeffer stood within twenty feet of
Lincoln at the time and distinctly heard every word of that famous speech.
Mr. Schaeffer at that time was employed at Hanover, a little town 15 miles from
Gettysburg. in company with thousands of others, he traveled to Gettysburg
on that famous day. The train was stopped a mile from the city, being
unable to proceed farther because of the press of trains and people. The
people first visited the cemetery and then listened while Lincoln delivered his
famous speech. Lincoln had a manuscript copy of his speech in his hand, he
having written it while enroute on the train from Washington. After the
address Lincoln and Gov. Curtin held a public reception, Mr. Schaeffer being one
of the thousands who shook hands with Lincoln at that time. Mr. Schaeffer
remembers of Lincoln kissing every baby which was brought to him and saying "God
bless the children". Lincoln rode on an old plug horse while Gen. Meade,
who commanded the Union forces at the battle of Gettysburg was seated on a
magnificent charger. Despite the disparity in the size of the horses,
Lincoln towered above Meade. Mr. Schaeffer himself had a narrow escape
from death, only a few days before the battle of Gettysburg. In the
preliminary skirmishes, at Hanover, several wounded men were brought into his
store. he started out to secure a doctor and just as he opened the door of
the store, on returning, three bullets buried themselves in the wood at his
side. [Mansfield (OH) Daily Shield: 13 February 1909]
Scott, Judge -- When Judge Scott took his
first seat on the Supreme Bench in 1856, T.W. Bartley of Mansfield was Chief
Justice, while J.R. Swan of Columbus, Jacob Brinkerhoff of Mansfield, and Ozias
Bowan of Marion were his Associate Judges. It was probably the best bench
of Judges the Supreme Court of Ohio has ever had.
[Ohio Liberal: 25 June 1879]
Secrist, Michael -- Michael Secrist's
67th. birthday was celebrated at his residence last Saturday. Most of his
children, grandchildren and friends sat down to a sumptuous dinner in honor to
this good old father. Mr. Secrist was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., and
moved to Ohio in 1834. He settled in Wayne County (OH) but in 1835 walked
to Ind. with $100 and bought a piece of land. He sold his possessions four
years afterward for $400 and returned to O. Forty years ago he moved on
the farm north of Plank's Mill now owned by Henry Secrist, and commenced
housekeeping, using blocks of wood as chairs, and without furniture or other
convenience that we now enjoy. Before there were churches he annually held
meetings at his house and boarded free, as high as sixty persons at times and
cared for their horses. He is a devoted advocate of pure Christianity;
has given over $1500 to the cause of God, and is now living a life wholly
devoted to Christianity. He has eight children, eighteen grandchildren and
one great-grandchild, and now has his second wife. Bro. Secrist has stood
the test and his reward shall be a crown of life. [Richland Star: 10
October 1878, Vol. 2, No. 2]
Sewell, Colonel W.L. -- Announcement of
the nomination of Col. W.L. Sewell, of this city, to be consul at Toronto,
Canada, made in the telegraphic columns of Wednesday's News, gave great
satisfaction to the gentleman's many friends in this city. His legal and
business ability eminently qualifies him for the position, while his service to
the party makes the appointment one that is deserved in a political way.
While the genial and popular gentleman will be missed and his removal from the
city will take away an excellent family the good political fortunes that gives
to a worthy gentleman and honorable and lucrative position is esteemed a credit
to him and the city. The subject of this sketch was born June 11,
1849, and worked on a farm until 20 years of age, attending the district school
and subsequently, with a poor boy's ambition, made application to attend Oberlin
college and to work for his tuition and board. His proffer was accepted
and he took care of the school rooms and did such other work mornings and
evenings as a young man with a good, strong constitution could do. He
completed his education at college and returned to Mansfield in 1875. He
then entered the law office of Judge Manuel May, where he pursued the study of
law and was admitted to practice in 1877. He at once opened an office of
his own in this city where he diligently pursued the practice of his profession
ever since. He is now and for a number of years past engaged in a
lucrative law practice, representing many of the largest wholesale merchants and
manufacturers in the city. Mr. Sewell is everywhere recognized as a live,
active, progressive citizen, with a friendly interest always for Mansfield and
its prosperity. He has contributed as liberally as his means would permit
to every religious and benevolent organization in the city and has at all times
been prominent and conspicuous as a leading citizen. Politically he has
been an ardent, active Republican, believing in Republican principles and has
taken a conspicuous part for a number of years in the local political campaigns,
and at the instance of the state committee he has been called upon to address
his fellow citizens in many of the counties in northern and central Ohio, and
during the last presidential campaign, he stumped the state of Michigan.
As a political speaker he has few superiors. While he has always been
steadfast as a Republican, it has been universally said to his credit that he
has always treated the opposition with uniform courtesy and the highest
consideration. No man in Mansfield has stronger or closer friends than the
subject of this sketch has among those who know him best. During all the
years he has practiced law he has enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his
clients in the very highest measure and has been uniformly successful in the
trial of cases, whether in common pleas, circuit or supreme court of the state.
Col. Sewell will be required to be at his post within 30 days after the
confirmation of his appointment and will therefore go to Toronto some time in
August, in all probability. He will remove his family to Toronto in the
course of a few months thereafter.
[Semi-Weekly News:
16
July 1897, Vol. 13, No. 57] <<
picture >>
Sewell, William -- Two of our young law
students, Walton Brown and William Sewell, were admitted to the practice of law
by the District Court in Millersburg, Holmes County (OH), last Monday.
Both passed a rigid examination, and from what we learn very creditable to
themselves. They are promising young men, and we have no doubt they will
make their mark in the profession they have chosen. [Ohio Liberal:
16 May 1877]
Seymour,
Charles Wolds -- Charles Wolds Seymour, was born 31 November 1860 at
Crestline, Sandusky Twp., Richland County, Ohio, son of George Seymour (Born
ZIMMER) and Christianna Merrill. George worked on the railroad from ca 1860
-1876. Charles had one brother named William Edwin Seymour, born 1864 at
Crestline also, who worked in the grocery store of his paternal Uncle in law,
Mr.
Blocker at Sandusky, Erie Co, Ohio and migrated to Pittsburgh, Kansas. George
Seymour was born 1839 at Kent, Franklin twp, Portage County, Ohio son of Joseph
Walter Zimmer born Steinhaus, Hess Darmstadt, Germany, and his wife he married
1837 Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, who was Francis Brick/Brisk/Frick/Frisk
born in Germany. Joseph Walter and family moved to Peru and subsequently to
Ridgefield twps, Huron County, Ohio. During the Civil War Joseph and George sold
horses to the U.S. Cavalry. Family lore says that while doing so George met
Christianna and fell in love with her. George married Christianna about 1860
probably in Richland County where her mother Rachel Merrill resided but this is
a guess. Sadly, Christianna's father, John Merrill born 1805 in Maryland, died
1848 and her mother Rachel Slusser Merrill, then residing in Mercer County, was
forced to adopt her children out. Christianna as adopted by a LaPar family.
Grandma said her father was a voyageur. By 1860 Christianna is married to George
and Rachel had moved back to Bellville. When Charles was 4 years old his
mother, Christianna Merrill Lapar Seymour, died April 1864. Christianna is
buried in the St Joseph Roman Catholic Church Cemetery. According to the St
Joseph's Church records, the lot of her burial is unknown. There is no
gravestone there now. She was age 22 years old when she died. Charles went to
live in Bellville with his maternal grandmother Rachel Merrill where he remained
till about 1883. He is listed on the census as a newsboy for the railroad and
with his father was on the Pacific Express train of the Lake Shore & Michigan
Southern Railroad during the tragic Ashtabula Bridge Disaster of 1876 where he
suffered a broken arm and scar to his face (which my mom never noticed). Of the
159 passengers on the train, 92 died by drowning, fire and fatal injuries due to
the bridge collapse, which was deemed by a special commission, due to the
railroad. On 3 February 1884 Charles married Miss Lydia Kathryn Richards of
Utica, Oneida County, New York. Lydia was the daughter of John Richards and his
second wife Mrs. Mary (Jones) Jones of Utica, and a member of the 1st
Presbyterian Church of Utica. The newlyweds moved to Plattsburgh, Clinton
County, NY and raised a large family. Only three daughters survived the
diphtheria, scarlet fever and small pox which killed 5 brothers and an infant
sister. Charles was owner of a fine grocery catering business and Lydia owned a
millinery store until about 1903 when they moved to Utica where Lydia opened a
millinery store at 1025 Bleaker Street and Charles was a conductor for the
railroad and a chief at the Utica State Hospital. The 6 deceased children of
Lydia and Charles were re interred, from Plattsburgh, at Forest Hills Cemetery
in Utica where their parents also lay in eternal rest. Lydia died 20 May 1924
and Charles died 30 December 1936. Their last residence was 1000 Churchill
Avenue in Utica. Three surviving daughters were Mrs. (George) Marjorie Alice
Smith of Utica, Mrs. Mary Dorothy Bond of Battle Creek, Michigan and Mrs.
(Willard) Lillian Irene Doty of Cleveland, Ohio. Surviving sisters to Lydia were
Mrs. (Leanzer) Alice Richards Sweet of Northville, Franklin County, NY.
Submitted by Nancy.
Shaw, Esther
(Pearce) -- Mrs. Esther Shaw was born in Columbiana County, this state,
July 20, 1807, and came to Washington Township, Richland County, in the autumn
of 1814, and is, no doubt, the only person living in Richland today whose
continuous residence in the county dates back prior to 1815. Mrs. Shaw is
familiarly called "Aunt Hetty". She makes her home with relatives at No. 129
North Mulberry Street, Mansfield, and is in excellent health for a lady of her
age and the accuracy with which she narrates incidents of the past as well as
her quotations of scripture show that her mind is unimpaired. The psalmist said
that "the days of our age are three score years and ten", but some are so strong
that they come to four score and even more, as "Aunt Hetty" has, for she has
lived more than four score years and ten, being now in her 92d. year. The
historical associations of Mrs. Shaw's life, and her family lineage and
connections are most remarkable. Historically, she was born when Thomas
Jefferson was president of the United States, and she came to Richland County
when our country was engaged in the war with Great Britain, known as the war of
1812. A few months later the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. There were no
cables and telegraph lines then to carry the news through the sea and over the
land with the rapidity of the lightning's flash, as it is carried now, and by
the sail and stage means of communication in those days, the news of the signing
of the treaty of peace on the 24th. of December, 1814, did not reach Washington
for nearly two months, and in the meantime, General Jackson won his decisive
battle over the British at New Orleans, Jan. 8, 1815. Peace was not proclaimed
until Feb. 18. The next morning (Sept. 20, 1814) after "Aunt Hetty" ate her
first meal in Richland County, the "sleepers" of their unfinished log cabin
being used as tables, Francis Scott Key gazed in the dawn's early light over the
bay at Baltimore and saw that the American flag still waved over Fort McHenry,
and in the inspiration of the occasion wrote that immortal ode -- the "Star
Spangled Banner" -- which will ever be sung by the American people to voice the
patriotic sentiments of their liberty-loving hearts. In 1814 when "Aunt Hetty"
came to Richland County to make her home on a Washington Township farm, which is
still in the possession of the (Pearce) family, Return Jonathan Meigs was
governor of Ohio, and the total vote of the state was but 22,050, and now at the
last general election (1897) it is 864,022. And Mansfield, which now boasts of a
population of 20,000 people, was then a village of about 20 houses, principally
log cabins. Mrs. Shaw is a daughter of Stephen and Mary (Kinney) Pearce, who
came to Ohio from New Jersey, and were the parents of 10 children. Mrs. Pearce's
mother's maiden name was Mary Williams, who was a lineal descendant, through the
Webber family, of William, Prince of Orange, who when he saw his country
assailed by enemies from without, and torn by internal dissensions, in high and
inspiring language suggested a scheme, which, if accomplished, would have been
the noblest subject for epic song to be found in the whole compass of the
world's history. The Philippine Islands questions brings his words again to the
mind, for, although under different circumstances and purposes, in the "fair
isles of Asia" under the Southern Cross, there may spring up a new Columbia and
the "schools of a more learned Leyden". Louis Kinney, Mrs. Shaw's grandfather,
was the grandson of Louis the XIV, of France, who promoted the industries of his
country, but whose desire for conquest and dreams of a French universal monarchy
embroiled him in numerous wars; who annexed Alsace and Strausburg to France, won
victories in wars with Spain and finally placed his grandson upon the Spanish
throne. The Kinneys were prominent in the pioneer times of Richland County.
Peter Kinney -- "Aunt Hetty's" uncle -- was the first judge of the common pleas
court of the county. Another uncle -- John Kinney -- was a great trader among
the Indians. Esther (Irvin) Ernsberger, a granddaughter of Judge Kinney -- owns
the old family homestead, near Greentown. "Aunt Hetty" was married to Stephen
Shaw, Aug. 23, 1847. Shaw was also a pioneer. He came to Richland County with
Gen. Robert Crook's army in Oct., 1812, being then 19 years old. He was a nephew
of Michael Beam, for whom Beam's block-house was named. Crook's army remained
six weeks in Mansfield, encamped "on the east side of the public square in the
woods". While piloting this army to Upper Sandusky, Jacob Newman, one of the
founders of Mansfield, contracted a cold, resulting in his death the June
following. Stephen Shaw died Feb. 12, 1883. Among the descendants and relatives
of the Kinneys in the Black Fork valley, the names of Guthrie, Vanscoyac,
Oliver, Tannehill, Davis, Oswalt, Miller, Jones, Irvin, Ernsberger and Glasco
families are given, and among the old neighbors of the Pearce families in
Washington Township were John Ford, David Stewart, Samuel Douglass, Thomas
Pollock, Peter Altgeld, John Charles, Andy Hunter, Solomon Shoup, John M.
Swigart, Peter Maglott, Simon Armstrong and Benjamin Dean. Among other noted
products and importations, Richland County once had a modern Sampson,
Christopher Burns by name, and he married a Miss Sarah Pearce, a cousin of "Aunt
Hetty". Burns was over six feet in height and about 225 pounds in weight. While
attending the brick-masons in building the Wiler House in 1828, Burns, it is
said, performed extraordinary feats of agility and strength. According to a
statement made by Judge Coffinberry and corroborated by the late Robert Cairns,
Burns, after winning a foot-race, jumped over an iron rod, laid upon the heads
of two men. Again, a number of strong men were testing their strength lifting at
a wheel of a heavily-loaded six-horse wagon. Burns requested three men to stand
on the hub and felloes of one of the hind wheels, which he easily lifted with
their added weight. Upon another occasion he leaped over the top of a
Pennsylvania covered wagon of the style used from hauling freight in those
days. Aaron Kinney, deceased late of Seattle, Wash., was a son of John Kinney,
the Indian trader. In his last visit to Ohio, in 1873, Aaron Kinney walked from
Newville on the Mohawk Hill, hoping to find the cave containing the reputed
treasures of the Mohawks, so frequently spoken of by his father. There is an
Indian tradition of silver and lead-mines and salt springs along the forks of
the Mohican. One of these salt springs, as stated by Kinney, flowed from under
the Mohawk Hill, in Monroe Township, near the farm of the Rev. Grau, the
financial agent of Wittenberg College. It is further stated that the Indians,
ere they left Greentown, caused this spring to "sink", by the use of
quick-silver, or some other means, and that all traces of it have ever since
been lost. It is also stated that when the Indians were encamped on what is now
the Cline farm, south of Shenandoah, they became short of lead, and that two of
their number mounted their ponies and road up the Black fork and that they
returned the same day with a quantity of lead in a crude state, but whether it
had been stored away up by Ganges, or had been mined in that locality, was
matter of conjecture among the white settlers. The Pearce settlement was known
in the olden time as "The Beech", on account of the abundance of beech trees in
that locality. The Pearce's were strong athletic men in their day, and at
musters and other gatherings engaged freely in the sports of the occasions,
which sometimes wound up in a rough manner, but the Pearce's did not object to
that, for they generally held their own with the best of the crowd. Mrs. Shaw
is a member of the Christian church and has the affectionate regards of a large
circle of friends. -- A.J. Baughman. Submitted by Amy. [Semi-Weekly News
(Mansfield): 23 August 1898, Vol. 14, No. 70]
Sheehy, H.C. -- Newville. In company
with H.C. Sheehy we visited Hiram Stout, Sr. of Monroe tp., last Sunday.
In looking over the old family record we saw he would arrive at his 74th. mile
post the 16th. of this month. The old man seems to live like a king,
keeping bachelor's hall. His father was 74 years old when he died.
[Richland Shield & Banner: 14
January 1893]
Sheidley, Mrs. M.M. -- Mrs. M.M. Sheidley
of Chicago Junction, the owner of the Hotel Sheidley, was born and reared at
Bellville. Her son-in-law, Dr. Lydy, and her son, Jay W. Sheidley, also of
Chicago Junction, formerly lived in Bellville. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville
Messenger: 28 May 1903, Vol. 11, No. 21]
Shellenberger, George -- We now have on
our exchange list the Humboldt (IA) Kosmos, a paper published in
Humboldt, Iowa, of which George Shellenbgerger, a Mansfield boy, is one of the
editors and proprietors. It is a sprightly sheet, and we, with George's
many friends in Mansfield, wish him success in its management. [Ohio
Liberal: 14 August 1878]
Sherman, Cecilia (Stewart) -- In my
Saturday's communication, I gave a sketch of Sherman's home and improvements in
Mansfield. After he shall have passed away he will become the property of the
State. Present party differences will not be to his disadvantage. His long
success and nearly even tone and quality through many occurrences, and the
absence of any real scandals in his life, will probably hush dissent at his
decease, and awaken attention to his general services. Even at the present it is
wise to consider a man fairly who has been in many things the public servant and
steward of us all. I have not said anything with reference to Senator Sherman's
wife, a lady who has been unusually prudent and modest during her husband's long
career, and, although known to his circle of intimate friends and constituents,
has seldom been described in the newspapers. Everybody speaks of her as an
excellent, capable and devoted woman, who, in the absence of children, has
supplied a charity, counsel and assistance to the public man whose name she
bears recognized by Mr. Sherman and all his family. Cecilia Sherman was the
only daughter of Judge James Stewart and of his wife Margaret Lougheridge, to
whom he was married in 1826. These names will at once be recognized as Scotch or
Scotch-Irish. Mrs. Stewart lived only two years after her marriage, leaving this
only child to her husband, who subsequently married Mary Mercer, a lady who
lived to 1860, and survived her husband about two years. Judge Stewart was one
of the ablest men by nature and grace ever seen in that part of Ohio. He was of
an old Irish family, which came to Pennsylvania about twenty-five years before
the American Revolution. He was born in York County, Pennsylvania, at a place
called Chanceford. This old region of the country has been noted for its
Scotch-Irish jurists and its staid, industrious German population. Judge
Stewart's mother was named Jane Duncan. He was born at the beginning of the
century, and first removed to New York State, where he lived in a log house.
