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Source:
History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County
with
Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of
Pioneer and Prominent Public Men
by C. W. Williamson
Columbus, Ohio
Press of W. M. Linn & Sons
1905
BIOGRAPHIES
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Salem Twp. -
JOHN H. BAILEY was
born in Highland county, Ohio, June 26th, 1840, and is of the
old pioneer stock of the state, and can also trace his ancestry
back to the Pilgrims of the "Mayflower."
John Bailey, the father of John H. Bailey,
was a native of Virginia, and was the son of Thomas Bailey,
also a Virginian by birth. In 1808 the grandfather of our
subject left his early home in the "Old Dominion," and
journeying across the mountains and over a wild, sparsely
inhabited country, made his way to Highland county, Ohio, and
located on land about five miles from the county seat, being one
of the original settlers of that region. He was of the
Quaker faith. His kindly nature gained for him a warm
place in the hearts of his fellow pioneers. He died
November 27, 1858, at the age of eighty-four years.
The subject of this sketch received such an education
as the schools of the time afforded. The one that he
attended in his childhood being taught in a small log house, the
dimensions were sixteen by eighteen feet, and the seats were
made of slabs. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and
was well grounded in all pertains to farming. At the age
of twenty-one he left home and settled in Allen county, where he
engaged in contracting and building. He continued in this
business for thirteen years, when he returned to Salem township
and resumed his early calling, locating on land in sections 31
and 32. By skillful and persevering toil, he has cleared
his land, has it under good cultivation.
In 1875 Mr. Bailey was married to Miss Lovina
J. Lovett, a native of Fairfield county. Of this
marriage five children have been born: Amy L., Mortimer,
Alvin A., and Minnie (twins), and Harvey.
Mr. Bailey has never been an aspirant for political honors,
but takes an active interest in the Republican party.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 - Page 803 |
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Salem Twp. -
AUSTIN BARBER was
born in Union township, Mercer county, Ohio, Jan. 8th, 1833.
His father, Samuel C. Barber, was born in 1804, near
Honcoye Lake, New York, and was a son of Captain Amos Barber,
who was a native of Massachusetts, and was of Irish descent.
In the early part of his life he removed to New York, and from
thence to Kentucky, in 1817, and died in Hardin county, He was
captain of a company in the War of 1812.
"The father of our subject was a lad of thirteen years
when the family moved to Kentucky, where he grew to manhood and
became a farmer. In the fall of 1828, he crossed the Ohio
river, and penetrated the wilderness as far northward as Mercer
county, where he entered land in Union township in section
twenty-seven where he resided until his death, in 1851, at the
age of forty-seven years. The Indians were numerous, at
that time, and provisions were scarce. Fortunately, for
the pioneers, wild game was abundant, affording subsistence to
the newcomers until a crop was raised the next year."
Mr. Austin Barber had be meager educational
advantages in his boyhood. He attended his first term of
school in an old log cabin having puncheon floor and was
furnished with slab seats. His schooling was limited to
two or three months in the winter. The remainder of the
year was spent in wielding the ax, and the cultivation of the
newly cleared land.
In 1854 Mr. Barber married Miss Eliza L.
Hamilton, daughter of the Hon. Justin Hamilton, of
Mercer county. Judge Hamilton was one of the
earliest pioneer farmers of Mercer county. He was a
surveyor, and surveyed a great part of this section of the
country.
"Our subject and his wife had eight children:
Ella, who is deceased; Hannah, wife of C. W.
Shrimp, a farmer of Salem township; Irena, deceased;
Dora, wife of J. H. Wright, a farmer of this
township; Abraham H., a farmer; Ina and Walter,
unmarried; and Arthur, a Presbyterian minister, stationed
at St. Marys.
Mr. Barber died at Spencerville, Ohio, in 1901.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 - Page 802 |
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St. Mary's Twp. -
RICHARD R.
BARINGTON was born in Wexford county, Ireland, May 10,
1797, and came to the United States in 1818, and located at
Piqua, Ohio, where he remained until 1822, when he went to St.
Mary's, and entered one hundred and seventy-eight acres of land
in section 11, in St. Mary's township. On this land he
built a cabin and cleared a few acres of ground in 1823.
In 1824 he married Miss Mary Armstrong, daughter of
Judge John Armstrong, an early pioneer of St. Mary's
They commenced their married life in the new cabin, surrounded
by an unbroken wilderness, inhabited by the fierce Shawnee
Indians and a few white people at St. Mary's. After many
years of unremitting labor, his large farm was brought under
cultivation, and good buildings were erected. He lived
many years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his industry.
He died February 10, 1869, and Mrs. Barington in
1871. Their family consisted of six children:
John, who resides on his own farm; David, who lives
on the home farm; William (deceased), Mrs. William
Clark, Mary (deceased), and Rebecca.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 - Page 672 |
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German Twp. -
WILLIAM
BARTH was born in German township, Auglaize county, Ohio,
October 18th, 1840. He is a son of John F. Barth,
who emigrated to America in 1836. HE made the journey
across in a sailing vessel and it consumed ten weeks.
