OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS - Seneca Co., Ohio

DANIEL WAGNER. He to whom this memoir is dedicated passed practically his entire life in Seneca county, and for the long span of his useful and honorable career as a farmer he was prominently identified with the industrial activities of this section of the state, his days having been part and portion of the indissoluble chain which linked the annals of the early pioneer epoch with those of latter day progress and prosperity. This record is entered as a slight tribute to a man who stood "four square to every wind that blows" and whose strength was as the number of his days.
Daniel Wagner was born in Perry County, Ohio, on the 26th day of July, 1825, being the son of David Wagner, who was born in Pennsylvania, whence he emigrated to Ohio in the early pioneer days. The family came from Perry to Seneca county in 1828, locating on a tract of wild forest land on section 19, in Eden township, the place now owned by Wesley Crum. David Wagner cleared this farm of its heavy growth of native timber, place the land under cultivation and there continued to make his home until his death, at the age of eighty years. Our subject was but three years of age at the time of the removal to Seneca county, and here he grew up under the sturdy discipline of the pioneer farm, receiving such educational advantages as were afforded in the primitive schools of the place and period. He continued to assist in the work of the old homestead until he had attained the age of twenty-one years, through he had been married a year previously, and he then took up his residence on another farm, in the same township, where he devoted his attention to general agriculture for a period of twelve years, at the expiration of which he removed to the farm where his widow now resides and where his death occurred, on the 28th of February, 1892. In the home farm are comprised one hundred and forty-two acres, and upon the place he made the best of improvements, including a fine modern farm residence. He was the owner of three hundred and two acres of land at the time of his death, and was well known as one of the substantial farmers and influential citizens of the community, honored as one of hte sterling pioneers of the county. In his political affiliation he was arrayed in support of the Democratic party, and his religious views were indicated in his being a devoted member of the United Brethren church, of which his widow also is an adherent.
On the 12th of April, 1855, Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Musgrave, who was born in this county, of which her father, Elijah Musgrave was an early settler. To Mr. and Mrs. Wagner seven children were born, namely: Filmore, a resident of Lyon county, Kansas; Elmore, who is a farmer, maintaining his home in Fostoria; George, a farmer of Wyandot county; Hattie, the wife of Philo Keller, a mechanic of Tiffin; William, a farmer of Eden township; Orpha, the wife of Joseph Heck, who has charge of the homestead; and Ida, who remains with her mother in the old home.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. by Lewis Publishing Company - 1902

SAMUEL WAGNER. The soldier who risks his life on the field of battle for a cause in which he believes, has always received the highest praise of men; next to him stands the pioneer, who braves the dangers and hardships of the frontier, opening up new districts to the march of civilization. Deprived of the comforts and conveniences of the older settled sections, the quiet endurance of difficulties and the overcoming of innumerable obstacles, he works on, day after day, at the arduous task of making the wild land, hitherto uncultivated, bring forth the harvests that shall provide him and his family with sustenance. In the work of early improvement and development in Seneca county the father of our subject took part, as one of its pioneers, and as our subject himself is a native son of the county and was born in the pioneer epoch, it is needless to say that he too contributed his quota to this work, while he now stands as one of the prominent and successful farmers of the county, honored as a pioneer citizen and as a man of indubitable probity in all the relations of life.
     Samuel Wagner was born on the old homestead farm in Eden township, on the 3d of November, 1838, being one of the eleven children of David and Susan (Up) Wagner, the former of whom was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and the latter in Perry county, same state. The father had been previously married, and his first wife left at her death two sons, Jacob and John, both of whom are now deceased. Of the children of the second marriage the following are deceased: Polly, the wife of Jacob Anden; Christiana, the wife of Adam Gunber; Nancy, who married Jacob Von Blon; Annie, who married Samuel Balon; Daniel; and Sally, the wife of Jacob Sharp. The survivors of the family are: Elizabeth, the widow of Christopher Wagner, of Miami county, Indiana; Lydia, the wife of Silas Thomas, of Kosciusko county, that state; Catherine, the widow of Jerry Sailor; Samuel, the subject of this review; and George, a resident of Defiance county, Ohio. In the year 1827 the father of our subject removed with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, settling in Eden township and taking up a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 19, where Wesley Crum now lives, and in addition to this he later secured in the same township eighty acres of government land, the entire tract being practically unreclaimed from the forest wilds. There was a log cabin on the homestead, the same having been built by either Indians or hunters, and this primitive domicile constituted the first home of the family in this township. The father cleared and otherwise improved much of his land, and here continued to reside until his death, about the year 1864, and here continued to reside until his death, about the year 1853, at the age of seventy-three years, his wife surviving until 1869, when she passed away, at the age of seventy-four. They were folk of enterprise, piety and honesty, being industrious and unpretentious and representative of that exalted integrity which has characteristic of the noble pioneer element in Ohio.
     The subject of this review grew to maturity on the old homestead, early becoming inured to the sturdy toil involved in its reclamation and cultivation, and having such educational privileges as where afforded in the pioneer schools. After the death of his father he assumed charge of the home farm, where he remained until 1873, when he located on a farm in Clinton township, there remaining two years, and he then came to his present fine homestead farm, in his native township of Eden, where he has eighty acres of highly productive land, while the improvements on the place are of exceptional excellence, including a commodious and substantial residence. Ever mindful of the duties of citizenship and taking a deep interest in all that concerns the advancement and stable prosperity of his native county, Mr. Wagner is known as a public spirited and progressive citizen, and he exercises his franchise in support of the Democratic party and its principles.
     In the year 1861 Mr. Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Maria Isabel Messer, who proved to him a devoted companion and helpmate, aiding and encouraging him in his efforts to gain a competency and a position of independence and proving a loving wife and mother. She was summoned into eternal rest on the 26th of September, 1899, leaving two sons, - William H. and Charles. William H. Wagner, who is a resident of Tiffin, married Miss Della Bour, and they have three children, - Irene, William and Paul. Charles Wagner, who has charge of the homestead farm, married Miss Cora Biles, and they have two children, - Ross and Glenn.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. by Lewis Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 721