While still in his youth he came to Ohio, and taught in an academy, I think, at
Mansfield, probably the first academy in the town. Mansfield must have been then
a very small place, for it was started in 1809 by Jared Mansfield. Judge Stewart
taught himself to read, and, it is said, could not read and write till he was a
man. If such was a fact, no sign existed on his noble and intelligent
countenance of any want of education or sense. A picture of him hangs in the
Sherman family library, and in some of its characteristics so much resembles the
late Judge Charles Sherman that I mistook it for him awhile. Mr. Stewart rose to
high consideration in Mansfield, and in 1850 was put on the bench, where he sat
six years amid great satisfaction, till he was beaten by Judge Geddes, the
present Democratic Member of Congress, and he died two years after that. We may
suppose that the young John Sherman had no sooner seen his way clear to a
settlement in life than he attached himself to the interesting daughter of James
Stewart, who at that time bade fair to be a man of property, and had a farm in
the vicinity of Mansfield. His elevation to the bench was not of advantage to
his worldly estate, and it is said that this property was embarrassed, and that
John Sherman, in respect to his wife and her father, paid off the mortgages, and
that it remains in the family. Mr. Sherman has considerable farm and town
property in the Mansfield region, and he has uniformly given his attention to
business so closely that he has little trouble in keeping up improvements and
collecting his rents. The principal practice of his brother and law tutor was in
making collections. John Sherman spent a good deal of his youth collecting money
for the firm. Some of the people in Mansfield say that Mrs. Sherman, being the
daughter of a lawyer and the wife of another, paid considerable attention to the
forms and theory of law, and that she can draw a legal paper as accurately as
her husband, and has often done so. She has the instinct of property and of
husbandry well defined, and is amply capable of taking care of her husband's
estate. She has been a mother to the children of other people, not only with the
family of her husband, but to strangers, and the Senator and his wife have
adopted at least two children and brought them up. Mr. Sherman's friends say
that it would have been of advantage to his temperament and made him a more
sociable man if his own children had been around his household. The Sherman
family at large has been quite prolific as Ohio families of thrifty stock, but
in this one instance there is no prosperity. John Sherman, however, has been
attending to the needs of his brothers and sisters, and has been a general
adviser and friend of them all. He may be called the old man of the family,
having been a sort of overseer of all the rest. Indeed, he has been the
architect of the whole family, particularly of his brothers. Charles Sherman
owed his appointment as United States Judge to his brother John, and Tecumseh
Sherman had not only been a business failure up to the beginning of the war, but
when the war broke out he was of a disturbed and wavering mind, not on the
subject of union or disunion, but he thought the Abolitionists as much as the
disunionists were responsible for the hostilities, and that his brother, John
Sherman, had been too much of an Abolitionist. I think it probable that letters
were written about that time arraigning John Sherman for having departed from
the Conservative Whig precepts of his father and friends and gone into the black
Republican camp. John Sherman, however, believed that Tecumseh had ability, and
after trying to secure him some place on the staff at Washington, got him the
offer of a whole regiment, which was a great promotion for Sherman, who had
never been above a First Lieutenant or Captain in the Regular Army, and had with
avidity seized upon the offer of chief of a military academy in Louisiana. John
Sherman's connections, brothers-in-law, &c., have also derived influence, and
perhaps advantage, from his public promotions. In nearly all these cases the
appointments of his people to place have been to the public advantage. The
selection of General Sherman to be a Colonel; and his subsequent promotions,
attest good discernment and have brought ample return to the United States. When
General Sherman was notified of his appointment to a regiment he was merely
President of a horse-car company in St. Louis, probably with a salary of $2,500
a year. His ambitious, determined and almost sleepless mind was just what was
needed to be united with Grant's steady yet somewhat phlegmatic temperament.
These two men early united their fortunes, and without any waste of affection
have understood each other, co-operated without friction and closed the war out
gloriously together. If John Sherman ever made mistakes in the appointment of
any of his people to place they were far over compensated by the gift of General
Sherman to the Government. The Sherman family of Ohio is a branch of the
Connecticut Shermans, who are said to have come from Dedham, in Sussex County,
England, and one of the earliest recorded is Sir Henry Sherman, of Yoxley. The
first Sherman, Edmond, came to this country with the proverbial three sons, and
settled in Massachusetts, at Watertown. Roger Sherman, the celebrated
Connecticut Senator, was of this stock, a man who took position at home and at
the Capitol for his distinctive good sense, as contrasted with the more courtly
and showy qualities of the colonial gentry who about that time had given tone to
the Senate. Roger Sherman had been a mechanic, a shoemaker, I think, and became
a lawyer, and when he arrived in the Senate he was, perhaps, the first
representative in it of the American mechanic, the grim, listening, criticizing
business man, who had not been brought up as a shipping merchant, like Robert
Morris, nor as a lawyer or planter, but as a craftsman accustomed to weigh his
leather. Roger Sherman started the Senate in the line of its present business,
looking out for the revenue, watchful over the trades and the prosperity of the
country; and there is something of his stamp in John Sherman's countenance and
work. Charles R. Sherman, the Senator's father, was a lawyer of Norwalk, Conn.,
and an office-holder there. His deputy-collector, it is said, robbed him, and he
had to be sold out, and, therefore, came out to Ohio soon after his marriage, in
1810, to Mary Hoyt. His eldest son, it is believed, was born at Norwalk in 1811.
Somewhat later, Mr. Sherman assisted to located fire lands in the northern part
of the State to compensate the Connecticut towns which had been destroyed by the
British in the second war with England. Settled in Ohio, at Lancaster, this
young Connecticut mother produced children without intermission. When Judge
Sherman died, at Lebanon, while holding Court, of an attack, it is said of
Asiatic Cholera, he left eleven children with the smallest amount of money to
provide for them, some say only $200 to $400. The oldest of these children was
only sixteen, and the youngest was only six weeks old. John Sherman was the
eighth child. The little frame house yet stands in Lancaster where the young
mother, with a child at her breast and this formidable family around her, faced
the world. Her husband had been regarded, however, as one of the most creditable
men in the state, and had many friends at the Bar and among his prosperous
neighbors. Consequently, Thomas Ewing, one of his friends, asked to have one of
the children, and Tecumseh fell into his hands and so was sent to West Point and
became the son-in-law of Mr. Ewing. Some of the girls, I think, were also sent
to distant connections and friends and so married in other portions of the
state. How few rich families have ever had the success that came out of this
huddle of eleven poverty-stricken children in an Ohio town. But their father had
really not left them poor; he had left them his name and the recollection of his
character. He had been one of the Judges of the state, and in those early days a
Judge in America stood as high as a Judge in the Pentateuch. His children seemed
to become wards of the Bar. John Sherman at the ate of eight, was adopted by his
father's cousin at the town of Mt. Vernon, which is but a few miles below
Mansfield, in the same general valley. He remained at Mt. Vernon until 1831 and
was sent back to Lancaster to school, the home of his childhood. At school he
was a little sharp and testy and stood a good deal of flogging. His first
occupation was to carry a rod in 1837 on the Muskingum Canal, an improvement
work. This open-air occupation was a benefit to him, and though he had always
been a thin man, he has never since been a sickly one. He was not presented with
the fine round stomach and bodily gifts of his older brother Charles, and hence
has always had entire possession of his head to work with, whereas if he had
been a high-liver the blood which has propelled his brain might have been wanted
in his stomach to assist digestion. It is a well-known law that when the stomach
is full the blood goes there to assist assimilation, and those who eat frugally
have more use for their brains. It was about 1840 that Mr. Sherman went to
Mansfield to enter the law office of his brother Charles D., and be a lad of all
work. He made up his mind to settle right there, and he has, therefore, lived in
Mansfield within a few years of half a century. Considering this length of time
to occupy one town and grow up with it, what is said against Sherman in
Mansfield is extremely slight and thin. Some of his Democratic neighbors say
that he is a cold man. That remark has been adopted over much of the country. In
one sense it is true -- he is as frank a man in is momentary enjoyments and
repulsions as can be found. His temper is without disguise. He has learned
through a long public career, to keep still, though his disposition is generally
to retort immediately in kind, and not to maintain vindictiveness. There has
hardly ever been a case where one of his friends, encountering any particular
hostility, could not count on John Sherman not only standing by the friend, but
fighting the enemy. Submitted by Amy. [MANSFIELD HERALD: 06 March 1884, Vol.
34, No. 16]
Sherman, Charles T.
-- Brother of the Senator -- Charles T. Sherman was my father's friend and my
father his friend, and so when it happened to me that my course of allotted
study in college was ended, though meager it was, it was suggested by my father
that I take up study in the office of his friend, Charles T. Sherman, and while
Charles was in my father's eye I may as well confess that the junior partner of
the firm of C.T. and J. Sherman was in my own. They were my preceptors. For
three years and more I was associated with them as student and thereafter for
some years in more close relationship. I ought to know Charles T. Sherman if
close association, week in and week out, as the moons waxed and waned and the
sun made annual cycles, enables one to know. But it is not of my personal
attachment or individual estimate of his character and capabilities that you,
dear SHIELD, would have me write. But the broader estimate, that which was
thought of him in the wide field of his acquaintance in old Richland for the
quarter of a century in which he was an active factor. As is quite well known
by many, he was the eldest of the six sons of his father, Charles R. Sherman,
whose birth place was in New England, but who came early to Ohio and settled at
Lancaster, and from which the father traveled out on the circuit attending the
courts of Ohio, east and west, north and south, of Lancaster. The father,
Charles R. Sherman, was the contemporary of Ewing, Beecher, Hammond, Burnett,
Pease, Peter Hitchcock, of the giants in the profession in the early years of
Ohio's settlement, and his measure as man and lawyer was as full and complete as
any as I have named. I have heard my father and others say that he was not only
a great lawyer but also a marvelously eloquent man, superior in that regard to
any of his gifted sons. Under the constitution of 1802 the judiciary of Ohio
was appointed and not elective by the people, as under our present constitution,
and it was possible to have the best equipped men made judges. It is no
reflection on the incumbents now of judicial places in Ohio. But then the
Governor of Ohio appointed, and the Senate of Ohio confirmed, and if we consider
the line of Supreme Judges of Ohio up to 1852 no one will gainsay the fact that
each and all were able and eminent in the profession, and pure and spotless was
the ermine, and broad and basic were their opinions, as enunciated on the
circuit and in bane, and Charles R. Sherman when he reached the Supreme Bench
was not an exception to the general rule and remark, but he died a young man
while in the discharge of his duties on the circuit, and if I recollect right at
Lebanon, Warren County. He was the father of Charles T. Sherman, of whom I
write. The father, as I have before said, had six sons and also five
daughters. How full was his quiver; and when he died he was poor in property;
a little homestead in Lancaster. Nothing more was left for widow and sons and
daughters. But he possessed friends in the persons of each and every lawyer of
any standing throughout all Ohio. Charles T. was cared for by Henry S. Stoddart,
of Montgomery County; William Tecumseh by Thomas Ewing; Sampson Parker by
Charles Hammond; James by William J. Reese; and John and Hoyt, too young to
immediately go out from under the roof three of their mother, remained with her
awhile. Then John went with Samuel R. Curtis, the engineer of the Muskingum
River improvement, and later both came to Mansfield, where Charles had
established himself. Of the daughters, one was the wife of a Supreme Judge of
Ohio. One may readily see what manner of man Charles T. Sherman was when we
consider heredity; as easily as we see what manner of men were and are his more
distinguished brothers, Wm. T. and John. Charles T. was educated at the Ohio
University, located at Athens. His early advantages were therefore good. But
what of him as a lawyer? What of him as a judge? He was well grounded in the
principles of the law, and was a safe, wise and able counselor. An advocate, he
was not. A certain timidity restrained him; if he had conquered that he might
have been very strong as a trial lawyer. His was a fine form, and as he
advanced in years he became somewhat portly. His mental faculties were very
active, and he could and did endure much and prolonged work. He, like Jacob
Brinkerhoff, in the early years, took a prominent part in the government and
management of the local affairs of Mansfield. He was village recorder and
mayor, but aside from such official places he had none other save that he was
appointed and confirmed U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio,
and worthily and ably filled the place for nearly, if not quite ten years;
resigning the same he did not long survive. He was a genial man, strongly
attached to friends. One of his daughters is the wife of a U.S. Senator.
Another, the wife of him who in a few years will command the Army of the
Republic. A third is the wife of Colgate Hoyt, an eminent citizen of New York,
and his eldest son, Henry S. Sherman, was my pupil, even as I had been his
father's. He, the son, stood high at the Cleveland bar, but death met him on
the ocean's waves and conquered him as he was making his first trip to Europe.
I write at some length of Charles T. Sherman. Save his brother John, I was
nearer to him than to any of the illustrious men whose good names and great fame
is part of the heritage of the sons and daughters of Richland. -- H.C.H.
[Richland Shield & Banner: 08 September 1894, Vol. LXXVII, No. 17]
Sherman, John (external link)
Shults, Martin G. -- Martin G. Shults, son
of Sanford Smith Shults, Sr., deceased, was born on the Shults farm in northeast
Madison township, Richland county, in 1844. His early life was spent on the farm
and in the immediate neighborhood, where he was known as an active, industrious
boy of generous nature, open countenance and quick perception. Early in life he
qualified himself for the responsible profession of teaching, in which he
achieved more than ordinary success, having taught sixteen terms, mostly in the
districts of his native township. He was four times elected township assessor
on the Republican ticket over a party majority of sixty to eighty in favor of
his competitor. As an evidence of his fidelity as an officer and his popularity
with his countrymen, it may be said he was the only Republican ever elected to
that office. In early life he was exposed by his associations to more than the
ordinary allurements and temptations to wrong, and while he did not always come
out of the conflict unscathed, yet in the end he was victorious. About eight
years he removed to a farm in Williams county, Ohio, where he died on the 8th.
of June, 1890. He met the king of terrors in the full enjoyment of rationality
and reason, and calmly and cheerfully submitted to his fate. With his last
breath he bade good by to wife and daughter and in the next moment was in the
spirit world. "Beyond the flight of time, Beyond the vale of death, There
surely is some blessed clime Where life is not a breath." The funeral
services were held at the old Shults home, where Rev. D.W. Smith delivered an
instructive discourse on the ministry of sorrow, to an unusually large audience
of friends and neighbors. S.N. Submitted by Amy. [MANSFIELD HERALD: 03 July
1890, Vol. 40, No. 33]
Shupe, Walter H. -- The late Walter H.
Shupe built a steam grist mill at Rome and resided there for awhile. Mr. Shupe
was prosecuting attorney of Richland County in 1854-55. He afterwards engaged
in the newspaper business in New York City, and later instituted an order known
as the "Son of Columbia" of which he became the president or "father" was their
executive officer was called, and which led him to finally have hi named changed
from Walter H. Shupe to "Father Columbia". He was talented but somewhat
visionary. He died at Cleveland a few months ago. Submitted by Amy.
[Bellville Messenger: 02 October 1903, Vol. 11, No. 39]
Shurr,
Daniel Ayres
Sickinger, Grace -- Insanity papers have
been filed in probate court against Grace Sickinger, who is thought to be
insane. Action in the case has been deferred for the present as it is
thought she may become all right again. [Semi-Weekly News: 01
December 1896]
Slocum, Willard -- A brief article
appears in the 24 November 1894 issue of the Richland Shield & Banner regarding
William Slocum and two other gentleman, under the title "Illustrious Dead". You
may wish to obtain photocopies of this article from the
Sherman Room at the
Mansfield/Richland Co. Public Library for a modest fee.
Slough, Edwin G. - BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF
EDWIN G. SLOUGH - Today is the birthday anniversary of Edwin G. Slough, who was
born March 21, 1867, in Lancaster county, Pa. Mr. Slough has been engaged in the
real estate business in Mansfield for a number of years and as secretary of the
chamber of commerce for the past several years he has taken a decidedly active
part in matters looking to the growth and advancement of the city. Earlier in
life Mr. Slough was engaged for some time in newspaper work and conducted a
newspaper in Galion for several years. During the time McKinley was governor Mr.
Slough was in the adjutant general's office in Columbus, ranking captain.
Submitted by Jean and Faye. [The Mansfield News, Page 4: Monday, March 21, 1910]
Smart, Louisa
(Zody) -- Mrs. Louise Smart has been a lifelong resident of Monroe
Township, and her relatives are among the well-to-do people of that part of the
county. She is a member of the Richland Pioneer Association and takes an
interest alike in the events of the present and the associations of the past. In
about 1846 she was married to Perry Smart, who is now deceased. The Smart Farm
is about a mile and a half north of Lucas, and there Mrs. Smart and her son,
Harland, now live on the same old place, which had been the home of her
husband's father. About four years ago their house was destroyed by fire, but a
new dwelling soon arose Phoenix-like in its place. The Smart Farm is about a
half mile from the old-time Gledhill Woolen factory. The main building still
stands and is now used as a barn. Walter Gledhill operated this factory for a
number of years quite successfully, but in 1870 removed the machinery and
fixtures to Mansfield into what is now known as the Baltimore block, which he
rebuilt and operated for some time. But a new page had been turned over in the
book of the world's industries relegating the smaller factories to the past,
leaving the field to the large establishments, which under the fostering care of
trusts and combines occupy the field today. The Painter Woolen mills, a half
mile east of Mansfield, the Lonsdale and France factory, on the Rockfork, below
Lucas, the woolen mills at Newville, Watt's carding and fulling mills, near
Hemlock Falls, the large woolen factory of Clapper & Orewiler, at the old town
of Winchester, between Butler and Newville, the Frary mills, west of Bellville
and others that might be named, all shared the same fate. This was not only true
of woolen mills, but other industries were included in the same category and
shared the same fate. The world moves and people must adjust themselves to the
situations and times in which they live. Mrs. Smart's maiden name was Zody, and
her father owned a fine farm on the road leading from Lucas to Perrysville,
about midway between the Mohawk Hill and the latter place. Walnut Hall school
house stands upon the southwest corner of the Zody farm. This school house
deserves a passing notice, as Judge Wolfe and others, now residents of
Mansfield, there received their primary education. In 1852--4 George W. Ridge
taught at Walnut Hall. As a teacher, Ridge was a composite of the old and the
new. In his teaching he used blackboards and outline maps and other improved
methods of instruction which were not entirely approved of by many heads of
families in those days, who considered that reading, writing and "figuring to
the rule of three" were educational attainments sufficient for the ordinary
business life. But while Ridge was considered new and modern in his modes of
teaching, he was assertive in his manner and as a disciplinarian the government
of his school was upon the lines of the old school master and he never spoiled a
scholar by sparing the rod. In time the rod was succeeded by a leather strap and
if it's marks cannot be traced upon the backs of some people today it is because
time kindly heals all wounds. Mr. Ridge married one of his pupils, Miss
Catharine Zody, a sister of Mrs. Smart, and an estimable lady of domestic taste.
Mr. Ridge and wife followed Horace Greeley's advice to go west and located at
Vinton, Ia., where they prospered. The next teacher at the Hall was George L.
Reed, a half-brother of our J.M. Reed. But George long since gave up the rod of
the pedagogue for the tripod of the sanctum, and is editing a newspaper out in
Kansas. But the rod in Reed's case was only a figure of speech, for he governed
by moral suasion. He was modest, gentle and persuasive, and as an instructor had
but few equals. Like Ridge, Reed is a man of sterling worth and spotless
character. Each did his duty as he saw it, and many of their old-time pupils
acknowledge today the debt of gratitude they owe their former teachers. Mr. Reed
married Mary Ellen Wigton, daughter of 'Squire William Wigton, one of the early
settlers of Monroe Township, and one of its most respected citizens. Of the
farms cornering at the Hall, that of Crawford's has been sub-divided and is now
owned by Mr. Yarnell and Mr. Mowry, and that of Adam Wolfe by Gould Tucker. The
Baughman farm passed into the hands of the Dome family, but the Zody farm has
not changed ownership for many years. William Crawford, is pleasantly spending
the autumn of his bachelor life at Perrysville. Mrs. Smart raised two sons --
Leander and Harland. The former is now deceased, but his daughter resides in
Mansfield, and is the wife of Christian Baer, a son of the late
ex-commissioner. -- A.J. Baughman. Submitted by Amy. [Mansfield Semi-Weekly
News: 06 September 1898, Vol. 14, No. 74]
Smiley, Jay -- JAY SMILEY -- The family of
Mr. Smiley are of Scottish origin; his grandfather, Wm. Smiley, being born in
Scotland, and emigrating to America in the first half of the last century,
settling in the colony of New Hampshire. John Smiley was born in Jeffrey, N.H.,
August 21st., 1754, but removed in 1785 to Rutland Co., Vermont, where Jay
Smiley, his twelfth child, was born, on the 4th. of October, 1794. Soon after
this, in the same year, he moved to Augusta, Oneida Co., N.Y., where another
child was born. Out of this large family of thirteen, all but one lived until
years of maturity. In 1807 the family again removed to Jefferson County, N.Y.,
where the death of Mr. John Smiley occurred in March, 1813. The subject of our
sketch remained at home until 1817, when he was twenty-two years of age, and
then, in company with his brother David, he started out to seek his fortunes in
the undeveloped western country. Their first stop was made in Mansfield,
Richland County, Ohio, and their first engagement was made with William and
George Reynolds, who lived in Mifflin Township, half a mile south of the present
town of Windsor. Here David remained two years, and Jay three years and a half,
during which time they purchased the S.W. quarter of Section 5, Township 22,
Range 19, and in 1820 Jay bought out his brother's interest in the property. We
next learn of Mr. Smiley returning on a visit to the old home in Jefferson
County, N.Y., and there he was married on the 10th. of April, 1822, to Miss
Dolly Johnson, of that county. In May of that same year they came out to Ohio,
stopped in Stark County until November, 1823, then moved to Sharon Township,
Richland County, and on the 1st. of January, 1824, they took possession of their
new log cabin on section five, and on the 15th. of February following, their
first child was born there. This place has been their home ever since. Here have
been born to them seven children, four sons and three daughters, named in the
order of their birth, Rosanna, Henry J., Sarah J., David, Louisa, Andress E. and
John Jay, of whom two sons and two daughters are still living, in 1873. On the
11th. of May, 1873, Mrs. Smiley departed this life, in the 73d. year of her age,
after more than half a century of wedded life, of joys and sorrows, of early
privations and later competence. In the year 125, Mr. Smiley was elected
Justice of the Peace, at the fifth election ever held in this township. He held
this office six years at that time, and in 1848, being again elected, continued
to serve for nine years. Among other acts of Mr. Smiley's official life, he
reports the marriage by him of forty couples. He is passing his declining years
in ease and comfort, upon the spot that first became his home at Shelby nearly
fifty years ago. His powers of mind remain almost unimpaired, as is shown by his
furnishing us, in his seventy-ninth year, the circumstances and the dates of
this article with readiness and accuracy, entirely from memory. Henry J., the
eldest son, was married November, 1856, to Miss Cordelia Craig, who died
February, 1864, leaving him one daughter, Mary. He now resides in Marion
County. Rosanna, the eldest daughter, was married in December, 1845, to George
W. Moore, who was engaged in the drug business in Shelby for some years, and who
died in August, 1858, leaving two sons, Albert and Wallace, who live in Shelby
at the present writing, in 1873. His daughter, Louisa, was married October
22d., 1858, to Lemuel Fite, now living in Marion County, Ohio. Sarah J., the
second daughter, died in the 23d. year of her age. She was educated at Berea,
Ohio, and prepared in mind and heart for a sphere of usefulness. She is now
remembered among her friends chiefly for the modest purity that adorned her
daily life, and endeared her to all. David, the second son, was married to Miss
Jennie Mickey, in September, 1855, and died April 8th., 1857. He was educated at
Baldwin Institute, Berea, and at the Ohio Wesleyan University. In the Fall of
1856, he took a great interest in the political campaign, and his Republican
friends availed themselves of his talents as a speaker, and put him forward in
the canvass of the county. His exertions in this direction probably laid the
foundation of the malady which attacked him shortly after, followed him through
the Winter, and ended his life in the following Spring. His friends and enemies,
in politics (for he had no enemies outside of politics), mourned his loss, as
the taking off of the most promising young man in the community, and to this day
he is named as the most talented of the sons of Shelby. John Jay, the fourth
son, was married to Miss Amelia Tucker, December 2d., 1865, and they are now
living on the old home place. The closing lines of this brief sketch we
dedicate to the memory of one who gave his life to his country. Andress E.
