Wyandot County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (5 of 5 so headed), 1884

EBENEZER BAUGHMAN is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and was born June 13, 1824. He is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Wymer) Baughman, natives of Pennsylvania, his father born August 23, 1794, his mother about 1796. His parents came with their parents to Muskingum County when children, and to this county in 1836. Their children were George, David, Ebenezer. Hannah, Rachel, Jacob, James, Susanna, Lucy A. and Notchy. The mother died in 1860, the father December 2, 1873. Ebenezer, the subject of this sketch, resided with his parents till his twentyeighth year. In 1845, he inherited eighty acres from his father's estate in Salem Township, where he resided till March, 1866, when he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Baughman was married, July 4, 1850, to Mary Werner, who was born in Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry and Julia A. (Kirtzer) Werner. Ten children have been born to this union, namely: Cornelius, September 30, 1851; George, May 18, 1853; Elizabeth, July 16, 1855; Rachel A., November 1, 1856; Malinda J., September 20, 1858; Emanuel A., August 7, 1860; Emma M., July 8, 1862; Levi B., February 6, 1865; Phoebe, April 27, 1867; Matilda E., September 6, 1868. Two of the above are deceased, namely, Elizabeth E., who died September 14, 1856, and Malinda J., September 27, 1S61. Mr. Baughman is an old settler, and well respected. He served one term as Trustee of the township, and has held other positions of trust. He is a man of gene^rous impulses and good character generally.

JACOB BLOOM was born in Bavaria April 7, 1831. He is a son of Philip and Mary (Gammer) Bloom, who were bora in Germany in 1801 and 1811 respectively. His father was a farmer and blacksmith in Germany, and emigrated to America in 1852, settling in Tiffin, Ohio, moving later to Big Springs Township, where he died in March, and his wife in May, 1869. Their children were Philip, Charles, Caroline, Charlotte, Mary, Dora and Jacob. The latter came to America with his parents, and engaged in blacksmithing in Seneca County about twenty two years. In 1878, he located on his present farm of 100 acres, which he values at |i75 per acre. Mr. Bloom was married, October 7, 1856, to Catharine Drumm, who was born in Bavaria February 16, 1837. Her parents were Jacob and Catharine (Harbaugh) Drumm, who were both natives of and died in Germany - her father in 1844, her mother in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Bloom have six children, namely: Albert, born February 13, 1858; William, May 31, 1859; Marv C, November 25, 1861; Caroline, April 25, 1864; Charles, November 23, 1866; and Catharine, November 7, 1869. In politics, Mr. Bloom is a Democrat; he and his wife both being members of the Reformed Church.

JOHN GREEK, son of Samuel and Sarah (Welshhammer) Greek, was born on the homestead where he now resides November 5, 1844. He was employed at home on the farm till December 28,1863, at which date he enlisted in Company A, Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Hartsough, going dii'ect to Chatville, where his regiment encamped one week, then joining the main army at Chattanooga and started on the Atlanta campaign. He participated in all the battles of this campaign, returning and taking part in the battle against Hood at Nashville; thence to Greenville, in camp there when Lincoln was assassinated; thence to Nashville, in camp two months; thence via Johnstonville and Indianola to Green Lake, in camp one month; thence via San Antonio, Richmond and Galveston to Louisville, Ky. ; thence to Columbus, Ohio, where he was discharged after a service of two years, without a scratch. Returning home, Mr. Greek resumed work on the farm, and, with the exception of one year in the saw mill business at Carey, has since been engaged on the homestead farm of 200 acres, where he was born and reared. He was married to Miss Jemima A. Crawford, November 15, 1866, their children being Samuel, Eva C, Mary E., Myron M., John M., Tilden, Walter W. and Edith E. Mrs. Greek is a native of Hancock County, Ohio, and was born January 31, 1845, her parents being Samuel and Phoebe (McPherson) Crawford. In politics, Mr. Greek is a Democrat. He is a man of good character, and is well respected in his community.

