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OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS

 

Welcome to
Ottawa County, Ohio
 

BIOGRAPHIES
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
EDWARD G. MESSERSMITH, agent of the Wheeling & Erie Railway Company at Limestone, Ottawa county, and one of the busiest and most enterprising young citizens of this community, is well - known for his personal activity in the affairs of the county, and also as a member of one of the pioneer families of Benton township, of which he is a native.
     Our subject was born April 30, 1868, and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, attending the district school and acquiring a liberal education.  He remained at home until the age of eighteen, when he took up the study of telegraphy with H. C. Federson, of Limestone Station, on the Wheeling railroad, and in six months he had so thoroughly mastered the business that he went to Hartland, Huron county, and took the position of night operator for the Wheeling railroad.  After eight months' service there he was promoted to a larger field, and the company gave him the position of night operator at Orrville, Wayne county, a position he held one year.  He was next at Trowbridge one year, and thence was removed to Limestone, now having entire charge of the Company's business at this point, the freight business alone amounting to some $8,000 per year.  In addition to his railroad business Mr. Messersmith is also largely engaged in business for himself, which industry is now assuming large proportions and is steadily on the increase.  Besides attending to all the above mentioned interests, he has charge of the old homestead, a farm of 120 acres, where he now lives with his mother and one sister.  The property is owned by himself and brother Charles Albert; the farm is rented, but Mr. Messersmith has full charged and oversight of the business.  Politically he is a Democrat, and is a public-spirited citizen, taking a loyal interest and pride in the welfare of his community.
     HENRY MESSERSMITH, father of our subject, one of the earliest settlers of Ottawa county, and especially well-known and respected in Benton township, was a native of Prussia, born in 1823.  His parents were also natives of Prussia, the father born in 1785, the mother about 1775, and they died at the ages of seventy-eight and eighty-three years respectively.  They had a family of nine children - four sons and five daughters.  When Henry was eight years of age he came with his parents to this country, the family settling in the present city of Cleveland, then a small town, and there, in the public schools, he received his education.  When eighteen he began life for himself, learning the cooper's trade, at which he worked until 1865.  He then came to Benton township, Ottawa county, a region which at that time was a complete forest, and settled on Section 22, where he and his brothers Conrad and Jacob purchased 500 acres of wild land completely covered with timber.  There was not a laid-out road in the township, the only one being a path along the banks of a small stream.  They at once erected a stave and heading factory, and in connection therewith a sawmill, and commenced the work of clearing off the timber and making a comfortable home.  Day after day could be heard the ring of the axe felling the timber for the great mill to convert into marketable form; the hum of the machinery was heard early and late; gradually the trees were removed, and in a seemingly short period of time the 500 acre tract was cleared and transformed into one of the finest farms in Ohio.  Jacob sold out to his brothers about 1868, up to which time they had all worked together.  In 1849, at the time of the gold fever, Henry Messersmith went to the mines in California, where he remained eighteen months, meeting with very fair success.
     In 1870 Mr. Messersmith died at his residence in Benton township, and he was deeply mourned in the community, for in his death the county, as well as the township, lost a thorough business man and a most esteemed citizen.  In 1846 he had married Miss Margaret Anna Sell, of Cleveland, and to them were born eight children - five sons and three daughters - six of whom are now living:  Louisa, born in 1850; Jacob, born in 1852; Mary, born in 1855; Henry, born in 1863; Edward, born in 1868, and Charles, born in 1870.  The daughters are both married, Mary living at the old home, and Louisa (Mrs. Dentzer) in Cleveland.  Mrs. Margaret Anna Messersmith was born in Prussia in 1833, and when four years old came to this country with her parents, who settled in Cleveland.  Her opportunities for acquiring an education were very poor, but her thirst for knowledge great, and she has walked three miles many a day to school that she might in a measure satisfy her longing for an education.  She lived in her native city until her marriage, and came to Benton township with her husband, where she added her efforts to his in securing a home and caring for the children born to them, all of whom have now taken their place among the upright and progressive citizens of the township.  Mrs. Messersmith's parents were born in Prussia about 1799, and had a family of six children - two sons and four daughters.  Two yeas after Mr. Messersmith's death the property was divided equally between the widow and Conrad Messersmith, and her eldest son took charge of the farm until 1894, when he sold out his interests to his brothers Edward and Charles.  The old mill where Mr. Messersmith sawed the timber with which he paid for his handsome farm and home was afterward burned.
     In the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, Edward G. Messersmith, we have one of the most enterprising young men of the times; but in his parents we have those who helped to make Benton township as beautiful as it now is; they were among the early pioneers of the county, and by their industry and economy carved out one of the finest homes to be seen in the township of Benton, or even in Ottawa county.  "Honor to whom honor is due."
Source #1 ~ Page 376 & 377
 