Smiley, third son of Jay Smiley, graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in
June, 1858. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company "I", 15th. Regiment Ohio
Vols., and on the 24th. June, 1863, was killed at Liberty Gap, Tennessee, while
acting as Lieutenant of Company "A", to which office he was appointed in April,
1863. His remains were brought home in March, 1864, and interred in the old
cemetery. He was prepared by nature and education for a useful and honorable
life; alas! he is numbered now among -- " * * * * The brave, "Who sink to rest,
"By all their country's wishes blest." Submitted by Amy. [ATLAS MAP OF
RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO. By A.T. Andreas. Chicago, Ill., 1873, p. 23]
Smith, Hiram R. -- Hiram R. Smith
yesterday completed the eighty-first year of his life upon this mundane sphere,
as was announced in Sunday's Shield. A short sketch of the life of the venerable
gentleman who is hale and hearty and remarkably active for one of his years,
will be of great interest to the Shield's many readers. Mr. Smith was born on a
farm on the site of the present village of Huron, O., where his parents, Asa
Smith and wife (nee Hannah Richmond) had located just before the war of 1812. In
1824 he came to Mansfield and lived with Hugh McFall, tending store mornings and
evenings and going to school during the day. For fifteen years he lived with Mr.
McFall as salesman of a general stock of goods and, during this time, he served
as deputy postmaster for eight years and a half, doing all the business in the
post office and, through his fidelity, economy and energy, succeeded in
accumulating enough capital to warrant his engaging in the general merchandise
business for himself. In 1839 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Ann C. Leiter,
who died in this city, June 7, 1850, and who bore him the following children:
Henry, born March 31, 1840, who enlisted in the army during the rebellion and
died in Arkansas in 1862; Mary Felicia, born June 25, 1842, died July 20, 1876;
Richmond, born December 14, 1844; Clara Ann, born February 8, 1848, died July
26, 1875. Mr. Smith's second marriage was to Ann Ward, May 16, 1854. Of this
marriage, two children were born: Ward Smith, October 1, 1856, and Rena May,
born August 8, 1860. Mr. Smith has always encouraged every public enterprise
that would benefit the community, and has seen the growth of Mansfield from a
village to the city of the present. The Shield wishes him many happy returns of
the anniversary of his birth. Submitted by Amy. [Richland Shield & Banner: 13
January 1894, Vol. LXXVI, No. 35]
Smith, Hiram R. - HIRAM R. SMITH ENTERS
NINETY-EIGHTH YEAR - This is the birthday anniversary of Hiram R. Smith,
Mansfield's oldest resident, who now enters upon his ninety-eighth year, having
been born in Huron, Erie county, Ohio, Jan. 7, 1813. He came to Mansfield in
1824 and has resided here ever since, having been prominently identified with
the early history of the city. Mr. Smith is still able to get up street quite
frequently and is remarkably active and spry, considering that in two years time
he will enter his one hundredth year. Submitted by Jean and Faye. [The Mansfield
News, Page 3: Friday, January 7, 1910]
Smith, Robert C. -- With them entered the
lists Robert C. Smith, whom we laid away also only a few years ago. Smith was
born in Pennsylvania, was educated at an academy where Caleb J. McNulty and
Clement L. Vallandigham were early schooled. His father removed to Ashland when
that village was still a part of old Richland. He came hither and also became a
student of Judge Stewart and General Newman. He was very vigorous, and gave
promise of great growth. His voice was powerful and I have heard Judge Stewart
foretell for him a brilliant future. And I remember well, once when Mr. Delano
was associated with him in the defense of one accused of crime, and accused
wrongfully, a case in which both Delano and Smith made arguments to court and
jury, that at the close of the trial Mr. Delano greatly complimented Smith on
his conduct of the case and his brilliant rhetoric and forceful argument. That
Smith had gifts, was not questioned; but he lacked method, both of study of
life, and he despised the weakness of some who gain fame and fortune by
fawning. Disuse of the gifts given him also caused him to lose confidence in
himself. Robert C. Smith was a true friend, and was the soul of honor, yet his
life was in a measure sad and less of a success than it might have been. He
also at the outset of his career, was a member of the Democratic party, and left
it when Kirkwood and Dr. Henderson did. When the war for the Union was waged,
he became a soldier and served as a lieutenant in the 1st. Ohio Independent
Battery. For a number of years he was connected with the Internal Revenue
service, and was a faithful public officer. Submitted by Amy. [Richland Shield
& Banner: 01 December 1894, Vol. LXXVII, No. 29]
Snider, Peter -- Mr. Peter Snider made us
a visit the other day, and in talking over old times we learned that he hailed
from Mansfield, Ohio, and settled in this county in the spring of 1871, thus
making him one of our old settlers. When he landed here he was a poor man
with only a few dollars in his pocket, but by hard work and honest dealings with
his fellow man has been successful in securing much of this world's goods to the
amount of several thousand dollars. He served three years in the war, went
in a Democrat, came out a Democrat and has been a Democrat ever since. And
by faithfulness to his party, especially at a time when there were only a
handful of Democrats in this county, a Democratic sheriff was elected -- Henry
Litts -- after which the party took on strength and has been successful in
electing many Democrats to office since that time. Mr. Snider is one of
our most respected citizens, a good Democratic worker and numbers his friends in
this county by the score. [Richland Shield & Banner: 17 December
1892 as reprinted from the Dickinson Co. News of Abilene, Kansas]
Snyder, Kimble P. (external link)
Sotzen, Henry -- Shelby. Henry
Sotzen and son, George, were in Dayton, Ky., yesterday. Mr. Sotzen saw for
the first time a grandchild and great-grandchild, who live there, descendants of
his daughter, formerly Sadie Sotzen.
[Mansfield News: 10 July 1899]
Spaulding, Alma (Beverstock) -- Lexington.
The venerable Mrs. Alma Spaulding recently attained the age of 79 years. Mrs.
Spaulding, whose maiden name was Beverstock, was born in Vermont, among whose
historic vernal hills she passed her girlhood days and later she lived in
Lowell, Mass., and knew Gen. B.F. Butler, deceased, when he was a young
barrister without brief or fame. For 42 years Mrs. Spaulding has given prestige
to Lexington's social circles by her cultured presence. She taught school here
in the correspondent's juvenile days and he has felt the impress of her wisdom,
but never the impress of her rod. The correspondent was, the lady says, one of
her good little boys and he regrets that he has not practiced the virtues which
she so kindly inculcated in him. Time has not dimmed the bright radiance of her
intellect and as a member of the Ladies' Literary Club her productions show that
she possesses the bright perceptions, the happy flow of spirits of her pristine
days. Submitted by Amy. [Mansfield Semi-Weekly News: 20 December 1898, Vol.
14, No. 104]
Spohn Family -- The Spohns are entitled to
a family sketch, for they were early settlers, exemplary people and the founders
of Butler. Martin Spohn, Sr., was a Pennsylvanian by birth. He was a Dunkard
preacher, who according to the rules of his sect, worked for a livelihood
instead of receiving a salary from his congregation. He located in Ohio in an
early day and took what was called the "tomahawk right" to 160 acres of land.
This "right" consisted in marking or "blazing" trees so as to encircle the land,
for which after a specified time he was to pay the government a small price.
His son, Daniel, was the founder of Butler. Martin Spohn, Jr., was born in
Washington Co., Pa., in 1804, came to Ohio when young and resided in Worthington
Twp. many years, dying at an advanced age. The elder Spohns wore the Dunkard
garb and were hard-working, honorable men. Mrs. Sarah Bevington, of 486 West
Fourth Street [Mansfield], is a daughter of Martin Spohn, and the maiden name of
the widow of the late Joseph M. Manner was Spohn. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville
Messenger: 04 June 1903, Vol. 11, No. 12]
Starkey, Sarah -- There seems to be a lot
in a name, for who would recognize the girl called Sarah Starkey? However, "Peg"
Starkey brings as many memories to almost all of us as a yard stick does to any
freshman. "Peg" is an almost absolute example of the expression "Children should
be seen and not heard". Her energy and "pep" are expressed in her hobbies, which
are playing tennis and dancing. After finding out "Peg's" ambition, which is to
go to Europe, one is very much opposed to Emerson's idea that "Traveling is a
fool's paradise". "Peg" has been a member of Blue Tri (1) (2) (3), Latin Club
(3) and General Music (1) (2). Submitted by Amy. [THE HYPHONERIAN: 08 October
1926, Vol. IX, No. 2]
Starr, M. -- Dr. M. Starr was a Butler
Township boy, whose parents were pioneers in that part of the county. Dr. Starr
began the practice of medicine in Shenandoah in 1851, and never changed
location. He served as assistant surgeon of the 174th. O.V.I. in the civil
war. He was always regarded as an able physician and a worthy citizen.
Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Messenger: 02 October 1903, Vol. 11, No. 39]
Stelts, Abraham -- Last week, Abraham
Stelts, aged about 84 years, split over 1,000 rails. One half of a large cut
rolled back, when it opened, and caught him under it. He undertook to dig out
with his hands, and succeeded very well, until he came to frozen ground. He then
hallooed about twice at once, when two men came to his rescue and extricated
him, when he deliberately went to his work and finished his job. "How's that for
high?" Mr. Stelt's was a soldier in our last war with England, came to the site
of Bellville in 1812, and has resided in the vicinity ever since; has probably
done more hard, pioneer labor than other man now living in Jefferson Twp., and
his physical strength and vigor, after his long and laborious life, is a subject
of wonder. -- E. Submitted by Amy. [BELLVILLE DOLLAR WEEKLY: 11 April 1873,
Vol. 2, No. 6]
Stevens, William -- Stevens was the
brother-in-law and partner of Thomas W. Bartley; his wife the sister of our
townsman, Mr. John C. Larwill. His first home in Mansfield was on the corner of
Third and Water Streets (Adams newly named), in a dwelling house built by Adam
Poe, one of the great preachers of northern Ohio. Selling that, Mr. Stevens
built a new residence on Main Street, west side, between First and Second
Streets. It was in its day a beautiful home. Mr. Stevens was elected
prosecuting attorney of the county, having defeated Geo. W. Geddes, who was the
Whig candidate. He was not a great lawyer nor a great man, not as industrious
as Judge Bartley, nor gifted in any measure approaching the gifts of Bartley.
Kirkwood succeeded him as the partner of Bartley and Stevens succeeded Kirkwood
as prosecuting attorney. Still I remember the fact that when I was first a
student-at-law Stevens was in full practice, and was at times associated with
John Sherman in the trial of cases. He was negligent in his personal
appearance, careless in his dress and indifferent in his manners, and not
ambitious even for the acquirement of fortune. In 1873 I made a trip to Kansas
City with Mr. John Wood on professional business, which made necessary a call on
one of the leading merchants of that busy, growing city. It so happened that
the day we arrived there was one day after a municipal election, and it
developed in our call that the merchant was the successful candidate for the
mayorality, and a Democrat. As we entered the counting room of the merchant we
spied our old friend, Wm. Stevens, Esq., with hat all battered, minus a shirt
collar, coat worn thread-bare and his tout-ensemble was any thing but inviting.
You see, dear SHIELD, there had been a Democratic victory. As Mr. Stevens took
us in, quickly recognizing old friends, grasping our hands in turn, and with
warm words of welcome, yet possibly conscious that two pairs of eyes were
scanning his foot-gear and head-gear and clothing generally, he doffed the stove
pipe hat and remarked: "I am still one of the unwashed Democracy." He had
every opportunity in the west for abundant success. Friends east in Ohio who
commanded large resources, were at his service, but he was content to live
without making great effort or seeing great results. Had Wm. Stevens been
thrown wholly from the first on his own resources, compelled to face poverty or
win wealth, I verily believe he would have achieved a great success. He was in
the days of his residence at Mansfield an author and wrote and published a book,
now out of print, entitled the "Unjust Judge". He quarreled with Stewart, with
Kirkwood, and in his book he delineated Stewart to his own estimate and measure
of the man as the "Unjust Judge" and one of the personć of his story he
nominated "Old Yellow Coat" and that appellative fitted none save Kirkwood.
There may be some stray copies of the book in some of the libraries of
Mansfield, I know not, but it is a fact, and should not be lost in history, that
in the bar of Richland in the olden time we find authors and painters, doctors
and preachers, yet all at one time disciples of Blackstone and devotees of the
law. Mr. Stevens might have taken rank and position in the profession in
Missouri and Kansas and reached the bench had he been more industrious and
energetic. He lacked not brains, but orderly brains; not knowledge, but the
disposition to use that knowledge to the utmost. I may express myself too
freely, but if he were alive and would read this sketch he would not regard the
criticism as unjust or unwise. -- H.C.H. Submitted by Amy. [Richland Shield &
Banner: 17 November 1894, Vol. LXXVII, No. 27] Later in the article it states
"My friend Mr. Larwill, as I finish this sketch, informs me that I am mistaken,
that Mr. Stevens now an old man of eighty and upwards, still lives in his
western home in Kansas City, Mo.; but let the sketch stand."
Stevenson, Andrew -- Andrew Stevenson,
formerly of Mansfield, but lately editor of the Plain City Gazette, has returned
to Mansfield, and has become a partner of R.B. McCrory in the practice of law.
[Ohio Liberal: 18 December 1878]
Steward, John
Stone, Alice (Smith) -- TO SHUFFLE OFF,
One of the 400 of Wild Cat Chute Takes Pizen To Kill Herself. "Wild Cat
Chute", in the lower part of the city, which has gained much notoriety in the
past, came to the front yesterday with another ugly sensation. About 7
o'clock Sunday night the occupants of the tenement house located on North Main
Street, in the rear of the property formerly owned by W.W. Dunnavant, were
thrown into a state of great excitement by finding Alice Stone, nee Alice Smith,
in a dying condition, she having tried to commit suicide. From the woman's
six-years-old son it was learned that on Saturday night before she attempted to
take her life the woman had called him to her, told him of her intentions and
instructed him to sell off the furniture after she was dead and then take up his
residence with his grandmother. After this the boy observed her drink
something from a small bottle. She suffered all night and Sunday about the
hour named above. Drs. Mason and Baughman were summoned. Officer
Lewis, however, arrived at the house first and, securing the bottle and
remaining contents, left the house, so that when the physicians arrived they
were compelled to work in the dark, not knowing what the woman had taken.
They went to work and administered the usual remedies in such cases and finally
succeeded in getting her out of danger much to the patient's disgust. Mrs.
Smith is a grass widow, about 34 years of age, and formerly resided at Marion
and later at Galion. She was of respectable parentage, but it was learned
from those familiar with the case that shortly after her marriage, while
residing at Marion, her husband was sent to the penitentiary for burglary.
There were three sisters in the family, one of whom, it is understood, is now
located in a local sporting house. The victim, it is stated by the same
authority was also a boarder at one of these places until a short time ago, when
she rented the rooms where she now lives. Upon recovering sufficiently to
be able to converse the woman "roasted" the physicians unmercifully for saving
her life, saying that she wished to "shuffle off" and would repeat the attempt.
From various sources it was leaned the woman had a lover who has been very
attentive until a short time ago and his desertion caused her to attempt
suicide. [Richland Shield & Banner: 27 February 1892]
Stough, William & Sarah A. (Redding) --
Madison Township. Stough, William, Insurance Agent, Justice, and soldier, was
born, January 22d, 1821, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, of American parentage
of German descent. He was educated in the common schools and when quite young
was apprenticed to learn the cabinetmaker's trade in Mansfield, Ohio. Having
perfected himself in his calling he entered into the business himself, and
removed to Williams County, Ohio, where he also followed the lumber business in
connection with cabinet making. After twelve years, he engaged in general
merchandise in Pulaski and Bryan, where he continued for five years. In 1861 he
entered into the army as Captain of Company H, 38th Ohio Volunteers, and served
with that command for one year resigning in consequence for ill health. He
returned home, where he remained for a year, and then returned to the service as
Captain in the 9th Ohio Calvary. In September, 1864, he was promoted to the rank
of Major, and fifteen days thereafter again promoted, receiving the rank of
Lieutenant Colonel for efficient services, and held that rank at the close of
the war. He holds brevet Colonel and Brigadier-General commission for
meritorious conduct, March 10th, 1865; these are for services rendered at the
surprise of Kilpatrick's command by Wade Hampton and Wheeler at Monroe Cross
Roads, near Fayette, North Carolina; and in the "History of the Ninety Second
Illinois Infantry" he is highly complimented for the efficient services he then
rendered. He was honorably discharged from the service in August, 1865, and
returning home was elected Justice of the Peace for three terms in succession,
and still holds that office, and has held that office sor six terms in Williams
County. In 1870 he was chosen Mayor of Bryan. He is also engaged in the
insurance business. He has been connected with the Republican party since its
foundation. He was married in 1840 to Sarah A. Redding, of Richland County,
Ohio, who died in September, 1864. [1.The Biographical Encyclopedia of Ohio of
the Nineteenth Century, page 600, Galaxy Publishing Company, Cincinnati and
Philadelphia, 1876, S.A. George & Co., Stereotypers & Electrotypers]
Stout, James -- James Stout, a New
Jerseyman by birth and a Hollander by descent, entered the west half of the
southwest quarter of section 22 [Monroe Twp.] upon which he located in 1829, and
upon which he lived until his death, Aug. 30, 1864. There were but few settlers
in that part of the township at that time. There were heavy forests, and
wildcats, deer and wild turkeys were numerous, and bears were frequently seen.
Mr. Stout was fond of hunting, and his wife could shoot squirrels and other
small game equally well with her husband. The Stouts were industrious people
and good neighbors. Hiram Stout, the survivor of the family, lives at the old
home. He is 84 years old, and a bachelor. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville
Messenger: 02 April 1903, Vol. 11, No. 13]
Straub,
Jacob -- After a long, lingering illness, the gradual wearing out of a
strong constitution after years of industry, Jacob Straub, passed into the
eternal life at 9 o'clock this morning at the home of his son-in-law, R.M.
Yardly, 72 North Diamond Street. Mr. Straub was born in Lancaster County, Pa.,
in 1826. The following year his grandfather, Jacob Markley and father, George
Straub, moved to Mansfield and this was the home of Jacob Straub all his days.
At the age of seventeen years he was apprenticed to William Bessinger a wagon
maker. The apprenticeship expired when he became of age and he at once went into
business for himself on East Fourth Street, near the corner of Adams, where he
remained several years. He then purchased the property on North Main now
occupied by George Schuler, where he had his shop until eleven years ago when he
tore down the shop and erected in its stead the present brick building. Mr.
Straub was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Christman, the mother of
his only daughter, Mrs. Yardly. The second wife was Mrs. Henry Lehr, who died
four years ago, the mother of his only son, Harry Straub. Mr. Straub was three
times appointed to make the decennial land appraisements of the old Third Ward;
was several times elected assessor of that ward and represented the ward in the
city council. He also served a number of years as a member of the city board of
equalization. Three years ago he was elected water works trustee and it was only
on account of failing health that he was not a candidate for re-election.