GEORGE GREEK. This pioneer of W^yandot was born in Lancaster County, Penn., December 27, 1806. He is a son of Jacob and Martha (Miller) Greek, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, the former born near Philadelphia, the latter in Dauphin County. His parents moved to Lancaster, Ohio, about 1816, and resided in that vicinity till they were quite old; they subsequently came to this county and resided among their children till the dates of their respective deaths, 1877 and 1876. Their children were George, Catharine, Samuel, Jacob, Martha, Mary A. and William, all living but Catharine. George Greek was employed at home till twenty-one years of age. He then went to Baltimore with a drove of hogs and remained there two years, after which time he returned home, worked with parents one year, and then went to Cincinnati, where he was employed one year in the butchering business. Following this, he spent three years on the canal and other work, locating on his present farm in 1836. He fii'st entei'ed 160 acres, to which he added till he owned 300 acres. By the aid of his sons he cleared most of his land, to which in the befirinninsf he was compelled to cut roads near two miles through the dense forest. Mr. Greek was married January 23, 1831, to Rebecca Harrison, who was born in Fairlield County, Ohio, January 5, 1811. She was a daughter of James and Hannah (Crumley) Harrison, hpr father having been a celebrated weaver of England; her mother a native of South Carolina. Their children were John, James, William, Amos, Henry J., Delilah, Eliza and Rebecca. Mr. and Mrs. Greek have had twelve children, namely: Martha A., born June 3, 1832; Hannah, August 20, 1833; Jonathan, July 20, 1835; Harrison. December 13, 1836; Eliza, July 31, 1838; Jacob, February 13, 1840; William, November 4, 1841 ; George W., December 5, 1843; Delilah J., December 17, 1845; Mary C, August 22, 1847; Alexander, May 20, 1850; Sarah R., November 17, 1852. Of these Jonathan died January 16, 1843; Sarah, at the age of eighteen months; George died at Douglas Hospital, Washington, 1863; and Harrison died in Utah, en route to California, in the fall of 1880. Mr. Greek is a Democrat in politics, and is recognized as one of the most worthy of Wyandot's revered pioneers. His son,

WILLIAM GREEK,'reraained with his parents till "of age." In the spring of 1863, he went to the mining districts of Idaho, where he remained four years engaged in the mining districts. He returned in 1867, and in 1873 purchased forty acres in Hancock County, selling the same two years later and purchasing his present farm of eighty acres, where he has since resided. He was married, January 6, 1871, to Sarah Alspach, who was born in Hancock County. Ohio, August 31, 1851. She is a daughter of David and Rosilla (Ewing) Alspach, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, the former born January 6, 1821, the latter August 20, 1829. Her parents came to Hancock County in an early day and still reside there. Their children are Rebecca J., Sarah, John W., Laura L. and Emma A., the latter deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Greek have no children. They are thrifty farmers and are highly esteemed as citizens. In politics, Mr. Greek is a Democrat.

JAMES A. HUNTER, one of the pioneers of this township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, December 21, 1817. His parents were William aad Elizabeth (Reed) Hunter, the former born in Pennsylvania January 14, 1790; the latter in Delaware February 3, 1798. They were married in Pickaway County, but resided in Fairfield County about twenty years, moving to this locality in 1834. His father died June 30, 1860; his mother May 14, 1858. Their children are Mary B., James A., Elizabeth T., Zelinda M., Lydia J., Esther A., John W., Amelia R., Mahala M., Isabel B., Martha M. , Margaret A, and Thomas T. The deceased are Zeliudaand Margaret. James A., the subject of this notice, resided with his parents till about eighteen, and was then employed by the month at home till his twentyeighth year. He then purchased forty acres of his present farm, and located on the same in 1846, since being engaged in clearing it of its heavy growth of timber, making other improvements and adding to its area. He now owns 173 acres, all of which has been obtained by the " sweat of the brow." Mr. Hunter was married in 1846 to Lydia Sudds, daughter of James and Mary (Rush) Sudds, the former born in October, 1801, the latter November 11, 1797. Their deaths occurred December 9, 1826, and December 21, 1844, respectively. Mrs. Hunter was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 15, 1(S25. She died January 28, 1849, leavincr one child - Albert, born April 30, 1848. Mr. Hunter was married, July 9, 1850, to Sarah J. Updegraff, who was born in Carroll County, Ohio, February 19, 1880, and the children by this wife were Granville, born March 3, 1851; Cyrus S. , March 22, 1855; William and Elizabeth, August 31, 1859; Otis, January 26, 1862; Amelia A., October 12, 1863; Martha, February 27, 1868, all deceased but Granville and Cyrus. In politics, Mr. Hunter is a Republican. He has always been a hard worker and has undergone much of the perplexities and hardships incident to pioneer life.