GEORGE F. MEYER.  The subject of this sketch, who has been for nearly twenty-one years a resident of Port Clinton, Ottawa county, is a prosperous cigar manufacturer, in his business combining the German thrift and industry with American push and enterprise.  He is a native of Hanover, Germany, born Sept. 9, 1840.
     Mr. Meyer's parents were both natives of Germany, the father, H. Meyer, born in Lansberger, Hanover, in 1805, and the mother, Mary (Walsen) Meyer, in Bad Rehburg, in 1803; the former died in 1868, and the latter in 1874.  The father, who was a man of much intelligence and ability, was a surgeon, and practiced his profession from 1825 until his death.  He served during the Franco-Prussian war.  He was a member of the Lutheran Church.  This worthy couple had eight children, as follows: William, who died after coming to America; August, who lives at Bremen, Germany, and is engaged in the cigar business; George F., our subject; Charles, living in Zulingen, Germany; Frederick, who resides in Bremen, Germany; Caroline, a widow, residing in Sandusky; Dorritt, deceased; and Augusta, who married a Mr. Dinklage.  The maternal grandfather of our subject was a baker by trade, and also held the office of postmaster at Bad Rehburg, a position which has been handed down in the family from generation to generation until the present time.  Others of the connection are also engaged in the postal service.  The paternal grandfather, Henry Meyer, was born at Lansberger on the Wester, and was a farmer by occupation.
     Our subject attended school in his native country until fourteen years old, and when eighteen years of age, as is the custom in Germany, he entered the army and served over seven years.  In all this time his regiment was not ordered to the front, but he saw enough of a soldier's life to satisfy him, without remaining longer in service.  After leaving the army he learned the cigar business, and in 1867 came to America, locating first in the city of Sandusky, Ohio, and there remaining until 1874, when he removed to Port Clinton.  Since that time he has carried on business for himself.  He employs from six to eight men all the time, and has a large trade in the surrounding country; he also has a fruit farm, etc.  Mr. Meyer was first married in Sandusky, on Oct. 10, 1868, to Miss Julia Luedecke, by whom he had one child, Gustave, who is engaged in business in Cleveland, Ohio.  The mother died Sept. 19, 1871, at Sandusky, Ohio, and on Sept. 28, 1872, Mr. Meyer was again married, this time to Miss Louisa Bolte, who was born in Hanover.  They have two children: George, a clerk in the German-American Bank of Port Clinton, in which his father is a stockholder; and Lillie.  Mr. Meyer has a fine fruit farm at Graytown, this State, on which he raises quinces, pears and plums; he also owns property in Port Clinton.  In politics, he is a Democrat, and in religious faith is a member of the Lutheran Church; socially, he belongs to the I. O. O. F.  He is a public-spirited citizen, always ready to aid any project tending to the welfare of his town and county.
Source #1 - Page 372
CONRAD MILLER, who is widely and favorably known in Elmore, Ottawa county, was born January 8, 1852, in Westphalia, Germany, where he spent his boyhood days and attended school.  His ancestors lived for some generations in that country.  The maternal grandfather of our subject was born in Germany, in 1783, and was a miller by trade.  The father of our subject, Simon Miller, was born in 1817, and learned the brick mason's trade, which he followed through the greater part of his life; he died in 1876, and his wife, Minnie (Henning), who was born in Germany, in 1818, survived until 1894.  They were the parents of six children:  William, born in 1845; Fred, November 14, 1848; Conrad, January 8, 1852; William F., in 1855; Louisa, in 1858; and William F. in 1861.  Fred and Conrad are the only members of this family now living.
     At the age of eighteen Conrad Miller left home to learn the butcher's trade, serving a two-years' apprenticeship, and then following that pursuit in Germany for eleven years.  He is now an expert, there being no kind of meat that he can not prepare.  He was married Nov. 5, 1876, to Miss Augusta Kroos, of Lippe Detmold, Germany, born in that country Feb. 16, 1852.  Her father, Fred Kroos, was there born in 1803, and died in 1855.  He was a gardener by trade and lived at Schoedmar, Germany.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Minne Meyer, was born at Ahsen, Germany, in 1815, and died in 1870.  Their family numbered six children, namely: August, who died at the age of eighteen years; William; Minnie Caroline; Fred, who died in 1889; Augusta and Henry.  Of those living Mrs. Miller is now the only one in America.  She remained at home until eleven years of age, and from that time until her marriage cared for herself.  To her husband she has been a faithful companion and helpmeet, aiding him in securing the competence which they now enjoy.
     In December, 1880, Mr. and Mrs. Miller sailed for America, landing in New York in January, 1881, and coming direct to Ohio.  They located on a farm which was their home for six months, and then removed to the village of Elmore, buying a small place, which, however, was soon sold.  Mr. Miller next purchased four nice lots and a fine residence on Fremont street, and today has one of the most pleasant homes in Elmore, characterized by its neatness both within doors and without.  For five and a half years he engaged in clerking in the hardware store of Wolf & Bendig, after which he returned to his old trade, and for eight and one-half years he has been engaged in the butchering business, six years for Mr. Wittie.  He thoroughly understands his trade, and his long connection with one store indicates the faithfulness and integrity that is above question.  He and his wife have many war friends, and are widely known.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896)

