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CHAPTER VII.
MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP
ORGANIZATION AND BOUNDARIES - PHYSICAL
CHARACTERISTICS - ROADS, ETC.
FIRST SETTLEMENTS - INHABITANTS OF THE TOWNSHIP IN 1845 -
TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS - MISCELLANEOUS -
- BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
< BACK TO HISTORY OF
WYANDOT - TABLE OF CONTENTS >
C. P. BRICHER, an
enterprising merchant of Kirby, was born October 22, 1856, in Seneca
County, Ohio. He is the son of Stephen and
Anna (Dunnersbough) Bricher, both of German
nativity and descent. Mr. Bricher came with his
parents to Wyandot County when but two years of age, and was engaged
with them in farm labor till his nineteenth year. He received
a good English education, and in the year 1878, entered upon the
grocery business as a clerk for Mr. Carter, in Kirby.
This position he retained about eighteen months, when the
establishment was turned over to Mr. Switzer, and
Mr. Bricher was placed in full charge of the same.
Here he remained till the year 1880, when he purchased a stock of
general merchandise, and opened up an establishment of his own,
where he is still engaged. Mr. Bricher is a
member of the Catholic Church, and is Democratic in his political
views.
~ Page 888 |
DANIEL CLINGER, was
born in this county, Jan. 28, 1839, is a son of John and Barbara
Clinger, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage.
His parents located in this county about 1830, and purchased eighty
acres of land, on which they afterward resided, his father dying
November 18, 1880. He was a member of the Albright Church.
Daniel Clinger was reared on the farm. He enlisted for
three years, or during the war, in the Third Ohio Cavalry, in
December, 1861, and joined the army of the Cumberland, participating
in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Berryville, Stone River,
Chattanooga, Atlanta, Resaca, Mumforville, and many minor
engagements. He served his full time and was discharged at
Nashville, Tenn. Returning home, he engaged in farming, and in
the course of a few years purchased fifty acres of land where he now
resides. Mr. Clinger was married July 15, 1860, to
Miss Eliza Young, daughter of Lewis and Christina Young,
and born Aug. 1, 1844. They have three children: James A.,
born Aug. 24, 1861; Ida J., Dec. 28, 1865; Elliott E.,
Nov. 15, 1867. Mr. Clinger is a Republican, and both he
and Mrs. Clinger are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
~ Page 888 |
HAMILTON DEAN was
born in this county, Apr. 30, 1844. He is a son of Abraham
and Nancy (Simmerson) Dean, natives of New York; the former born
Aug. 10, 1808; the latter July 20, 1805. They were married
Jan. 11, 1827, and eight children were born to them - Mary,
Isaac, Sophia, John, Martin, Edward, Hamilton and Eliza.
Clarinda M. is deceased, having passed away July 6, 1835.
The father came to this county in 1836 and died Oct. 20, 1873,
leaving 100 acres of land as an estate. The mother is still
living, in her seventy-eighth year. Hamilton Dean, the
subject of this notice, was reared on the farm and early learned the
lessons of industry. He was married Mar. 3, 1866, to Miss
Ruby Vanorsdall, daughter of Andrew and Katie Vanorsdall
and three children are the fruits of their union - Clemmie L.
born Apr. 2, 1870; Perry L., May 30, 1872; Orra E.,
June 23, 1878. Mrs. D. was born Nov. 21, 1843.
Mr. Dean resided with his father till 1870, and then
purchased his present farm of eighty acres, which he has placed in
excellent repair. He is a member of the Christian Union
Church, and well respected by the citizens of his community.
~ Page 889 |
JAMES GIBSON was born
in Ross County, Ohio, Mar. 6, 1805. He is a son of Robert
and Rhoda (Donavan) Gibson, natives of Delaware and New Jersey
respectively. They were married in the former State, in 1798,
Mrs. Gibson dying in 1808. Their children were John,
born in 1799, James and a daughter who died at one year of
age. Mr. Gibson subsequently married Mrs. Amelia
Reed, widow of Meyer Reed, and the following children
were born to them: Joseph, David, Benjamin, William, Eliza
and Robert. In April, 1821, Mr. Gibson came from
Fairfield County, and entered 160 acres in Tymochtee Township, where
he died in 1861. James Gibson the subject of this
sketch, returned to Fairfield County, where he learned the
blacksmith's trade, which he engaged in many years in this State and
Michigan. He was married Mar. 30, 1838, to Mary Ann,
daughter of John Beam, a native of Maryland, and a miller by
trade. Their children were Joel W., born Dec. 15, 1842;
Delilah, November 19, 1844; Emma December 5, 1846;
Cornelius, December 22, 1848; Julia, December, 1850.