. JACOB JACKSON, one of the worthy pioneers of this township, was born in Berks County, Penn., July 26, 1812. His parents, Henry and Hannah (Hough) Jackson, were also natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather, John Jackson, was of a family of two brothers, who were separated when young, and met while participating in the war of 1812. They were of Irish parentage; probably of Irish nativity. His parents came to Ohio about 1822, and located in Wayne County, where his father died about 1850, his mother about 1853. Six of their children are living - Samuel (by his first wife), Jacob, Catharine, William, Peter and Sarah. The deceased are Isaac, Elizabeth, Mary, Henry, Andrew, Daniel and Annie. Mr. Jackson resided with his parents till bis twenty-first year. In 1834, he came to this county and entered 120 acres, on which he still resides, probably the only farmer in the township who holds the land he first entered. He now owns 235 acres, valued at $75 to $100 per acre. He was married, November 15, 1832, to Rebecca Amrine, who was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, December 23, 1811, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Lybarger) Amrine, natives of Pennsylvania; her father died in Richland County, Ohio, in 1816; her mother in this county, March 27, 1847. Mr. Jackson was a Democrat till Scott's defeat, but since a Republican; he and Mrs. Jackson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and highly esteemed in their community.

JOHN W. KRABILL is a native of Seneca County, Ohio, and was born November 29, 1846; he is a son of David and Jemima (Boden) Krabill, natives of Stark County, Ohio, and Cumberland County, Penn., the former born November 3, 1806, the latter December 22, 1812; his parents were married in Stark County, and one year later moved to Seneca, where they resided forty-nine years. They are now residents of Hancock County, Their children are Augustus, Jacob, Davis, Sarah, Ann E., John W., Samuel D., Harriet E., Hiram B. and Irene G. Our subject, John W., resided with his parents till his twenty-fifth year, and then purchased 102 acres in Seneca County, selling the same one year later and moving to his present farm in 1872. He first purchased eighty acres, adding fifty-one more in the winter of 1882. He is a neat farmer and has a comfortable and pleasant home. Mr. Krabill was mai'ried, January 5, 1871, to Miss Elvina Plott, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, and daughter of Christian and Matilda Plott, natives of Lebanon County, Penn. Her parents were married in Pennsylvania, moved to Stark County in 1839, and to this county in 1852. Their children were Isabel, George W. and William M. (twins), Samantha, John H., Jackson, Elvina M., Clarissa, Alice, Pierce, Napoleon B. and Sophronia. The father died October 6, 1875; the mother still a resident of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Krabill have one child - Alma A., born April 3, 1876. Mrs. Krabill was educated in the public schools of Carey and subsequently taught thirteen terms in this county. She is a member of the

SAMUEL SHOUP, one of the most prominent farmers of this township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 10, 1826. His parent?, Henry and Mary (Secrist) Shoup, were natives of Pennsylvania and Germany respectively. They located in Wayne County, Ohio, soon after their marriasfe, and resided there till 1848, when they moved to this county, where the father died in 1867; the mother in 1872. Their children were Mary, Elizabeth, John, Catharine and Samuel - John and Elizabeth being now deceased. Samuel, the subject of this sketch, came to this county with his parents, with whom he was associated till his twenty-first year, at which time he began business on his own responsibilities, purchasing eighty acres in this township. To his first purchase, by his success, Mr. Shoup was enabled to increase his possessions very largely, owning at one time 300 acres. He still retains 260 acres, valued at |80 to 185 per acre. He was married, August 2, 1851, to Hulda Chesebrough, native of New York, daughter of Saxton and Mary (Young) Chesebrough, who located in this township in 1846. Her grandfather Chesebrough was a wealthy New Englander, and her grandfather Y^oung was a Tory during the war of 1812. Her father died in this county in December, 1861; her mother died in York State in June, 1844. Their children were Mathew Y., Samuel Y. , Hannah, Mercy, Hulda, Silas, William, Catharine, Sarah, George W. and Mary A., the latter six all deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Shoup have but one child - Saxton C. , who was born September 12, 1854. In politics, Mr. Shoup is a Democrat. He is recognized as one of the most successful and siibstantial farmers of of the township, and is well respected as a neighbor and citizen.