FERDINAND L. MILLER.  Among the prominent and well-to-do farmers of Salem township, Ottawa county, who can now look back nearly half a century to the days when that township was nothing more than a vast unbroken wilderness, and recall the many dangers and hardships experienced by them; the discouragements incident to an early life on the frontier; and who, as the reward of many years of hard, honest labor, have now acquired a comfortable competence to tide them over the balance of life's journey, there is probably no one deserving of a more prominent place in this biographical record than the gentleman whose name introduces this brief sketch.
     Our subject is a native of the Fatherland, born in Baden March 16, 1834.  His parents, George and Lena Miller also natives of Germany, emigrated to America in 1857, locating in Danbury township, Ottawa Co., Ohio, of which township they were honored and respected citizens for many years.  They have both long since passed away from earth, the father dying in 1864, the mother in 1874.
     Ferdinand L. Miller received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native land, and since early youth he has constantly been engaged in agricultural pursuits, his long experience in this honorable branch of industry making him one of the most practical farmers of the county, his well-tilled fields, comfortable home and barns bearing striking evidence of this fact.  In 1854 Mr. Miller crossed the ocean to the "New World," locating first in Sandusky county, Ohio, thence, in 1859, moving to Ottawa county, same State, locating in Danbury township; in 1865 he settled on his present farm in Salem township, of which he has since been a continuous resident, honored and respected by all who know him for his thrift, honesty and many other sterling qualities.
     Mr. Miller was united in marriage in April, 1865, with Miss Mary Winganist of Riley township, Sandusky county, a native of Germany.  To this union were born six children, five of whom are living, viz.:  Amelia, born January 27, 1867, now the wife of Henry Godeman, of Toledo, Ohio; Elizabeth, born August 17, 1868, wife of J. F. Mylander, of Salem township; Ellen, born Oct. 26, 1870; John, born Feb. 21, 1874; and Katherine, born Aug. 16, 1877, the latter three residing on the homestead farm in Salem township.  In 1880 the father was called upon to mourn the demise of his faithful wife, and the children that of a kind and loving mother, Mrs. Miller passing away during that year.  In 1881 Mr. Miller was again united in marriage, his second wife being a Miss Rosina Koser, a native of Germany, born Oct. 24, 1844.  To this union have been born three children, viz.:  Rosa and George (twins), born Feb. 20, 1882, the latter of whom died in infancy; and Matie, born Aug. 17, 1886, died Sept. 23, 1890.
     Mr. Miller has ever taken an active interest in the welfare and progress of his township; but although he has frequently been req1uested, by his many friends, to accept positions of trust, he has never been an office seeker, always refusing to accept them, recognizing the fact that the duties in connection with his home and farm commanded his unremitting time and attention.  In his political views our subject votes with the Democratic party.  The family are strict adherents of the Evangelical Church.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896)