Funeral from the residence Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Submitted by Amy.
[RICHLAND SHIELD & BANNER: 01 June 1895, Vol. LXXVIII, No. 3]
Strong, William L. -- A biographical
article appears in the 03 November 1894 issue of the Richland Shield & Banner
(Vol. LXXVII, No. 25, p. 6). Due to its' length, it is not being published
here. Interested parties may contact the
Sherman Room of the
Mansfield/Richland Co. Public Library for print-outs of this article for a
very modest fee.
Sturges, Eben Perry -- We reprint from the
recently published volume containing the proceedings of the Society of the Army
of the Cumberland, at its' fourteenth reunion, held in September, 1882, at
Milwaukee, Wis., the following memoir of our late citizen, Major Eben P.
Sturges, deceased, contributed at the request of the Committee on Memoirs of
that Society, and prepared by the Rev. Dr. S.A. Bronson, of this city. STURGES
-- Born in Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio, August 19, 1840, and died in
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 22, 1882. Thus he was taken away in the very prime of
manhood. His native place having been his home during all his life of forty-two
years, can not be expected to furnish many incidents to fill up a memoir,
without going into details of little general interest. His life may be divided
into: 1. His childhood at home; 2. The youth at school; 3. The soldier on the
field; 4. The man of business after the war; 5. His illness. His Childhood at
Home -- Major Sturges was the second son of Edward Sturges, Esq., a leading and
very successful business man. Though born to wealth, his parents had the good
judgment and persevering energy to train up their children "in the way they
should go", that is, in habits of morality, industry and economy. While they
were subject to all proper restraint it was the unwearied effort of a watchful
mother to see that home should furnish amusements at least as attractive as the
streets. Eben, it would seem, scarcely needed discipline; for among a family of
nine children, who have not failed to honor their parents in their subsequent
lives, he was called one of his mother's good boys. Instead of running in the
streets as some do, he was under careful culture at home. It does appear that he
had any wild oats to sow nor any bad habits to correct. As a Youth at School
-- Mr. Sturges showed the good effects of his careful and judicious home
training. Though there is no direct testimony at hand from fellow-students to
show the degree of attainment and manner in which he sustained himself while a
student of Kenyon College, yet there is the satisfactory testimonial that
nothing appears against him. He came home with a clean record, and his
correspondence afterward with fellow students shows a very high regard for him.
This memorial, ere it closes, will show that his intellect was of a high order
and his mental culture such as to do honor to his own industry and to the
institution of which he was a member. As we have no speeches nor essays from
which to form an estimate of his intellectual capacity, and none of his letters
are at hand, there is but a slender opportunity to form an estimate. It was his
habit only to speak or write when the occasion required, and when he did so
every word was to the point. As a Soldier -- Mr. Sturges received his
commission as Second Lieutenant of Battery B, First Regiment of Ohio Light
Artillery, in October, 1861, and that of First Lieutenant of Battery M in March,
1863. He served gallantly in the battle of Mi'l Spring in Kentucky, the battles
of Shiloh, of Murfreesboro, of Perrysville, Tuliahoma, Chattanooga and Mission
Ridge. From there, in the hundred days' fight all the way to Atlanta, he was on
General Brannon's staff. From Atlanta he was assigned to General Thomas' command
and returned by way of Franklin and Nashville, in which terrible conflicts he
participated and won the highest regard of his fellow officers and the esteem of
all. Lieutenant Eben P. Sturges remained in the service till the close of the
war, and received the well deserved tribute of his brevet rank of Major. During
his four years in the Army, he kept a daily record of events that occurred with
which he was more or less connected. Parts of his diary are still preserved. An
extract from it may be of some general interest as with the history of the great
battle, and of special interest to his friends, as a more vivid picture of Major
Sturges than this pen is able to draw. Extract from His Diary -- Diary --
December 29, 1862. To-day rose early and prepared to march. Our progress was
slow, as our advance had to clear the road occasionally of the enemy's
rear-guard. Every once in a while the latter would send a round shot spinning
along the road. At night we encamped in an open field, two and a half miles from
Murfreesboro. The other troops encamped on either side along the road and in the
heavy cedar groves all around us. Commenced to sleep in the open air; but it
having begun to rain, put up a tent and slept more comfortably. Diary --
December 30, 1862. About daylight we took the battery through a grove of cedars,
on and along a road, and came into battery to the right. The ground on which we
posted the guns was very rocky and covered with cedars. Our skirmishers were
advanced a few hundred yards in front of us, and kept up a brisk fire with those
of the enemy. A ball from the latter would at times whistle by us. Our artillery
on our left about a quarter of a mile, opened on the enemy in front about 9
o'clock and were replied to. Artillery opened on our right and kept up all day.
Our brigade was on an angle formed by the junction of our right and left lines.
Late in the afternoon our battery was ordered to the vortex of this angle. Here
we came into action, and, with the batteries on our right, poured a concentrated
fire into the enemy's skirmishers and into his camp, as was supposed. Their
sharpshooters endeavored to pick us off. One fired a shot, evidently for me,
into the breast of a wheel-horse of my left piece. The jugular vein being cut,
he bled to death very soon. A few shells sent right into their pits, sent these
sharpshooters skedaddling. Darkness coming on we ceased firing, having sent them
about thirty rounds per piece. Occupied our old camping ground. Diary --
December 31, 1862. In the morning first went to the position which we had
yesterday morning. Soon changed to the spot whence we had fired last evening.
Heard heavy fighting on our right. Opened our guns to shell the woods in front
of us. We were on the edge of a cedar grove, the trees of which would once in a
while be shattered by the enemy's artillery. They seemed to be driving us on the
right. I was ordered by Lieutenant Wright, of Cruft's staff, to take my section
around to the left of the angle upon which we were fighting. Found hot fighting
going on there. Unlimbered and ran my pieces down, almost to the line of
infantry, by hand. The enemy were about three hundred yards distant on a ridge,
under cover of corn-fields and bushes. Gave them for about three-quarters of an
hour shrapnel and Schenck shell. By that time the action was very hot, and I
advanced the pieces a few rods and changed shrapnel for canister. By this time
also their batteries had answered, and rattled the projectiles of all kinds
through the cedars around us. Sam. Earl, my rifled piece's gunner, put his
shells right into their battery. The canister I could not see the effects of,
for the smoke and cover. Our right seemed to be being driven. We saw the enemy
being reinforced by solid columns of infantry, proudly bearing the stars and
bars. I directed my fire at the latter, and they went down. The ammunition for
my rifled piece was all gone, and I sent it to the rear. My smooth-bore I had
previously ordered into a new position, in order to get them out of a shower of
canister that was cutting them. They themselves had fired twenty rounds of
canister. All this time the right of our line had been driven, and we were in a
short of horseshoe; and as our reserves had gone to help the right, we had to
retire before the largely superior forces of the rebels. I found my smooth-bore
with but man by it. The rest, however, were near. I rallied them and helped them
to limber up and sent them out. A careless driver (a new man) ran the pole up
against a tree and broke it. We ran the piece back by hand and started it again.
I followed upon foot. Early in the engagement I gave my horse to a spy whom I
knew with Negley, who was sitting by a tree holding another horse. During the
heat of the action he was lost. I lingered some to look back. Our infantry were
beginning to rally, and at length retired from the woods in good order. Old
Rosey was here on the ground, and I heard him say something to encourage the men
and add: "We're Meeting Them." I saw him several times afterward on the field,
giving directions and encouragement. Our line fell back in the center about half
a mile. I found the battery on a hill about a quarter of a mile from the advance
line. We were ordered to form in battery here. While doing it Sergeant Thompson
was badly wounded by a spent over shot -- James sold shot. It grazed his spine.
After once changing front, S.B. Ruple, of my smooth-bore detachment, was badly
wounded in the neck by a ball, I think, from spherical case. He has since died.
We remained here till night, when we encamped in a hollow a few rods distant.
The loss to-day foots up as follows: Detachment No. 3 -- Seargeant Wolf killed
by his own piece; John Elliott wounded and missing afterward found dead. No. 4
-- Jack McLaughlin wounded and missing; Sawtell grazed by a musket ball on the
head. No. 5 -- (my rifled piece) -- Hayes graced by a canister on the head. No.
6 -- (my smooth-bore) -- Brough wounded in the leg by canister; Ben. Searles
wounded in leg by canister; French wounded in arm by canister, the doctor says
by musket ball; Ruple wounded in neck by shrapnel. I lost in my section two
horses. After we had had a little coffee, I went to the hospital. Found Thompson
asleep; Brough, French, Ruple, Shankland, the latter was wounded in No. 2, were
as well as could be under the circumstances. About 10 o'clock took the caissons
to the ammunition train to fill the chests. About 12 went to bed without my
blankets, wagon having taken them off somewhere. This, it must be remembered,
was written when he was little past 23 years of age, but a boy as it were, just
out of college, and only a little over a year in the service; yet here is
evidence of the coolness and courage of a veteran, and of the clearness of
thought, precision of language, freedom from verbiage and liveliness of
description, that distinguished Lieutenant Sturges as possessed of unusual
abilities. Then, the thought and care bestowed upon his men, the minute
attention given to the manner in which they were wounded, and the severity of
their wounds, and accounting no less minutely for his horses, shows the
exactness, the kindness and the diligence, with which he performed all his
duties. The writer of this memoir can neither find nor hear of anything during
his four years' service that is not fully up to this standard of military duty.
Major Sturges as a Citizen -- After the close of the war Mr. Sturges engaged in
business in the purchase of cotton at the South. This not proving successful, he
engaged with his father in the wholesale grocery business, in Mansfield. In this
business he continued until the death of his father, in the fall of 1878, in the
settlement of whose estate his whole time and attention were then absorbed as
long as his failing health permitted. A leading characteristic of his life was
industry, not from any thing like an avaricious disposition, but because he
loved to be usefully employed. It was his habit. So closely indeed did he
confine himself to business that it probably shortened his life. Strict
frugality and economy were habits of life with him equally with industry.
Without bordering on penuriousness, he never encouraged useless expenditures of
money or time, but was generous and liberal toward every good word and work.
Having been his pastor for more than ten years, the writer had a good
opportunity to know much of his inner life. He never left a kindness unrequited,
nor a petition for a worthy object unanswered. He was so severely conscientious
that he did not dare become a communicant of the church, although his whole life
would have done honor to such a profession. But he was no less diligent and
attentive to the worship of God, and no less ready to do his part than if he had
been a member. The conscience of no little child was ever more tender, and yet
no one was ever more fearless to rebuke an insult. Though modest and retiring,
there was no lack of genuine and courtly hospitality. It was remarked, by those
who knew him well, that he was very deliberate in making up his mind, but, when
made up, he was unalterably fixed. This reveals the grounds of his moral
stamina. He could say no, though he was more accustomed to act it than to say
it. His sense of justice was exceedingly acute, and it mattered not whether it
was for or against himself, it must prevail. The native strength of a man's
character is most clearly evidenced by the force and variety of the temptations
to which he is exposed. When it is considered how many of Major Sturges' early
associates were ruined by the vices which he escaped; also the besetments that
must have assailed him during four years of terrible war; that when he enlisted
he was but a boy, just past his majority; and that, under these circumstances,
he sustained an unblemished character; he is at once exalted, in our estimation,
to the eminence of a moral hero. On the 6th. of June, 1871, Major Sturges
united in marriage with Miss Kate R. McKenzie, a lady with whom he had long been
acquainted, and who was in every respect admirably suited to him. Her bright,
genial face, and cheerful voice, were well adapted to rouse up the spirits of
one worn down with the cares of business. Their well appointed and well kept
home lingers in the writer's memory as a miniature paradise. Three little ones,
two sons and daughter, were the life and joy of that delightful household. We
come, now, to the Closing Period of His Life -- While faithfully attending to
his duties as the elder of the administrators of his father's estate, caring for
his household, and for the moral and religious culture of his children, first
his wife's health failed. Benefit was expected from a sojourn in Florida. It
soon after appeared that a Southern clime was as needful for him, and
arrangements were made for the whole family to remove; but, on the day which had
been set for their departure, his noble, genial and patient wife breathed her
last. She was buried in the Mansfield Cemetery, February 24, 1881. Thus, after
ten years of wedded life, Mr. Sturges was now left, in feeble health, with three
little children. After making, for their care, all possible arrangements, he
went to Florida and there remained for some months. In the summer of 1881, he
returned to Mansfield, with some hopes that by spending the winters South his
health might be regained. With this in view, he moved to Florida with his family
the next Fall. During the winter his health gradually failed until his decease
May 22, 1882. He was buried in the Mansfield Cemetery just fifteen months later
than his wife. Sad as their great loss is, it is some mitigation to know that
the orphan children are tenderly cared for by loving friends. These few notes
will show that our deceased comrade was a dutiful child, an unsullied and
studious youth, had a clear and discriminating mind, was an honest and honorable
business man, an industrious and public-spirited citizen, a well-tried soldier
of distinguished bravery, a kind husband and a tender parent. He leaves behind a
cherished memory and an untarnished name. Submitted by Amy. [THE MANSFIELD
HERALD: 08 November 1883, Vol. 33, No. 51]
Sturges, Susan M. -- "life member of the
National State Sunday School Association ..." [Mansfield Daily Shield:
05 June 1909]
Summer, Samuel N.
(external link)
Swank, Jane -- As an addendum to the
infirmary article of last week, the history of Miss Jane Swank -- an inmate of
the institution -- may be given on account of the sad story of her life and the
peculiar interest her case presents to the medical fraternity. In the
southern part of Jefferson Township, a locality noted for the diversified
beauties of its landscapes for the fertility of its soil and for the
intelligence and high standing of its people, Jennie Swank passed her childhood
and her youth at the family homestead with her parents. She was a lovely
girl, beloved by her schoolmates and acquaintances. She is of medium
height, a brunette, nut not of that pronounced type for which men cross swords
and die. When Jennie was yet in her teens a young man from the Keystone
state with whose relatives the Swanks were acquainted, visited in that locality,
and, meeting the winsome Jennie, eye spake to eye and soul to soul, and they
then realized the saying of the post that "There's nothing half so sweet in life
As love's young dream." Their betrothal followed and soon afterward
the young man returned to his home in the east, promising to return and make
Jennie his wife. 'Tis useless to dwell upon or try to depict their
parting. Lovers separated before, have since and the vicissitudes of life
will part others, also; and such parties are, no doub, somewhat similar
with too much sameness in their stage settings to admit of narration here.
Weeks passed and lengthened into months, but no message came from the absent
lover to the trusting maiden. The expected letter was looked for in vain!
What did it mean? Had he won her love and asked for her hand but to cast
them aside? No, she could not believe that and in confidence she continued
to watch and to wait. She went about her household duties, in a mechanical
way, while the future seemed to her young and over-burdened heart like a leaden
sky to the wave-tossed mariner, as fraught with omens of ill. Jennie had
reached that state in her anxious expectations and of hopes unrealized when a
woman of a less trustful nature and of different mental endowments would have
turned from the avenues of disappointment and gone forth in the world to seek a
"career", when she had failed to get a husband and a home. But such
thoughts did not occur to this poor girl and such a course was not possible to
her. The realm of letteras [sic.], the field of the arts she knew not of,
save as she had read of them in her schoolbooks, and if thoughts and vision of a
"career" or the "new woman" came to her at all, they were in a dim, indefinite
form, pointing only to a path that was too remote and inaccessible for her to
reach or tread. She had given the true love of her pure, young heart to
the man who had asked her to become his wife and whom she could not believe was
untrue to her. There may have been a difference in their stations in life,
but love works mysteriously and by the alkahest of its subtle chemistry melts
all distinctions in a common crucible. And as Jennie would look upon the
betrothal ring her lover had placed upon her finger as they walked side by side
in the fields where the cows grazed and the apples ripened, she doubted him not.
At last, after months of watchful expectation, she was informed that her father
had intercepted her letters. if she had not courage, her innocence and
simplicity stood her in its place and she confronted her father and accused him
of his duplicity and baseness. An angry scene followed, she announcing
that she would go at once to the man to whom she was betrothed and her father
declaring she could not. The father had carried his opposition to the
daughter's marriage beyond the limit of her forbearance, beyond the wide margin
of her endurance, and a look of determination and of icy contempt came over her
soft features as she braved the parental authority, and the father permitting
his anger to get the better of his judgment and his love, punished his child
severely, whipping her unmercifully, it was said. What cause the father had for
his opposition to the young man to whom his daughter was engaged is not known,
more than that, it is stated, "he hated him" and we hate - as we do everything
else - according to our nature. The defects of temperament, and infirmity
of temper, the clouded judgment, the unreasonable prejudice extended to our
likes and dislikes unconsciously. The punishment inflected upon the
daughter by her angry father threw her into convulsions and insanity and loss of
speech followed. The writer will not here attempt to give a dissertation
upon the case, either pathologically, physiologically, or psychologically, but
shall leave the discussion of the same to the learned profession to which it
belongs, and to which it presents an interesting study. A blow on the head
might have caused insanity from a fracture of the skull, but such is not in
evidence. Perhaps the constant over-stimulation of the neuralgia of the
brain, resulting from her long-continued expectancy and the confusion in her
inability to comprehend the cause of her lover's silence, keeping the delicate
brain tissue in an unnatural state of nutrition, added to the severe punishment
administered, not only the physical inflection, but social degradation, and the
effect it would have upon this nervous tissue for so long a time in a state of
super-excitement, the strain could no longer be borne, setting up the fires of
inflammation, which have continued to burn slowly for over 20 years, dethroning
reason and depriving her life of its mental and spiritual joys. And for
all these long years she has been confined first in the infirmary, then in the
asylum, from which she was returned as incurable and for a number of those years
she was confined in a maniac's cell, but is now given considerable liberty and
assists at work in the kitchen department. But in all these years "her
tong has been tied" in silence. She is now about 38 years of age and over
half of her life has been passed in eleemosynary institutions. She has
grown somewhat stout, but her face shows evidence of the beauty of her youth.
Her betrothal ring she wore for many years, but it was finally lost and now she
wears one she made of wire to take its place. In the past she would hold
her white hand so that visitors could see the band of gold that encircled her
finger, as they looked at her through the iron bars of her prison cell. No
trial through which Jennie has passed has shaken her faith and trust, or
displaced her lover from the shrine whereon she had placed him and where in her
heart methinks, she worships him still, but no realization of the dreams of her
youth can ever be fulfilled. A short time after Mr. Swank had inflicted
the punishment upon his daughter he came to his death in a tragic way.
While at work in the woods, felling a tree it careened upon the stump, struck
him, causing death. But what of the lover the reader may ask. If
this were a romance instead of a plain, true tale, the writer might attempt to
evolve a romantic story, telling how this whilom lover has remained faithful and
true to her who even in her insanity loves him still. But to be truthful,
we know naught of him. He, no doubt, looks back in that unfortunate
engagement as an episode of his boyish fancy, for the most of us know that the
infatuations of youth are dispelled as the years of our age advance and that
love, such as young hearts imagine and poets paint, is but a myth. -- A.J.
Baughman. [Semi-Weekly news: 26 October 1897, Vol. 13, No. 86]
Swarts, Alexander -- Detroit, Mich., March
3 -- Alexander Swarts is a pretty good looking fellow of 24, who was clerk of
the Tremont House at Mansfield, O. October 25 last he married Violet
Carson, of New Washington. After a short time he took her to her father's
and set out for Florida to engage in the orange business. At Tallahassee
he met at Miss Hattie Baer, of Ashland, O., a former sweet heart, who had not
heard of his marriage. He wooed and won her and the wedding occurred in
January last. Shortly after, he went to Chicago alone and wife No. 2 got
hold of a letter that wife No. 1 had written February 7. Swarts was
arrested at the home of the first wife for bigamy. His bond was placed at
$1,000, his father-in-law going security. On the day of the trial the old
man delivered him up and was released from his bond. Then while he talked
to an officer the young woman kept up an imaginary conversation in the next room
and Swartz [sic] escaped and fled to Windsor. Detective McGinn, of
Chicago, took the case in charge and with the help of some Detroit gamblers
decoyed Swarts across the river, where he was arrested and started for
Tallahassee to stand trial for bigamy. [Mansfield Herald: 11 March 1886]
Swigart, Barbara -- LUCAS ... Among the
few old pioneers yet living about here is Barbara Swigart, relict of John
Swigart, and mother of the well-known Luther M. Swigart, of Mansfield. Mrs.
