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CHAPTER IX.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP
ORIGIN OF THE NAME OF THE TOWNSHIP - ORGANIZATION -
BOUNDARIES, ETC. -
EARLY SETTLERS - FIRST THINGS - OWNERS OF REAL AND
PERSONAL ESTATE IN 1845 -
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES - MISCELLANEOUS - OFFICIALS
SINCE 1865 - BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
< BACK TO HISTORY OF
WYANDOT - TABLE OF CONTENTS >
| SAMUEL
AHLEFELD was born near Mansfield, Ohio, February 28, 1849. He
is a son of John and Catharine (Fetzer) Ahlefeld, natives of
Germany. They came to this country before their marriage, but after
that event settled in the above locality, where they both died. The
father operated a grist mill near Mansfield, and died in 1853; the
mother died in 1880, aged seventy-four years. Of their eight children,
but five are living. Samuel, the youngest, was left an orphan
at four years of age. He obtained a common school education, and
subsequently spent ten years at the painter's trade. He married
Miss Emma C. Jones, May 9, 1871, her parents being Henry
and Catherine (Smith) Jones, natives of Ohio and of English birth.
Her parents were early settlers in this county, her father having been
a merchant, first at Carey and later at Tymochtee. He became wealthy
and reared a family of fifteen children—eight now living. The mother
died in 1866, aged forty; the father in 1870, aged forty-nine years.
Mr. and Mrs. Ahlefeld have three children—Leroy A., born
April 18, 1872; Albert H, September 12, 1873; Myrtle R.,
September 7, 1875; Mrs A. was born June 29, 1853. Mr.
Ahlefeld resided two years after his marriage in Upper Sandusky,
and then moved to his present farm, now of seventy acres, well stocked
and improved, valued at 1100 per acre. He erected a fine frame
residence, at a cost of $1,500, in 1883, and has made many other
improvements in clearing, draining, fencing, etc. In politics, Mr.
Ahlefeld is a Democrat. |
| JUSTIN
ALLIS was born in Hampshire County, Mass., June 16, 1825. His
parents, Lemuel and Lydia (Beels) Allis, were natives of
Maryland, and of English ancestry. His grandfather served entirely
through the Revolutionary war. His parents came to Ohio in 1833,
purchasing 300 acres in Medina County, and owning at one time, with a
partner, a tract five miles long and a mile wide. Their children were
Lucius, Roxanna, Rhoda and Rebecca, by
first wife; Justin, Sarah, Elisha, Caroline,
Perthenia, Wells, Alonzo, Marilla,
Hiram and Amanda, by second wife. The father died in 1854,
aged seventy-two years ; the mother is still a resident of Medina
County, in her eightieth year. Mr. Allis resided with his
parents till twenty-one years of age. He then purchased sixty-six
acres near his father's farm, where he resided seventeen years. In
1863, he sold this property, moved to Chatham and Dover, Ohio, three
years, and in 1867 came to this county and purchased his present farm
of 160 acres. He was married, September 15, 1857, to Miss Jeanett
E. Blake, daughter of Orrin Blake (see sketch), and
born February 27, 1831. They have one child— Burton W., an
exemplary young man, the owner of 125 acres of land. Mr.
Allis is a strong Republican, and has always been an industrious
and well respected citizen. Mrs. Allis is a member of
the United Brethren Church. J. R. ALTER was born in
Westmoreland County, Penn., October 24, 1839. His parents were
Samuel and Ann (Stotler) Alter, natives of Pennsylvania and of
German parentage, the parents of eight children—David,
Emanuel, J. R., Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary E., Samuel L. and Joseph
H. The father died in 1882, aged seventy-six years ; the mother
still a resident of Pennsylvania, in her seventy-second year. Our
subject began the blacksmith's trade at thirteen, and continued in
this occupation several years. He was married, September 8, 1864, to
Miss Jane S. Morrison, daughter of William and
Rebecca (Walker) Morrison, who died when their
daughter was a mere child. Being adopted by John Steel,
she resided with him till her marriage, and he now resides at her
home. Mr. and Mrs. Alter are parents of seven children—Maggie
A., born December 21, 1865; Clara V., December 13, 1867;
Elizabeth E., August 3, 1869; Harry R, June 9, 1871;
Earl G., November 14, 1874; M. Dale, October 27,1878;
Samuel W., November 4, 1881. Mrs. Alter was born
December 16, 1843. Mr. Alter rented land a number of
years, but came to this county in 1872, and purchased his present farm
of eighty acres, which he has thoroughly improved. He is a Republican,
and member of the I. O. O. F.; both he and wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Forest, Ohio. He has a comfortable home,
and is highly esteemed as a citizen. |
| JACOB
BAKER, son of Peter and Leah (Martsell) Baker, was born
in Cumberland County, Penn., October 19, 1816. He remained at home
till his marriage, March 1, 1838, to Mary A. Ramp, daughter of
Samuel and Elizabeth (Worst) Ramp. They had three children—Ann
M. (deceased), William and David—the two boys both
soldiers in the late war. Mr. Baker rented land for many
years, but in 1852 he came by wagons to Ohio, with three children—Ann
M. dying on .the way. They buried her in Wayne County, Ohio. He
located near Bucyrus, where they resided until 1860, when they
purchased their present farm of eighty acres, paying $750. This farm
they have cleared and improved by good buildings, etc., and now valued
at $75 per acre. Mr. Baker has been a hardworking,
temperate man. He is a Republican and member of the Church of God.