HENRY J. MILLER.  This work would not be complete unless it contained some account of the pioneers whose lives and labors were given to make possible the prosperity, wealth and comfort of today.  In the early history of Ottawa county no man took a more prominent part or did more to mold and influence the work of his time than died the subject of this sketch.
     Henry J. Miller was born May 18, 1812, in the village of Putnam (now Zanesville), Ohio.  His father, William Miller (born 1777, died at the home of his son in 1840, a member of a family of ten children), emigrated from Columbia county, N. Y., to Ohio soon after the organization of the State.  He raised and commanded a company of volunteers in the war of 1812.  Henry J. came to Ottawa county (then a part of Huron) in 1828, buying a small farm of the government.  Upon the organization of Ottawa county he was appointed sheriff, and served until the first election.  After an interval of one term he was twice elected, and served two terms in that capacity.  After the expiration of his term as sheriff he was three times elected, and served nine years as justice of the peace of his township.  He was one of the first to propose the organization of the Ottawa County Agricultural Society, and served as its first president, and for several years thereafter.  He was prominent in every enterprise which had for its object the improvement of his county, and bettering the condition of her citizens.
     Mr. Miller was married Nov. 25, 1836, to Susan Wonnell, who came to Ottawa county, Maryland, in 1828.  Of this union six children were born as follows:  (1) Maria was born Jan. 15, 1838, became the wife of William Sloan, and is now deceased.  (2) Wilson S. was born May 9, 1839, (a sketch of whom appears elsewhere).  (3) George W., born Dec. 28, 1840, died Jan. 23, 1864, of wounds received while defending this country in the Civil War; he was a member of the First Ohio Sharpshooters.  (4) William, a sketch of whom follows this, was born Feb. 4, 1844  (5) James H., born Mar. 15, 1846, was a prominent farmer of Portage township, and died at the age of forty-six.  (6) Permelia A., born June 10, 1848, became the wife of Silas A. Hardy.
     During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Miller did valiant service in his country's cause.  Three of his sons served in the army.  Too old to go to the front himself, he was faithful in looking after his country's defenders at home.  The noble work of these older men during the war has never received the recognition its importance deserves.  Mr. Miller united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and helped, in 1842, to organize the first society of that denomination in the county.  He remained an active member of that society until his death, which occurred November 12, 1874.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896)

JOHN H. MILLER (deceased), who was recognized as one of the representative and leading citizens of Ottawa county, was the eldest son of Claus and Catherine (Buck) Miller, and was born in New York City, on the 11th of March, 1851.
     During his early childhood he was brought by his parents to the West, the family locating in Danbury township, Ottawa county, where he acquired his education, his privileges being those afforded by the common schools.  Farm labor was familiar to him from his early youth.  He aided in the cultivation of the home farm during his boyhood and when he began life for himself it was as an agriculturist.  Afterward he turned his attention to fruit growing in connection with his other work, and became one of the leading farmers and horticulturists of his adopted county.  He managed his business affairs on systematic principles, and as the result of his well-directed efforts acquired a handsome competence.
     Mr. Miller was married on the 20th of Dec., 1877, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna M. S. Brauer, a daughter of John H. and Louisa (Lenkring) Brauer, both of whom were natives of Germany, and on coming to America cast their lot with the early settlers of Danbury township, Ottawa county.  The father is still living in that locality, but the mother died on the 14th of Nov. 1875.  Mrs. Miller was born in Danbury township, Oct. 14, 1854, and by her marriage became the mother of two children- Henry E., born Oct. 25, 1878; and Reuben B., born June 27, 1887. 
     At the time of his death, Mr. Miller was filling the office of postmaster at Piccolo.  He was regarded as a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and took an active interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the community, and its upbuilding.  He passed away on the 20the of April, 1894, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, as well as by his immediate family.  He had ever lived so as to merit the highest respect and confidence of those with whom he came in contact, and he left to his family the priceless heritage of a good name.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896)