SAXTON C. SHOUP, son of Samuel Shoup, was brought up on the farm, and attended the district schools of his community. He was employed at home till he attained his majority, when he began operations on his own resources, being quite successful in his undertakings. His attention is turned chiefly to fai-ming and stock-raising. lu 1878, he invented an automatic gate, which he has obtained a patent upon, and which he has handled to good advantage, having realized $2,500 to $3,000 on the article since its invention. Mr Shoup was married, April 21, 1875, to Miss Ettie Heck, a native of Hancock County, Ohio, born September 27, 1857, and daughter of John and Lydia (Sheseick) Heck, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Wayne County, Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Shoup have one child - Blanche E., born February 1. 1876. In politics, Mr. Shoup adheres to the faith of his fathers. Ho is one of the representative young farmers of his township, and is possessed of good character. He and Mrs. S. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN M. SMITH, born in Ridge Township August 20, 1849, is a son of John and Rebecca (Moor) Smith, natives of Maryland and West Virginia respectively. His parents married here, and had six children, viz., Elizabeth A., Jerome, George, Sarah L., John M. and Josephine R. His mother died August 22, 1880; his father is still living. John M., our subject, was reared on a farm, and engaged in that occupation till 1869, when he embarked in the tin and hardware business in Mount Blanchard, where he was thus engaged till 1875, when he again returned to the farm. Mr. Smith owns seventy-eight acres, the old homestead of his wife's parents, and is one of the most successful farmers in the township. He was married, November 19, 1874, to Elizabeth A. Grindle, who was born in this township July 23, 1850. She is a daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Harbaugh)

Orindle, who were born and reared in Pennsylvania. They settled in this county about 1832, their children being Kebecca, Margaret, Lydia, Susan, Maiy, Amanda, Catharine, John J., Jacob S., William H. , Daniel H., Simon P. and Elizabeth A. The father died April 15, 1877; the mother is still living in her eighty-first year, under the care of Mrs. Smith. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith are Carol. August 31, 1875, died October 26, 1875; Lycurgus E., born August 30, 1876; Wheden P., July 22, 1877; Merril, December 6, 1878; Owen E., December 21, 1880; and Orange J., April 3, 1883. In politics, Mr. Smith is a Republican; he is recognized as one of the progressive farmers of the county, conducting his agricultural pursuits on a scientific basis. Mrs. Smith is an artist of no ordinary skill, and has received instructions in portrait and landscape painting from one of the best artists of Cincinnati. Several excellent pieces of her work now adorn the walls of her comfortable home.

ANN E. UPDEGRAFF, daughter of Jeremiah and Phoebe (Jones) Trego, was born in Lycomiag County, Penn., November 16, 1807. Her parents were natives of Honey Brook, Chester County, Penn.; her father born July 30, 1771, her mother August 21, 1772. They were of English descent, and lived and died in Pennsylvania. They were farmers, and reared a large family of children - Nancy, born in 1790; Sarah, July 4, 1793; Hannah, October 16, 1795; Joseph, in May, 1796; Benjamin, May, 1798; Phoebe, 1801; Polly, 1803; Samuel, October 1, 1805; Ann E., November 16, 1807; Smith, February 7, 1809; Mary, February 16, 1811; Washington, 1813. The mother died in 1826, the father about 1835 or earlier, perhaps. Mrs. Updegraff resided with her parents till her marriage, in 1827, to Casper Updegraff, a native of Pennsylvania, born July 13, 1801. He was a son of Isaac and Mary (Snyder) Updegraff, and with him, after tive or six years spent in Carroll County, Ohio, they came to this county and located on the farm where she now resides. Her trials and hardships endured in building up a home in this wild woodland cannot be even faintly portrayed. The howling of the wolves and the yells of the Indians were the terrors that have since given place to the lowing herds that graze upon the disrobed fields. Mr. and Mrs. Updegraff had fourteen children, viz.: Samuel J., Sarah J., Lydia, Mary A., Ner L., Hannah, Tamzen, Samantha, Lott, Polly and Phoebe (twins), Ann E., Louisa and John M. The father died November 3, 1870. He was a man of great endurance and strength, and in his lifetime did much hard labor. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and held in high esteem by those who knew him. Mrs. Updegi'aff is now in her seventy -seventh year, and in comparatively good health for one who has spent so many days in the labors of clearing the harvest field and the home. She joined the German Baptist Church in her sixtieth year, and still holds a membership.

