|
CHAPTER I.
UPPER SANDUSKY AND CRANE TOWNSHIP
LOCATION - REFERENCE TO PRECEDING CHAPTERS - ORIGINAL
PLAN OF THE TOWN AS SURVEYED -
ITS STREETS - LOTS - POINTS OF INTEREST
IN THE INDIAN TOWN OF UPPER SANDUSKY -
ITS FIRST WHITE RESIDENTS - MADE
OF THE COUNTY SEAT - THE RESIDENTS OF 1845 -
EARLY FESTIVITIES - COL.
MCCUTCHEN'S PEN PICTURE OF THE TOWN IN 1846 -
POPULATION AT DIFFERENT
PERIODS - GRADUAL PROGRESS TO DATE -
REMINISCENCES OF EARLY INHABITANTS
- CORPORATE HISTORY -
BANKS AND BANKERS - MANUFACTURING INTERESTS -
SECRET ASSOCIATIONS, ETC. -
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS - WYANDOT COUNTY
BIBLE SOCIETY - WYANDOT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION -
OAK HILL CEMETERY -
EARLY SCHOOL TEACHERS - PRESENT SCHOOLS -
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
< BACK TO HISTORY OF
WYANDOT - TABLE OF CONTENTS >
JOHN
AGERTER, of the firm of Agerter, Stevenson &
Co., proprietors of the Stephenson Engine Works, was born in
Switzerland November 29, 1926. He emigrated to America with his
widowed mother, three brothers and one sister in 1851, reaching Upper
Sandusky July 1, of that year. His mother's death occurred in
Upper Sandusky, began work on the brick-yard, subsequently pursuing
the carpenter's trade twelve years, taking contracts for buildings of
all descriptions. In March, 1865, Mr. Agerter was
appointed by the Commissioners of this county to fill the unexpired
term of County Surveyor Peter B. Beidler, adn was afterward
elected to the same office three successive terms. In 1876, he
was elected County Auditor, serving one term, and October 1, 1881, the
firm of Agerter, Stevenson & Co was established. They do
an extensive business, their enterprise being the leading institution
of the city. Mr. Agerter was married in January, 1859, to
Dortha E. Hottle, adn seven children have resulted from this
union, namely: William Tell, born October 16, 1859;
Alice J., July 24, 1861; Paul H., April 25, 1864; Rachel
C., April 9, 1867; John D., October 4, 1871; Arra R.,
November 23, 1874; Zora H., September 22, 1877. Mrs.
Agerter is a native of Hardy County, Va., where she was born July
8, 1830. Mr. Agerter served as A Mayor of Upper
Sandusky two years, as Township Trustee five years, and was elected
City Councilman in 1883. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F.
since 1856, and, with his wife, is a member of the German Lutheran
Church, to whose support he is a liberal contributor. He was one
of the principal agents in the erection of the German Reform Church,
and is a highly respected and substantial citizen.
~ Page 555 |
ARCHIBALD
ALLEN, commonly called "Uncle Archie," and a rare
representative of the colored race, was born in Frederick County, Va.,
April 1, 1808, son of Simon and Lucy Allen, whose deaths
occurred in 1833 and 1818 respectively. After the death of his
mother, Mr. Allen resided till his twentieth year with
Samuel Richardson, who gave him the advantage of obtaining an
education. In 1828, he embarked in life for himself, engaging in
various kinds of labor at different places, removing to Wyandot
County, May 5, 1834. He acquired the trade of barber with
Joseph Bennett, of Columbus, where he remained three winters,
established a shop in Upper Sandusky in 1845, where he pursued his
trade until 1866. He then opened a feed store, and has since
engaged in that business. He has bought and sold town property
to a considerable extent, and his wealth is now estimated at $15,000.
He has been a resident of the county for half a century, is a
Republican in politics, and has never married.
~ Page 555 |
CHRISTIAN ALTHOUSE
~ Page 556 |
HENRY ALTSTAETTER
~ Page 557 |
JACOB P. ARTER
~ Page 557 |
DAVID
AYRES, first son of Dr. Isaac and Eliza (Coulter) Ayres,
was born in Beavertown, Penn., June 11, 1809. In 1822, he came
with his parents to Richland County, Ohio, where they remained till
1847. They then moved to Upper Sandusky, where they resided
during the remainder of their lives. The father died in
December, 1848; the mother in 1858. They were the parents of
nine children, of whom but five are living - David and
Jonathan, and three daughters. The former settled in Upper
Sandusky in 1845, and engaged in the mercantile trade, pursuing this
occupation a number of years. Prior to his settlement in Upper
Sandusky, Mr. Ayres engaged in the mercantile business in
Londonville, Richland County, when but twenty years of age, and
afterward at Perrysville, Richland County,for a period of two years.
He then disposed of his establishment, and after a short period of
time spent in agricultural pursuits, for the benefit of his health,
again entered the field of traffic at Kalida, Ohio. In 1839,
he removed to Putnam County, and formed a partnership with C. H.
Rice, father of Gen. Rice, handling a stock of general
merchandise at Kalida, then the county seat of Putnam County.
He remained here two years, traveled several months, and located in
Upper Sandusky till 1853, when he retired with a large amount of
property. He was married in 1835 to Abigail Rice, and
four children were born to them. The death of Mrs. Ayres
occurred in 1840 or 1841, and our subject was again married, in
1851, to Miss Octave Sutherland, one child being born to
them. The death of this second wife and child occurred in
1852, and Mr. Ayres was a third time married, in 1861, to
Nancy Jackson. They have no children. Mr. Ayres
has been identified with many of the leading improvements of the
town. He is a man of high sense of honor, and is held in high
esteem by his fellow Democrats.
~ Page 557 |
J.