Seneca Twp. -
THEOBALD WAGNER (deceased) was born in Germany, Mar. 19, 1821. His parents, Theobald and Catharine Wagner, immigrated to America, coming direct to Seneca County, Ohio, about 1833, and here remained until the death of Theobald Wagner, Sr., which occurred in 1847; his widow survives him. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, Dec. 3, 1848, with Margaret Diehl, born in Germany, Dec. 20, 1829, a daughter of Abraham and Catharine Diehl, also natives of Germany, and who immigrated to Hancock County, Ohio, about 1833, where they remained until death, the former dying in 1871, the latter in 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Wagner were born nine children, of whom six are now living: Alpheus, Josephine, George F., John A., Charles T. and Franklin D. The deceased are Mary, Catharine, and an infant. Our subject and wife, after they were married, first settled in Hancock County, Ohio, and there remained until 1860, when they came to Seneca Township, this county, and here resided until his death which occurred July 17, 1884. At the time of his death he owned 193 acres of good land where his widow and family now reside. He was a consistent member of the Reformed Church, to which his widow also belongs.
SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio containing a History of the County, Its Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, etc. etc. - Illustrated - Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886 - Page 999

WINFIELD S. WAGNER. Upon a few principles of natural justice is erected the whole superstructure of civil laws tending to meet the desires and relieve the wants of all alike. It has been said that "the business of the lawyer is not to make the laws but to apply them to the daily affairs of men." But the interests of men are of so diverse a nature, and so intermingled and complex, that the problem presented to both lawyer and judge often seems to demand the wisdom of an oracle. The relations of life are constantly changing; the exigencies of the law are those of today, and a lawyer is essentially a man of the present and must meet the issues of the hour. His work is such as to bring him into contact with every relation of life; and, thus the worthy devotee of the legal profession must needs be a man of natural ability and broad mental grasp, in addition to being thoroughly read in the science of jurisprudence. Among the representative members of the bar in Seneca county is Judge Winfield Scott Wagner, who now presides on the probate bench of the county, and who figures as one of the county's native sons, who has here attained distinction. We shall here note the more salient points in his genealogical and individual history.
     Winfield S. Wagner was born on the homestead farm in Pleasant township, Seneca county, on the 27th of June, 1862, being the son of Edmund Carpenter Wagner, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared under the invigorating discipline of the farm. As a young man he emigrated thence to Ohio, in 1843; and, after passing about a year in Tiffin, located on a farm near Fort Seneca. He soon afterward purchased, in that locality, a tract of wild land, which he reclaimed, there continuing his residence until 1862, when he purchased a farm in Liberty township, where he made his home until 1884. He later resided a few months in the city of Tiffin and then removed to Cowley county, Kansas, where he bought a tract of land, though thereafter he resided in Winfield, until his death, in 1889, at the age of sixty-nine years. He espoused the cause of the Republican party at its organization, but in 1874 transferred his allegiance to the Democratic party, with which he was identified until his demise. He was a self-made man, having depended upon his own exertions from early youth, and he so ordered his life as to merit and retain the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He was a son of George and Josephine (Carpenter) Wagner, the former of whom was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and the latter at Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, Maryland. George Wagner was engaged in farming and stock-growing in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, until about 1854, when he came with his family to Seneca county, Ohio, buying land in Pleasant township, where he remained until his death, at the age of eighty-one years, while his wife passed away at the age of eighty-six, having been a devoted member of the Reformed church. Tow of her brothers were active participants in the war of 1812-13.