Swigart is fast verging on to 90, now past 88 years of age. She is indeed one of
the early pioneers of Monroe and yet delights in telling her old stories of the
Indians and of the trials and hardships she once had to encounter. She raised a
large family, all of whom seem well-to-do. Her father, Jacob Young, was the
second white man who entered Orange township, Ashland county, having emigrated
from Hardy county, Va. Mother Swigart has been a great slave all her life,
always possessed of a kind heart and an industrious spirit, and will perhaps ere
long find rest in that bright world, where we truly hope that sorrows and
disappointments are unknown; where there is no more labor, or tears. UNO.
Submitted by Amy. [OHIO LIBERAL: 03 December 1884, Vol. 12, No. 34]
Swigart, John -- Account of John Swigart's
life which was printed in the Ohio Liberal. "I was born in Franklin County,
Pennsylvania in 1793. In the year 1806 my father moved to Stark County , Ohio ,
then a perfect wilderness. There as only one cabin in Canton and that was a
tavern. I was then about 13 years old and remember well the hardships and
privations which attended our life in the woods. Wild beasts and wild men roamed
the forest in all directions. I helped my father to clear out two farms of
about fifty acres on each. I had many encounters with bears and wolves, the
howls of the latter being kept up nightly the year round. I have also killed
many deer and wild turkeys. Rattlesnakes were abundant, thousands being
scattered over the woods. In the spring of 1814, I joined the army under Col.
Cotgrove, at Cleveland , and then marched to Detroit through mud and swamp. At
night, in many places, we had to build brush heaps for our beds to keep us out
of mud and water. At Detroit we got in open boats and rowed up the river, to the
mouth at Huron Lake and there helped to build a small fort. On the 13th of
July, we entered on board a fleet commanded by Commodore St. Clair, and sailed
on Lake Huron till the 4th of August, when we were landed on the Island of
Mackinaw , where we had a battle with the British and Indians. The battle was
obstinate and bloody and we were forced to retreat with the loss of sixty-seven
men killed and wounded. Among the killed were Major Holmes, Capt. Sanborn and
Lieut. Jackson, three brave and fearless soldiers, who bared their bosoms to the
storm of battle with a gallantry worthy of being held in perpetual remembrance.
Poor Fellows! They died covered covered with martial honors. The next day after
the battle we sailed down through the lakes and landed at Shargrin River and
from thence were marched to Painesville on Grand River , where we were
discharged. On receiving my discharge, I immediately set out for home, which I
reached in safety. In the year 1815, I came to Richland County , and taught
the first school in Orange township. My wife and myself were the first couple
married in this township, which took place in the spring of 1816. We then
commenced our life in the woods, surrounded with a dark and interminable
wilderness. But, although our home was solitary and alone, yet joy and happiness
reigned in our midst. In a few years I had cleared twenty-five acres, when I
sold it, and in the spring of 1821 moved into Monroe township, near the mouth of
the Rocky Fork and settling down once more cleared forty acres more, besides
killing any number of rattlesnakes, as there was a den of them on my farm. I
counted at one time twenty of these reptiles lying in the shelving rocks; but I
could not get at them to kill them. It was in the spring, and warm sun was
shining over head, and the reptiles were leaving their rocky den to bask in its
warm rays. I suppose there were hundreds and probably a thousand of these
reptiles lying in this den at that time. In the spring of 1832 I moved into
the woods again, on Citizens Run, near Hastings Post Office and cleared 125
acres more, and erected a Saw Mill. In 1852 I sold again and moved to an
improved farm one mile further north, and lived there until the spring of 1857,
when I moved to my present location adjoining the village of Lucas . I have
raised a family of five sons and four daughters, all married but one daughter. I
have thirty-five grandchildren and three great-grand children." \\ This
account was found among other clippings pasted in a book that appeared to have
been some sort of insurance journal. It is in the Ohio Historical Library at
Columbus , Ohio , the numbers on it were R 977, 1280OH-3. When John and Barbara
first came to Monroe township, they settled on the Southwest corner of Sect. 11.
He moved in the morning in the woods without any shelter but the trees and in
the evening he had a cabin 16 x 16 feet erected and one half of the roof on: He
moved his family into this cabin the same evening. Again in 1832 he moved into
the woods, on the farm later occupied by his son, George (in 1977 it was
occupied by George's grandson, Walter) it being a part of Sect. 20. Later he
moved to Lucas where he died in 1870. \\ Additional notes provided by the
submitter: John and Barbara Ann Swigart are buried in Pleasant Valley Cemetery
on Pleasant Valley Road and McFarland Avenue . Their tall gravestone is quite
large and conspicuous as is the War of 1812 Hero Star. The Pleasant Valley
Lutheran Church is right across from the cemetery on McFarland Avenue . This is
in Lucas , OH , a small town outside of Mansfield , OH . Submitted by Michael.
Swigart, John -- John Swigart, the father
of Luther M. Swigart, of Mansfield, was a Monroe Township pioneer. He also
served in the war of 1812. He settled in Monroe in 1821. Submitted by Amy.
[Bellville Messenger: 02 April 1903, Vol. 11, No. 13]
Swigart, L. -- We notice by the Stateman
and other papers, that our friend, Gen. L. Swigart, of Lucas, this county, is
favorably spoken of as a candidate for Board of Public Works. The General
is well qualified and would do honor to the position, and his friends in this
section of the State would be proud of his nomination by the State Convention,
as he is a practial man and a democrat of the genuine stamp. [Richland
Shield & Banner: 01 May 1875]
Swigart, Michael -- Michael Swigart, who
was a drum-major in the war of 1812, settled in Monroe Twp. in 1832. One of his
sons, Leonard Swigart, was a commissioner of Richland County, 1860-'66. "Aunt
Betsey" Chew, of Monroe Twp., and Jessie L. Swigart, of Lucas, are children of
the late Michael Swigart. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Messenger: 02 April
1903, Vol. 11, No. 13]
Taylor, William (external link)
Teegarden, Eli, M.D. -- Prior to the discovery of gold,
in the mill race, of Sutter the Swiss, at New Helvetia, the home ranch and fort
property, granted under Mexican rule to General S., there lived in the old
county of Richland four men, all physicians, all men of mark. These four men
left for the time their household Gods [sic.] behind them in the land of the
Buckeye, and where the dogwood blooms and blossoms, and journeyed westward to
the land beyond the Rockies. In age, in length of practice, in the confidence
of the people, the order in which they may be named -- ought to be named
possibly, is the following: Eli Teegarden, M.D., Jonathan Bricker, M.D., W.G.
Alban, M.D., and E.W. McLaughlin, M.D. The first named in time sent for wife
and children and made his permanent home in the gold state, and his body is
buried in its shining sands. The second, Jonathan Bricker, for some years
followed the practice of his profession to California, then returned to Ohio,
thereafter removed to Illinois, and his dust is now commingled with that of the
prairies over which waves the tassled corn. The third remains on the Pacific
Coast, though now being in Washington, the new-born state of the far northwest.
Dr. Alban was a student and son-in-law of Dr. Abraham Jenner, of Ontario. He
belonged to the guild of printers also, and more than forty years ago was the
editor and publisher of the Nevada Journal, a newspaper issued in Nevada City,
Cal., in one of the richest gold mining districts of that gold producing state.
Dr. A. has enjoyed the distinguished honor of having for a devil in his print
shop a youth who thereafter became the Governor of California, a Senator in the
Congress of the United States and a minister plenipotentiary to a foreign
country and court, the Hon. Aaron A. Sargeant. The last of the four was Dr. E.B.
McLaughlin, who settled in the Shasta country, north of the Sacremento, and
there made and lost several fortunes, but finally returned to Ohio and died in
Mansfield a few years ago. It is of interest to write of these four men, all,
save one, now numbered with the dead. It may also be of interest to recount
some of the successes as well as to outline the peculiarities, mental and
physical, of the men who, half a century ago, were known throughout the
boundaries of the old county. Teegarden was a tall, large-framed man, tender
kindly eyes and face. His medical skill was recognized as fair, his public
spirit pronounced, and as he gathered in the shekels he disbursed them in adding
to the growth of the town, and the more substantial building thereof, and in '46
when the first railroad, the old Sandusky & Mansfield, first ran into Mansfield,
he not only built the Teegarden House, the forerunner of the Welden which
preceded in name the Saint James, which later is known as the Vonhoff, but Dr.
Teegarden with others built a large grain warehouse north of Fourth Street and
east of Sugar Street, and to which a switch track of the Sandusky & Mansfield
railroad then extended. The Doctor's business operations were various and some
were entrusted to other hands, and he found himself in need of cash-money. So
when the glitter and glamour of the gold placers of California cast a promising
ray of hope eastward, he embraced the opportunity to rapidly recuperate his
fortunes, and he sailed the waters of the two oceans and crossed the isthmus of
Darien and entered the Golden Gate. He was physician, hotel-keeper, merchant,
miller, law maker, and always a man of affairs in the state of his new home.
Thither in time he caused to journey to him his wife and children, and his
daughters became the wives of men of energy and activity. His long-time
residence was at Yuba City, where he cultivated acres of luscious fruit. His
heart was in that beautiful land, and though he returned to Mansfield in the
centennial year on a visit, it was only a visit, and California was his home, as
it is the place of his burial and his tomb. Dr. Teegarden was of that energetic
class, it would have made no difference where his habitation might be
established, he would have attained a measure of success. He lived in a realm
of hope, and if by human endeavor, life could be made more happy, Dr. Teegarden
put forth the effort and wrought on, sure of the accomplishment. One
granddaughter is the wife of a distinguished jurist who adjudicates matters of
dispute between the Christians and the Mohammedans in Oriental lands. But the
old doctor and his wife and the larger number of his sons and daughters sleep
the sleep of death, and are buried in the land whose shores are washed by the
broad Pacific sea. Dr. Jonathan Bricker was of different mould, dark complected,
black-haired, bright-eyed, quick perception. He was born in Pennsylvania, came
to Ohio a young man, devoted to his profession, and was very successful. His
movements were nervously active and quick, and there was that indefinable
something about the man which begat confidence in his knowledge, and in his
skill. Of his immediate family none remain in that old county; but the present
Dr. W.R. Bricker, of Shelby, was his relative and his student, and, looking back
into my boyhood days, my judgment now is that Dr. Jonathan was the superior
physicians of the two, yet Dr. William R., in the long run of life, was all
around the more successful. Dr. Alban I have met within the passing years at
his home in Walla Walla, Washington, still practicing his profession and
universally respected and highly regarded. Dr. E.B. McLaughlin so lately passed
away that many now living well remember him. He started in life as a builder
and worker of wood, but taking up the study of medicine he gained distinction in
his profession and the active part of his professional career was in
California. He left no immediate descendants, but a number of relatives by
blood and marriage. -- H.C.H. Submitted by
Amy. [Richland Shield & Banner: 27 April 1895, Vol. LXXVII, No. 50]
Thompson, James R. -- Jas. R. Thompson of
Ashley, Indiana, who is visiting his old home at Crestline, claims he is the
real, "candy kid" when it comes to cinching the pennant for the youngest soldier
in the Civil War. Thompson, who was reared near Crestline, says he is now
in his fifty-ninth year. His story is that he ran away from home and
enlisted with the Indiana Scouts when he lacked just one month of being thirteen
years old. After serving one year with the Scouts, he was transferred to
the Kentucky Cavalry where he served fourteen months. Returning to
Crestline, Thompson again enlisted, this time with Captain Parcher's company,
after receiving the written consent of his parents, and was mustered out at
Ashville, N.C., June 9, 1865. Thompson was wounded twice and lay in the
hospital ill with small pox for a long time. He did not know he was the
Civil War's youngest soldier until he read an account of another Indiana man who
claimed the honor and on comparing records, found that the other claimant was
fourteen months older than Thompson when he enlisted. Thompson draws a
pension of $45 per month. [Mansfield (OH) Daily Shield: 22 May 1909,
p. 8]
Thompson, Margaret
Thompson, William
Thornton, A. G. - BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF
CAPT. A. G. THORTON - Today is the birthday anniversary of Capt. A. G. Thornton
of 43 Park avenue west, who was born in Danville, Pa., Oct. 29, 1839. He has
been a resident of Mansfield for the past twenty-seven years, having come here
originally as leader of the opera house orchestra. He has been agent of the
Mansfield Humane society since its organization in 1884 and has always taken an
active interest in that work. Capt. Thornton served in the civil war, having
enlisted in Col D. of the Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer infantry as a
private, being later promoted to sergeant, than to lieutenant and finally to
captain. He was in fourteen of the principal battles of the war. He is a member
of McLaughlin post, G. A. R. Submitted by Jean and Faye. [The Mansfield News,
Page 8: Saturday, September 29, 1910]
Tidball, William Linn -- In one of your
late Sunday morning issues you copied an article on Wm. Linn Tidball from the
New York Advertiser. The errors in the article and the distinction which
Col. Wm. Linn Tidball reached, as well as his genuine merits and real ability,
and his residence in Mansfield in the years of his early manhood, make a more
extended and more correct notice of him a proper thing to appear in the SHIELD.
The older residents remember him. He was the son of Joseph Tidball and the
brother-in-law of Judge Jno. Meredith and the brother of Captain Tidball, of the
regular army. His father did not start nor have any connection with the
SHIELD AND BANNER, but his brother-in-law, Judge Meredith, was the owner of the
SHIELD and conducted it for some years prior to its purchase by the late Jno. Y.
Glessner. Col. Tidball was christened William Duane Tidball but later in
life took unto himself the name of William Linn. He was, for his
opportunities, a scholarly man, a forcible writer, and was in his days
associated with such brilliant men as Wm. D. Gallagher and other western
literati in the conduct of the "Columbian", a literary publication of the west.
He was a lieutenant in one of the Mansfield companies of the Third Regiment, of
Ohio Volunteers in the Mexican war, commanded by Col. Sam'l. R. Curtis, who,
after his graduation from West Point and after a brief service in the army, was
a resident of Mansfield. Tidball was a student at law, and some years
after the Mexican war removed to New York City and continued there to reside and
when the war of the rebellion made loyal men see the necessity for their service
he enlisted, raised a regiment, the 59th. N.Y., and with it went to the field.
In his regiment were many sons of old Richland, in fact one company was made up
of the Buckeye boys and N.L. Jeffries, also a brother-in-law, was the adjutant
of the regiment. After the war he engaged in professional and literary
work. He was much of a man; in person straight as an arrow, a very
Apollo in form and face, brave, courageous, manly, and Richland County may well
take pride in his career. In the Third Ohio in the Mexican war there was
another brother, Theo. T. Tidball, who settled in California, and was in the
Union army during the war of the rebellion, serving in the California
contingent. Few now are the survivors of the Ohio soldiery in the Mexican
war. We can almost county them on the fingers of our hands. While
the merits of that war are debatable grounds, and on which good men greatly
differed, the outcome of it gave us our Pacific empire, a goodly land which
greatly extended our country and its importance amongst the nations of the
earth. One by one the soldiers of the Republic disappear from mortal sight
to reappear in the land of light, where war's alarms are never hears.
[Richland Shield & Banner: 04 March 1893]
Todd, John J. M.D. -- John
J. Todd, M.D. and Jacob Y. Cantwell, M.D. are the names of two physicians who
forty years ago were in the very prime of life and of their profession. Dr.
Todd came to Mansfield from the eastern portion of the old county, that part now
of Ashland County. Dr. Cantwell resided from childhood in Mansfield. His
father was one of the pioneers, and his father's family was well known. These
two young men, Todd and Cantwell, were comrades in their young manhood, close
companions and friends, and began their medical studies at the same time, Todd
as the student of Dr. Allen G. Miller, while Cantwell's preceptor was Dr. John
M. Chandler. Both attended the Cleveland Medical College and graduated. Each
became a partner in the practice of his respective preceptor. Miller and Todd
associated together and Chandler and Cantwell forming a firm. Todd was slightly
taller than Cantwell, but less in breadth of chest. Todd was of more delicate
health than his friend, but each was active, energetic, ambitious and rapidly
rose in the profession, and being men of sturdy character, won for themselves
both standing and position in the medical world. Dr. Todd on a night of storm
and sleet was called miles away to relieve a stricken dying man, and being
accurate in his diagnosis of the disease and successful in the administration of
remedial agents, the patient recovered, and returning to his home in the morning
through the beetling storm, was himself stricken down, and though he lived for a
year thereafter, his days were numbered and he wasted away. Neither the care of
his loving wife or the breath of summer found in the south, whither they
journeyed for relief, brought any abatement of the disease, and so, when a young
man comparatively, he was called home, dying on January 30, 1856, in his 36th.
year. Had he been permitted to live out the average expectancy of life, I doubt
not that he would have taken a very high, and deservedly so, place in his chosen
profession. His friend, Dr. Cantwell, greatly grieved over his loss, for the
companionship of their early years continued without a break or severance of a
single social tie. Dr. Cantwell pushed on, sometimes with a partner, sometimes
alone, and prospered as man and physician. Thirty-four years ago, when the
tocsin of war was sounded, he entered the service, first in the 4th. Ohio as
assistant surgeon, and later in the 82nd. Ohio as its surgeon. His brave,
courageous brother, James Cantwell, was first an officer in the 4th. and then as
the Colonel commanded the 82nd. from its organization to his death on the
battlefield, and Dr. Cantwell gained a reputation as a surgeon in the army, no
less honorable than that of his gallant brother as an able, skillful soldier.
The Doctor remained in the service till the close of the war, then settled at
Decatur, Alabama, where he became interested in the city, its growth and
material advancement, visiting yearly the old home city of Mansfield and
maintaining property interests here as well as at Decatur. Later in life, he
married, but his wife preceded him to the far-off country. Dr. Cantwell was
very much of a man and his skill as a physician and surgeon were recognized, not
only in Ohio, but in the army and in the state of his adoption, Alabama. His
zeal, patriotism and devotion to the Union were equally pronounced and his
service to the Republic and our common humanity was recognized and appreciated
wherever his name and fame were made known. The soldiery of the Union army, the
men of the 4th. Ohio and the 82nd. Ohio, loved him and measured correctly the
value of his services. -- H.C.H. Submitted by Amy. [Richland Shield &
Banner: 13 April 1895, Vol. LXXVII, No. 48]
Tompkins,
George
Topper, George -- George Topper's grave,
up the valley of the Wilson run, is the grave by the roadside of which a lady in
Wooster recently wrote L.C. Mengert to inquire about the descendants of the man
buried there. Topper selected that spot for his burial place. Some years after
the interment, a road was located there, and the grave seems to be strangely out
of place in such close proximity to a public road. Submitted by Amy.
[Bellville Messenger: 04 June 1903, Vol. 11, No. 12]
Tracy, Fred K. -- It will be news of
interest to the legal profession, as well as our citizens at large, that
Mansfield has lost one of her brightest practitioners at the bar in the removal
of Fred K. Tracy from the city. About the first of June Mr. Tracy received
a proposition from his father-in-law, Mr. Richmond, to enter into the coal
business at Scranton, Pa. Mr. Richmond is the owner of a number of
valuable coal mines and recently opened up the richest mine in that region.
This largely increased the business and the gentleman desired that Mr. Tracy
assist him in its management. Accordingly, Mr. Tracy left for Scranton and
was shortly afterward followed by his family. Mr. Tracy still retained his
interest in the law firm of Jenner, Tracy & Weldon, but he has not really been a
member of the firm for the past two months. In his removal from the city
Mansfield loses a splendid citizen, an affable gentleman and a brilliant
attorney, who has practiced the law here for the past fourteen years.
[Richland Shield & Banner: 22 July 1893]
Tracy, John A. -- The Dayton (OH) Herald
of Dec. 26, contains an extended obituary sketch of John A. Tracy, father of J.F.
Tracy, of this city. The older Tracy was 65 years of age and was for 40
years a resident of Dayton. He enlisted in that city under the first call
for troops, in Co. G., 11th. O.V.I., and re-enlisted in the First Ohio Battery
and was honorably discharged in October, 1863, for disabilities incurred in the
three years campaign. The deceased was buried with military honors.