L. BARICK, farmer, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June
3, 1836. He is a son of Solomon and Susan (Lechleiter)
Barick, the former a native of Fairfield County, born Dec. 25,
1811; the latter born in Hampshire County, Va., May 5, 1816.
They were the parents of four children - John L., George
W., David and Mary A. David was born Apr. 10 1840,
died Apr. 25, 1842; Mary A., born Apr. 8, 1842, died June 8,
1842; George W., born Oct. 3, 1843, died July 3, 1862.
John L., the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents
in the counties of Fairfield and Pickaway, locating in Wyandot in
1849. His parents removed to this county in 1851, and with
them he remained till 1858 receiving the benefits of the common
schools. He was married, Sept. 16, 1858, to Maria Keller,
daughter of Martin and Hannah (Buskirk) Keller, native of
Tuscarawas County, Ohio, born Nov. 1, 1839. They have six
children - Mahlon A., born Oct. 13, 1859; Susan H.,
May 15, 1862; Bertha M., Mar. 1, 1865; Mary B., Feb.
19, 1870; Emily M., May 2, 1873; John R., Feb. 8,
1881. After marriage, Mr. Barick settled on his present
farm, and has since devoted his attention to agriculture and
stock-raising, making a specialty of Poland-China hogs. He
enlisted in the army, Company E, One Hundred and Ninety-second
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Feb. 14, 1865, and was sent into
the Shenandoah Valley on detached service at Rood's Hill, Col.
Butterfield's headquarters, till the close of the war, receiving
his discharge at Columbus Sept. 7, 1865. Mr. Burick
served as Township Trustee four years, and was member of the
Township Board of Education a number of years. In politics, he
is a Democrat, and alive to every public interest.
~ Page 558 |
MRS. MARY BEAM
~ Page 558 |
SEVERIN BECHLER
~ Page 559 |
BROOKS
BEERY, son of George and Catharine (Cradlebaugh) Beery,
was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 19, 1820. "His father,
George Beery, was born in Rockingham County, Va., in
the year 1783, and emigrated to the almost unbroken wilderness of
your county in the year 1800. He was the youngest of six brothers of
his father's family, in the order here given: John, Isaac,
Abraham, Jacob, Henry and George.
There were two half brothers, Christopher and Joseph,
all of whom were among the first and early settlers of Fairfield
County. He came down the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers in a flat-boat,
and up the Hockhocking to the falls, thence through the woods on
foot to Lancaster, and remained over winter, clearing land for
others by the acre. He returned to Virginia the next spring, and
finally returned to Fairfield County, in the fall of the year 1801,
and settled on the Raccoon Creek, near Bremen, clearing land and
working for others, thus enabling him to enter eighty acres, which
he did in the fall of the year, 1807. In 1809, he married and
settled on this small tract of land, continuing to live thereon, and
in the neighborhood of Bremen, until in the spring of 1832, when he
moved to Little Raccoon, five miles east of Lancaster, where he died
in the year 1856. John Beery, his oldest brother, came
to the county in the year 1805, and the other brothers soon after,
all settling upon and near the streams mentioned in Rush Creek and
Berne Townships. They were a hardy, stout and industrious set of
men, and did their full share of clearing and improving that part of
the county. They are all dead, leaving families scattered all over
the country. Their education being very limited, and their habits
sober and industrious, were content with the occupation of farming,
except my father, who was always far in advance of his neighbors in
schools and public improvements. He took an active part in the
construction of the canal from Carroll to Lancaster.
Also, in building the Zanesville & Marysville, and
Hanner & Lancaster Turnpikes; was one of the Commissioners of the
county, I think, in the year 1828, and assisted in locating and
building the County Infirmary. In 1834, he laid out the town of
Bremen, and, in the next year, in partnership with Mr.
Hedges, commenced the business of selling goods, an occupation
yet followed by several of his children, who received their first
lessons under his supervision. In the war of 1812, he was pressed
into the service with his team, and while Maj. Croghan
was defending Fort Stevenson, at Lower Sandusky, with team and
provisions he was camped at Fort Ball, now Tiffin, and within
hearing of the guns of the fort. He was a personal friend and a
great admirer of the Hon. T. Ewing, claiming that he
had no superior as a lawyer and a statesman in the Union. Such
was his admiration of this truly great man, that he called his tenth
and youngest son Thomas Ewing. As a citizen he was
public spirited; as a neighbor, kind and benevolent; as a father,
strict in his requirements, yet tenderly devoted to his children.
His wife was a Cradlebaugh, a daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, a
German Reform minister, and a man of considerable influence in his
day. He emigrated to Western Pennsylvania soon after the war closed,
and in 1810 or 1811, to Fairfield County, when he soon afterward
died. She was born in Washington County, Penn., in the year 1789,
emigrated to Fairfield County in 1806 or 1807, and died in 1870. She
was a woman of more than ordinary force of character, positive in
her opinions, and free to express them; industrious and economical,
loving right ,and hating wrong; prompt, and practical in every duty,
exercising a marked and controlling influence over her husband and
family. A mother of the old type in every sense of the word. They
had twelve children, nine of whom still survive: four are living
here, one near Urbana, Ohio, and the balance in and near the family
village of Bremen." (Extract from a letter written by G. W.
Beery, Esq., to Hon. T. O. Edwards, in Lancaster,
Ohio) Brooks Beery, the subject proper of this
sketch, was employed on the farm with his parents till twenty-seven
years of age, obtaining only a common school education. He
subsequently engaged three years in mercantile pursuits at Bremen,
Ohio, and was attended by fair success. In 1850, he came to Upper
Sandusky and established a dry goods store in a frame building on
the site now occupied by the Beery Block, where for thirty
years he conducted an extensive and successful business, retiring in
1880. He is the principal owner of the Upper Sandusky Gas Works;
owns a half interest in the Beery Block and also in
the elevator located by the C. H. V. & T. R. R. For many years Mr.