     The maiden name of Judge Wagner's mother was Catherine Berkey ,and she was born in Seneca county, Ohio, in 1830, being the daughter of John and Lydia (Reeme) Berkey, who were born and reared in Pennsylvania, where their marriage was solemnized. They were numbered among the early pioneers of Ohio, having settled in Perry county as early as 1818, and there residing until 1829, when they came to Seneca county, and were among the first settlers in Liberty township, where Mr. Berkley took up a tract of government land in the virgin forest. He improved a farm and there died, at the age of fifty-nine years, his wife surviving him until 1867, when she passed away at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother of our subject was born on the old homestead and recalls that during her childhood the Indians were still numerous throughout this section, where the white settlers were rapidly encroaching on their original domain. She is still living, making her home in Topeka, Kansas, having attained the venerable age of seventy-two years. Of her eight children Judge Wagner was the sixth in order of birth and is one of the five yet living.
     Winfield S. Wagner grew up on the homestead farm, attending the public schools until 1879, when he was matriculated in the Northwestern Ohio Normal School, at Ada, where he completed a two years course. Thereafter he put his scholastic acquirements to practical use by engaging in pedagogic work, being one of the successful teachers in the public schools of his native county for a period of six years. He then began the reading of law in the office of George E. Schroth, a prominent member of the bar of the county, residing in Tiffin, and in 1889 he was duly admitted to the bar of the state. He then engaged in the practice of his profession in Tiffin, gaining prestige as an able and discriminating lawyer and securing a representative clientage. He was in control of a growing and lucrative practice of general character until 1896, when he was elected to the office of judge of the probate court of the county, of which he has since continued in tenure, by successive re-elections, his able and signally discriminating administration having gained to him the most unequivocal endorsement on the part of his professional confreres and the general public. Judge Wagner has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Democratic party, of whose principles and policies he has been an effective advocate, having rendered material assistance in forwarding the party's cause in the local field. Prior to his election to the probate bench he had served for two years as chairman of the Democratic central committee of Seneca county, and he was again chosen to this office in the spring of 1901. The Judge is a man of gracious personality and has the power of winning and maintaining strong friendships. His popularity is thus assured, and yet no one shows greater tenacity of purpose or is firmer in the courage and defence of his convictions.
     On the 16th of April, 1884, Judge Wagner was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Bealer, who like himself is a native of Seneca county. She is the daughter of Andrew and Catherine Bealer, two of the sterling pioneers of the county. Judge and Mrs. Wagner have one daughter, Gertrude, who was born on the 10th of November, 1885. The pleasant home of the family is in center of gracious hospitality and our subject and his wife are prominent in the social life of the community.
Source: A Centennial Biographical History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. by Lewis Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 755