Mrs. Baker has acted well her part, for many years spinning
flax and wool to make clothes for the family. |
| DAVID
L. BAKER was born in Cumberland County, Penn., April 3, 1843,
son of Jacob and Mary Baker. (See
sketch.) He was employed on the farm at home till 1862, when he
enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, and entered the war. He was engaged at Winchester
(two battles), Martinsburg, Berryville, Snicker's Gap, New Market,
Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill, Hatcher's Run and High Bridge. He was
captured at Winchester in June, 1863, and confined one month at Libby
Prison and Belle Isle He was also captured at the latter place, but
was released three days later on account of Lee's surrender, receiving
his discharge June 12, 1865. Returning home he was married, December
25, 1865, to Emaline F. Coates, daughter of Norris B. and
Mary A. Coates; she died October 16, 1880, leaving five
children— Florence B., Elma E., Nellie M., Minnie I., Wilbur
R. and Wilson R. —the latter deceased. Mr. Baker
was again married, May 9, 1882, to Sarah J. Kitzmiller,
widow of James Kitzmiller, and daughter of Jacob
Guise. They have one child—Mary E. Mr. Baker
purchased his present farm of forty acres in 1866; he erected a large
barn in 1883, and has made many other improvements, now valuing his
farm at $3,500. In politics, Mr. Baker is a Republican. He is a
member of the Grange and Secretary of the Building Association at
Wharton; also a member of the Church of God. |
| DANIEL
BAUGHMAN was born in Pennsylvania May 13, 1797, son of
David and Catharine Baughman, of German descent. Mr.
Baughman had no advantages of schools, being compelled to stay
at home to labor from his childhood. At twenty-five he married
Elizabeth Wyner. They had nine children (all deceased
but Louis and John). Mr. Baughman came to
Ohio when a child and to this county in 1830, entering 167 acres in
Salem Township, himself, John Nichols, John Mann and A. B.
Inman then being the only settlers in the township. Having
lost his first wife by death Mr. Baughman married Rachel
Brown in 1835, she afterward becoming an invalid and passing
away. For the past seven years he has resided with his
granddaughter, Mrs. Sarah M. Kauble, who cares for him
without compensation. Mr. Baughman was a farmer and
hunter; is now the oldest man in the township, and one of the oldest
settlers in the county. |
| SAMUEL
BECHTEL, son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Myers) Bechtel,
was born in Bucks County, Penn., Nov. 2, 1825. His parents
were natives of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry, emigrating to
Ohio in 1829, and to Wayne County in 1852, then moving to Whiteside
County, Ill., where they both died. Their children were
Samuel, Ephraim, Solomon, Helena, Catharine, Mary, Nancy, and
three others deceased. The father died about 1855, aged
fifty-nine, the mother in 1861, aged seventy-three years.
Samuel Bechtel was brought up on the farm, where he was engaged
till his marriage to Margaret Long, June 24, 1847. He
then left his father's home and rented land in Wayne County for
several years, moving to Illinois in 1855, to receive an inheritance
of 120 acres of land. His father dying without making a will
to this effect, he returned to Ohio in 1858, a wiser and a poorer
man. In 1860, he purchased forty acres of his present farm,
and has since added forty more, besides assisting his son Orren
to forty acres. The farm is in a good state of cultivation,
valued at $75 per acre. Mrs. Bechtel was a daughter of
Joseph and Barbara (Rutter) Long, natives of Maryland and of
English extraction. Her grandfather was a Revolutionary
soldier, suffering much privation during his term of service.
Her parents are both deceased, and but three of their eleven
children are living, viz.: John, Washington and Margaret.
Mr. and Mrs. Bechtel are the parents of seven children -
John, Samuel T., Orren M. and
Arilla J. (twins), Barbara, Elmer E., John and Alvin,
the two latter deceased. In politics, Mr. Bechtel is a
Democrat, and both are members of the Baptist Church. |
| ORREN
M. BECHTEL, son of the above, was born in Marion County,
Ohio, April 9, 1853. He was educated in the district schools,
and remained at home with his parents till his marriage, Dec. 25,
1882, to Miss Emarilla Southward, daughter of James and
Maria Southward. He purchased forty acres of land from his
father in 1877, paying $1,700 for the same, adding twenty acres more
in 1883. In 1882, he erected a good two-story frame house at a
cost of $500. His farm is well-improved and stocked with good
grades. Mr. Bechtel is a Democrat and an industrious
young farmer. Mrs. B. is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. |
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| DAVID
KAUBLE was born in Marion County, Ohio, Apr. 2, 1840.