Beery has been regarded as one of the prime factors of the
commercial and business interests of Upper Sandusky and is well
known as one of its most enterprising and substantial citizens. He
is a gentleman of broad and liberal views on all subjects, and is
endowed with a large and valuable business experience. Mr.
Beery was married September 4, 1856, to Miss Jeannette
Sherman, their only child being Frank, who was born October 20,
1857. Mrs. Beery was born in New York, August, 1828,
and is the daughter of Horace and Luceppa (Harris)
Sherman.
~ Page 559 |
FRANK
BEERY, of the firm of S. F. Beery & Co., dry goods
merchants, was born in Upper Sandusky October 20, 1857. Ho is the
only son of Brooks and Jeannette (Sherman)
Beery, and has always resided in his native city, obtaining
a good education in its public schools. He finished his studies at
the Wesleyan University of Delaware in 1878, and succeeded his
father in the dry goods business, which the former established in
1850. The firm of S. F. Beery & Co. was established in 1879,
and is composed of enterprising young men with large business
capacity and experience. Their spacious room in the Beery
Block enables them to display their large stock, valued at
$20,000, and comprising a full line of dry goods, carpets, and
everything to be found in a city establishment of this kind. The
genial manners and fair dealing of the respective members of this
firm have won for it an extensive patronage. Mr. Beery
is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias of Upper Sandusky, and
was initiated in November, 1883.
~ Page 563 |
HON.
GEORGE W. BEERY. Conspicuous among the eminent and notable
citizens who have resided and still grace this place with their
presence, is Hon. George W. Beery, who is now President of
one of the principal banks of Upper Sandusky. He was born in
Fairfield County, Ohio July 1, 1822. At the age of ten years he
removed with his parents to a point six miles east of Lancaster, in
the same county, remaining there about five years. In the meantime
his father had laid out the town of Bremen and embarked in the dry
goods business. Young Beery entered his father's store,
and made himself useful and valuable as a clerk until the year 1841,
when he availed himself of the advantages of a two years' schooling
at the Greenfield Academy. In 1843, he commenced reading law, in the
office, and under the instructions of Hon. John M. Creed, a
prominent lawyer of Lancaster, and after two and a half years'
study, he was admitted to the bar, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the
spring of 1845. He immediately formed a partnership with Charles
Borland and opened a law office at Lancaster. In 1847, he
removed to Upper Sandusky and at once took a leading position at the
bar in this and adjoining counties, and was noted for his ability as
an able an effective speaker. He continued the practice of law here
until 1862, when he "was appointed United States Assessor of
Internal Revenue by President Lincoln, for the
district in which he was located, and served with great credit to
himself and the appointing power until the fall of 1865, when a
change of administration, after the assassination of Lincoln,
was not sufficient to palliate or alter his political opinions, and
refusing to indorse Johnson's administration he gracefully
gave way to a successor. After his official career, it was a matter
of regret that he did not return to the law; and, although
successful beyond the measure of most men in other pursuits, the law
was undoubtedly his field of labor, and in it he would have
contributed to the honor and usefulness of the profession, and
gained an enviable state reputation. He was clear and logical,
persuasive and earnest, and favored with all those rare and pleasing
accomplishments, which are so effective and fascinating in a public
speaker. Few men had these qualities to a higher degree, and his
retirement from a profession which brought them in use was certainly
a matter of regret In 1850, when the prospect of a railway agitated
our people, and its fate, apparently, hung upon the action of the
county in voting an appropriation of $50,000, and this made
effective only by a vote of the people and a majority in its favor,
Mr. Beery was the champion of the cause, and his able,
forcible and convincing speeches in behalf of the measure at public
meetings all along the line of the proposed road, from Salem, Ohio,
to Fort "Wayne, Ind., are still matters of pleasurable reference,
embalmed in the gratitude of those who still live and in that early
day had the interest of Upper Sandusky and the county at heart. The
fine thoroughfare, which a change of name has made the Pittsburgh,
Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, is a result of the movement, in which
Mr. Beery took so conspicuous a part and rendered such
valuable services. The opposition to this project was led by Hon.
John Carey, a man of natural force and power, who saw in the
road through Upper Sandusky a contingent detriment to the new town
he had laid out in the northwestern part of the county, which still
bears his name. The principal objection to the then new road was the
enormous taxes it would inflict, and so high ran the opposition, and
so earnest the interest in its behalf, that political parties
dissolved and found their level in local bearings. The high standing
of the Hon. John Carey, the fact that he was one of
the first settlers of the territory now known as Wyandot County, and
these qualities fortified with a disposition not to brook
opposition, which heretofore had given him the name of " Old
Invincible," was so impressive upon the minds of the people that
they looked with foreboding upon any project that did not meet his
pleasure, and when his protest took the prominence of a public
discussion against an enterprise, without which but little could be
expected of our then new town, there was a good deal of despondency,
as no one seemed willing to tilt a lance with the old hero of the
Tymochtee. Mr. Carey was earnest and aggressive and
threw all his old-time vigor and dash into the opposition. For a
time he seemed to have everything his own way, and his challenge for
debate upon the stump went unheeded, until Mr. Beery
(then but a short.time in the county), finding that none of. the
older citizens would measure arms with Carey, took up the
gauntlet in defense of the new railroad Five appointments were made
for joint discussions, only two of which Carey
attended. He found in the young attorney a resistance he could not
encompass, and from that hour the star of Carey and his opposition
to the road commenced to wane. So thoroughly did Mr. Beery,
in his able and effective manner, demolish the appeals and
presentments of the old hero, that he soon retired from the stump,
leaving Mr. Beery the field in triumph. This caused an encouraging
turn in favor of the proposed road; it instituted hope and energy,
and our people were lavish in their praise of the young attorney who
had wrought this favorable and unexpected change. The effective
canvass in Wyandot County made by Mr. Beery attracted
wide attention, and as above mentioned, he was pressed into service
to publicly present the interests of the road along its line from
Salem, Ohio, to Ft. Wayne, Ind. In giving a biographical sketch of
this useful and prominent man, it would not be complete without
adding that to him, more than to any other, is due the credit of
establishing through our county the magnificent thoroughfare that
has brought growth and prosperity to the town of Upper Sandusky.