Adams Twp -
JOHN WALES, 2d, farmer, P. O. Clyde, Sandusky Co., was born in Thompson Twp.., this county, Mar. 7, 1835, son of Jacob and Catharine (Raus) Wales, natives of Pennsylvania, of Welsh and German descent. On coming to Ohio they settled first in Wayne Co., and in 1828 came to this county, where they both died. Their family consisted of five children, three of whom are now living: Elizabeth, in Wood Co., Ohio; Jemima Ann D., in Huron Co., Ohio, and John. The subject of this sketch resided on his father’s farm until he was eighteen years of age and then removed to McHenry Co., Ill., and entered the employ of his uncle in an extensive merchandising business. He remained about six years during which time he manifested more than ordinary business tact and ability. In 1858 he returned to his native county, where he purchased land and a saw-mill, which he operated for about four years. He then disposed of these interests and purchased a farm in Section 14, Adams Twp., this county, which he has improved and upon which he now resides. He now has 190 acres in all. He was married, Mar. 29, 1860, to Miss Sarah J. Guisbert, a native of Adams Twp., born in July, 1835, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Whiteman) Guisbert, both of whom are now deceased; they were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, and of German descent. They were among the first settlers in this county and were the parents of a large family of children, of whom six survive: Andrew, Elizabeth, Daniel, John E., Sarah J., and Lilly. Mr. and Mrs. Wales 2d are the parents of seven children: Marcellus W., Libbie C., Leno L. and Lena L., John E., Roscoe A. and Waldo V. (the two latter are twins). John Wales 2d is a prominent and ardent advocate of the principles of the Republican aprty. He has tilled several of the township offices. He served under the 100 days’ call in the late war in Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He is a liberal contributor to all benevolent enterprises, a man of good moral principles, although not particularly indentified with any denomination or sect. He is a prominent and worthy member of the order of F. & A. M. His wife is a member of the United Brethren Church.
(Source: History of Seneca County, Ohio - Publ. 1886 - Page 712)

Seneca Twp. -
JOSEPH C. WEHRLE, P. O. Berwick, one of the industrious young farmers of Seneca County, Ohio, was born in Big Spring Township, this county, July 5, 1861; a son of George and Elizabeth (Long) Wehrle, former born in Riegel, Germany, Mar. 4, 1820, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Wehrle, both natives of Germany; latter born in Bairon, Germany, June 6, 1827, daughter of David and Margaret Long, also natives of Germany, the former of whom was born in 1791, died in 1857, the latter born May 1, 1801, died Nov. 22, 1866. George Wehrle, and Elizabeth Long were united in marriage in New Riegel, Seneca Co., Ohio, June 14, 1847, and were the parents of fourteen children, of whom seven are now living: Mary, wife of George Emerine, born Feb. 1, 1849; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Feck, born Sept. 8, 1851; Agatha, wife of William Beilhartz, born Feb. 6, 1858; John J., born Apr. 6, 1859; Joseph C.; Frank E., born Nov. 9, 1863, and George E., born Mar. 3, 1870. Our subject was reared on a farm and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He has been a resident of Seneca Township for five years. He is a member of the Catholic Church.
SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio containing a History of the County, Its Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, etc. etc. - Illustrated - Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886 - Page 999

Adams Twp. -
JOSEPH WEIKER, farmer, P. O. Green Spring, was born in Union County, Penn., in 1807, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Deal) Weiker, who came to this county in 1834, where they both died several years later. Our subject also came to this county about six years after. He was married in his native county to Nancy Hawkin, a native of Virginia, daughter of George and Hannay (Long) Hawkin. To Mr. and Mrs. Weiker have been born eleven children: John, Sarah, Jacob, David, Isaac, Emanuel, Levi, George, Jonas, Hannah and Valentine. All the boys vote the Democratic ticket, which is a source of great satisfaction to their father. His sons-in-law also vote the same ticket. Mr. Weiker has more than forty grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. On coming into this county he purchased land of Asa Crockett, one of the first pioneers of this county, long since gone to his final resting place. Mr. Weiker suffered many of the hardships of the early days in this county, and has cleared and improved many acres with his own hands. He has now 140 acres of land, after having divided liberally with his sons and daughters, also assisting them in many ways.
SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio - 1886 - Adams Twp. - Page 713

Seneca Twp. -
ADAM WEIKERT, farmer, P. O. Berwick, is a native of Seneca Township, this county, born Apr. 3, 1836, son of Peter and Susan Weikert, natives of Ohio; they were married in Wyandot County, that State, subsequently, in 1876, locating hear Tiffin, Ohio, where they reside at present. Our subject was united in marriage, Dec. 1, 1870, with Sarah A. Dice, born in Stark County, Ohio, July 16, 1843, where her parents Jacob and Maria Dice, natives of Pennsylvania, were united in marriage, and where they first settled; they afterward moved to this county, where Mrs. Dice died Mar. 16, 1879; her husband survives her. To Mr. and Mrs. Weikert has been born one child, Charles O. Our subject was reared on a farm and has followed agricultural pursuits the greater portion of his life; he owns eight acres of land, on which there is a beautiful residence where he and his family reside. Mr. Weikert, during his younger days, engaged in teaching school for a few years. He has filled the offices of assessor and trustee of this township. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio containing a History of the County, Its Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, etc. etc. - Illustrated - Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886 - Page 1000