The deceased were Eliza, born Feb. 11, 1839, died 1839;
Louisa, born Dec. 16, 1852, died 1856. Mrs. Gibson's
demise occurred in December, 1853, and Mr. Gibson was married
in 1858, to Mrs. Rachel Corderey, widow of Andrew Corderey,
and daughter of MR. Carpenter, of Marion County. She
died in 1872. Mr. Gibson resides on his farm fo 132
acres, eighty of which were entered before the land sales of 1845.
He also owns forty acres near by. He is a Democrat, and member
of the Universalist Church.
~ Page 889 |
ANDREW J. KAIL
was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Jan. 28, 1821. His
parents, Adam and Anna (Capper) Kail, were natives of
Virginia and of German and Irish lineage. They located in
Harrison County in an early day and purchased eighty acres of land, on
which they resided nineteen years. He then moved to Carroll
County and purchased 160 acres, where the father died in October,
1852. Andrew J., the subject of this sketch,
was brought up on a farm and early inured to the hardships pertaining
thereto. In 1853, he bought 160 acres in this county, where he
has since resided. He subsequently added to his possessions and
owned at his death 240 acres in excellent condition, valued at $80 per
acre. He was married Dec. 20, 1849, to Julia V. Lindsay,
daughter of Samuel and Mary Lindsay, and three
children were born to them - Samuel P., Jan. 30,
1853; William, Dec. 13, 1854; Anna E.,
Nov. 24, 1856. Mrs. Kail's death occurred Nov.
30, 1856, and Mr. Kail was married May 1, 1860, to
Miss Sarah McHugh, daughter of William and
Sarah (Culberson) McHugh. She was born Oct. 9, 1828.
Three of their six children are living - Julia V.,
born Nov. 7, 1861; Scott, Sept. 3, 1865;
Frank I., Oct. 5, 1870. Andrew J., James A.
and John C. are deceased. Mr.
Kail died suddenly while in Upper Sandusky Mar. 12, 1884.
The Wyandot Union, in noticing his death, says: "Mr. Kail
was one of our most substantial and influential farmers, owning and
occupying one of the finest farms in Mifflin Township. He was a
man of many excellent qualities, enjoying the high esteem and respect
of all who knew him, and his many friends will learn of his unexpected
death, with much sorrow and regret. He was admired and respected
by every one for his kind and cheerful disposition, integrity and
honor. He started in life with a limited capital, but by his
excellent business qualities, devotion to his affairs and great
industry, he prospered in everything he undertook and amassed a
handsome estate. He was one of the representative Democrats of
Wyandot County, and always took an active part in politics when any
important office was to be filled, and in other matters of importance
he was generally consulted by his neighbors and those directly
interested." For many years he was a consistent member of the
Presbyterian Church, and was always active in the promotion of its
interests and welfare, and few men were more liberal in aiding
religious and benevolent enterprises than he.
~ Page 892 |
SAMUEL P. KAIL,
son of the above-named gentleman, was born Jan. 30, 1853. He is
a native of Carroll County, and came to this locality when but one
year old. He obtained a fair education in the district schools
and subsequently attended the Normal School at Ada, Ohio, five terms.
This culture he has turned to advantage by teaching, having taught
seven terms. He was married Oct. 21, 1879, to Miss
Matilda J. Hollanshead, daughter of Jacob and Jane
(Conrad) Hollanshead, and two children have been born to them
- Clarence C., born Nov. 24, 1880, and Ira J.,
Aug. 6, 1882. Mrs. Kail was born Oct. 14, 1855.
In 1879, Mr. Kail purchased seventy-nine acres of
land in this township, where he now resides, farming during the summer
and teaching during the winter seasons. Since the death of his
father he has taken charge of the old farm and of settling his estate.