Without his able assistance at the time, the road would never have
stretched its way from sea to Lake over the line then proposed, and
to our subject is truly due the merit of being the champion of our
first railway. Mr. Beery also took a prominent part in
securing the Columbus & Toledo Railroad, its rights of way and
franchises. He represented before the Boards of Trade of Columbus
and Toledo the interests of the proposed air-line route against .John
C. Lee, who favored its construction through Marysville, Ken
ton, Bowling Green, etc. He labored earnestly, making speeches all
along the line. In all the public enterprises that were intended to
benefit or enrich the community or county Mr. Beery
has taken an active part, and no man has done as much to advance the
interests of Upper Sandusky and Wyandot County as he. He is an
earnest advocate of protection and in every respect he has labored
to maintain home industries. In the spring of 1867, Mr.
Beery organized the Wyandot County Bank, and has served as its
President ever since. Aside from this position he has dealt largely
in real estate, more, perhaps, than any other citizen in the county,
and has reaped the reward of good judgment and fair dealing; and it
may be said of him in this connection that his sales and purchases
were always upon a basis of fairness, in which all the parties were
equally benefited. It was in the rise of real estate, or the
enhancement of values in other respects, that Mr. Beery
made this pursuit a profitable business. He owns a valuable farm of
220 acres in Crane and Richland Townships, and for the last six
years has been engaged in rearing Durham cattle, which he regularly
exhibits at the annual fairs. He, with Judge Renick
organized tie County Agricultural Society, which has since become a
permanent and prosperous institution. In 1881, he became a partner
in the Stevenson Machine Works and still retains an interest
in that industry. He owns a fine residence on Eighth street and five
acres of land adjoining. Mr. Beery was married in
October, 1845, to Miss Ann J. McDonald, daughter of Walter
McDonald, for many years a leading manufacturer of Lancaster,
Ohio. Mrs. Beery was born in Lancaster, Ohio in
September, 1822. Mr. and Mrs. Beery have reared four
children, three daughters and one son, viz.: Julia C,
wife of Capt. E. A. Gordon; Ida, wife of W. G. Holdridge;
Emma, wife of H. R. Henderson, and George W.,
Jr., Assistant Cashier of the Wyandot County Bank. In political
sentiment, Mr. Beery was a "Whig until the
organization of the Republican party, when he united himself with it
and took an active part in all the campaigns till 1880, being its
principal and favorite advocate upon the stump. His pleasing and
effective style of oratory attracted considerable attention, and his
efforts in this direction were not confined to his own county. While
forcible and argumentative,. he inclined to the humorous, adorning
and clinching his well-rounded periods with irresistible
comparisons.. While Mr. Beery was an active and
zealous partisan, he was never bitter or uncouth, and his feelings
for a friend never investigated political identity, and many of his
warmest friends and personal admirers were in the opposite party. He
was always a man of strong convictions, and his political opinions
of years ago no doubt took their zeal from the fact that he was
ardently opposed to slavery; and since this great question of public
policy has been settled, he has given to party movements but little
of his care or attention. Mr. Beery is yet endowed
with the blessings of health, a vigorous constitution, and is rarely
absent from his place of business. He is a gentleman peculiar
somewhat in his ways, and those not thoroughly acquainted are
inclined to esteem him distant and unapproachable, elements which
have no place whatever in his nature. He has a heart full of
sympathy for every appeal that comes from the right direction, a
welcome for everything meritorious, and no one takes greater delight
in reflecting sunshine over a neighborly communion, in which he
brings in play a rare and pleasing conversational power for which
this eminent citizen is so noted and admired.
~ Page 560 |
ISAAC
H. BEERY, deceased, was born in Bremen, Fairfield County,
Ohio, February 19, 1820. He is a son of George and Catharine (Cradlebaugh)
Beery, and resided in the village of his nativity till twelve
years of age, when he moved with his parents to a farm in Bern
Township, where the family of eight sons and two daughters were
reared. He was there employed in agricultural pursuits till his
twenty-third year, when he entered into a partnership with his
brother-in-law, John Ashbaugh, in the mercantile trade
in Bremen in 1843. Here he obtained his first commercial lessons
which he utilized to such good advantage in after years, and here he
continued his mercantile pursuits till 1850, his brother,
Brooks Beery, having been
admitted to the firm in 1847. In 1850, the two brothers came to the
then new town of Upper Sandusky, and in September of that year
erected a frame business room on the site now occupied by the
Beery Block, and opened a general store under the firm
name of I. H. & B. Beery. The establishment was well founded
and managed, and at once grew into a popularity that it has ever
since sustained. It soon became one of the most thoroughly-stocked
dry goods houses in the county, and for thirty years it stood the
test of time with undiminished prosperity. Afterward the frame
building gave place to the substantial brick structure which now
occupies its site, and besides this, the grain elevator, the
handsome residences and many other buildings erected by them in
their resident town, mark the steps of their prosperity and the
spirit of their enterprise. The partnership of Mr. Beery
and his brother continued its existence until 1880, from which time
to the date of his death, March 21, 1884, he was not actively
engaged. In 1876, he became a stockholder in the Wyandot County
Bank, to which his chief business interests at the time of his
demise were attached. He was a thorough, energetic business man of
the strictest integrity, and has ever been one of the foremost of
the citizens of his community in building up its varied interests,
amid all his trials and efforts " wearing the white flower of a
blameless life." Mr. Beery was married, September,
1852, to Miss Leefe Fowler, daughter of Dr.