Seneca Twp. -
JOSEPH WEISENBERGER, farmer, P. O. New Riegel, was born in France, Mar. 17, 1826, son of Matthias and Josephine Weisenberger, who immigrated to Seneca Township, this county, in 1833, and here lived and died, the former in 1846, the latter in 1836. Our subject was united in marriage, Aug. 16, 1848, with Elizabeth Young, also a native of France, and who came with her people to this county in 1846, where they lived the residue of their lives; Mrs. Weisenberger died July 12, 1878. She was a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Weisenberger on second occasion, Nov. 28, 1882, was married to Mary Long, a native of this county, born Sept. 21, 1837, a daughter of John F. and Elizabeth Long, natives of Switzerland, who immigrated to this county, in a very early day, and have here remained ever since. Our subject was the father of seven children, of whom four are now living: Margaret, wife of Frederick Hoffer; Joseph P.; Mary, wife of Joseph Plance; and Magdalene. Mr. Weisenberger owns 242 acres of improved land where he resides. He and his wife and family are faithful members of the Catholic Church.
SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio containing a History of the County, Its Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, etc. etc. - Illustrated - Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886 - Page 1000

HUGH WELCH - For a while, it was a question in the mind of the writer as to which township in the county a sketch of this distinguished pioneer should be attached, because he has now lived in Green Springs some time, but he first located here in Eden, where he drove his stake in the woods near Rocky creek. He has lived longer in Seneca county now than any other man in it. His father was in Washington's army, and so was also his father's neighbor in Huron county, Mr. Seifert. These old revolutionary veterans often talked over their scenes of strife for independence. Both were great admirers of General Washington.
     In the month of February, 1819, Thomas and Hugh Welch, sons of the above-named veteran, started from Huron county to find homes in the wilds of Seneca. They camped out the first night and in the morning found themselves near Honey creek. Vegetation had already started to grow, for in the dense forest a certain degree of warmth was retained, and the ground never froze very hard in the winter. They followed down the stream, and somewhere near the late residence of Mr. William Fleet, they came upon a band of Seneca Indians, who were making sugar, and with them they encamped for the night. On their journey down the creek on the next day, they arrived at Mohawk village, on the Van Meter section, and already spoken of. Van Meter made the Welches welcome at his cabin and directed them to some very eligible land in the neighborhood, which they bought, and turned into homes. Here they opened up the first settlement in Eden township. In June following, two other brothers, Martin and John, also came. Thomas died soon after. John became a member of the Ohio legislature from Seneca county. Hugh and Martin moved to Wyandot county. Martin and John are now also dead, and the Judge in the only survivor of that once large family.
     Hugh Welch was the first postmaster of Eden township, and he held the office at his opening, which was afterwards known as the Olmsted and Richardson place. This was the first postoffice in Seneca county east of the river. Mr. Welch was appointed by President Jackson. John McLean was postmaster-general at that time and signed the commission as such. It is dated August 4, 1825. Mr. Welch sold the Olmsted farm and the Richardson place and moved into Wyandot county, where he was appointed one of the associate judges of Crawford county. Wyandot was then a part of Crawford. This commission is dated September 22, 1834, and is signed by Robert Lucas, governor, and M. H. Kirby, secretary of state. He was re-elected associate judge, and his second commission bears date of February 4, 1842, and is signed by Thomas Corwin, governor, and Samuel Galloway, secretary of state. The judge sold his Wyandot farm and again moved into Seneca County.
     He laid out the town of Mexico soon after he moved into Wyandot; helped to build the M. E. church there; donated the lot upon which it was built, and for a long time and until he sold his property near Mexico, was one of its most influential members.
     Judge Welch was born in Little Beaver township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, on the 18th day of February, 1801. His father's name was Felix, and his mother's name was Margaret Barnes, who came from England. His father was a native of the county of Derry, in Ireland. The parents had six sons and four daughters. Hugh was the fifth son.
     In 1816 the parents moved with their children to Huron county, Ohio, where they lived until the sons found better homes, in Seneca county. Hugh was married on the 18th day of September, 1823, to Polly, second daughter of John Gibson. They had three children: Eliza, married to William A. Watson; a little son who died at the age of about four years, and Maria, who married Frank McBride, and who has two interesting daughters, nearly young women grown. Judge Welch's brother, Martin, was the first stationed minister at Toledo in the M. E. church. The Judge was well acquainted with all the Mohawk Indians on the Van Meter section, and know Charline, who was a nephew of the Brandt's and the bitter, unforgiving foe of the Americans. He carried his hatred to the grave with him. He had the skin of the leg and foot of a child tanned, in which he carried his trinkets. He would not talk to a white man, and died from eating warm bread beyond the Mississippi.
     Judge Welch says that there were three brothers of these Brandt's, Thomas, Paulus and Isaac. Isaac was his favorite. They were both lf about the same height and age; both full of fun and great wrestlers. Van Meter was a generous and noble man, and a great horse fancier.
     Charline was about eighty years old when he left with the Mohawks for the west.
     Mrs. Welch died June 6th, 1869, at Green Springs. She was the first patient at the water cure. From the 8th of October, 1825, hitherto Judge Welch has been a faithful member of the M. E. Church. *