Within this time the vessel became unmanageable and drifted so
far north that it was in the iceberg region. The suffering
that the voyagers endured on that memorable trip cannot be told.
Mr. John Barth, the father, landed in Baltimore
and there remained about four years. He was engaged in
public works of the city and was employed in various capacities.
In 1840 he fitted out a one-horse wagon with necessaries for an
overland journey and with his family turned his face westward.
They came to Ohio, and being favorably impressed with the
appearance of German township, settled here.
John F. Barth purchased forty acres of land in
section six, German township, expending in the purchase of it
most of the money which he had earned in Baltimore. He
erected a log cabin and prepared in short, to make the place a
permanent home. The country was new and wild, and settlers
were few and far between. In common with almost every
other family in those days the Barths saw some hard
times. Although a cripple, John Barth was
industrious and aided by his hardworking wife, managed to earn
enough to live in comparative comfort. He died in 1865,
having been for many years a devoted Evangelical Lutheran.
His wife whose maiden name was Elizabeth Helen Kamp was
born in Hanover, in 1810. She died in 1875.
The original of this sketch is one of seven children,
the third in order of birth. Four of the family still
live. During his boyhood there were few advantages in an
educational way; few schools and poor teachers. The
settlement was composed mostly of Germans and their language
alone was taught, so that Mr. Barth has acquired his
English as he has bee able to pick it up. With the
faithfulness of his race, he remained with his parents, until
their death. He has always lived on the old homestead.
The old log cabin which was his first home he has replaced with
a substantial brick residence, and in place of the old log barn
now stands a fine frame one. He has added to his father's
original purchase until the farm now comprises one hundred and
thirty-nine acres.
In 1870, Mr. Barth was married to Miss Louisa
Sprain of Dayton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Barth are the
parents of nine children, of whom seven are living:
Marietta, Clara, Emma, Ella, Samuel, Edwin and Francis.
In politics Mr. Barth affiliates with the Democratic
party. In recognition of his worth and ability, he has
been elected Township Trustee, a position that he held for ten
years. He was elected county commissioner in 1899, which
office he held two terms. He has served as secretary of
the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company for ten years, and
treasurer of the company for twelve years. He and the
other members of his family worship at St. Paul's Lutheran
Church in New Bremen, in which body he has held various official
positions.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize
County - by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of
W. M. Linn & Sons - 1905 - Page 818 |
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Duchouquet Twp. -
DR.
CICERO BERLIN, son of Henry and Julia Ann Berlin,
was born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 6th, 1827. In 1830, the
family moved to Columbiana county, Ohio, and settled near
Washingtonville, where they engaged in farming for several years.
When the son was twelve years old, they moved to Hardin county,
Ohio, and settled near the village of Forest. In 1843, the
family moved a third time, and located at Norton in Delaware
county, Ohio. At this point Mr. Berlin resumed the
practice of this trade. He established a pottery in which he
did a flourishing business for several years. During the
residence of the family at Norton, the son and daughter attended
the Marion Academy, at that time one of the best schools of the
kind in the state. After completing his studies in the
academy, young Berlin went to Dayton, Ohio, where at the
age of twenty-two, he studied medicine under the tutorship of
Drs. Wise and Geiger. During his hours of
leisure, he earned wages by making reports for Gen. Speese,
who was at that time postmaster at Dayton. After three years
of study under Drs. Wise and Geiger, he attended the
Western Reserve Medical College, at Cleveland, Ohio. In
1852, he commenced the practice of medicine at Brookville, Ohio,
where he remained until 1861. He was married Oct. 17th,
1855, to Miss Elizabeth Hite of Cardington, Morrow county,
Ohio. Of this union four children have been born:
Clarence D. (deceased), born February 28th, 1857; Carrie E.
(wife of Robert Boyd), born Oct. 28th, 1861; Henry H.
(deceased), born Dec. 3d, 1863, and Charles C., born Feb.
13th, 1872.
In 1861 Dr. Berlin moved to Wapakoneta, and in
1862 attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which
institution he graduated in 1863. After his graduation he
returned to Wapakoneta, where he soon acquired an extensive
practice, which he has held for forty years. In 1900 he
entered into partnership with his son Charles C. Berlin, a
graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware, also a
graduate of the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati.
Dr. Berlin was, for several years, county school
examiner, also president of the board of education for fifteen
years, and a member of the village council. He is a member
of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Association, in which he has
always taken much interest. At the age of seventy-six years
he still continues the active practice of his profession.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 |
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Logan Twp. -
RUSSELL BERRYMAN, son of
William Berryman of Devonshire, England, was born in that
country, January 9th, 1816. Owing to his hunting
propensities, and his numerous infractions of the game laws of the
realm William Berryman and family, accompanied by his
brother John, left Devonshire, and came to Dayton, Ohio, in
1820, where he purchased ninety-three acres of land, located in
what is now one of the densely populated wards of that city.