~ Page 892 |
HARMON R. LESLIE was born in
Marion County, Ohio, Mar. 27, 1848. He is a son of John and
Esther (Smith) Leslie, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and of
Scotch and German ancestry respectively, the father born May 15,
1808, the mother Dec. 13, 1813. The dates of their respective
deaths are Sept. 21, 1851, and Sept. 2, 1861. Six of their
seven children are living - Louisa, James S., John J.,
Martha, Samuel D. and Harmon R. The latter, who is
the subject here considered, was brought up on a farm, and obtained
a good education in the district schools and the high schools at La
Rue and other points. He engaged in teaching eight years; kept
a drug store two years, and afterward studied medicine under Dr.
Hardy and attended one course of lectures at the Cleveland
Medical college. He was married, Aug. 4, 1880, to Miss
Sarah Lindsey, daughter of James and Elon (Stiverson) Lindsey,
natives of Ohio, and of Scotch and German parentage respectively,
the former born Nov. 23, 1814, the latter July 29, 1814. The
dates of their respective deaths are Feb. 19, 1881, and Nov. 1,
1882. Mrs. Leslie was born Dec. 8, 1849. She also
attended medical lectures with her husband, in view of graduating in
the profession. They have one child, James W., born
Oct. 24, 1882. They are jointly the owners of 160 acres of
land, which they inherited from Mr. Lindsey and eighty acres
by purchase. Of the Lindsey family four are living -
Robert, Ann M., Sarah and Mary The deceased are:
John killed in battle at Moulton, Ala., May 29, 1864; David,
killed at Monocacy, July 10, 1864, and James, who died at
home June 16, 1858.
~ Page 892 |
ASA QUAIL was
born in Columbiana County, Ohio, Jan. 27, 1838, is a son of Henry
and Barbara (Pepple) Quail. He was reared to farm labor,
and after obtaining his majority worked by the month and rented land
until he had acquired a sufficient sum to purchase forty acres of
land, to which he has since added forty acres more. He was
married May 28, 1863, to Miss Mary R. McLain, daughter of
Abraham and Mary (Neff) McLain. She was born May 14, 1843.
Their six children are all living - Sylvia J., was born Apr.
19, 1865; Martha E., June 4, 1871; Mary A. June 11,
1873; George A., Apr. 29, 1876; Iva B., Sept. 3, 1878;
Asa A., May 1, 1882, Mr. Quail is a member of the
Church of God, and a Republican politically. He has a
comfortable home, most of which he has earned by the "honest sweat
of his brow."
~ Page 893 |
GEORGE RIESER is a native of
Baden, Germany, born May 11, 1824, and son of George and Raekina
Rieser, also natives of Germany. He came to this county
with his parents in 1846, and established a brick-kiln in Upper
Sandusky, where he resided about six years, when he purchased eighty
acres of land in Mifflin Township, where he still follows the
occupation of a farmer. His farm was once timber land and has
been hewn into a valuable home by the greatest industry and
perseverance. Mr. Rieser was married, Oct., 1847, to
Elizabeth Fehter, who was born in Switzerland, December, 1828.
Their union has been blessed with one child - William H.,
born September 10, 1848. Mr. Rieser was a soldier of
the standing army, in Germany, and has passed a life of many
vicissitudes, but finds himself in good circumstances in his
declining years.
~ Page 894 |
WILLIAM F. SMITH was born in
Bedford County, Penn., Jan. 18, 1833. He is a son of Adam
and Elizabeth (Wehen) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania, and of
German parentage. There were eight children in the family,
four living - Henrietta, wife of Ferdinand Switzer;
Elenor, wife of Jacob Switzer; William F. and
Sophia, wife of William Rieber. The deceased are
Margaret, Caroline, George A. and Reuben, who enlisted in
the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
and was killed in the battle of Winchester. After engaging in
brick-making a number of years in various localities, the father
came to this county in 1851, and purchased 120 acres of land, where
he died a few years later. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in good standing. William F., the
subject of this notice, was reared on the farm, and, after his
father's death, aided in supporting the family. He was
married, Dec. 26, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Stevens, daughter
of John and Sarah Stevens, and the following are the names of
the children born to them: Josiah J., Oct. 20, 1855;
George W., Sept. 7, 1857; John A., Apr. 2, 1859;
Reuben E., Dec. 28, 1860; William V., Mar. 20, 1863;
Elenor M., May 26, 1868. Mr. Smith purchased and
inherited 120 acres, on which he resided fourteen years. He
then removed to Bucyrus to burn brick for the new Union School
building, at that place sold his farm, purchasing one of 480 acres
(the Renick farm), which he afterward disposed of in small
lots, and purchased his present property. Besides 159 acres in
this township, he also owns forty acres in Marseilles Township, and
is ranked among the best farmers of the county.