He is a son of Samuel and Mary (Trutt) Kauble, natives of
Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry. His great-grandfather
Trutt was a Revolutionary soldier. His parents settled in
Marion County in 1833, removing to this county in 1850. Of
eight children only David and Henry survive. The
father died in 1865, aged fifty-five; the mother is now in her
seventy-ninth year. Our subject resided with his parents till
he attained his majority, and in the meantime obtained the rudiments
of an education. He was married June 2, 1861, to Sarah M.
Nichols, daughter of John and Margaret Nichols, and nine
children were born to them - Miranda A., Daniel, David, Ella,
William, Peter, Asa B., J. Nettie and Mary. David
is deceased. In 1864, Mr. Kauble enlisted in Company G,
Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the
battles of Sugar Island, Snicker's Gap, Buzzard's Roost, Kenesaw
Mountain, Miller's Mill, Atlanta, and many major engagements.
He was taken prisoner at Atlanta, and detained at Andersonville ten
weeks; thence to Florence, S. C., two months, after which he was
paroled under general order to parole 12,000 sick and wounded.
He received his discharge Aug. 15, 1865. In 1868, Mr.
Kauble sold his farm and engaged in the dry goods business two
years, subsequently renting and milling two years, purchasing his
present farm in 1875. He now owns ninety acres valued $6,000.
Mr. Kauble is a Democrat; he is serving his second term as
Justice, and has served as Constable several years. He is a
member of the G. A. R. at Wharton, also of the I. O. O. F. |
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| J.
ODENBAUGH, M. D., a native of Washington County, Penn.,
was born May 24, 1849. His parents, Thomas J. and Susan
(Craig) Odenbaugh, were natives of Maryland and
Pennsylvania respectively. His grandfather, Von
Odenbaugh, a titled nobleman, immigrated with his family from soon
after their arrival in this country. When a young man, he came
to Washington, Penn., where he engaged in the mercantile trade, and
subsequently married; he was very successful in business, and amassed
large wealth. He served as Postmaster under Presidents
Jackson and Lincoln. He was the parent of nine
children, of whom Dr. Odenbaugh is the youngest.
Mr. Odenbaugh died in 1876, at the age. Dr. Odenbaugh
acquired his education in the Union Schools of Washington, Penn., and
Bethany and Vermillion Colleges, attending the latter three years.
He then went to Goshen, Ind., where he entered book store with his
brother-in-law, C. J. Madden. He then took up the study
of medicine, and in 1873 returned to Ohio and prosecuted his medical
studies under Dr. J. A. Stansell, of Forest. He graduated
at the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati in March, 1880, and soon
after dame to Wharton, where he has established a good practice.
October 12, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie L.
Mansfield, daughter of Dr. B. and Mary (Shafer) Mansfield,
of Mt. Blanchard, Ohio. Mrs. Odenbaugh is the eldest of a
family of three children. To Dr. Odenbaugh and wife three
children have been born - Edward U., born August 8, 1871;
Lena G., born July 29, 1874, and died at the age of twenty months;
and Alfred C., born May 26, 1882. Dr. O. is a
member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternities, and Ohio State
Medical Society; he owns a fine residence opposite the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and is an influential citizen. Mrs. O.
is a member of the Presbyterian Church. |
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| A.
S. REYNOLDS was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., Feb. 16,
1831. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth (Schall)
Reynolds, natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a
soldier of the war of 1812, and two of his grandfather's brothers
were killed in the Revolutionary war. His grandfather was also
a soldier in the latter war. His great-granddaughter was four
years of age, and died at the advanced age of one hundred and six
years. Mr. Reynolds' parents came to Ohio in 1834, and
to this county March 9, 1835. His father entered 400 acres of
land, and was a prominent farmer, also a gunsmith and blacksmith.
He died Aug. 9, 1848. Five of eleven children are now living -
George W., John M., A. S., Eliza and Maria.
Their mother resides in Hancock County, in her eighty-fifth year.
Our subject obtained a good education, attending the Findlay Academy
two years, and graduating at the Cleveland Mercantile College, in
1856. He began teaching at the age of sixteen, and continued
at intervals till 1882 - in all 101 terms. In 1860, he was
elected County Surveyor and re-elected in 1863, but tendered his
resignation, refusing to serve. He was married May 28, 1858,
to Hannah J. Morison, daughter of John A. and Nancy J. (Murry)
Morison, early settlers of this county. Her father was
probably the first Postmaster of Upper Sandusky and the first
Recorder serving three terms. He was also a school teacher
thirty years. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have two children -
Orion E., born Jan. 5, 1860, and an infant who died Sept. 17,
1868. Mr. Reynolds was born Apr. 7, 1837 in Seneca
County, Ohio. Mr. Reynolds purchased his present farm
in 1858, and erected a comfortable residence in 1877, costing
$1,600. He is an independent voter, and well respected as a
citizen. |
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