After their arrival in Dayton, his brother John went south
and was never heard of afterward. William Berryman,
after the purchase of his land at Dayton, devoted his attention to
farming until 1825, when he sold his Dayton property and moved to
Logan township in Auglaize county, where he purchased ninety-three
acres of land in the northeast quarter of section 27. He
immediately erected thereon a commodious log house for the
accommodation of his large family, consisting of himself, his wife
and twelve children. He chose for his house a location near
the Auglaize river, immediately south of what is known as "Johnny
Appleseed's" nursery. Here he reared his family and resided
until his death, which occurred in 1837. After his death the
farm passed into the possession of Russell Berryman, the
subject of this sketch. Mr. Berryman was twice
married. Of the first marriage five children were born:
Ephraim, John and James; Cornelia, who married
Dr. Edward Stocken, and Rosabel, wife of F.
Blackburn. Of the second marriage there were born,
Abraham, Thomas, William, Warren, Russell and Guy, who
died in infancy; Flora, who married John Miller;
Mercy, unmarried; Margaret, who married L. Cochran;
Rosetta, wife of William Myers; Martha, wife of
Arnold Taft, and Cora, wife of Benjamin Shappell.
The few pioneers residing in Logan
township in 1825, were surrounded by Indians. A tribe of
Shawnees was located at White Feather near Buckland, a second
tribe of Shawnees at Shawnee Town, where the Children's Home in
Allen county is situated, and the fierce tribe of Ottowas, north
of Fort Amanda. Being in constant communication with the
Shawnees, Berryman soon acquired their language, and often
participated in their sports and feasts. As he spoke the
language with fluency, he was frequently employed as an
interpreter. Later in life he amused his friends by dancing
Indian dances, and describing Indian pow-wows. On one
occasion he witnessed an incident in his boyhood that occurred at
James Crosier's house, located about two miles up the
river. An Indian named Leeso, a noted thief of
Shawnee Town, pawned a log-chain and two copper kettles at
Crosiers for two bladders filled with whiskey. As soon
as he received them he started west in the direction of the river,
intending to cross and indulge in a drunk. He was hardly out
of sight when Indian whoops were heard in the opposite direction.
A few minutes later three Indians mounted on ponies rode up to the
house and inquired for Leeso. They were informed that
he had been there a short time before, and that he was probably by
that time across the river. They immediately started in
pursuit of the thief and overtook him near the river. They
relieved him of his ill gotten whiskey and whipped him nearly to
death with hickory switches, and left him lying on the bank of the
river. They then returned to Crosier's and demanded
the stolen goods, which were returned to them. Being
satisfied with the restitution, they returned to Shawnee.
Leeso survived the chastisement and lived to commit numerous
thefts in after years.
After the departure of the Indians in 1832, wild game
became abundant for a few years. "It is related of
Russell Berryman, that going to a deer crossing one morning,
he shot seven deer in one spot before breakfast time, and as late
as 1838, Leonard Place and his brother, in a two days' hunt
secured four barrels of nicely dressed and packed venison."
Russell Berryman and his brother Thomas
killed twenty-seven deer one winter, and after the entrails were
taken from them, they were frozen, and in that state were loaded
on a sled and taken to Dayton, where they were exchanged for salt.
The pioneers of Logan township were exposed to all the
inconveniences incident to the frontier. The old mill,
operated by the Quakers at Wapakoneta, was the only one within a
radius of forty miles. In 1826, William Berryman and
his two sons, Thomas and Russell, loaded their canoe
with a few bushels of corn and rowed up the Auglaize river, a
distance of over fifteen miles, to the Wapakoneta mill. They
arrived there in the evening and were informed that their grist
could not be ground until the next morning. "Several Indians
invited them to share their huts or lodges for the night - they
accepted the hospitality of one of the leading ones. Upon
retiring, the old Indian assigned one corner of the lodge to his
guests; took one corner with a couple of blankets himself, his
squaw with the same number of blankets another, the children took
the fourth corner with half a dozen deer skins for their bed and
cover, and three dogs took the center of the room. At the
dawn of day, a loud wough came from the Indian; the squaw and the
children immediately arose; the latter soon made a fire on the
outside of the lodge, and the squaw taking a large piece of meat
from a gum on the outside of the hut, and cutting it in pieces,
and putting it along with potatoes, dried corn, and corn meal,
into a large skillet placed it over a fire where it was allowed to
cook for half an hour. At the end of that time the skillet
was set in the center of the lodge - the dogs were kicked out -
and with wooden spoons, William Berryman and his sons
partook of the breakfast."
Russell Berryman was a familiar figure in the
county until a few years ago. After living fifty-three years
on the farm that he had helped to develop, he died at the age of
sixty-two years, five months and twenty-five days.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 |
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Duchouquet Twp. -
ARTHUR
BITLER, son of William
Bitler, one of the Bitler pioneers, was born in the
city of Columbus, April 3d, 1832. His father moved to St.