JOSEPH MILLER (deceased) was, during his busy lifetime, one of the prominent and successful grape-growers of Middle Bass Island, Ottawa county, and was one of the four original purchasers of that Island.  He was born March 23, 1823, in Baden, Germany, son of Joseph and Anna Marie (Locherer) Miller, who were also born in the Fatherland, where they died.
     The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood and educated in the Fatherland, where from early life he was engaged in grape growing, an industry followed by his father and grandfather before him.  In 1854 he came to America, settling in Erie county, Ohio, where he resided three years, and in 1857 removed to Middle Bass Island, of which he was a continuous resident from that time for the remainder of his life.  On May 14, 1861, in Sandusky, Erie county, Joseph Miller was united in Marriage with Helena Rehberg, who was born at Plau, in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, Apr. 8, 1843, daughter of John and Christina (Bohndorff) Rehberg, and their children are as follows:  Anna, born Feb. 10, 1862, is the wife of Henry Burggraf; they have three children -Carl, born Dec. 4, 1888; Arnold, born Nov. 28, 1890; and Ruth, born May 19, 1894.  Mary, born March 30, 1864, was united in marriage with Ferdnand Sloat on September 4, 1888; they have had two sons - Gregor J. born June 11, 1889; and Frank Clyde born July 25, 1892; they reside in Sandusky.  Eliza, born Sept. 4, 1868, was married to Charles Bretz, Nov. 12, 1890, and they have had two sons - Sherman Carl, born Aug. 25, 1891; and Leslie Joseph, born Dec. 25, 1893.  Nellie J., born Jan. 1, 1877, and Herman Joseph, born July 30, 1878.
     The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Miller were as follows:  William, who resides on the Island; John, who passed all his life there, dying May 5, 1888; Mary, wife of Albany Kubagh, of Sandusky; and Helena (Mrs. Miller).  Mr. John Rehberg was again married, taking, for his second wife Mary Prool, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, Mar. 4, 1813, and they had children, as follows:  Frederick, who lives in Sandusky; Henry, born October 4, 1854, who was united in marriage April 9, 1876, on Middle Bass Island, with Mina Kapphengst, who was born in Mecklenburg, May 7, 1853, and they have had one child - Clara, born Feb. 22, 1889.  Henry commenced in the hotel business in Middle Bass, in 1890; and Louis, who was born Feb. 9, 1858, and died December 11, 1882.
     Mr. Miller passed away Jun. 24, 1884.  In his political views he was a Democrat.  He was repeatedly called to offices of responsibility and trust in his township, which he filled with fidelity and acknowledged ability, and the memory of his noble character will long be cherished.  His widow, who is regarded highly in the community and admired for her many virtues, is now residing on the homestead.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896)

LORENZ MILLER (deceased) was a son of Lorenz Verena Miller, and was born Sept. 11, 1831, at Schopfheim, Weisenthal, Baden, Germany.  In his native land he acquired his education, grew to manhood, and learned the trade of a watchmaker.  On attaining his majority he sailed across the briny deep to the New World, and two years later, in 1854, located on Put in Bay Island, Ottawa county, where he resided until life's labors were ended.  He was extensively engaged in the cultivation a fine vineyard, and his business ability and sound judgment won him a creditable success.
     Mr. Miller was married May 26, 1860, to Henrietta Foy, a daughter of Henry and Henrietta (Myer) Foy, who were natives of Germany.  There the mother died during the infancy of her daughter, and the father afterward married Dorothy Myer, a sister of his first wife.  In 1854 the family came to America and the following year settled on Put in Bay Island, where Mr. Foy  died December 9, 1859, his wife surviving him until Aug. 15, 1879.  By his first marriage there were two children, Henrietta, Mrs. Miller, and one who died in infancy.  By the second marriage there were six children, of whom five are still living, namely: Marie, wife of Jackson Fullington, chief of police of Santa Barbara, Cal.; August C., who resides at Put in Bay, and is chief officer on the steamer "Arrow;" Louis T., who resides at the same place; Anna, wife of August Renderly, who is living on North Bass Island; and Henry, a resident of Detroit, Michigan.
     Mrs. Miller was born in Braunschweig, Germany, June 30, 1842, and came with her parents to America.  Since 1855 she has lived on the Island, and is now residing at the beautiful home which was left her by her husband.  Their union was blessed with four sons, as follows:  George Frederick, born May 2, 1861; Frank Joseph, born Sept. 1, 1862; Henry Theodore, born Oct. 11, 1873; and Lorenz, born Oct. 11, 1873; and Lorenz, born Oct. 26, 1875.  The last two are still on the old home farm.  The father of this family passed peacefully away at his home, Feb. 26, 1875, after a twenty-one years' residence on Put in Bay Island.  He was, however, cut off in the prime of life, when it seemed that he had much yet to live for.  His whole career was a practical commentary on the noble virtues of an upright man.  He commenced his course at the bottom round of the ladder, and by honesty and industry worked his way upward and acquired a handsome fortune.  Although it was his desire to gain wealth for himself and family, there was nothing sordid in his nature and he followed the golden rule, doing unto others as he would have them do to him.  No one could say that he acquired his fortune through unfair means.  His honesty and liberality were among his most marked characteristics, and no man seeking to rise by his own endeavors ever asked assistance of Mr. Miller in vain, while many a one has received aid without even soliciting it and owes his success in life to Mr. Miller's helping hand.  In his death the community lost one of its most prominent and progressive men, his wife a loving and devoted husband, and his children a kind and indulgent father.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896)