Seneca Twp. -
WILLIAM WENNER, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., Sept. 5, 1824, son of William and Elizabeth Wenner, natives of Pennsylvania, where they remained until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, in Pennsylvania, Feb. 7, 1865, with Mary Stopp, born in Lehigh County, Penn., Mar. 22, 1840. In 1867 they moved to Seneca County, Ohio, settling on the farm where they now reside and which consists of 120 acres of fine land. To this union were born six children, of whom only two survive: Ellen S., born July 27, 1871, and Mary A., born Sept. 16, 1880. Our subject has been a farmer all his life. He and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church, and are considered among the best people of the county.
SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio containing a History of the County, Its Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, etc. etc. - Illustrated - Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886 - Page 1000

Seneca Twp. -
MARTIN WERLING, farmer, P. O. Tiffin, was born in Stark County, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1832, son of Nicholas and Susan Werling, natives of Belgium, where they were married; thence they emigrated to America and to Stark County, Ohio, in 1831, and after remaining there five years they moved to Seneca County6 and then to Indiana in 1867, where Mr. Werling lost his wife by death in 1873, he remaining until 1880, when he came to this county and made his home with his son until 1881, when he, too, died. Our subject was united in marriage, Sept. 10, 1861, with Mary Lonsway, born in Seneca County, Ohio, May 14, 1843, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah A. Lonsway, the former living, latter now deceased. To our subject and wife have been born eleven children, ten of whom are now living: Joseph A., Sarah A., Emma E., Rosa A., Susan K., Lewis S., Leander M., George E., Leo A. and Mary M. Emily is deceased. Our subject acquired the means to make a start in life in the mines of California, and now owns 173 acres of land, mostly improved, where he and his family reside. They are members of the Catholic Church.
SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio containing a History of the County, Its Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, etc. etc. - Illustrated - Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886 - Page 1000

JASPER WHITNEY. Was one of the early settlers in Thompson. He and old father Royer are, perhaps, the only survivors of that class of pioneers. Mr. Royer still resides in Thompson, but Mr. Underhill lives in Wood county as I am informed.
     It is said that many years ago Mr. Whitney, while living in Thompson, near Nathan Whitney, was taken sick very suddenly and, after a short illness, died and was laid out on a cooling-board. The neighbors rendered every assistance possible and the doctor assured them all that Mr. Whitney was dead. A coffin was made and brought to the house and preparations made for the burial. Mrs. Whitney could not persuade herself to believe that her husband was dead, and the funeral was put off to an indefinite time. A consultation of physicians was held at the house and no trace of life could be discovered. The doctors, neighbors and all, tried to prevail on Mrs. Whitney to let the funeral take place, but she was unmoved and insisted that her husband was not dead. Some people now began to doubt whether she had her right mind, and matters began to look serious as to her. She cared but little, however, about the gossip of the neighbors, but kept her sleepless watch by the side of her dead husband, occasionally applying restoratives. In the forenoon of the ninth day she discovered signs of life, and in a short time she succeeded in bringing Mr. Whitney to life.
     With prompt medical aid and good nursing, he was restored to good, vigorous health in a short time. He heard, while lying in this truance, everything that was said near him. and when he recovered sufficiently to express himself, he said a great many ugly things of those who wanted to bury him alive.
     The undertaker refused to take the coffin back, and the family put it up into the loft or the cabin, where for many years thereafter, it was used to keep dried apples in. Several years thereafter the father of Mr. Whitney died and was buried in the same coffin. His name was Gunsworth.
     Mr. Whitney is still living near, and west of Woodville, in Wood county, Ohio.
     The father of my old friend, Samuel Horner, lived on a farm about one mile east of Flat Rock, which had a little spring on it. All the Neighbors came there for water, and kept the spring in bad condition. Mr. Horner thereupon made up his mind to have a well for his own family use, and dug down some six feet, when he came upon a rock. He took a crow-bar and struck the rock, when a stream of water burst up that overflowed the well and formed a constantly running stream. Mr. John Burman lives on the farm now. * pg 629