Stephen Fowler, and four children were born to them—S.
Fowler, Leefe, I. Foster and Minnie. All of these
are living, but Fowler, whose death occurred October 15,
1883.
~ Page 563 |
THOMAS
E. BEERY, the youngest of a family of twelve children and the
tenth son of George and Catharine (Cradlebaugh) Beery,
was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 6, 1835. In his youth, he
enjoyed such school advantages as were offered by the country
district schools. Attending school during the winter, and working
upon the farm spring, summer and fall, but subsequently spent some
time in the Lancaster High School and Otterbein University,
abandoning his school life at the age of twenty. In 1855, he entered
the mercantile trade in partnership with his brother Simon,
at Bremen, a town laid out and named by his father. They carried a
stock of general merchandise, and did a good business, continuing
their operations till 1857, when our subject retired from the firm
and removed to Upper Sandusky, when he entered into a partnership
with his brother, Anthony Beery, in the dry goods trade, in which
business he was engaged two years. Mr. Beery then
disposed of his interest to his brother, Isaac Beery,
and established himself in a hardware store, with G. T. McDonald,
under the firm name of Beery & McDonald, continuing this business
four years, withdrawing from the firm in 1863. He next engaged in
the manufacture of agricultural implements, in company with F. F.
Fowler, E. R. Wood and A. W. Brinkerhoff, the firm being known
as F. F. Fowler & Co. In 1865, this enterprise was abandoned,
and the sale of the Brinkerhoff corn-husker was engaged in for the
next three years with admirable results, after which Mr. Beery
assisted in the incorporation of the Wyandot County Bank, and became
one of its stock-holders, retaining his interest in this enterprise
till 1869. He then engaged in the dry goods trade, in partnership
with J. A. Maxwell, purchasing the store room of S. H.
Hunt, and the stock of Hunt & Watson. To this they added
the grain business, purchasing the warehouse of Straw & Myers in
1870, and continuing their operations till 1872-73, when the firm
was dissolved by mutual consent, Mr. Beery conducting
the grain trade till about 1875. In 1876, in company with Samuel
Walters and Jacob Agerter, he was awarded the
contract for macadamizing the streets of Upper Sandusky, and in the
spring of 1877 he again embarked in the dry goods business as sole
proprietor of his establishment, but subsequently admitting S. H.
White, who was afterward succeeded by John W. Greiger. In
1882, Mr. Beery assisted in organizing the Straw board
Company, but disposed of his interest in that enterprise in 1883,
and became a member of the "Upper Sandusky Gaslight Company, with
which he is at this date connected. He has been one of the most
useful of Upper Sandusky's citizens, having been identified with
most of its enterprises, and exerted a strong influence toward the
promotion of its general interests. He is a man of excellent
character, and is one of the first citizens of his community, from
whatever standpoint he may be considered. Mr. Beery
was one of the prime movers in the establishment of the Universalist
Church at Upper Sandusky, and is one of its most prominent members,
having always contributed liberally to its support He is also
associated with the Knights of Honor, at present holding the chair
of Past Director. He was married, October 28, 1855, to Emma E.
Witt, who died in April, 1858. His marriage to Harriet A.
Osborn occurred in 1859, and by this union three children were
born, all now deceased. Two of these died in early infancy; Edwin
L., born December 14, 1861, died at Poaghkeepsie, N. Y., April
2, 1882. This son was a young man of most brilliant promise. He
graduated in Upper Sandusky High School in 1879 and subsequently
took a two years' course at Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio. At the
time of his decease he was pursuing his studies at the Eastman
Business College, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He was a young man of good
judgment and more than ordinary intellectual ability, and these
qualities combined with an innate culture and spotless character
placed his prospects for a useful and eminent future in a most
promising light. But alas for the hopes of youth that fall like the
leaves in the autumn blast; in the midst of their sanguine beauty
the shadow touched him and he was not.
~ Page 564 |
HON.
CURTIS BERRY, Jr., for a number of years a prominent lawyer
at the Wyandot County Bar, was born in Crawford Township, this
county, Apr. 19, 1831. He is a son of Curtis and Sally (Cavitt)
Berry, of whom extended mention is made in the history of
Crawford Township. Mr. Berry was reared on the
homestead until of age, and enjoyed only the advantages of the
common schools. After attaining his majority, he attended the
Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, one term, after which,
in the fall of 1852, he took a position in the office of the
Treasurer of Seneca County. The following winter he taught
school in Senaca County, returning to Wyandot County in the
spring, and the next fall he was elected Clerk of the courts to fill
the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of G. C. Worth.
He was reelected in 1857, and again elected in 1860, serving all
seven years and four months. During the interim, between his
first and second election to the above office, 1854-57, he was Chief
Clerk in the office of the General Ticket Agent of the Pittsburgh,
Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railway, at Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne.
While serving as Clerk of the courts he read law under the
instructions of Hon. Robert McKelley, and was admitted to the
bar at Upper Sandusky, in 1858. He practiced his profession
alone, until in 1865, when he formed a partnership with his brother,
Hon. John Berry The law firm of Berry & Berry
soon took a prominent place at the bar of this, and surrounding
counties, and were both recognized as able and worthy lawyers.
In 1866, Mr. Berry, the subject of this notice, was elected
to represent this district in the State Senate, and at the
expiration of that term was again chosen to the same position.
He rendered efficient service as a legislator, introducing at the
session of 1869, and securing the passage amid great opposition of
the Homestead Law, and also other measures of no less importance.