Johns, Auglaize county, in 1834. Arthur attended
the pioneer school of that place, and in that humble institution
of learning laid the foundations of a sound education. By a
close application to the study of mathematics and the other common
branches, he gradually drifted into the profession of teaching.
As a teacher of arithmetic he had no superior among the teachers
of that time, and we may also add that he has but few equals in
the county in that branch of the present time. During the
periods of time, when not employed in teaching, he engaged in
other pursuits until 1864, when he was elected county treasurer,
which office he filled with ability from 1864 to 1869.
Mr. Bitler was been married twice. In
1859, he was wedded to Miss Margaret Baughman of Auglaize
county. Six children were born to them, of which two are
living, William, engaged in the grain business and sale of
agricultural machinery, and Delila, wife of A. Klipfel,
who is engaged in a flourishing grocery business. Mrs.
Bitler died May 20th, 1865.
Mr. Bitler was married the second time in 1865
to Miss Elizabeth Davis of this county. Of this
marriage six children were born, of whom four are living.
His second wife died March 20th, 1884, at the age of forty-three
years.
After his retirement from office as county treasurer he
engaged in the pork packing business for several years, and later
did an extensive business in the purchase and sale of the grain
products of the county. He has always been noted for his
strict integrity, enterprise and liberality. His interest in
the educational affairs of Wapakoneta is well known and
appreciated by the community. For many years he served as a
member of the Board of Education, and most of the time as
treasurer of that body.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 |
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Duchouquet Twp. -
SAMUEL
BITLER, the youngest son of Daniel and Elizabeth Bitler,
was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in October, 1829.
Samuel was five years old when his father moved to Auglaize
county, The family settled at St. Johns in 1834, where Samuel
attended school in the typical log school-house of that time.
Like all other pioneers of that period he experienced all the
hardships attendant upon the settlement of a new county. At
the age of nineteen he was first married to Miss Susanna
Coleman, who died in 1871. The following year he married
Vastia Bailey, who died in 1876, leaving three children who
still survive. In 1878 he married Miss Augusta Mayer,
who is still living. In 1855 he opened a store in St. Johns,
in which business in connection with buying and selling stock, he
prospered. In 1862 he entered the army in which he served as
captain of Company K of the 99th Ohio Volunteer Infantry until the
close of the war. Upon his return from the army he moved to
Wapakoneta and engaged in the milling and grain business during
the four years following. On January 1st, 1870, he engaged
in a banking business, which was continued until 1887, when he
closed his bank and engaged in other pursuits.
He died at Wapakoneta, May 12th, 1889.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 |
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Clay Twp. -
WILLIAM
BITLER was born near Reading, Pennsylvania, Feb.
22, 1807. His parents moved to Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, in 1812. He married Miss Rebecca Snyder,
Feb. 27, 1828, and came to Franklin county, Ohio, Jan. 23, 1832.
Two years later he came to this county, and settled at St.
Johns. His wife died August 14th, 1857, and he remarried
February 9th, 1865, marrying Rosa A. Bechdolt.
He was mail agent in this and Logan counties from
1847 to 1872. The exposure incident to mail carrying in a
new country unprovided with roads told fearfully upon his
health, as he contracted rheumatism in a violent form, from
which he was confined to his bed for a period of three years.
In 1869 he erected the "Bitler House", in St. Johns,
which was a popular hotel for many years. Mr. Bitler's
family by his first wife consisted of three sons and six
daughters, named Christian, Arthur, Samuel, Mary
(deceased), Hannah,
Lucy A., Almira, Elizabeth (both deceased), and Mahala; by his second
wife one stepson, E. W. Parker, and two daughters,
Aurora Belle and Dora May.
Mr. Bitler died at St. Johns, July 13, 1889.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 |
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St. Mary's Twp. -
JOHN BLEW was born in
Champaign county, Ohio, in 1820, and came with his father to
this county in June, 1824, and settled in St. Mary's. His
mother came to the county in 1818, and was present when the
treaty was made with the Indians at that place. Mr.
Blew had sixteen horses stolen by the Indians which he never
recovered. He relates the means by which he obtained his
first gun. An Indian having died in the neighborhood, was
not buried, but his body was placed in a tree. Here his
gun and bow and arrows were placed by his side. In the
course of time the gun fell to the ground, where it was found by
Mr. Blew. He was well acquainted with John
Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, who
planted a nursery on the farm of Mr. Dowty, now owned by
Michael Cabal. Mr. Blew refers to those days in
which "coon" fur supplied the place of wool, and was manipulated
by spinning wheels and knitting needles of the women.
Mr. Blew died December 2, 1876.
Source: History of
Western Ohio & Auglaize County - by C. W. Williamson -
Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn & Sons - 1905 - Page 673
- St. Mary's Twp. |
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Duchouquet Twp. -
L. N. BLUME was born
at St. Johns, Ohio, June 21, 1846. While yet a small boy,
his father, Leon Blume, moved to Wapaknoeta, thereby
affording his son the opportunity of attending the village
school. The boy proved to be an apt pupil, and at the age
of seventeen had so far mastered the elements of an English
education that he entered upon a business career in which he has
been eminently successful.