[Semi-Weekly News: 31 December 1896, Vol. 13, No. 1]
Tressel, Leonard -- Sheriff Tressel is
known the county over and his home has been in various parts of this county. He
was born Oct. 5, 1846, in New Jersey where his father, Nicholas Tressel, a
weaver, resided. Leonard was but two years old when his parents removed to Ohio
and his father worked several years in the old woolen mill on the Painter farm
east of the city on the Ashland road. Nicholas Tressel moved his family to town
and lived for awhile in the fourth ward and from there moved to Springfield
township near Ontario, where he resided for a number of years. At the early
age of 16 Leonard enlisted for nine months in company E, 102d O. V. I. in
October 1862. On account of his youthful age he was transferred to the 120th
regiment. At Vicksburg he was attacked by measles on the battlefield and he was
sent to St. Louis where he was discharged at the expiration of his term of
enlistment. He returned home and about three months later enlisted in the 12th
Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Company D, was transferred to the 6th Ohio, and served
until the close of the war. The principal engagements in which he participated
were at the Wilderness and Chickasaw Bluffs. About 12 years ago Mr. Tressel
located at Lucas and engaged in the hotel business and stock dealing. Nine years
ago he built the Tressel House, which is yet the popular hostelry of that
village. At the Democratic primaries in May, 1889, Leonard was nominated for
sheriff over four competitors, Lewis Faust, Squire Kohler, J. R. Bristor and
John Noggle, and he was elected to the office the following November. This year
he is a candidate for re-election. Mrs. Tressel is a daughter of George Conn,
who resides near Petersburg, Ashland county, and as matron of a county jail she
has no superior among the wives of any of the sheriffs in Ohio. Submitted by
Jean & Faye. [WEEKLY NEWS (Mansfield): 06 August 1891]
Trux, Abraham -- Abraham Trux was the
first settler in Plymouth Township. He built a cabin on the northwest quarter
of section 5 in the spring of 1815. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Messenger:
05 March 1903, Vol. 11, No. 9]
Van den Bergh, J.P.P. -- J.P.P. Van Den
Bergh, M.D., who has retired from active practice, is one of the pioneer
physicians of California, having been in practice in this State since 1850, most
of the time in San Francisco. He was born in Aix-la-Chapelle, on the Rhine,
Germany, in 1815, soon after the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, the son of
Casper Lietrio Van den Bergh, who was also a physician, and practiced for many
years in Germany and France. He was an army physician with Napoleon I, and in
the French invasion to Moscow lost his nose and upper lip. The subject of this
sketch received his early education in the gymnasium of his native city, and
later entered the University at Bonn, where he graduated in 1834, receiving the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. He at once went to Brussels, where for three
years he was engaged in medical practice. He was then commissioned as Assistant
Surgeon to the British Army in the East India service, but through the influence
of a medical friend he resigned his commission and remained in the hospital
service in England for three years. In 1839 he came to the United States, where
he engaged in the practice of medicine in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and later in
Richland County, Ohio. In 1847 he removed to Ohio, where he was among the early
settlers, and where he was engaged in his profession until 1850. In the spring
of that year he crossed the plains to California arriving in August, and after a
short time devoted to merchandising. Dr. Van den Bergh again took up the
practice of medicine, which he continued until twelve years ago, when he was
disabled by an accident in which his hip was crushed. Since that time he has
devoted himself to real estate operations and building. The Doctor has been
three times married, and has had twenty-four children, ten of whom are now
living. He has had for many years an extensive practice, and is one of the very
few men yet living, who was in practice in this State in 1850. [The Bay of San
Francisco: The Metropolis of the Pacific Coast and its Suburban Cities, pp.
83-84]
Voegele, Charles H.- LEADER IN BUSINESS
AND SOCIAL-CIRCLES CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY -- Sunday will be the
birthday anniversary of one of the most successful business men of Mansfield and
one who has been closely identified with many of the most prominent industries
of the city, as well as finding time to add to the social welfare and outdoor
pleasures of Mansfield citizens. Charles H. Voegele was born at Stuttgart,
Wurtemberg, Germany, on June 12, 1854. He was only a year old when his parents
emigrated to Mansfield and he has since made this city his home. He received his
early education in Mansfield and remained here until he was eighteen years old,
when he went to New York city and for eight years was engaged as a traveling
salesman for New York and Chicago firms. In 1880 he formed a partnership with R.
J. Dinning and the Voegele and Dinning company was incorporated. This
partnership has continued for thirty years, the anniversary of its establishment
being on June 15. The success of the concern has been most marked, a branch
having been established in Omaha, Neb., in 1884 and another branch was
established at Toledo seven years ago. It remains as one of the leading
wholesale firms of Mansfield and its business and prosperity continues. Mr.
Voegele has numerous other interests in Mansfield and is the president of many
of the younger industries which have been organized by Mansfield capital and
have become an important factor in the city's growth and prosperity. Despite his
numerous business interests Mr. Voegele has been an ardent lover of outdoor
sports and he has been instrumental in providing the best of sports for
Mansfield people. For twelve years he was one of the backers of the Mansfield
baseball club and deserves much credit for the standing of this city in the
sporting world. Later he devoted his attention to golf, when that game came into
prominence and has been vitally interested in the development of the Westbrook
Country club, of which he is president. Mr. Voegele has been closely identified
with Masonry in Mansfield, standing high in its circles and having been an
important factor in the building of the present Masonic temple. Submitted by
Jean and Faye. [The Mansfield News: Saturday, June 11, 1910]
Voegele, Mildred -- Mildred Voegele is one
of the best known senior girls and has been very prominent in musical
organizations. Last year she was awarded membership in the National Orchestra at
Detroit and M.H.S. was very proud of her. However, we are obliged to admit that
"Milly" has two decided weaknesses, and both of them are -- chocolate sodas.
Most of us are aware that her favorite amusement is talking, but we are ever so
glad for when "Milly" talks she says something. She is very much interested in
all the sports, but in the spring her fancy turns to tennis, particularly, and
in the winter to ice skating. Her activities are Orchestra (1) (2) (3) (4),
Hypho (3) (4), M.H.S. Quintet (1), M.H.S. Duet (3), Class Treasurer (2),
Orchestra Pres. (3) and Senate (3). Submitted by Amy. [THE HYPHONERIAN: 08
October 1926, Vol. IX, No. 2]
Wagener, Mr. -- Manufacturer and dealer in
Boots and Shoes, is next up for consideration, and none are more worthy of
notice in this connection. This enterprise was established in 1850 or about 23
years ago, and is one of the oldest business establishments in the place. Every
thing in the line of boots and shoes is well represented and from the very best
manufactories in the country. In the custom department Mr. WAGENER is doing the
leading business in the place. He employs from three to four hands constantly.
He is possessed of long practical experience, and is thoroughly acquainted with
the wants and requirements of the people of this vicinity. Mr. WAGENER is a
clever and agreeable gentleman, and many another could be spared from the
business circles of Bellville rather than he. Submitted by Amy. [BELLVILLE
WEEKLY: 02 January 1874, Vol. 2, No. 44]
Walker, Charles -- Lexington.
Charles Walker returned recently after 14 years' absence in South Dakota and
dwells in glowing terms on the prolific soil and salubrious climate of that
region. [Semi-Weekly News: 19 January 1897, Vol. 13, No. 6]
Walsh, J.P. -- J.P. WALSH is next on the
list as manufacturer and dealer in saddles, harness, whips, &c. and he is
conducting an enterprise than which there is none more popular in Bellville.
This enterprise, established in 1860, has ever taken a leading position among
our best business houses. Every thing pertaining to the saddler trade is well
represented. Mr. Walsh is possessed of long practical experience, and none are
better acquainted with the wants and requirements of the people of Bellville and
vicinity. He is an honorable, fair dealing man, and has gained hosts of friends,
and as a business man or citizen, none are better or more favorably known. We
cheerfully commend the enterprise to the public as thoroughly reliable in every
respect. Submitted by Amy. [BELLVILLE WEEKLY: 02 January 1874, Vol. 2, No. 44]
Walter, Fred - Well-Known Mansfield
Resident Eighty-Four Years Old Today -- Today marks the eighty-fourth birthday
anniversary of Fred Walter, who has long been identified with the business
interests of Mansfield and who is one of this city's substantial and respected
citizens. Mr. Walter was born in Huntheim, in the grand duchy of Baden, Germany,
Jan. 13, 1826. With his parents he came to America in 1833, arriving in New York
after a voyage of forty-seven days on a sailing ship. Coming to Ohio the family
settled on a farm in Huron county, on which the young man worked until 1845
where he was apprenticed to learn the brewing trade in this city, in which
employment he continued until 1850, when he organized a party of nine men for a
trip to California to which state the lure of gold was drawing many men at that
time. After two years of indifferent success at mining Mr. Walter decided to
establish himself in the brewery business, which he started in a small way at
Weaverville, Cal. He and his partner in the business met with success from the
start and three years later erected a building in which they installed what was
at that time a modern equipment. In 1858 he came back to Ohio to marry Miss Mary
Wilhelm of Monroeville, the ceremony having been performed on Dec. 28, and a few
days later he and his bride started back to California, where they resided for
about ten years, after which they came back to Ohio and have since resided in
this city. In 1860 Mr. Walter was elected to represent his district in the
California legislature and was one of those who voted to make the first
appropriation for the California state house. While still in California, in
1865, he was elected as state and county tax collector for a term of two years,
which office requiring all of his time, he disposed of his interest in the
brewery which he had conducted up until that time. Soon after returning to
Mansfield Mr. Walter went into the wholesale grocery business as a member of the
firm of Remy, Hedges & Walter, in which he continued until 1879, after which he
went into the wholesale liquor business, establishing the business which is now
conducted under the firm name of the Fred Walter's Sons company, with which
business he was actively associated until 1891, since which time he has been
living in quiet retirement, enjoying his pleasant home surroundings and being
assured of the esteem and respect of a large number of friends. Submitted by
Jean and Faye. [The Mansfield News: Thursday, June 13, 1910]
Warne, Clarence -- About noon yesterday
A.S. Lash, B.& O. car inspector, was walking along the "Y" east of the Union
depot when he heard a noise in a box car. The car door was locked and as
Mr. Lash approached he could hear the yelling of some one inside the car.
he asked: "Who's there," and a voice called out, "I'm here, I'm locked in
and can't get out". The door was opened by Mr. Lash and a boy bout 15
years of age with tear-stained face stepped out. The boy gave his name as
Clarence Warne and said that he lived in the south part of the city, but it was
subsequently learned that his home is on East Third Street. he claimed to
Mr. Lash that while the car was on the Bloom Street siding two white men and a
negro, had put him into the car after taking 40 cents from him and had then
locked the car door. He claimed that this was done Tuesday evening and
that he had been in the car since that time and was hungry and thirsty.
After refreshing himself the boy started off for home. [Semi-Weekly News:
11 May 1897, Vol. 13, No. 38]
Warren, Mrs. John -- Mrs. John Warren, of
Plymouth, whose mind has been deranged for a short time back, left her home last
Sunday night and wandered six or seven miles away, near Chicago Junction.
Some forty or fifty citizens of Plymouth were searching all Monday following
until 4 o'clock in the afternoon before they were successful in finding her.
She was much exhausted when found. [Ohio Liberal: 11 September 1878]
Watson, Amariah -- LEXINGTON -- Amariah
WATSON was the first to invade their haunts, fell the progeny of the forests and
delve in the virgin soil on its site [Troy Twp.] which was in 1812. This pioneer
lived in the quaint old brick house one mile north of this village on the farm
now owned by the revered Mrs. Susan SOWERS, relict of Moses SOWERS. Mrs. SOWERS
still retains in her possession, and prizes much as a relic, the original deed
to her farm, the conveyance being made by the Government to Amariah WATSON in
1816 and the parchment bears the autograph of the fourth President of the United
States, James Madison. Mansfield's well-known business factor, J.H. Cook, Esq.,
who bears lightly the burden of nearly seven decades, informs us that at least
sixty years ago, when the country here was yet in its primitive grandeur, that
he disported around the old mill at the foot of Main street, and that it was
erected about the year 1813 by Amariah WATSON, over whose grave the winds of
more than twenty winters have chanted requiems, and whose memory is revered by
his few remaining co-pioneers. Among those who with nerves of steel and
valorous hearts, soon after the axe of Amariah WATSON had broken the silence of
nature and blazed the way to invade the haunts of the wily Indian in the
primeval forests of Troy, were Judge GASS, Samuel WATSON, a man named ROBINS and
Noah COOK; Judge GASS first making his advent in its trackless fastnesses in
1811 or 1812, and ROBINS and Samuel WATSON about the same time or two or three
years later, and Noah COOK first materialized in Lexington in 1814, coming from
Washington Co., Pa., and the village was then in embryo, there being but one
house within its present limits and that stood on the site of the residence of
Mrs. Coleman, opposite the depot. With his rifle at his side, ever alert for the
artful aboriginees, whose desire for the scalps of the pioneer was never
satiated, he erected a house that was invulnerable to their attacks near where
now stands the spacious residence of his son, Col. Thomas COOK, which overlooks
a fertile expanse of many acres, contiguous to the western part of the village.
Noah COOK was twice married and was the father of thirteen children, and most of
his progeny inherited his mental and physical characteristics, being of vigorous
intellect and strong and lithe of limb, and like their progenitor amassed a
competency by frugality and arduous toil. The family are noted for longevity,
several of whom have attained the age of more than eighty years, one reaching
eighty-nine years, and at the age of seventy-nine the blood courses vigorously
through the veins of this dauntless pioneer and his tenure of life seemed much
longer, but when laying out the village in 1834, he engendered a malarial
contamination that could not be eliminated and soon the sorrows and felicities
of life with him were over. His son Amos lived the life of a recluse in one of
the first buildings erected here, and he lived to commune with nature in the
wildest fastnesses, and his heart was anguished by the destruction of the
primitive forests of Troy, and up to the time of his tragic death about seven
years ago, being run over by the cars, he was to be found coursing along the
rivulets of the scenes of his pristine days in quest of game, though 82 years
had silvered his hair. He was not susceptible to the arts and wiles of females,
and was never married. He was a Democrat of strong proclivities, and the only
shrines at which he worshipped were the wide and sublime in nature. Submitted
by Amy. [MANSFIELD HERALD: 05 April 1883, Vol. 33, No. 20]
Watson, Amariah -- LEXINGTON -- Bloomer
Sowers, of Lexington, has a parchment, stained by the dust of time, which he
values highly has a relic of the early era of Troy township and because it bears
the autograph of James Monroe, fourth president of the United States. It is the
original deed or patent to the Mr. Sowers' farm, which lies less than one mile
north of here. It was issued to Amariah Watson in 1817 and President Monroe's
chirography is neat and legible as a copper plate. Amariah Watson's name should
not be lost in fading traditions of this region. It should be written bright on
history's pages as the earliest and the most enterprising pioneer here. He came
to Lexington 89 years ago and the foot of no white man had before trodden the
gloomy solitude of the primitive forest on the site of the town. The forest rang
with the loud vengeful howls of wild animals and the savage scalp raisers yet
held their blood chilling orgies here. But his brave heart was awed by no danger
and his soul was entranced by the voice of nature heard in swaying of the forest
foliage, moved by gentle winds or roaring tempests' blasts. He erected a rude
cabin on the banks of the Mohican and later a house on the site of the Colman
residence. He erected most of the old brick houses that yet stand in or near
Lexington. He, in 1831, erected the quaint little octagonal brick school house
that once stood here. He was a large land owner here. He was grandfather of Mrs.
Emily Sowers. Mr. Watson died in Illinois over forty years ago and all his brave
athletic co-pioneers are numbered with the myriad dead. Submitted by Amy.
[MANSFIELD NEWS, 29 November 1901, Vol. 17, No. 230]
Watson, Leslie -- Lexington. Leslie
Watson, of Omaha, was the guest of relatives in Lexington, his native place
after an absence of 42 years. Mr. Watson is superintendent of an Indian
mission school. His father, Zale Watson, aged 86 and pioneer of Lexington,
is also living in Omaha. [Semi-Weekly New: 16 March 1897, Vol. 13,
No. 22]
Waugh, Lorenzo -- Father Lorenzo Waugh is
well known by the older citizens of Mansfield and Richland County as a former
Methodist pastor here and in recent years he has occasionally made return visits
to Mrs. M.E. Aten, his niece, who lives near Lexington, and other relatives in
this and adjoining counties. He is now living in California and the Howard
Methodist Church of San Francisco recently celebrated his four-score and tenth
birthday anniversary at which addresses of congratulations were made by the
local pastor and others. Father Waugh is said to be the oldest living Methodist
preacher in the world. He was born Aug. 28, 1808 near Greenbriar, West Virginia.
In his younger days he knew Daniel Webster, John Quincy Adams, Thomas H. Benton
and other great men who figured in American history. He went to California over
the plains with an ox team in 1852. in the early years there Gen. Vallejo made
him a present of 350 acres of land which subsequently became very valuable and
which he divided among his children. The aged pastor is now living in Los
Olivos, Santa Barbara County, California. Submitted by Amy. [Semi-Weekly News
(Mansfield): 22 November 1898, Vol. 14, No. 96]
Waxler, John -- John Waxler was born
February 15, 1925, in Mansfield, and attended Hedges school his first eight
years. His favorite sport is football. Submitted by Amy. [JOHN SIMPSON TIMES:
01 December 1939, Vol. 13, No. 3, p. 4]
Weagley, W.H. -- Captain W.H. Weagley
(deceased) was a school teacher and business man and died a soldier's duty in
the war of the Rebellion. He was the father of Mrs. Marion Douglass. Submitted
by Amy. [Bellville Messenger: 28 May 1903, Vol. 11, No. 21]
Wear, Fannie -- The trustees of the
Children's Home last week elected Miss Fannie Wear, a daughter of Mr. Wm. B.
Wear, No. 79 Harker Street, John's Addition, to the position of governess in the
institution made vacant by the dismissal of Mrs. Sager. [Mansfield Herald:
04 March 1886]
Weatherby, T.S. & Mrs. -- GOLDEN WEDDING
ANNIVERSARY -- Of Mr. and Mrs. T.S. Weatherby -- A Memorable and Happy Event --
Mr. and Mrs. T.S. Weatherby, who reside at No. 153 Wood street, are today
celebrating that joyous event which occurs in the lives of so few people, their
golden wedding anniversary. The celebration is being given in the nature of a
reception, from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m. at the home of their daughter,
Mrs. S.R. Fisher, No. 149 Wood street, invitations to that effect having been
received by their hosts of friends during the past few weeks. The invitations
were unique in style and were the creation of their son, E. E. Weatherby, the
photographer, of Plymouth. A handsome white, gilt bevel card was used with the
date of their marriage, Dec. 14, 1851, and also the date of the present
anniversary, printed near the center on either side of which were life-like
photographs, on the right that of the bride and on the left the groom of 50
years ago, beneath which was the invitation proper. This venerable and highly
respected couple were born in Pennsylvania. Mr. Weatherby in Landisburg, Perry
county, June 21, 1826; and Mrs. Weatherby, formerly Miss Margaret Wolff, in
Chambersburg, May 6, 1833. They were married at Shippensburg, half a century
ago, although their homes were at Chambersburg at the time, in which place they
resided for two years. Leaving their home in the east, they came to this city,
where they have resided ever since. They united with the First Lutheran church,
the Rev. Simon Fenner, pastor and are among the few pioneer Lutherans in this
community today. For thirteen years Mr. Weatherby worked in the mechanical
department of the A. & T. works and then became janitor of the First Lutheran
church and since the organization of St. Luke's church in 1886, has been janitor
of that church, which position he holds today. Mr. and Mrs. Weatherby enjoy the
love and esteem of a large circle of friends and are most estimable Christian
people. Five children were born into the home, one dying in infancy; the others
are Mrs. J.K. Johnston of No. 187 West First street; Mrs. S.R. Fisher of No. 149
Wood street; George R. Weatherby of Detroit; and E.E. Weatherby of Plymouth.
The NEWS joins in the sincere wish of all their friends that the event of today
may only serve to strengthen the bonds of friendship, trusting the happy couple
may spend the remainder of their days in continued peace and happiness.
Submitted by Amy. [MANSFIELD NEWS, 14 December 1901, Vol. 17, No. 243]
Weatherby, Winona -- Winona Weatherby,
aged 11 years, grand-daughter of Abram King of our city, and a member of the
Secondary school, of which Miss Mary Hyde is teacher, carried off the honors of
the past school year. Her grade was higher than that of any other scholar
in any department of our public schools being within a fraction of 100.
[Ohio Liberal: 12
June 1878]
Weaver, John C. -- John C. Weaver was born
January 18, 1813 in Bedford Co., Pennsylvania, and died April 27, 1899 in
Kirksville Twp., Adair Co., Missouri. He married (1) BARBARA SWITZER January 16,
1840 in Richland Co., Ohio by Rev. S.B. Loiter, daughter of FREDERICK SWITZER
and BARBARA STUKEY. She was born May 30, 1818 in Lucas Fairfield, Richland Co.,
Ohio, and died October 09, 1859 in Noble Co., Indiana. He married (2) NANCY
FRETZ March 1862 in Noble County, Indiana, daughter of GEORGE FRETZ and MARY
STRICKLER. She was born March 30, 1834 in Tuscarawas, Ohio, and died July 13,
1925 in Adair Co., Missouri. John and Barbara lived near the old Collier farm
west of Lisbon (Post Office, Allen Township, Noble County), Indiana (per Frank
L. Crone, 1916). Barbara died in 1859. John and Barbara had nine children, three
died in infancy. They came from Richland County, Ohio with John & Catherine
Switzer Crone and Michael & Mariah Switzer King in 1849. John married Nancy in
Indiana in 1862. They moved to Kelly Township, Cooper County, MO in 1866, then
to a farm outside of Kirksville, MO and eventually into town at 302 N. Baltimore
Street. John was among the 32 people who died in the April 27, 1899 cyclone in
Kirksville, Missouri. Submitted by Cathy C.