He served as Vice President of the County Agricultural Society three
years, and as Secretary five years. He was instrumental in
organizing the County Pioneer Society, and was prominently connected
with it during its existence. Mr. Berry has borne his
part in all public improvements and enterprises of the county. In
securing the Columbus & Toledo Railway, he took an active part,
making the first speech in its favor at Marion, Ohio, and with
Hon. George W. Beery at different points along the line of the
road. He was married, May 1, 1860, to Miss Emma,
daughter of Col. M. H. Kirby, by whom he had six children, of
these five are living, viz.: Florence, Frederick, Anna, Louise
and Fanny. Robert died at the age of two years.
Mrs. Berry departed this life July 31, 1883.
~ Page 569 |
HON.
JOHN BERRY was born in this county April 26, 1833. He
received good education in the district schools, subsequently
attending the Wesleyan University at Delaware. In 1855, he
came to Upper Sandusky and began the study of law with Hon.
Robert McKelly, afterward attending the Cincinnati Law School at
which he graduated with honor of 1857. Being admitted to the
bar in April of that year, he at once began the practice of his
profession, which he continued with marked success till his death.
In politics. Mr. Berry took very little interest; he
was elected Mayor of Upper Sandusky in 1864; served as Prosecuting
Attorney, and in 1872 was elected to Congress, being ranked among
its most worthy and respected members. Mr. Berry
was married, May 7, 1862, to Matilda L. Pierson, daughter of
Christopher Y. and Delilah (Groff) Pierson, and two children
were born to them, a son and daughter, the former dying in infancy;
the latter is still living. Mr. Berry was a man of
great promise and his death was deeply regretted by a host of
friends.
~ Page 569 |
|
|
|
ROBERT CAREY,
attorney at law, Upper Sandusky, was born in Ontario, Canada, Feb.
17, 1845, son of Hugh and Margaret (Hamilton) Carey, both
natives of Belfast, Ireland, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry.
Mr. Carey is one of a family of eight children, seven of whom
are still living- Mary, Archibald, John, Robert, Margaret, James
and Hugh. His parents emigrated from Ireland to
Prince Edward County, Canada, about 1832, and have since resided in
that locality, the father now in his seventy-ninth, the mother in
her seventy-fourth year. Robert Carey was educated at
the Toronto Provincial Normal School, where he obtained a life
certificate to teach in any school in the Province of Canada.
He made teaching his profession while in Canada, beginning that work
when about seventeen years of age, and continued in the same till
1873, when he removed to Upper Sandusky. He was employed as
Superintendent of the Marseilles Schools one year, and the two
following years had charge of the Union Schools of Upper Sandusky.
Giving up his profession as teacher, he read law with D. W.
Brooks, a prominent attorney of Detroit, Mich., and subsequently
attended the Law Department of Ann Arbor University one year.
From November, 1879, to May, 1880, he studied under the instructions
of Judge Mott, when he was admitted to practice in all the
courts. Since that time, Mr. Carey has devoted himself
exclusively to his profession. He is at present one of the
Board of Examiners of the city schools of Upper Sandusky, and a
strong advocate of Republican principles; is the owner of 160 acres
of land in Marseilles Township, and forty acres in Goshen Township,
Hardin County, dealing somewhat in live stock, making a specialty of
fine sheep and short-horn cattle. Jan. 22, 1876, Mr. Carey
was married to Emily A. Terry, daughter of Ethan and
Barbara (Heckathorn) Terry, early settlers of this county,
Mr. Terry being one of the three first Commissioners.
Mr. and Mrs. CArey are the parents of three children -
Robert H., John T., and Edward.
~ Page 578 |
GEORGE
W. FREET, Treasurer Wyandot County, was born in Loudoun
County, Va., Feb. 22, 1835. HE is the son of Henry D. and
Lydia C. (Clice) Freet, of German ancestry and natives of
Virginia. They were married in their native State, and came to
Ohio in 1836, settling in this county, where he engaged in the
blacksmithing trade till his decease. They were the parents of
twelve children, our subject being the youngest. All attained
their majority, but at present only four are living - Amanda A.,
Henry C., Lydia C. and George W. The latter was
educated in the district schools of this county, and learned the
blacksmithing trade of his brother, following this business till
they removed to Upper Sandusky and began the manufacture of
carriages and wagons, doing an extensive business. Mr.
Freet was married, March, 5, 1863, to Mary G. Hussy
daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Plummer) Hussy. Six
children were born to them, two only surviving: Ida A., born
July 7, 1867; and Clara B., born Nov. 18, 1877. The
deceased are: an unchristened infant, Mary E., Lilla and
Howard. In 1880, Mr. Freet was elected Treasurer of
the county, and re-elected in 1882. Prior to his removal to
Upper Sandusky, he served three years as Justice of the Peace in
Tymochtee Township, and six years as Clerk of the same. He is
a member of the F. & A. M. and K. of H.
~ Page 590 |
JOSEPH E. GARFIELD
~ Page 590 |
JOEL W. GIBSON
~ Page 590 |
WILLIAM A. GIPSON
~ Page 591 |
NICHOLAS F. GOETZ
~ Page 592 |
CAPT. EDWIN A. GORDON
~ Page 592 |
JACOB GREEK
~ Page 593 |
HENRY GRUNDTISCH
~ Page 593 |
PETER GRUMMEL
~ Page 594 |
JONATHAN GUMP
~ Page 594 |
JOHN J. HAAS
~ Page 595 |
DANIEL HALE
~ Page 595 |
CAPT. GEORGE W. HALE
~ Page 595 |
GEORGE W. HALL
~ Page 596 |
NEIL HARDY, M. D.