In 1866 Mr. Blume was married to Miss Harriet
C. Sallade, daughter of Frederic and Harriet Sallade
of Auglaize county. Mrs. Blume is noted for her
benevolence in the community in which she resides. She is
an active member in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a
liberal contributor to its support.
In 1864 Mr. Blume engaged in mercantile
pursuits, and during his moments of leisure he studied law under
the tutorship of Hon. W. V. M. Layton, then a prominent
attorney of Wapakoneta, and was admitted to the bar in 1874.
He soon afterward entered into partnership with attorney R.
D. Marshall, now of Dayton, Ohio, in teh practice of law.
At the end of two years his mercantile business had grown to
such proportions that he withdrew from the practice. After
eighteen years of experience as a merchant, he organized the
First National Bank of Wapakoneta. Since 1884 he has
served in the capacities of director, cashier and president of
the bank. During the eighteen years that have elapsed
since its organization the First National Bank of Wapakoneta.
Since 1884 he has served in the capacities of director, cashier
and president of the bank. During the eighteen years that
have elapsed since its organization, the First National Bank has
commanded the confidence of the public, and has taken the leased
in the banking business of the county. Besides being one
of the most energetic business men in the community, he has
always taken a lively interest in the political affairs of the
county, and has served as a delegate in state and national
conventions of the Democratic party. He has also served at
different times as a member of the county central committee,
city clerk for eight years, member of the Board of Education for
twelve years and President of the Board for eight years.
In social matters he is a Knight Templar, a Mason, a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias,
and the Royal Arcanum.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 - Page 625 |
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German Twp. -
HON. CHARLES BOESEL
was born in Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 1st, 1814, and was
left without the guidance and care of a father at a very early
age. He was one of five children, four of whom came to
America with the mother in 1832, the other child having died in
the Fatherland. Mr. Boesel learned the shoemaker's
trade in the old country, and in 1833 he settled in New Bremen,
then in Mercer county, where a few of his friends had located
several months before, but as he found no employment here he
went to Dayton, Ohio, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and other cities
where he could get work. In 1836, he returned and settled
at New Bremen, where he started a small general store, and at
the same time continued his trade. In the course of time,
however, he gave up his trade and confined himself to his
mercantile pursuits, and was appointed Postmaster under
President Polk, holding that position for nine years.
Year after year, he gradually enlarged his store and in 1845,
built a warehouse, after which he began buying grain in
connection with merchandising. New Bremen was the best
market in all that section of the country, and grain and produce
were hauled here from forty miles west, even from Portland,
Indiana. The canal here afforded shipping facilities that
the people were not slow in seizing, and during the 50's, Mr.
Boesel had a very flourishing business. He was in business
at this point from 1836 until 1866, and from 1852 to 1856 he was
one of the superintendents of the Miami and Erie Canal, being
appointed to that position by the State Board of Public Works.
When he first came to the county,
he began an independent career with no capital save about
eighteen dollars and a goodly supply of pluck, energy and push.
He and a companion, Judge Lang, of Tiffin, Ohio, came
from Germany in the same vessel and worked together for some
time in this country. Mr. Boesel accumulated a
large fortune and in the year 1866 retired from mercantile
pursuits, his successors being his son Jacob and C. H.
Kuenning. After retiring from mercantile pursuits,
Mr. Boesel established a bank and continued the same until
his death, which occurred Apr. 17th, 1885. He was an excellent
citizen and a man highly esteemed for his sterling business
qualities. He held several positions of trust and
represented Auglaize county in the Legislature from 1862 until
1866, and represented the thirty-second Senatorial District in
the Senate from 1870 until 1874. He was also a member of
the State Board of Charities, and was holding that position at
the time of his death. He also held various local
positions; became commissioner of Mercer county in 1840 and
served two terms, and was prominent in all affairs of moment.
He was identified with the Lutheran Church and always gave
liberally of his means to assist the same. He visited the
Fatherland twice and on one of the churches. He was ever
noted for his strict integrity, enterprise and great liberality.
He attended school at night after coming to this country, in
order to obtain a knowledge of the English language.
Mr. Boesel was three times married, his
first wife being Miss Wilhelmina Maurer, who died in
1843, leaving two children, Jacob and Charles. Mrs.
Boesel was a native of Germany and came to America on the
same vessel with her future husband husband. The Maurer
family was among the first to settle in New Bremen and its
members were very prominent and wealthy citizens. In 1845,
Mr. Boesel married a sister of his first wife and who
died in 1874. There were ten children born of this union,
six of whom are still living.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 - Page 614 |
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German Twp. -
HON. JACOB BOESEL,
son of Hon Charles Boesel, was born in New Bremen, Ohio,
Feb. 6th, 1841. His elementary education was received in
the schools of his native village, and at St. Marys Union
Schools. He attended the St. Marys schools two years and
there learned the English language. At a later period he
graduated from Bartlett's Commercial College, Cincinnati, in
1860, but previous to that, in the fall of 1856, he began his
mercantile career at St. Marys, where he served in the capacity
of clerk for two years in the store of Joseph Kelsey.