Weaver, William H. -- One of the most
prominent citizens of Sharon is William H. Weaver, who has been for two terms a
township trustee. He is a farmer and a stock buyer. He was brought up on his
father's farm near the German settlement. Mr. Weaver is one of the principal
factors of the Vernon Stock company, at Vernon Junction. The company is
operating a grain elevator at Crestline also. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville
Messenger: 19 February 1903, Vol. 11, No. 7]
Weber, Nicholas
(external link)
Weil, Louis. A brief biographical article
regarding Mr. Weil can be found on the front page of the 04 October 1890 edition
of the Richland Shield & Banner. -- AEA
Weldon, Charles -- There was Chas. Weldon,
whose penchant was picture making. The Weldon family lived on West Fourth
Street, but for about twelve years past young Weldon has been in New York,
attached to the several illustrated newspapers. His name constantly
appears in print. [Mansfield Herald: 09 December 1886]
Weldon, William McE. - BIRTHDAY
ANNIVERSARY OF WILLIAM M'E. WELDON - Today is the birthday anniversary of
William McE. Weldon, one of the prominent attorneys of Richland county. The
Weldon family has always been identified with the history and welfare of the
city and Mr. Weldon is no exception. He graduated from the public schools in
1886 and from Amherst college in 1890. He took a course in law in the Columbia
law school. In 1899, Mr. Weldon was elected city solicitor, being the first
Republican elected to this office in 30 years. He has been interested in the
incorporation of different industries of the city, aside from his law practice.
Submitted by Jean and Faye. [The Mansfield News, Page 5: Monday, November 28,
1910]
Wentz, Elizabeth -- The COMMERCIAL
GAZETTE the other day, among its pioneer sketches, printed a portrait and
biographical item of Mrs. Elizabeth Wentz, --, of Shelby, wherein it was stated
that she was born near Landisburg, Perry county, Pa., February 24, 1803. Mrs.
Wentz was united in marriage to Henry Wentz, Sr., November 7, 1822, in Perry
county, Pa. The fruits of this union were thirteen children, two of whom died in
infancy, and one, Mrs. Lydia A. Bloom, last October, aged fifty-seven years. Ten
children -- five sons and five daughters -- remain to cheer her declining years,
the youngest of whom has passed her forty-second year and the eldest her
sixty-fourth. Her husband preceded her to the other world ten years ago, aged
seventy-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Wentz, with their family, then consisting of
five children, moved from Pennsylvania to Shelby, Richland county, O., by wagon,
in the spring of 1834, and settled on the farm now owned by the youngest son,
with whom Mrs. Wentz made her home, she having lived on the same farm fifty six
years. Mrs. Wentz met with a very severe accident from a fall about two years
ago, from which she never recovered. Mrs. Wentz comes from a family of
long-lived people. One brother reached the age of eighty-two years, one sister
seventy-eight, and another eighty-eight. An uncle, now living, has reached the
age of ninety-one years. Submitted by Amy. [MANSFIELD HERALD: 13 March 1890,
Vol. 40, No. 17 -- reprinted from THE COMMERCIAL GAZETTE]
Wentz, Henry -- Henry Wentz, is a son of
pioneer Henry Wentz, who came to Richland County in 1839. The present Henry
Wentz is now a prominent citizen of Shelby. He served in the war of the
rebellion as a member of Co. E, 11th. Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Gen. Lew
Wallace, and participated in a number of battles and was wounded in the
service. Of the forty-three men of his company who went into the fight at
Champion Hills, May 16, 1863, only fifteen returned, twenty-eight being killed
or wounded and left upon the field. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Messenger:
30 October 1903, Vol. 11, No. 43]
Wentz, Peter -- Peter Wentz was born in
Perry County, Pa., and came to Ohio in 1849, stopping in Plymouth, where he
obtained employment as a miller. Two years later, he came to Spring Mills,
where he has ever since resided. Peter Wentz married Margaret Bentley Welch, a
daughter of John Welch, who was a son of pioneer Joseph Welch, and a brother of
Mrs. Jane C. Barr. John Welch's wife was a daughter of General Eli Wilson, one
of Shelby's honored pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wentz are the parents of five
children -- four sons and one daughter. The sons are John, James, Charles and
Frank. The daughter is the wife of the Hon. James P. Seward of Mansfield. The
late Alex C. Welch was a brother of Mrs. Barr. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville
Messenger: 13 November 1903, Vol. 11, No. 45]
White, Robert -- Robert White was born in
York County, Pa., Aug. 17, 1828. He enlisted under the Hon. Simon Cameron in
May, 1846; was assigned to General Patterson's brigade, and went through the
long, hard service of our war with Mexico. Comrade White was a member of the
Seventeenth Indiana in the Civil War, and lost a limb in the fight with the
rebels at Selma, Ala. He can give interesting accounts of the scenes and
services through which he has passed. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Messenger:
05 March 1903, Vol. 11, No. 9]
Wilcox, Professor -- The first lawyer in
Bellville was Prof. Wilcox, who had been a teacher in the high school, or the
academy, as it was then called. Teaching, however, was Prof. Wilcox's
vocation; the law, only an avocation, or side line. Milo Cowan, a Bellville
boy who is now a lawyer and banker in Missouri, married Miss Hettie Wilcox, the
professor's only daughter. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Messenger: 28 May
1903, Vol. 11, No. 21]
Williams,
Abraham
Wilson, Daniel Webster -- Captain D.W.
Wilson, one of Bellville's leading and enterprising citizens, always takes an
interest in anything that promises to be a benefit to the community. He was one
of the first to volunteer when troops were called for at the beginning of the
Civil War, and at the close of his term of service, re-enlisted for three years
and was in the service --< illegible >-- months -- from the beginning of the war
to its close -- and returned as the captain of his company, with the goodwill
and confidence of his men. The captain assisted in rebuilding the "burnt
district" in Bellville, putting up four of the twelve fine store rooms that line
the west side of Main Street in the business part of town. He has been
president of the successful free street fairs for which Bellville has been
noted, and is often selected to preside at army reunions and Fourth of July
celebrations. He is president of the Bellville Society, which annually picnics
at the Sherman-Heinman park and is also president of the Miller Moody company
association. The captain was for over thirty-five years an officer in the
government service at Washington, and has been influential in politics for many
years. He has often been a delegate to county, judicial, senatorial and state
conventions, and in 1876 was elected to represent this congressional district as
a delegate to the National convention at Cincinnati that nominated President
Hayes. He is a loyal friend, liberal and generous, and never forgets a
kindness. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Messenger: 28 May 1903, Vol. 11, No.
21]
Wilson, John -- John Wilson,
representative of an olden-time family, owns the Spohn farm adjoining the town,
upon which he has built a fine, large residence. John went overland to
California in 1851, and upon his return to Butler erected some good buildings
there, which added much to the town. He served his country as a soldier in the
war of the rebellion. He is now leading a retired life, and goes well-dressed
as he did in the years gone by. His wife is a daughter of the late 'Squire
Andrews. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Messenger: 04 June 1903, Vol. 11, No.
12]
Wirts, Samuel -- Samuel Wirts enlisted May
22, 1847, in Company D, Fourth Ohio Infantry. George Weaver, afterwards sheriff
of Richland County, was his captain, and Charles H. Brough, brother of War
Governor John Brough, was colonel of the regiment. Mr. Wirts is the father of
Mrs. B.F. Palmer, matron of the Richland County Infirmary. Samuel Wirts' father
was a soldier in the war of the revolution. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville
Messenger: 29 January 1902, Vol. 11, No. 4 part of a series of articles about
soldiers of the Mexican War]
Wolfe, Adam -- ADAM WOLFE, a soldier in
the American Revolution, was a collateral descendant of Gen. James Wolfe, killed
while in command of the British forces at the capture of Quebec in 1759. He was
born in Beaver county, Pa., Dec. 15, 1760, and settled in Richland county in
1815. The fighting spirit of Gen. Wolfe was reflected in Adam Wolfe who
volunteered at the age of 18 as a private in Capt. James Wright's company of the
"Youghegenia Militia" in 1778. He again served in 1780 as a private in Capt.
Peter Fort's company of the York county militia. There were other periods of
service during the war, but complete records are not available, according to
Bellville historian, D. W. Garber, who compiled the information about him. In
April, 1796, Adam Wolfe settled on four hundred acres of land in "Zweakley
township, Allegania county" and his claim for the land, located on Connaconesing
creek, stated that he had built a dwelling house and barn and cleared twenty
acres of land on which he had "raised five crops of corn and five crops of small
grain." On January 16, 1790, he married Rachel Oldham, a daughter of William
Oldham, a pioneer merchant and cabinet maker of Beaver county. Wolfe was
associated with his father-in-law in the general store and continued the
business following the death of William Oldham. Ten children were born to Adam
and Rachel Wolfe. All of them accompanied their parents to Ohio and all of them
reached maturity and married. The Wolfe family settled near the center of Monroe
township, in Richland county. The community where they settled was adjacent to a
multiple road crossing where the town of Mechanicsburg was eventually platted.
The town, later called Pinhook, had for many years a post office that was
officially named "Six Corners." The Oldham-Wolfe account book shows that daily
entries were continued after a brief interruption incident to their removal to
Ohio, soon after the establishment of the Wolfe family in Monroe township. The
entries read like a roster of the original settlers in the area. It is
reasonable to conclude Adam was the first storekeeper at Six Corners for there
is no record that he ever owned land or was ever in business in Newville,
although he played a prominent part in the religious life of that growing
village. Adam Wolfe was a member of Providence Baptist church in Beaver county,
representing the congregation at the annual meeting at "Sharon on Shenango." He
was the organizing influence in the formation of the Baptist church at Newville.
Meetings for the organization of the church were held at the home of Adam Wolfe
on May 19, 1825, and on June 4. The next meeting was in July "at the school
house near Mr. Switzeres," according to records, and pastors were present from
Mansfield and Owl Creek, North Brancy, who assisted in formalizing the
constitution for the church. It was give the impressive name, the "Regular
Baptist Church Called Zion in the Vicinity of Newville, Richland County." The
church fathers soon reduced the name to the "Regular Baptist Church of
Newville," and through the years the Rigdons and other controversial figures in
the early ecclesiastical history of the community preached from the pulpit. Adam
Wolfe, a staunch influence for unity within the church, was consistent in his
beliefs and did not deviate from the fundamentals of his doctrine. The church,
due to wide differences on the question of baptism, disintegrated at one time to
the point of extinction. Adam assisted in holding together the congregation, and
today descendants of original members attend the church. In the 1820's and
1830's, Newville was widely recognized for the "Grand Celebration" held on each
Independence day. Great respect was shown the few old soldiers of the
Revolution, and as the years took their toll a reverent attitude developed
toward the last who remained as living links with the birth of American
independency. Adam Wolfe, with patriotic pride, participated in these local
celebrations which drew large numbers from the surrounding countryside. Adam
died April 24, 1845, and Joseph Wolfe, a son, was executor of his estate. Rachel
died April 19, 1836. The pioneer couple are buried in the cemetery at Newville.
Joseph, the son, held township offices in Monroe. He was the father of the late
Norman M. Wolfe, for many years judge of the Common Pleas court of Richland
county. Norman M. Wolfe was a graduate of Greentown academy at Perrysville, and
later taught at the academy with Dr. Sample. Among those descended from the
Revolutionary soldier are Norman L. Wolfe, Richland county auditor, and Mrs.
Grace W. Lahm, wife of Brig. Gen Frank P. Lahm, retired, children of Judge
Wolfe. A prized possession of the county auditor is the flint lock rifle used
by Adam Wolfe during his service in the Revolution. Submitted by Jean.
[MANSFIELD NEWS JOURNAL: 26 July 1953, p. 23]
Wolfe, Norman M. - BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF
JUDGE N. M. WOLFE - Today is the birthday anniversary of Norman M. Wolfe, who
was born in Monroe township, this county, July 6, 1849. After completing his
college course and devoting several years to teaching he took up the study of
law in 1876 and was admitted to the bar in 1878. He served two terms as city
solicitor of Mansfield, from 1879 to 1882. In 1891 he was elected common pleas
judge in this subdivision and remained on the bench for two terms. He is a
member of the law firm of Cummings, McBride & Wolfe. Submitted by Jean and Faye.
[The Mansfield News, Page 7: Wednesday, July 6, 1910]
Wolfe, Norman M. -- Norman M. Wolfe, attorney at law of Mansfield, was
born in Monroe township, Richland county, Ohio, July 6, 1849. His grandfather,
Adam Wolfe, was a soldier of the Revolution. He was born in Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, December 15, 1760, enlisted with the Pennsylvania volunteers,
served his country with distinction and was honorably discharged. On the 16th of
January, 1790, he married Rachel Oldham and in 1816 removed to Ohio, settling in
Monroe township, Richland county. He died April 24, 1845, and the mortal remains
of this soldier of the Revolution repose in the little cemetery at Newville,
Richland county. His family numbered ten children, of whom Joseph Wolfe, the
father of Norman M. Wolfe, was the seventh. He also was born in Beaver county,
Pennsylvania, November 26, 1801, and on the 1st of December, 1846, was united in
marriage to Sarah Mecklem, a native of Beaver county. They had three sons and
one daughter. The eldest son and the only daughter, the oldest and the youngest,
are deceased, leaving Norman M. Wolfe and his brother, L. L. Wolfe, as the only
survivors. The latter now resides on a farm in Monroe township. The father died
January 28, 1875, at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother followed on
the 21st of December, 1895, nearly eighty-three years of age. Both are buried in
the Odd Fellows cemetery at Lucas, Ohio. Joseph Wolfe was a man of superior
education and of great mental powers. His mathematics included trigonometry and
he was of wide and varied experience as a teacher in the public schools of his
time. He was a member of the Baptist church. An accident in early life caused
him always to be very lame, almost depriving him of the use of one of his limbs,
but notwithstanding this he never relinquished agricultural pursuits, and the
pioneer of 1816 thenceforth was a farmer resident of Monroe township, where he
died and was buried, honored and respected by the entire community. Judge
Norman M. Wolfe was reared on his father’s farm and acquired his early education
in the old district school a mile away. He afterward prepared for college at
Greentown Academy in Perrysville, Ohio, under the able instruction of Professor
J. C. Sample, pursuing his studies there for several years. He taught school
much of the time during the winter months and thus secured the funds necessary
to meet the expenses of his academic course in the summer, and eventually was
promoted to the position of assistant teacher of mathematics in the academy. His
college work was commenced in the University of Wooster which he entered in
1873, there spending two years. He further pursued his studies in Amherst
College, Massachusetts. During the time he was engaged in teaching he became the
principal of the high school at Lucas, Ohio, and also of Mahoning Institute, a
select school then located at Ellsworth, Mahoning county. Judge Wolfe began the
study of law April 14, 1876, first at Shelby, Ohio, and afterwards with the firm
of Dickey & Jenner at Mansfield, Ohio, being admitted to the practice of his
profession by the supreme court of Ohio on the 7th of May, 1878. Mr. Wolfe has
held the following elective offices: township clerk of Monroe township from
April, 1872, until April, 1874,--two terms of one year each; city solicitor of
Mansfield from kApril, 1879, until April, 1883,--two terms of two years each;
member of the board of education of Mansfield, from April, 1886, until April,
1892,--two terms of three years each and during that time was favored by his
associates with the position of clerk and president of the board; judge of the
court of common pleas for the second subdivision of the sixth judicial district
of Ohio for two terms of five years each. He was first elected to the bench in
the fall of 1891, assuming the duties of his office in February, 1892, and
terminating his second term on the 9th of February, 1902. Twice during this
period he was selected by his associates as presiding judge. It is said of Mr.
Wolfe that in the discharge of the high and important duties of his office he
was always fearless, prompt and impartial, displaying at all times careful study
and distinguished ability. In 1877 Mr. Wolfe was appointed by the court of
common pleas one of the members of the first board of trustees of the memorial
library board for the city of Mansfield and Madison township, just then created
by act of the general assembly, which position he held until his election to the
bench. In 1903 he was again selected and appointed by the mayor one of the
members of the first board of five trustees of the municipal library of
Mansfield, and at its organization he was elected president of the board, and
still continues its presiding officer. On the 1st of December, 1879, Judge
Wolfe formed his first law partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. W. H.
Pritchard, under the firm name of Pritchard & Wolfe, which association continued
until December, 1884, when Mr. Pritchard removed with his family to the
territory of Washington, whereupon Mr. Wolfe formed a partnership with Mr. J. P.
Henry under the firm name of Wolfe & Henry. This continued until his accession
to the bench in 1892. Immediately after his retirement from the judgeship in
1902, he again entered actively into the practice of his profession at
Mansfield, forming a partnership with Messrs. Cummings and McBride and adding
the name Wolfe to the old firm. He forthwith entered an active field where he
yet be found. He has been a well known factor in connection with the public
buildings in the city of his residence, being a member of the board which
erected the Memorial Library building and playhouse attached. He was also a
member of the school board when the magnificent structure known as the high
school was erected on Fourth street. Indeed he enjoys the distinction of first
pointing out the hitherto unthought of site at the corner of Fourth and Rowman.
He was also a member of the municipal library board which purchased the site and
erected the free public library between Walnut and Mulberry on West Third
street. Judge Wolfe was married on the 22d of September, 1877, to Miss Jennie
Leiter, daughter of Jacob Leiter, of Monroe township. They became the parents of
six children, four of whom still survive: Grace M., wife of Dr. George W. Kenson,
residing in Mansfield; and Fred W., Fay F. and Norman L., who reside with their
parents in Mansfield. Mr. Wolfe is an active member of substantially all the
Masonic fraternities, including Mansfield Commandery and the Dayton Consistory,
and is likewise identified with the Mystic Club. He is also a member of Beta
Theta Pi, the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and a member
of the Presbyterian church. He is a man free from ostentation or display. His
jovial nature and fund of humor, combined with strong and sterling qualities and
his unimpeachable integrity, have gained him a favorable place in the regard of
his fellow townsmen. Submitted by Jean. [HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO FROM
1808 TO 1908. VOL. 1. By A.J. Baughman]
Wolff, Samuel -- Col. Wolff was born in
Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pa., June 1st., 1839, and came with his parents
to Richland Co. in 1854, where he worked with his father on the farm, two and
one-half miles north of Mansfield, until the year 1859, when he came to
Mansfield and commenced the trade of carpentering in the shop of his brother,
where he served an apprenticeship of two years. At the breaking out of the war
in 1861, he enlisted in the first company organized In the evening of the noted
17th. day of April; his name appears among the first in Co. I, 1st. O.V.I.,
three months service, under Capt. Wm. McLaughlin; with this company he served
his full term of enlistment, and with it was in the two engagements of Vienna
and the first battle of Bull Run. July 21, 1861, his term of service having
expired, he returned to Mansfield and again commenced work at his trade, at
which he continued until the 21st. day of September, 1861, when he enlisted in
an “independent rifle company” then being organized in the western part of the
state; this company was rapidly being recruited when John Sherman returned with
an order from Washington to organize the 64th. and 65th. Regiments; by the
common consent of the independent company, they entered the 64th. Regiment of
Co. A, this being the first company in Camp Buckingham; while here, Mr. Wolff
was made Second Lieutenant; the 64th. and 65th. Regiments, known while in Camp
Buckingham as the “Sherman Brigade” were after their departure from Mansfield,
always known as the “Harker Brigade”, and it was first assigned to the 3rd.
Division, 21st. Army Corps, and took part in the battle of Shiloh; after thi
battle, Lieut. Wolff was promoted to the first lieutenancy of the same company;
soon after, he was engaged in the Buell raid and the battle of Stone River, Dec.