~ Page 896 |
ORRIN F. STRAW was born on the farm
where he now resides, July 29, 1846. He is a son of Joel
and Mary (Swayze) Straw, the former born near Waterbury, Vt.,
Aug. 11, 1811; the latter in Sussex County, N. J., Dec. 5, 1808.
They were married in this county, Aug. 11, 1836, their children
being Rachel, born May 29, 1839; Orrin, F., July 29,
1846; Amanda, Nov. 15, 1849; Angenette, Sept. 7, 1852,
and four others deceased. The father died Jan. 28, 1867, aged
fifty-six; the mother is still living at the ripe age of
seventy-five years. Our subject was married Apr. 9, 1873, to
Miss Maria M. daughter of Barnett and Catharine (Woodcock)
Hughes, and a native of this county, born Mar. 27, 1849.
Their children are George W., born April 5, 1874; Iva E.,
Oct. 27, 1878; Anna B., July 25, 1881; and William
S., who was born July 19, 1876, and died May 11, 1880.
Mr. Straw owns 307 acres of good land, and is one of the
substantial farmers of the township. He is a Republican and
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, formerly a Treasurer of
the township.
~ Page 895 |
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GEORGE THIEL was born in
Luxemburg, Germany, Nov. 11, 1828. He is a son of Lawrence
and Catharine (Wynande) Thiel, who were the parents of eighteen
children. Our subject was married to Susanna Bricher in
Echternach, August 11, 1849. In 1854, he emigrated to America,
being 114 cays at sea with half rations for many days, and three
days with nothing to eat or drink. His wife and two children
crossed the water in the fall of the same year, suffering shipwreck,
from the effects of which the children both died. Mr. Thiel
located first in Seneca County, but six years later purchased
land in this county, now owning 258 acres. His children by his
first wife are Ferdinand, born Nov. 1, 1858; Stephen,
Mar. 22, 1861; Henry A., Nov. 16, 1863. Mrs. Thiel
died Aug. 1, 1865, and Mr. Thiel was married, Nov.
24, 1865 to Anna Bantz, daughter of John and Mary A. (Lusch)
Bantz. The children by this marriage are George S.,
born Aug. 28, 1866; Edward, Mar. 11, 1870; Catharine,
Nov. 25, 1871; Mary, May 28, 1873; Paul, July 18,
1875; John, Mar. 3, 1878; Susanna, Jan. 30, 1880;
Peter, Apr. 11, 1883. Mr. Thiel is a Democrat and
member of the Catholic Church. |
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JONATHAN O. VANORSDALL was
born in Cuba, Allegany Co., N. Y., Jan. 13, 1836. He is a son
of Andrew and Katie Vanorsdall, was reared on a farm, and
educated in the district schools. He came to this county with
his parents in 1846, and on Feb. 24, 1860, was married to
Margaret Simmerson, daughter of Walter and Mary (Snyder)
Simmerson. The had six children, three now living - Ida
M., born May 14, 1864; Charley O., December 10, 1866;
Clara B. September 26, 1869. Mrs. Vanorsdall was
born Sept. 26, 1833. Being a shoemaker by trade, Mr.
Vanorsdall followed this occupation till 1870, when he moved
upon his farm, since engaging in agricultural pursuits. He and
his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
highly esteemed by the citizens of their community. |
| W.
W. WHALEY was born in this county Apr. 15, 1862. He is
a son of Wilford and Juliette (Parlett) Whaley, his father
having been born Aug. 25, 1822, and died June 11, 1883. Before
his death he had acquired by hard labor and good management 145
acres of well-improved land, with all the comforts of a pleasant
home. He was a member o the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is
also his widow, who still survives in her fiftieth year. W.
W. Whaley was an only son. He resided with his father till
the death of the latter, at which time he inherited 100 acres of the
homestead, where he still resides with his mother and aged
grandmother, who was born Feb. 15, 1800. His farm is in a good
state of cultivation, and well provided with all the buildings
necessary to comfort and convenience. Mr. Whaley is
counted among the best farmers of his community, and is well
respected as a citizen. |
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