SAMUEL MILLER, senior member of the farm of Miller & Kreilick, manufacturers of lumber and cooperage stock, and an enterprising, successful business man of Salem township, Ottawa county, was born in Schuylkill county, Penn., Aug. 3, 1841, to Samuel and Polly (Zimmerman) Miller, both natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Rice township, Sandusky county, in the year 1858, and were honored and respected residents of that county for many years.  Their family consisted of eleven children, nine of whom are yet living:  Nathan, residing in Decatur, Ind.; Mary, now the wife of Solomon Linn, residing in Decatur, Ind.; Samuel, our subject; Fiana, wife of David Davis, of Fremont, Sandusky Co., Ohio; Isaac, residing in Ottawa county; Rebecca, now the wife of Samuel Leaser, of Sandusky county; Ella, wife of Wallace Bloom, of Bethlehem, Northampton Co., Penn.; and David, who resides on the homestead farm in Rice township, Sandusky county.  Both the parents have now been laid to rest.
     The subject of this sketch received but the meager educational advantages of a frontier period.  He attended the German schools of Pennsylvania for a short time; but his English education has been acquired chiefly through his own personal efforts.  When but a young lad he apprenticed himself to the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked until 1861,  when he enlisted in Company G, Eighth V. I., for ninety days, and when his term of service had expired, having decided to abandon military life, he came to Salem township and engaged in the lumbering business, and he has been a continuous resident of the township for about thirty years.
     In July, 1869, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Amelia Kreilick, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Reitz) Kreilick, and to this union have been born four children, viz:  Cassie E., wife of Edward Gordon, of Oak Harbor; Cora Alice, now the wife of Charles Fought, also of Oak Harbor; Alvesta, now the wife of Laurence Leiser and Adam Franklin, both of whom reside on the home place.  During his long residence in Salem township Mr. Miller has made many warm friends, who recognize in him a man of sound judgment and of upright character.  In his political affiliations our subject is an active supporter of the Democratic party; socially, he is a member of Oak Harbor Lodge No. 495, F. & A. M.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896)

WILLIAM MILLER.  Among the leading residents of Ottawa county none are more deserving of representation in this volume than the gentleman whose name opens this review, and who is numbered among the valued citizens of this community, as well as among the prominent fruit growers and farmers of Portage township.  He was born in that township, Feb. 4, 1844, and is a son of Henry J. and Susan (Wonnell) Miller, a sketch of whom appears above.
     Mr. Miller acquired his education in the district schools near his home, and subsequently for two years pursued his studies in Baldwin University, of Berea, Ohio.  He then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he has since continuously followed.  He was the first in his township to grow peaches for market, planting his first orchard in 1868, and is at present quite extensively engaged in that branch of fruit growing.  He thoroughly understands his business, and his capable management and fair and honorable dealing have brought to him a well-deserved success.  During the war of the Rebellion he served as a private in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth regiment, Ohio Infantry.
     On Jan. 12, 1875, he was married to Miss Eliza Petitt Alexander, of Marblehead, Ohio, who was born in Piqua, Ohio, June 23, 1850, a daughter of David Alexander  (a sketch of whom follows) and Harriet (Petitt) Alexander.  Two children grace this union: Henry A., born Mar. 7, 1877; and Mary F., born Dec. 20, 1879.  The parents of Mrs. Miller were both natives of Pennsylvania.
     The subject of this sketch has filled the office of director of the County Agricultural Society for several years.  He was one of the organizers of the Peninsula Farmers and Fruit growers Club.  which existed for several years, and also assisted in organizing the first Farmers Institute in the county, acting as its president for two years.  He is a member of the Ad Interim Committee of the State Horticultural Society; is the present master of the Grange, and does all in his power for the advancement of the farming interests of his locality.  For ten consecutive years he has been a member of the township school board, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend.  He is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and in 1892 was nominated by the Republicans of the Ninth Congressional District as candidate for Presidential elector, was elected a member of the electoral college, and cast his vote for President Harrison.  In his religious views he is a Methodist.  His life has not been one of excitement, being quietly passed in devotion to his business enterprises; yet it is not without its points of interest as is not without its points of interest as is that of every an who faithfully performs his duty to his country, his neighbor and himself.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896)