In 1858, he returned to New Bremen and took charge of his
father's business, which he continued until 1866, when he
embarked in merchandizing for himself in partnership with C.
H. Kunning. In 1870, Charles Boesel, Jr., his
brother, was included in the firm, and at this time the firm
took charge of the extensive pork and grain trade which the
father had established, and this they continued up to 1896.
The firm of Boesel & Kunning were engaged in the hardware
business in an adjoining room to their dry goods store until
1891, when Charles Boesel, Jr., assumed charge of it.
Our subject assumed charge of the bank after the death of his
father in 1885, at which time the bank was reorganized under the
firm name of Boesel Brothers & Co. Mr. Boesel
became president of the bank from its re-organization to the
date of his death, which occurred Aug. 17th, 1896.
In 1867, our subject wedded Miss Louisa Wolf, a
native of Germany, who came to America with her friends when six
years of age, and who has since lived in New Bremen. This
union resulted in the birth of six children: Adolph,
now cashier in the bank; Ida, Alma, Otto, Walter and
Dora, the latter deceased. Mr. Boesel was an
active and prominent member of the Democratic party and
advocated its principles form the time he became a voter until
his death. At the solicitation of his friends, he held a
number of prominent positions, the first being Township Clerk,
which position he held for six years. After this he served
four years as Village Clerk, as Mayor for four years, President
of the School Board four years, and a member for six years.
In 1889, he was elected to represent Auglaize county in the
Legislature, and as his character and ability became recognized,
he was re-elected in 1891. He served on the Finance,
Liberty, and Deaf and Dumb Asylum Committees during both terms,
being one of only two Democrats on the Finance Committee during
the several terms. Mr. Boesel and his wife were
consistent members of the Lutheran Church.
(From Portrait and Biographical Record)
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 - Page 615 |
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German Twp. -
JOHN H. BOSCHE was
born in Hanover, Germany, Apr. 29, 1831. His father,
John H. Bosche, was a native of the same place. The
mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Louisa Schroeder,
was also a native of Germany, and in that country both parents
passed their entire lives, the father dying in 1833, when our
subject was about two years old, and the mother passing away in
1886. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. Two
children were born in this union, but only our subject is
living. The other child, Sophia, grew to mature
years, married and died in 1859, leaving two children.
After the death of his father, Mr. Bosche
remained with his mother until twelve years of age, and attended
the schools in his native country. In 1845, when but
fourteen years of age, he came to America with some relatives
with whom he had been living for about two years, and was nine
weeks and three days crossing the ocean. The vessel on
which he took passage was given up as lost at one time, for the
Captain informed the passengers that she was doomed. She
drifted far out of her course, and for three days the passengers
were without food and exposed to the fury of the gale.
They expected every moment to be sent to the bottom, but she
brought them through all right, and a very thankful lot of
passengers landed at Baltimore in the fall of 1845. Word
had reached Germany that the vessel had been lost, and the
mother had given her boy up as drowned, when other news reached
her.
From Baltimore Mr. Bosche and his friends moved
to Cincinnati, where he entered a school in which he remained
for two years. After this, he secured positions in hotels
and restaurants for two years, and in 1849, he came to New
Bremen, where he secured a position as clerk in a general store
owned by his uncle, john F. Bosche. In 1852, he
started a small business for himself in Montezuma, Mercer
county, remained there two years, and in 1855 purchased property
in New Bremen, where he engaged in general merchandising.
Later, he embarked in the grain and pork business, which he
continued for many years. Being very industrious and
economical, he saved his money, and soon became well known as
one of the most sagacious and thorough going business men and a
man of superior judgment. He often sent money to his
mother in Germany, and was, also, liberal in his contributions
to all worthy enterprises.
Mr. Bosche married Miss Louisa Neitert, a
native of Ohio, but of German parentage, her parents coming to
this country about 1830. Nine children have been born to
them, as follows: Alvina, who is married and lives
in New Bremen; Lafayette is married and lives at Fort
Recovery, Ohio; Herman; Pulaski and Edward, both
in western Kansas in business; Franklin; Ferdinand,
deceased; Felix and Clara, all of whom were given
excellent educational advantages. Mr. Bosche is a
Republican in politics, and has held numerous positions of trust
and honor in his community. He is well known all over the
country, and is universally respected.
(From Portrait and Biographical Record.)
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 - Page 616 |
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Duchouquet Twp. -
JOHN C. BOTHE, one
of the early settlers of Wapakoneta, was born in Prussia, Dec.