JAMES R. WILSON, ESQ., is the only lawyer in the place. Happy town! He was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, May 19th, 1825. In the fall of 1826, his father moved with the family to Ohio. He was a native of Ireland, and at the time he came to Ohio was a traveling preacher of the M. E. church. He died on his circuit while holding a protracted meeting. The family moved to Bloom township in April, 1834, and settled in the southeast part of the township, when there were but two families in that part, south, and but one house east for three miles. Mr. Wilson had one brother older than he, and also an older sister. The sister taught school in the neighborhood when only twelve years old. Mr. Wilson helped to clear up his father's farm, and after his death he opened up a farm for himself. In 1856 he moved to Bloomville. In 1857 he was elected justice of the peace and re-elected. In 1866 he was admitted to practice law, and has ever since been a member of the Tiffin bar. * pg 629

JACOB WINDNAGLE, miller, P. O. West Lodi, is a native of Erie County, N. Y.; born May 24, 1839; son of John and Annie (Ritter) Windnagle, the former of whom died Jan. 4, 1884, aged eighty-seven years; the latter, who is still living, is a daughter of Simeon and Annie Ritter, also natives of Pennsylvania. John and Annie Windnagle had eleven children: Eliza, wife of Jacob Fatty, a farmer in Erie County, N. Y.; Susan, wife of Levi Zook, foreman in a large warehouse in Buffalo, N. Y.; Frederick, a mechanic in Niagara County, N. Y.; Simeon (deceased, leaving family in Erie County, where he had engaged in farming); John, farming near Detroit, Mich.; Henry, in same neighborhood; Sarah (deceased wife of Jacob Shettler, of Erie County, N. Y.); Catharine, widow of David Blocker, in Erie County, N. Y.; Jacob; Franklin, a carriage manufacturer at Bockport, N. Y.; and Fannie, married and living in Buffalo, N. Y. Our subject received a limited education, remaining with his father until eighteen years of age, when he began learning the blacksmith trade, at which he worked about ten years in New York, thence came to this county, where he was engaged in saw milling for a time, then for three years was in mercantile business. In 1877 he owned the Lodi Mills, which he disposed of to Kern & Son in 1879, since which time he has been the miller, a trade he learned here. Mr. Windnagle was commissioned justice of the peace by Gov. Noyes April 14, 1872, and by Gov. Hayes May 25, 1876. He was married May 22, 1864, to Catharine Breyman, a native of Weaverstown, Berks Co., Penn., and a daughter of John C. and CAtharine (Auman) Breyman; and by her has had two children; Frank A. and Clara S. (latter died aged eleven months). Mr. Windnagleis a member of Hildreth Lodge F. & A. M., at Republic, Ohio.

CHARLES WRIGHT, farmer, P. O. Clyde, Sandusky County, is a native of Adams Township, Seneca Co., Ohio, and son of Cyrenus and Diana (Cole) Wright; the former a native of New York State and the latter of Montreal, Canada. They settled in this county in 1827 and reared a family of nine children, of whom seven are now living, our subject alone remaining in this county. Cyrenus Wright died in 1872, and his widow in 1880. Charles Wright was married, in 1868, to Olivia Cooper. Four children have been born Mrs. Wright departed this life Feb. 9, 1874, and Mr. Wright then married, in 1875, Elvina Kistler, of Adams Township, this county. He is engaged in general farming. In politics he is a Republican.
SOURCE: History of Seneca County, Ohio - 1886 - Adams Twp. - Page 714

* SOURCE: History of Seneca County : from the close of the Revolutionary War to July, 1880 : embracing many personal sketches of pioneers, anecdotes, and faithful descriptions of events pertaining to the organization of the county and its progress
Springfield, Ohio: Transcript Print. Co., 1880, 717 pgs.

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