WILLIAM G. MILLER, a most prominent fruit grower of Danbury township, Ottawa county, was born Dec. 13, 1859, on the old homestead farm which is still his place of abode, and throughout the community in which he has always lived he is held in high regard, a fact which indicates a well-spent life.
     Descended from German ancestry, the family was founded in America by CLAUS MILLER, the father of our subject, who was born in the Province of Hanover, June 2, 1821, and emigrated to this country in 1838, locating in New York City, where he engaged in the grocery business until 1851.  In that year he came to Ohio, and took up his residence in Danbury township, Ottawa county, casting in his lot with its early settlers.  Here he successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred May 2, 1880.  He was married in New York City, June 2, 1847, to Kathrina Buck, who was born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, Aug. 1, 1824, and with her parents crossed the briny deep in 1840.  To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born five children: Anna C., who was born in New York, April 2, 1848, is now residing in Toledo, Ohio; John H., born in the same place, March 11, 1851, was a prominent farmer and fruit grower of Danbury township, Ottawa county, and died April 20, 1894, leaving a widow and two sons; Herman, born March 4, 1853, is now residing in Sandusky, Ohio; William G. is the next in the family; Matilda E., born May 5, 1862, is the wife of J. W. Muggy, who is living in Catawba Island.
     In the usual manner of farmer lads William C. Miller spent the days of his boyhood and youth and acquired his elementary education in the district schools of his native township, after which he entered Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio, where he pursued his studies four years.  In the meantime he taught school three terms, and after the completion of his school life continued teaching several terms, being employed seven terms in Danbury township, and two on Catawba Island.  During this time he also followed agricultural pursuits on the old homestead, and since 1886 he has devoted his entire attention to farming and fruit raising.  He now owns and operates a rich and well-cultivated tract of land, forty acres being devoted to peaches, pears and plums, and the neat appearance of the place indicates his systematic and careful supervision.  He has made the growing of different kinds of fruits adapted to the soil a specialty, and believes in thorough and intensive cultivation, to obtain best results.
     On January 20, 1892, Mr. Miller married Miss Lydia Reitz, daughter of Rev. G. F. Reitz, who was born in Brownsville, Minn., June 29, 1866, and one child graces their union - Helen C., born Nov. 8, 1892.  Mr. and Mrs. Miller attend the Lutheran Church.  He is highly esteemed in the community, where he resides, for his sterling worth and strict integrity, and belongs to that class of progressive and public-spirited young men to which the West owes its prosperity and advancement.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896)