29, 1862 to Jan. 3, 1863. It was in this long engagement that Lieut. Wolff was
slightly wounded by a fragment of shell, but not disabled; he was promoted to
Captain of Co. H, and as such, was in the battle of Chickamanga, Sept. 19 and
20, 1863; at the battle of Missionary Ridge, Ga., Nov. 25, 1863, Capt. Wolff
received a gun shot wound through the right arm, which compelled him to
relinquish his command for about two months; afterward, with his company and
regiment, he was engaged in numerous battles until the close of the war, among
them the battle of Rocky Face Ridge, May 9, 1864; Resaca, May 14 and 15, 1864;
New Hope Church, May 27, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864; Peach Tree
Creek, July 20, 1864; Atlanta, July 22, 1864; Jonesboro, Sept. 1, 1864; Lovejoy
Station, Sept 3, 1864; Spring Hill, Tenn., Nov. 29, 1864; in which engagement
Capt. Wolff was slightly wounded by a gunshot through both legs; at the battle
of Franklin, Nov. 30, 1864; during a charge of the enemy, Capt. Wolff became
engaged in a hand-to-hand combat between the lines with Col. John B. Austin, of
a Mississippi regiment; the Union forces falling back for a time, charged upon
the enemy, who had captured the works, driving them out, when Wolff, coming up
with Col. Austin, demanded his sword; but this he at first refused, and bravely
defended himself, but was soon compelled to surrender and reluctantly delivered
his sword to Wolff, who now has it in his possession; in the night of the 20th.
of June, 1864, Capt. Wolff received a wound on the head from a falling limb
while in charge of a company of choppers, the effects of which he will doubtless
carry to his grave, being now a constant sufferer and threatened with the loss
of sight in February, 1865, Capt. Wolff was prompted to Major of the regiment,
and soon after, was made Lieutenant Colonel, and was at the discharge of the
regiment, Jan. 3, 1866, at Columbus, holding the commission of Colonel,
acknowledged as a brave and good soldier, with an army record of which any man
might well be proud; it is sad to think that, after doing this service for his
country, he should be a constant sufferer in his after life. Col. Wolff was
married in March, 1864, to Miss M.J. Browneller, who died in the year 1865. In
1868, he was again married to Miss Susan Urvan, who died in Mansfield, in 1870.
Submitted by Amy. [THE OHIO LIBERAL: 15 August 1883 re-printed from the HISTORY
OF RICHLAND COUNTY]
Worden, Milton W. -- Milton W. Worden was
tall and straight and strong. Younger than Matson, he had hardly begun the
practice [of law] when the tocsin sounded. The war of the ages was on. The
battles for civilization were to be fought and Worden laid down his text-books
and picked up a sword and marched away to glory and nearly to the grave. He was
a captain in the 32d Ohio, commanded by Col. Thomas H. Ford. At Harper's Ferry
his leg was shot away, and I well remember that weeks intervened before his weak
and wasted body was borne home on a stretcher. The havoc of war was brought
close to our observation. With others I met him at the depot and carried him to
his home. He recovered somewhat, though the ugly wound and uglier amputation
gave him great trouble all the remainder of his days. He was elected Probate
Judge of the county, the only man ever elected to that office in the county was
was not of the Democratic party. He discharged the duties of the office with
ability. But the old wound worried, the nerves were shattered, and life was
ebbing away. I was with him when the final summons came, and then we laid him
away. -- H.C.H. Submitted by Amy. [Richland Shield & Banner: 29 December
1894, Vol. LXXVII, No. 33]
Young Family -- Mrs. Susan Young, widow of
John Young (and daughter of Lewis and Mary Keith, whose maiden name was
Saultzman, daughter of Anthony Saultzman), was born on the banks of the
Susquehanna River. Her father, Lewis Keith, was killed by the Indians in
Lycoming Co., Pennsylvania. Mr. & Mrs. Young were married August 8th., 1819 in
Bedford Co., Pa., on the banks of the Juniata River, and emigrated to Ohio in
November, 1822, and settled on Honey Creek, two miles south of Bellville, where
the old lady still lives. Mr. Young having died November 23d., 1867, aged 71
years. They had six children -- three boys and three girls. Two sons and one
daughter are living. They came from Hopewell Twp., Huntington Co., Pa. Mrs.
Young was born August 25th., 1797. Mr. & Mrs. Young were raised Lutherans, but
never joined the church. Mr. Young was a Whig, then a Republican. When they
moved they came through Ashland (then Uniontown), and there was but one frame
house in it, and it was not finished. There were, however, several cabins and
two still houses. They stayed all night at Markley's below town, went to
Mansfield the next day, and the landlady died that night of fever. Mr. Young,
being exposed to it, took it, and laid nine weeks in his new cabin home. There
were but few houses in Mansfield, and but three in Bellville -- Mr. Bell's,
Enoch Ogle's and, perhaps, Jackson's. She says that when they came out that
Christly Rowland and the Flukes came along, but stopped near Ashland. She also
says that when they left Mansfield they went down the Rocky Fork to Jerry
Smart's, then to Newville, then to Bellville, and had to cut their way through
the woods. Her health is good and her memory bright for one so far advanced in
life. The writer saw her a few days ago (December, 1883), and she is still in
good health. -- Dr. Riddle. Submitted by Amy. [MANSFIELD HERALD: 27 December
1883, Vol. 34, No. 6]
Young, Jacob -- Jacob Young, of Orange,
was born in Hardy County, Virginia, January 1, 1773. His parents were
natives of Bavaria, Germany, and immigrated to America about the year 1743.
The Youngs settled in Virginia, and the father and mother of Jacob Young (the
mother's name was Cox) landed in New York, and subsequently settled in Virginia,
where Andrew Young, father of Jacob, married into the Cox family. When
Jacob was four or five years old his father removed to Washington County,
Pennsylvania, then considered part of Virginia, and located near Ten Mile Creek.
He subsequently served two years as teamster in the Revolutionary Army, and died
on his homestead about the year 1807, at an advanced age. Jacob grew to
manhood in Washington County, and married Mary Mason, of Fayette County, Pa.,
June 7, 1795, and in 1804 removed to and located in Columbiana County, in the
newly admitted State of Ohio, where he remained until October, 1814, when he
removed to Orange township, then in Richland, but now in Ashland County, Ohio,
where he had erected a cabin the preceding year. Prior to his removal he
had entered at the office at New Lisbon a number of tracts of land, one of which
is now owned (1878) by John Crivelin, one by the heirs of the late George Hall,
one by Isaac Mason, one by William Rhone, and another by Rev. William Sattler.
His route to his new home was by the old army trail to Wooster, thence by
Beall's trail to Jerome's Place and Blockhouse, now Jeromesville, and thence up
to Mohican, by a new path passing near where Andrew Mason now resides, and
thence to his cabin on the present Sattler farm. But few
settlers had preceded him, and his cabin was in the midst of an almost unbroken
forest. It was a lonely home, and he was soon serenaded by wolves and the
screams of wild animals. As soon as he had arranged for winter he set to
work upon the rich alluvial bottoms to prepare ground for culture the next year.
The forests were of stupendous growth, and required much toil to cut and remove
them. During the winter his family lived upon corn bread, milk and such
wild meat as he could secure by means of his trusty rifle. The hominy
block was brought into requisition, and such corn as could be procured in
Columbiana County and in the vicinity of Wooster was prepared for use. His
nearest neighbors were Solomon Urie, Vachel, Metcalf, Amos Norris, Patrick
Murray and Jacob Crouse, to whose number others were soon added. An old
Delaware and Wyandot trail ran near his cabin, and Indians from Sandusky
frequently passed along with furs and skins to Pittsburgh and returned with new
blankets, ammunition and such other articles as they had received in exchange
for peltry; but were then quite civil. They occasionally called at
his cabin, in small numbers, for something to eat, and always were served by
Mrs. Young when she had anything to allay their hunger. After 1817 they
rarely visited the cabin, when off of their reservation, which was situated in
what is now Marion County, Ohio. They generally hunted in the forests
along Black River and in Huron, Loraine (sic.) and Medina counties. They
finally disappeared about 1824, and went west in 1829. In his hunting
excursions, he often met small parties of Delawares in the northern forests.
On one occasion, in attempting to pass silently to a resort for deer -- a sort
of lick -- he came quietly upon an old Delaware seated upon a log, soundly
asleep, and apparently very much exhausted from fatigue and want of food.
Upon his sudden approach, the Indian was very much frightened, but Mr. Young
advanced, showing by signs that he intended no harm, and, upon discovering the
real situation of the Indian, drew from the pocket of his hunting shirt a corn
cake which he tendered to his red friend, which was eagerly accepted. The
Indian kneeled down in token of thankfulness, at the same time pointing toward
the heavens, as if to intimate that the Great Spirit would reward him for
generously feeing the hungry. In 1863 when the great stellar shower took
place, when it seemed as if the universe were coming to an end, Mr. Young was
hunting in the north woods along the banks of the Black River, and slept of
nights in a rude hut or wigwam covered with bark. The singular appearance
of the heavens amazed him, and fear that some great evil might befall his family
seized upon him; but upon his return he was happy to discover that his
apprehensions were baseless. The heavens had again become calm, and the
fiery torches that blazed through the limitless region of space had disappeared,
and all nature seamed at rest. It was not a matter of surprise that he
should have been alarmed, for philosopher and divine alike trembled at beholding
the phenomenon, and were uncertain as to its final termination. Mr. Young
succeeded in raising a few acres of corn the first year; but was compelled
to depend largely upon the chase for meat. His neighbors were few and far
between and he was often requested to assist in erecting cabins for new
settlers, to roll logs and do other acts of good neighborhood to all of which he
responded, often boarding himself in addition to the service rendered, and at
the same time furnishing seed corn to the new-comer. Indeed, though
industrious, economical and careful, he found it difficult to protect himself
and family from suffering, until he had succeeded in raising a few crops.
Nevertheless, short as was his home supply, he was noted for his generous aid to
all comers, even to squandering his own profits by helping parties who were
subsequently unable or unwilling to pay him in return. His wife often
related that they had not unfrequently (sic.) been so short of meat for the
first year or two that Mr. Young depended almost wholly upon his gun from day to
day for a supply; and often returned, hungry and weary without game, and
made a supper upon milk and pone! In his hunting excursions, during his
earlier years, he often met in the northern forests that skillful and successful
woodman and hunter, Solomon Urie. He often found signs of bear and
frequently succeeded in capturing Bruin, of whose flesh he was very fond.
Deer was very common, and turkeys often made havoc with corn-fields in the fall
of the year. Wolves were also numerous and very destructive on sheep.
Their scalps commanded a fair price in money. Mrs. James Kerr, daughter of
Jacob Young, has in her possession a family Bible purchased by her father, with
wolf scalps in Columbiana County over sixty-five years ago. It was a book
duly venerated by Mr. Young, during his life. He made a conscientious
effort to follow its precepts. In July, 1815, John Whittaker, a surveyor
of Columbiana county, was employed by William Montgomery to survey the original
plat of the village of Uniontown, now Ashland, Ohio, and boarded at the cabin of
Jacob Young while so doing; for the site of the new village was covered by
the original forest, and had no boarding houses or hotels for the accommodation
of travelers. In 1815 he helped erect the first school-house in Orange
Township, near his residence, in which John Swigart taught the first school in
the winter of 1815-1816 and married Barbara Young, about the close of his
school, which is supposed to have been the first wedding in Orange Township, at
the cabin of Jacob Young. Mr. Young became a member of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church at the age of seventeen years in Washington County,
Pennsylvania, and continued faithful until his decease, which occurred in 1861,
at the age of eighty-one years. It is sufficient panegyric upon the life
and character of Mr. Young to say that he never had a quarrel with any man;
that he never sued any man; that he was never a defendant in a law suit;
that he was generous to all men; and that while he was born under the
dominion of King George III he lived to see the independence of the American
Republic, the establishment of the Union, and the prosperity and greatness of
the States. His wife, Mrs. Mary Mason Young, was a member of the same
church from 1800 until her decease in 1865, being about ninety years and six
months old. The family of Mr. Young consisted of twelve children, two
boys, John, who died in Van Wert County, Ohio, in 1851, and Abraham who died in
Missouri in 1877; and ten girls -- Elizabeth, wife of the late Joseph
Bishop; Barbara, wife of John Swigart; Mary, wife of John Swineford;
Christianna, wife of Samuel Baughman; Phebe, wife of Rhrinehart Allaphela
(sic.); Sarah, wife of Abraham Marks; Amy, wife of John C. Kerr;
Hannah, wife of Robert McKee; Nancy, wife of Jacob Marietta; and
Margaret, wife of James Kerr. All survive but Mrs. Bishop. The
entire family learned at an early day lessons of industry, economy and morality,
and lived to honor the parents that gave them birth. The loom was their
parlor organ and the busy hum of the spinning wheel kept time with the music of
the shuttle as it shot to and fro among the warp. All made intelligent,
exemplary mothers and faithful wives. -- W. [Ohio Liberal: 15
May 1878]
Young, John -- John Young, who came to
Jefferson Township in an early day, and settled about two miles south of
Bellville, was a son of William Young and Elizabeth Ford, and was the oldest of
ten sons. He was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Nov. 20, 1796. His first distinct
adventure in life was carpentry, which he commenced when about twenty-one years
of age. He was married to Susan Keith, daughter of Lewis and Mary (Saltsman)
Keith, August 8, 1819. The ceremony took place in Bedford Co., Penn. She was
born Aug. 25, 1797, in Huntingdon Co., Penn. They came to Ohio in November,
1822, and settled south of Bellville soon after, where he lived and died, and
where his wife, a very communicative and intelligent lady, yet resides. The
first building he put up was modeled after the common pioneer cabin, and was
destitute of either windows or doors. A table cloth hung in the window aperture,
and a blanket in the opening for the door. Their children were Elizabeth,
William, David Lewis, Simon B., Martha, Louiza and Mary. Elizabeth died Nov. 22,
1824; William, July 15, 1844; and Louiza, n the fall of 1852. Father Young died
Nov. 23, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Young were people of virtuous and strict habits,
industrious and frugal, and they accumulated considerable property. Lewis and
Simon now own portions of the old home farm. Mary married a Mr. Walters and
resides in Kansas. Submitted by Amy. [Bellville Star: 27 July 1882, Vol. V,
No. 43]
Zartman, David --
Newville. David Zartman, one of the leading druggists of Butler, has in his
possession a rare relic, a musket that was used in the war of 1812. It is in
good preservation and is one of the old flint-locks with shoulder strap and
bayonet, all in good shape. They are very scarce in this county and no doubt if
it was at the World’s Fair it would be allowed a very prominent position. This
gun has been kept by his father, who was a gunsmith, having learned his trade in
Germany, where a man had to be master of the trade before he could set up in
business. Mr. Zartman also has a rifle made by his father that can’t be beat
in the county for fine finish. [Richland Shield & Banner: 26 March 1892]
Zeider, Reuben -- Reuben Zeider, of 197
North Mulberry Street, mysteriously disappeared Saturday night and has not yet
been found. It is thought by some that he has committed suicide, while
others hold to the opinion that he has gone to his old home in Pennsylvania.
His wife is nearly distracted with grief. After supper Saturday evening he
left home and as is his custom went to Shill's barber shop on North Main Street
and was shaved. He remained there until after 6 o'clock and then went away
It is stated that he was also seen during the evening in the vicinity of the
Union Depot by several persons, which leads to the theory that he might have
gone to Pennsylvania. About 10 o'clock Saturday night as her husband had
not returned home, Mrs. Zeider went to A.A. Fiscus' store on North Main Street
to inquire if Mr. Fiscus had seen her husband, Mr. Fiscus having been acquainted
with Mr. & Mrs. Zeider for some time. Mr. Fiscus had not seen him, but
made inquiry at Shill's barber shop next door and learned that Mr. Zeider had
been there early in the evening, as has already been stated. Mr. Zeider is
a pattern maker by occupation and for a number of years has been in the employ
of Niman & Van Atta at the Union Foundry, and Machine works. Of late he
has not had steady work, but managed to work a day or two a week, or sometimes a
full week, according as business would be. When it was learned that he had
not been seen, further inquiry was made at various places and without result.
John B. Niman and John Van Atta joined with A.A. Fiscus in the search.
Officers Richards and Austin, whose beats are in the north part of the city,
were also informed of the disappearance, and they joined in the search and
notified the police up town. The party made inquiry at the depots and
searched along the tracks in different directions from the city, thinking that
his body might be found, if he had committed suicide. Other places, where
it was thought he might possibly be, were searched but to no avail. About
3 o'clock Sunday morning the search was given up for awhile and was continued
Sunday. Efforts are still being put forth to find him. The
missing man has been in financial straits more or less for some time owing to
lack of work. His employers aided him, and after an accident to him in the
shop some time ago his wages were continued in full, when he worked, though the
loss of three fingers of his right hand, which had been cut off at that time,
incapacitated him considerably for work and rendered it necessary to employ an
extra man to aid him on certain kinds of work. The Citizens' Savings and
Loan company has a mortgage of over $1,100 on his property and it is also
understood that Henry Krause holds a mortgage. Mr. Zeider was an old
soldier, having been a member of Co. C., 82nd. Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers. He walked slightly lame owing to having been wounded in the
left foot during the war. He drew a pension of $12 per month for
disability. He was a man of good habits and both he and his wife are
members of the Presbyterian church. His height is 6 feet and he has a dark
complexion, iron gray hair and mustache. Three fingers of his right hand
are off at the hand joint. His name is sometimes spelled Zider and the
city directory spells his name Ciders. He is about 69 years of age though
one would think him several years younger, for he bears his age well. He
was a sailor in early life and had a variety of experiences during the time he
followed the sea. An incident is told of him that on one occasion the ship
on which he was working came into port with nearly all on board ill with yellow
fever. About 15 years ago he and his wife came to this city from Walnut,
Juniata County, Pa., and have resided here since that time. It is stated
that he received his pension money for three months a week ago or les, and it is
thought that his financial troubles have had the effect of unbalancing his mind
and that he has either committed suicide or else has wandered away and, as would
be natural, has gone to his old home in Pennsylvania, though most, if not all,
of his relatives there are dead or have moved away. He was not
confidential about his business affairs and said very little to his wife about
them. [Semi-Weekly News: 19 January 1897, Vol. 13, No. 6]
Zimmerman, Levi -- Today marks the 95th.
anniversary of the birth of Levi Zimmerman, of 288 W. Fourth Street. Mr.
Zimmerman is one of the oldest of Richland County pioneers, Hiram Smith being
the only resident of Mansfield who is older than the venerable old man.
Although lacking but five years of reaching the century mark, Mr. Zimmerman
still retains remarkable use of all his faculties. His sight and hearing
although failing are still good. The people of Mansfield have always felt
the deepest interest in Mr. Zimmerman. The estimable character of the old
gentleman has won for him innumerable friends who view with pleasure the
successful passing through one year after year. The unwonted longevity of
the life of Mr. Zimmerman has also attracted the attention of the citizens of
Mansfield all of whom heartily desire that he pass the century mark before being
called to his eternal home. Mr. Zimmerman, although not enjoying as good
health as a year ago, is still able to get around with remarkable celerity
considering his advanced age. His mind is wonderfully lucid and while
filled with reminiscences of his younger days, he still takes the liveliest
interest in the doings of the world today. A little over a year ago Mr.
Zimmerman sustained a severe fall and he has never quite recovered from the
shock. While resting, Mr. Zimmerman feels in the best of health but when
walking or moving about, he finds that the >> Text missing from photocopy -
Consult microfilm for full article << and two years later in company with
his uncle, he moved to this county. The family of nine of which Levi was
the oldest, lived in a log cabin of only one room in Orange Township, now part
of Ashland County. Levi set himself to mastering the trade of tin and
copper smithing, later practicing in Massillon, Norwalk and this city.
Later, he opened a shop in Bucyrus but soon returned to this city. He has
resided here continuously since 1834 with the exception of a few months when he
joined the rush to the newly opened gold fields of California. He went to
California in 1850, going by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He practiced
his trade instead of prospecting. He worked in Sacramento and in a mining
camp named Marysville. Mr. Zimmerman recalls that he was forced to pay
$210 for a months rent of one half of a tent. Louis Vonhof, the building
of the present Vonhof Hotel, was also in California at that time.
Returning to the city in 1815, Mr. Zimmerman again took up the practice of his
trade. In 1855 he married Miss Mary Ann George of Bucyrus. Four
children were born of the marriage, three of whom are still living, they being
Mrs. M.E. Douglass, Mrs. H.C. Hedges and a son Eli. All of his brothers
and sisters are dead with the exception of the youngest, who resides in
California and whom Mr. Zimmernan has not seen for twenty years. Of the
old residents of Mansfield only Hiram Smith and Mrs. J.H. Cook are still living.
Although failing, Mr. Zimmerman still gives promise of becoming a centenarian.
Mr. Zimmerman is deeply interested in all of the members of his family and was
deeply pleased a week ago by the receipt of a letter from a nephew G.F.
Zimmerman of Seattle, Wash. Mr. Zimmernan after wishing his uncle good
health indites [sic.] a beautiful little poem of his own composition.
<<poetry omitted>> [Mansfield (OH) Daily Shield: 17 April 1909]