~ Page 597 |
CURTIS B. HARE
~ Page 597 |
HON. DARIUS D. HARE
~ Page 597 |
GEORGE HARPER
~ Page 598 |
LOVELL B. HARRIS
~ Page 599 |
HENRY HARMON
~ Page 600 |
JACOB P. HART
~ Page 600 |
WILLIAM D. KAIL, of the firm of
Streby, Myers & Kail, millers, was born in Mifflin Township,
this county, Dec. 13, 1854, son of Andrew J. and Julia V.
(Lindsey) Kail, both natives of Ohio, and of German and Irish
ancestry respectively. They were the parents of three children -
Samuel P., William D. and Anna E. Julia
Kail, the mother, passed away in November, 1856; the father
departed this life Mar. 5, 1883, and was buried from his late
residence, on his farm in Mifflin Township, where he located thirty
years ago. William D. Kail, our subject,
attended the district schools of his native township, subsequently
entering the Ada Normal School for a few terms, and remained upon the
farm, teaching at intervals, until 1880. In March, 1881, he
removed to Upper Sandusky, and purchased a third interest in the mill
where he is now engaged, since which time the business has been
conducted under the firm name of Streby, Myers & Kail.
They do an extensive business, have a capacity of thirty-five barrels
per day, and introduced the roller process in 1882. Mr.
Kail's marriage to Miss Mattie E. Kiser,
occurred Oct. 19, 1876, Miss Kiser being the daughter
of Wesley P. and Malinda (Reed) Kiser. They
have four children - Harry E., born Apr. 12, 1878;
Lottie E., Nov. 6, 1879; Avery L.,
Dec. 13, 1881, and Mabel B., Apr. 3, 1883.
~ Page
610 |
GEORGE
G. KENNARD, manufacturer of and dealer in harness, saddles,
trunks, etc., Upper Sandusky, was born in Marion County, Ohio, Feb.
15, 1857, son of Gilbert and Elizabeth (Lyon) Kennard,
natives of Ohio, and of English and Scotch ancestry. They
first settled in Marion County, but removed to this county in 1871,
rearing a family of three children - George G., Charles W.
and Thomas J. George G., our subject, was educated
principally in the Finley Schools, his parents, after several
removals, locating at Finley, and later at Carey, this county.
He closed his studies at Carey, and began the harness trade at the
age of fifteen, working with his father four years. In 1876,
he engaged din agricultural pursuits for the benefit of his health,
and in 1878, he opened a harness shop at Carey, where he remained
till September, 1882, when he removed to Upper Sandusky. He
wasa married Apr. 22, 1881, to Ada M. Paul, daughter of
Rev. William S. and Hannah (Norton) Paul, now residents of
Forest, Ohio. They have one child, Olive E., born Apr.
25, 1882. Mr. Kennard was born Sept. 9, 1854. Our
subject is a prominent member of the F. & A. M. at Carey, a Democrat
in politics, and, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
~ Page 614 |
JOHN
SEIDER, of the firm of Seider & Ludwig, carriage
manufacturers, was born in Wittenburg, Germany, Mar. 31, 1833.
He is the son of Jacob and Catharine Seider, the former being
accidentally killed in his native country in 1837. John
Seider emigrated to America with his mother and six children in
1852, and located in Upper Sandusky. He acquired a knowledge
of carriage making in Germany, and on settling in Upper Sandusky,
engaged with William Barringer at $6 per month, remaining in
his employ four years. At the expiration of this time he began
business for himself on a capital of $150, manufacturing wagons and
ox carts. He continued this business nine years, forming a
partnership with D. Hale in 1865, and conducted the business
six years under the firm name of Seider & Hale. He then
purchased Mr. Hale's interest, and subsequently admitted
Frank Beidler; in 1880, Mr. Beidler retired and the
partnership of Seider & Ludwig was established, which
continued till the spring of 1884, when Mr. Seidler became
the sole owner and proprietor. He employs from fifteen to
twenty workmen, and does an extensive business, manufacturing
wagons, carriages and buggies. Mr. Seider estimates his
property at about $20,000. He was married November 22, 1857,
to Rosina Agerter, four children resulting from this union,
viz.: Clara V., Minnie B. and Elizabeth.
The deceased was an infant, Harry, who died in 1861.
The death of Mrs. Seider occurred Dec. 23, 1863, and Mr.
Seider was again married Jan. 5, 1865, to Amelia Meyer,
widow of Jacob Meyer, by whom she had one child, Louisa A.,
born in Switzerland, Nov. 24, 1858. She emigrated to America
with her mother in 1861, then three years of age. By this
second marriage Mr. Seidler has had five children - four
living - John J., Edwin, Anna and Alice. Mr. Seidler
has served in nearly all the city offices, and has been a prominent
member of the F. & A. M. since 1872. He is a Democrat, and
member of the German Lutheran Church, and is recognized as one of
the most successful business men of the city. He is a man of
excellent character, of generous impulses, and though always
carefully guarding his own interests, has never lost an opportunity
to lend his aid in enhancing the interests of the public generally.
~ Page 647 |
JOHN
D. STERNER, of the firm of Hale & Sterner,
manufacturers of wagons, carriages, etc., Upper Sandusky, was born
in the before-named city Nov. 27, 1857. He is a son of
Michael & Mary A. (Hale) Sterner,
natives of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. The parents
came to this county before their marriage. They had nine
children, seven still living - Cyrus W., John D., Sarah E., Elma
M., Samuel E., George B. and Ira H. The deceased
are Mary J. and David H. The father departed
this life Apr. 3, 1882, aged sixty-one years, seven months and
twenty-six days, the mother still surviving, a resident of Upper
Sandusky, in her fifty-sixth year. The subject of this sketch
was reared and educated in the above-named city, and now resides
with his mother in the house in which he was born. He acquired
this trade in the shop of Hale & Freet, with whom he was
employed five years, purchasing Mr. Freet's interest and
entering into partnership with Mr. Hale in August, 1882.