CAPTAIN WILSON S. MILLER is one of the native sons of Ottawa county, and a citizen of whom the community may well be proud.  He was born in Portage township May 9, 1839, so of Henry J. and Susan (Wonnell) Millerb, the former of whom was born in Zanesville, Ohio, May 18, 1812, and died Nov. 12, 1874; the latter was born July 25, 1817, and is still living.
     Capt. Miller's paternal grandfather, William Miller, was born in Columbia county, N. Y., of Irish parentage.  He removed to Ohio, about the time it came into the Union as a State, settling in Zanesville; he married a Miss Barnes, a lady of Scotch ancestry.  The maternal grandparents were natives of Maryland, and coming to Ohio about 1828 settled in Portage township, Ottawa county, where they passed their remaining days.
     The old home farm was our subject's place of abode during his childhood and youth.  He obtained his early education in the district schools and then entered Berea (Ohio) College, where he studied during the fall and spring terms, and taught in the winter for three years.  His labors in that direction, however, were interrupted in 1861 by his response to President Lincoln's first all for  75,000 volunteers.  At the expiration of two years' service he re-enlisted as a veteran for three years more, and served with Company I, Forty-first O. V. I., faithfully performing the duties which fell to him, and valiantly defending the old flag and the cause it represented.  His meritorious service won him a promotion from the ranks to the place of second sergeant, then orderly sergeant, after which he was made first lieutenant and subsequently commissioned captain of his company, in which capacity he served until the close of the war.  He was also placed on the roll of honor established by Gen. Rosecrans.  He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Missionary Ridge, Franklin and Nashville, the Atlanta campaign and others, and during his four years of service made a military record of which he may justly be proud.  After his muster-out from the army on Nov. 27, 1865, Capt. Miller returned to his home farm, and on December 18, 1866, was married to Miss Mary E. Boggs, of Elmore.  Her father, Moses Boggs, was born in Nova Scotia, Jan. 18, 1807, and became one of the pioneers of Harris township, Ottawa county.  His wife, Mary, was born in Clark county, Ohio, Apr. 28, 1814, and was a daughter of Joseph and Letha Hall.  They were marred Apr. 6, 1834, and to them were born two children - Mary E. (Mrs. Miller) and George W.  Moses Boggs was a son of James Boggs and Mary O'Brien, who moved with their family from Nova Scotia to Hamilton County, Ohio, thence in 1824 to Ottawa County.
     After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller purchased a farm one mile west of Elmore, living there until 1870, when he sold that place and purchased the farm on which he now resides, one mile east of Elmore.  It is one of the finest farming properties in the county, comprising 175 acres of highly-cultivated land, supplied with good buildings, and all modern improvements which indicate the progressive farmer of the nineteenth century.  Four children came to bless the home: Bert F., born Feb. 8, 1858; Walter B. and Jessie L. (twins), born Dec. 21, 1870; and Mary B., born Oct. 26, 1874.  The eldest was educated at Hiram College and Butler University, and is now a lawyer of San Francisco, Cal.; he was married March 17, 1894, to Estella Thomas, of that city.  Walter was educated in the Elmore schools, and at Hiram College, and is now aiding his father in the labors of the farm.  Jessie was educated in the Elmore schools and in Hiram and Berea Colleges.  The youngest daughter, Mary B., was graduated from the schools of Elmore in 1893, and finished her education in Hiram and Bethany Colleges.  The mother of this family died Apr. 27, 1878.
     On Nov. 17, 1881, Mr. Miller married Miss Victoria N. Paddock, of Ashton, Ill., who was born in Ogle county, Ill., Dec. 19, 1840.  Her father, Riley Paddock, was born in Clark county, Ohio, in 1810, and died in 1887.  He married Eliza Scoddy, who was born in Kentucky, Aug. 31, 1810, and they had four children, all yet living.  Their daughter, Mrs. Miller, was educated in Rock River Seminary, in Illinois taking a three years' course there in literature and music.  When twenty-five years of age she removed to Ashton, Ill., where her marriage was celebrated.  She is a lady of culture and refinement, and shares the high regard in which her husband is held.
     In addition to his large farming interests Mr. Miller is extensively engaged in fruit raising, and has on his farm twenty-five hundred fine peach trees, twelve hundred plum trees, twelve hundred pear trees, and considerable smaller fruit.  This branch of his business yields him a good income.  He keeps on hand fine grades of stock, making a specialty of the breeding of polled Shorthorn cattle, has shipped cattle to nearly every State in the Union, and has done much to raise the trade of stock in Ohio.  His stock is registered in both the American Shorthorn and Polled Durham Herds Books, and he is vice president of the Polled Durham Breeders Association of America.  He is one of the enterprising, wide-awake farmers and stock raisers, and is recognized as a leader in his line of business.  He is a contributor to various agricultural journals, especially on subjects pertaining to stock.  In politics he is a Republican, and an enthusiastic worker in the interest of his party.  His entire life has been passed in Ottawa county, and he is known as a straightforward, honorable business man, systematic in his methods, and possessed of excellent executive ability.  He has won success through his own efforts, and today is numbered among the substantial as well as leading agriculturists of the community.  As a citizen he is true to every duty, and all who know him respect him.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896)

 

 

IMMER C. MOORE (deceased) was a farmer and fruit grower of Erie township, Ottawa county, and a Union soldier in the war of the Rebellion.  He was in Port Clinton, Portage township, Ottawa county, Aug. 21, 1841, and was a son of Cyrus and Esther H. (Knight) Moore, who were among the early settlers of Port Clinton, and afterward removed to Erie township.
     Cyrus Moore died Dec. 7, 1871; his widow, Esther H., is still living at the age of seventy-eight years.  They had a family of seven children, as follows: Eleanor E., wife of I. K. Gibbons, residing at Gypsum, Ottawa county; Immer C., subject of this sketch; Celina S., wife of Richard B. Moore, of Oketo, Kans.; Lucinda F., wife of Nathan Pierson, of Carroll; Abigail E., wife of Brinton Hoopes, residing in Toledo; ROBERT B.; and Mary A., wife of James Snider,  of Erie township.
     When but a youth Immer C. Moore accompanied his parents to Erie Township.  He was reared a farmer's boy, received his education in the district schools, and was employed for a number of years in sawmills in Ottawa county, also railroading for a short time; but the latter part of his life was spent in agricultural pursuits.  He served as a private in Company C, Forty-first O. V. I., from October, 1864, until the close of the war.  In Adrian, Mich., Sept. 21, 1876, Immer C. Moore was united in marriage with MARY E. DUBACH, and they had five children, their names and dates of birth being as follows:  Laurence D., Jan. 27, 1878; Mabel, July 31, 1879; Grace, Aug. 13, 1880; George, Aug. 16, 1883; and Harold, Feb. 23, 1887.  Mr. Moore was a Republican in politics.  The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Immer C. Moore died Apr. 8, 1895.
(Source:  Commemorative Biographical Records of the Counties of Sandusky and Ottawa, Ohio: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1896 - Page 399-400)

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