23, 1807, and came to the United States in 1823, stopping first
at Baltimore, from which place he soon proceeded to Dayton,
Ohio, where he was employed as a clerk until 1833, when he came
to Wapakoneta. Here he purchased two town lots, after
which he went back as far as Sidney, where he located about a
year in the interest of his Dayton employers. He was next
sent by the same firm to Wapakoneta to conduct a branch house,
with which he was identified until 1835, when he visited Europe,
and on his return the following year he established himself in
the dry goods business at Wapakoneta. In 1860 he built a
warehouse and became an extensive dealer in grain. He
continued in this business until 1875, when he retired from
active business. In 1878 he again visited Europe but
returned the same year. In 1834 he married Miss Mary
Schemmel, who died in 1865. Two sons were born of this
union, both of whom are dead.
Mr. Bothe was one of the wealthiest men in the
county at the time of his death. His property, amounting
to more than $100,000, was accumulated within the forty years in
which he he was engaged in business. His large estate was
bequeathed to his legal heirs in Germany.
During the last few years of his life he lived with
Mr. and Mrs. Pitthan of Wapakoneta. He died Sept. 8th,
1886.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 |
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St. Mary's Twp. -
HENRY T.
BRANDENBURG was born in Frederick Co., Maryland, Jan. 31,
1805, shortly after the landing of his parents, who came from
Berlin, Germany. They also resided in Holland prior to their
coming to this country. After a residence of ten years in
Baltimore, he, in company with his parents, came to Dayton, Ohio,
Apr. 1st, 1815. In 1833 he located at St. Mary's, where he
clerked for John Pickerell and Samuel Statler,
who owned the first tavern or inn at that place. In 1837 he
was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Benner,
and the result of their union was two sons and a daughter.
Christian, the result of the union was two sons
and a daughter. Christian, the oldest, died
in the service of his country at Camp Nelson, Kentucky.
Catharine A. Hagaman now resides in St. Mary's,
her birthplace, and the residence of John Jacob Astor,
the youngest, is unknown. Soon after his marriage he engaged
in mercantile business. In 1855 he moved to his farm
situated one mile east of St. Mary's in the dense forest, where
the saw and axe had to be freely applied, he doing most of his
clearing after night by the light of burning brush heaps. In
1871 he sold his farm and moved to St. Mary's where he resided
until the fall of 1885, after which he lived with Dr. S.
H. Sibert, his grandson, at Freyburg, until his death,
which occurred Feb. 16, 1891. (From Sutton's Biographies)
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County - by C.
W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn & Sons - 1905
- Page 671 - St. Mary's Twp. |
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Noble Twp. -
NICHOLAS
BREWER was born in Highland county, Ohio, Jan. 10th,
1812. His father, Isham Brewer, a native of North
Carolina, came to Ohio in the early years of its settlement, and
was one of the original pioneers of Highland county. He
married there and became a prosperous farmer. A few years
prior to his death, he removed to Clinton county, where he died
in 1850, at an advanced age. His wife, Phoebe Brewer,
a native of Virginia, passed away some years before he did.
Mr. Nicholas Brewer's school advantages were
very limited as he had to go two or three miles to school, which
was taught in a rude log cabin, and he only went two terms in
all. Highland county was wild at that time, and game, such
as deer, wolves, bear and other animals, abounded, so that he
had fine opportunities to exercise his skill as a marksman when
he could obtain permission to go hunting. In 1830 he
married Miss Sarah Noble, and five years later come to
Noble township and entered eighty acres of land in section
twenty-four. He moved his family here in 1836, the journey
being made most of the way in a wagon through the woods.
When Mr. Brewer arrived at St. Marys, he hired a
man to clear a road to his land in Noble township. Upon
their arrival, an eighteen by twenty foot cabin was erected, in
which he lived for many years. His neighbors were
Solomon Denny, Israel Johns, David Woodruff, David Ross, James
and John Vanmoyce, and Jesse Daniels. Mr. Brewer
voted the fall he came here, and never missed an election from
that time until his death. His fellow citizens early
recognized his fitness for public life, and from time to time
called him to fill various responsible offices connected with
the administration of civic affairs. He held the office of
county commissioner for six years, in a manner approved by his
constituents.
Mr. Brewer died October 5th, 1892.
(From Portrait and Biographical Record.)
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County - by C.
W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn & Sons -
1905 - Page 796 - Noble Twp. |
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Logan Twp. -
WILLIAM
G. BROREIN was born in Marion county, Ohio, October, 30,
1861, and is a son of Gebhard and Sophia (Gracely) Brorein.
When he was five years old his parents moved to Logan township
where they have since resided. He helped to clear his
father's farm and attended the district school during the winter.
In the spring and summer of 1879, he attended the Ohio Norman
University, at Ada, after which he taught during the winter and
attended the summer terms of that school until 1883, when he was
elected superintendent of the Cridersville schools, which position
he occupied for three years. During his residence at
Cridersville he held his first office, being elected a member of
the village council. In 1886 he engaged with W. H.
Butcher, in the mercantile business, at Buckland, where he yet
has a general store. He was three times elected clerk of
Logan township, and when the village of Buckland was incorporated
in 1892, was elected the first Mayor, receiving every vote cast.