This partnership still exists, teh firm doing a thriving business,
employing twelve to fourteen workmen constantly.
~ Page 655-656 |
MICHAEL
STERNER, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania, born Aug. 7,
1820, son of Daniel and Esther (Smith) Sterner. He
settled in this county with his parents in 1849, residing in Upper
Sandusky until his death, which occurred April 3, 1882. He was
engaged in agricultural pursuits and teaming, and was well respected
as a citizen. May 2, 1871, he had the misfortune to lose his
left limb. He was marred, Nov. 20, 1854 to Mary A. Hale,
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Donor) Hale and their union
was blessed by nine children, seven living, namely: Cyrus W.,
born Jan. 26, 1856; John D., Nov. 27, 1857; Libbie S.,
Feb. 27, 1861; Margaret E., Mar. 1, 1865; Emmet S.,
Dec. 9, 1867; George B., Aug. 17, 1870; Ira H., born
Jul. 12, 1872. The deceased were Mary J., born Sept. 9,
1859, died Aug. 28, 1864, and David H., born Nov. 23, 1863,
died Jul. 24, 1865. Mrs. Sterner was born in Cumberland
Co., Penn., Sept. 17, 1828.
~ Page 655 |
| |
| |
CHARLES O. TILTON
~ Page 661 |
JOHN TILTON
~ Page 662 |
ELIZABETH J. TOBIAS
~ Page 662 |
HAZARD P. TRACY
~ Page 662 |
PHILIP TRACHT
~ Page 663 |
FRANK TRIPP, SR.
~ Page 663 |
CHRISTIAN TSCHANEN
~ Page 664 |
GEORGE W. TSCHANEN
~ Page 665 |
WILLIAM T. TSCHANEN
~ Page 665 |
CARL F. VEITH
~ Page 665 |
CHARLES F. VEITH, JR.
~ Page 666 |
CASPER VEITH
~ Page 666 |
JOHN
H. VON STEIN, senior partner of the firm of Von Stein & Berg,
druggists, Upper Sandusky, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 10,
1853. He is the son of George and Margaret (Runck) Von Stein,
natives of Germany, who emigrated to America about 1848, and were
married in Cincinnati in 1849. They were the parents of five children,
four of whom still survive—John H., Malinda, George P.,
William C. and a half-brother, Frederick Shaffer.
John H. Von Stein, the subject of this sketch, came to Upper
Sandusky with his parents in 1857, and was educated in the public
schools of that city. He completed his education at the age of
fifteen, when, his father dying, he was thrown almost entirely upon
his own resources. At the age of nineteen, he engaged with Dr.
Billhardt as clerk in his drug store, serving in this capacity
five years. In 1877, Mr. Von Stein formed a
partnership with Frederick Berg, and this connection
still exists. They do an extensive business, and carry a large and
complete stock of everything in their line, including a fine
assortment of wall-paper, stationery, etc. Mr. Von Stein was
married, September 14, 1876, to Emma C. Stutz, daughter of
Adam and Caroline Stutz, natives of Germany, now residents of this
county, Mr. Stutz at one time serving in the office of
County Recorder. Mr. and Mrs. Von Stein are the parents of two
children, one living, viz.: Edna C. M., born May 4, 1880;
Rudolph, born in June, 1879, is deceased, dying in infancy.
September 2, 1879, Mr. Von Stein assisted in the
organization of the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association at Columbus,
Ohio. The association has grown from a membership of forty-five to
eight hundred, and is now a permanent institution of the State. He
also is Secretary of the Business Men's Union, and a member of the
Royal Arcanum. Mr. Von Stein was elected City
Clerk of Upper Sandusky three consecutive terms, now serving his sixth
year. He is Treasurer of the Northwestern Ohio Volunteer Firemen's
Association, is one of the Board of Trustees of the Supreme Lodge of
P. O. of A.; also Deputy Supreme Ruler and Past Ruler. He is the owner
of valuable town property on Sandusky avenue, and, with his wife, is a
member of the German Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Von
Stein is a Democrat.
~ Page 666 |
LEONARD VON STEIN, M. D.
~ Page 667 |
FRANK VOGEL
~ Page 667 |
LYMAN P. WALTER, M. D.
~ Page 668 |
HENRY WATERS
~ Page 668 |
JAMES W. WHITE, M. D.
~ Page 669 |
WILLIAM
WITZEL is a native of Prussia, born October 1, 1827; his
parents were Gotlieb and Theresa (Byron) Witzel
who died while he was yet an infant; he resided with his uncle,
Charley Brange, till fifteen years of age, and then
learned the trade of house carpenter, which he followed ten years in
Germany; he came to America in 1853, and located in Marion County;
he enlisted in Company B, Sixty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, September 22, 1862, and entered the war, participating in
the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, siege of Knoxville,
Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, and others. In the
engagement at Kenesaw Mountain he was wounded in the shoulder on
account of which. he was discharged at Columbus, .February 9, 1865.
Mr. Witzel purchased his present farm of fifty-one acres in
April, 1865, and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits; he was
married June 13, 1855, to Frances A. Kramer, a native of
Franklin County, Ohio, born October 3, 1837. Eight children were
born to them, two deceased—August W., was born April 5, 1856;
Gustavus G., January 20, 1861; Anna M., June 14, 1863;
Maria A., August 2, 1866; Jacob H., December 26, 1873;
Clara P., December 27, 1880; Charley H., July 23,
1858. The latter died November 22, 1861, and an infant is also
deceased. In politics, Mr. Witzel is an Independent,
himself and family being members of the German Lutheran Church at
Upper Sandusky.
~ Page 669 |
SAMUEL J. WIRICK
~ Page 670 |
HON. SAMUEL M. WORTH
~ Page 671 |
ELIZABETH ZIMMERMAN
~ Page 671 |
|