He was reelected the following year, but resigned upon being
elected to the General Assembly, having received the nomination by
his party without opposition. He was elected to the 72d
General Assembly, and during both terms served on the finance
committee. He was elected to the 73d General Assembly as
senator from the 32d district. During his service in this
body he was chosen by the Democratic caucus as one of the members
of the conference committee which negotiated the fusion with the
anti-Hanna Republicans. He was made chairman of the Public
Works committee, and a member of the finance and other committees.
He took an active part in securing the passage of the bill
partially abolishing capital punishment, and was the author of the
bill enacted into law amending the general township school laws.
During the legislature career he not only took active interest in
general legislation, but carefully looked after the interests of
his county and district.
He was appointed by Governor Bushnell a member
of the Board of Ohio Commissioners to the Trans-Mississippi and
International Exposition, held at Omaha from June to October,
1898.
Senator Brorein was united in marriage in 1882,
to Miss Sarah E. Butcher, a daughter of Commissioner
John H. Butcher. One child has been born to them.
(From John B. Walsh's Source: History of Western Ohio
& Auglaize County - by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio -
Press of W. M. Linn & Sons - 1905 |
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Goshen Twp.
MARTIN
V. B. BUFFENBARGER was born in Madison township, Clark
county, Ohio, March 29th, 1840, being a son of Samuel and
Eliza Ann Buffenbarger. On New Year day, 1867, he was
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Harpole, and the
following month removed to Auglaize county, settling in section
thirty-four, Goshen township. Of this marriage eleven
children have been born: Harpole, Irena, Elilhu, Cenetta,
Owen, John, Iola (deceased), Merta, Mary, Martin H.,
and Charles. Mr. Buffenberger remained where
he first settled until 1872, when he built a residence on his
farm in section four, where he now resides. He has held
many positions of trust in his township and in the county, and
his high sense of honor and vigorous efforts in behalf of those
whom he served has made him a reputation to be desired by any
man. He was elected township trustee in 1876, for three
years, and reelected for five successive terms. In 1893 he
was appointed by the Commissioners a member of the Board of
Infirmary Directors, to fill the unexpired term of Asa
Martin, sr., and served one year. He was then elected
by the people, and served in that capacity for four years, with
the same fidelity, and honesty that has characterized his every
action, both public and private. Mr. Buffenbarger
has always been a most successful farmer and stock raiser.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 |
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Clay Twp. -
WILLIAM
BUSH, one of the early pioneers of the township, was born
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 2nd, 1822. His
parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Bush, came to Ohio in 1824,
descending the Ohio river on a raft made of logs, landing at
Cincinnati, where they resided a short time before taking up
their residence in Butler county. During the time that the
family resided in that county he served an apprenticeship under
a wagon maker. Mr. Bush remained at home until
August 15th, 1834, when he purchased a farm in the northeast
portion of Pusheta township. A few years later he moved to
St. Johns where he has since resided. In 1853 he married
Miss Margaret Neil. Of this union ten children have
been born, eight of whom are living: Henrietta,
Catherine E., Marion S., William E., Charles W., Irena B.,
Everett E., and Icy M. Mr. Bush served six
years as county commissioner, six years as township clerk, and
has been justice of the peace of the township for twenty-eight
years.
Mr. Bush is of an unassuming nature, never
seeking notoriety, and never thrusting his opinions upon others.
Unostentatious in his private life, and courteous in his
administration of public affairs, he has always had hosts of
friends.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 |
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Logan Twp. -
JOHN S. BUTCHER, was born in
Licking County, Ohio, in 1838. He received a common school
education, as good as the time and circumstances would permit.
At the age of fifteen years he left home and engaged in
agricultural pursuits until 1859, when he entered a farm in Knox
county, Ohio. After two years of labor in the development of
this farm he sold it, and moved to Auglaize county. In 8161
he purchased the east half of the northeast quarter of section
nine in Logan township. Later he bought the west half of the
same quarter section. In 1859, he was united in marriage to
Miss Catherine Crottinger. Of this union eight
children have been born; William Henry, Sarah, Alice,
Ellen, Martha, Cora, James and Clarence. Four are
married, and three of them are residing in Buckland, this county,
and one resides in Waynesfield. Mr. Buchter having a
correct appreciation of learning has given each of his children a
liberal education. Every community has among its citizens a
few men of recognized influence and ability. The community
soon perceived Mr. Butcher's ability as a manger of the
public affairs. He has long and faithfully served the people
of his township and the county in positions of trust. He is
a Democrat of the old school, and upon that ticket he has been
elected Justice of the Peace of Logan township, which office he
has held for twenty-five years. He has served as township
trustee for six years, and has been a member of the Board of
Directors of the Agricultural Society for twenty-five years.
He was elected County Commissioner in 1894, and reelected in 1897.
Source: History of Western Ohio & Auglaize County -
by C. W. Williamson - Columbus, Ohio - Press of W. M. Linn &
Sons - 1905 - Page |
NOTES:
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