NER L. UPDEGRAFF, son of Casper and Ann E. Updegraff, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, January 26, 1835. He resided with his parents till thirty- three years of age, and has been a resident of this township about forty years, spending the greater pai't of this time on the homestead where his mother now resides. He has always engaged in farming and stockraising, and has been fairly successful. He inherited a small portion of land and has since purchased eighty acres, also some property in Carey. Mr. Updegraff was married, August 20, 1868, to Miss Isabel Plott, who died May 12, 1880. She was born in Pennsylvania October 20, 1837, her parents being Christian and Matilda (Widle) Plott, natives of Pennsylvania. In politics, Mr. Updegraff is a Democrat. He holds the offices of Trustee and Justice of the Peace, and has served in others. He was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church several years, but of late affiliates with the Christian, known better as the Campbellite Church.

JOHN M. UPDEGRAFF, youngest son of Casper and Ann E. (Trego) Updegraff, was born iu the home where he now resides June 20, 1851. He was educated in the district schools, and at the age of ten began dealing somewhat for himself. At the age of fifteen he commenced farming on his own responsibility, and since that time he has been thus engaged. He obtained a portion of the homestead and has since purchased other lands till he now owns 160 acres. He resides with his aged mother and does a good farming business, keeping good stock, doing more or less trading, buying, selling, etc. He is a thorough farmer, a good citizen and a Democrat in politics. He also makes a specialty of breeding Merino sheep and Almont and Hambletonian horses.

ISAAC WOHLGAMUTH, one of the notable pioneers of this township, was born in York County, Penn., January 3. 1806. He is a son of Jacob and brother of Jonas Wohlgamuth (see sketch), and has been a resident of this county since 1843; he resided with his parents in Wayne County till twenty two years of age, and then acquired the carpenter's trade, which he pursued about ten years. He then purchased thirty acres in Wayne Covmty and engaged in farming eight years in that locality, purchasing 160 acres in Putnam County two years later. In 1843, he sold the Putnam property and purchased 150 acres, of which his present farm of 110 acres forms a part, forty acres having been given to his son. On this farm Mr. Wohlgamuth has since resided, doing a general farming business, and in the main being very successful. He was married, October 25, 1880, to Miss Mary Putnam, who was a native of Somerset County, Penn., and daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gross) Putnam, also natives of Pennsylvania. The children born to this marriage were: Solomon, Elizabeth, Isaac, Phoebe, Jonas, Jeremiah and James, living; and Jacob, Catharine A., David, Susanna, Sarah and Mary A., deceased. Their mother passed away May 8, 1875. Mr. Wohlgamuth has been identified with the interests of the township since its organization, and has done much to elevate it to its present standing. He is a supporter of the Democratic principles, and was twice elected to the office of County Commissioner - first in 1846 - faithfully discharging his official duties. He has served as Justice of the Peace thirty-three yea,rs, and still holds that office. Mr. Wohlgamuth was a mem ber of the Methodist Protestant Church in this township till the date of its dissension and downfall, and is one of the most worthy of Wyandot's pioneers.

JONAS WOHLGAMUTH, one of the most prominent farmers of this township, was born in York County, Penn., December 13, 1810; he is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bisel) Wohlgamuth, natives of Lancaster and York Counties, Penn., respectively; his parents were married in Pennsylvania and moved to Obio in 1815, locating in Wayne County, where they resided for many years, his father's decease occurring there in 1847; his mother died in this county in 1849, Their children were Jacob, Isaac, Joseph, Elizabeth, Jonas and Emanuel, the deceased being Jacob, Emanuel and Joseph. Jonas, the subject of this sketch, came to this county with his mother in 1846. In August of that year, he obtained thirty acres of land as an inheritance, and this by subsequent purchases has been increased to 290 - six acres being appropriated by the railroad company. Mr. Wohlgamuth has labored under great difficulties, having settled on his farm when the coun- try was wholly unimproved. By diligent and persevering efforts, be has succeeded in carving out from the rugged forest land a home such as few could have procured under similar circumstances, though the toil and trials of pioneer life have left their imprint on his brow. He has accumulated all his property by hard labor, and though he has had many reverses has generally been fortunate and successful. Mr. Wohlgamuth was married March 22, 1833, to Susanna Aker, who was born in Pennsylvania October 8, 1811. She was a daughter of Joseph and Catharine (Walls) Aker, and to her three children were born, namely: Sarah, born March 16, 1834; Keziah, January 15, 1836, and Solomon. December 23, 1841. The latter was accidentally killed by a runaway team June 22, 1876; Keziah died January 28, 1867, and Mrs. Wohlgamuth passed away Decemb*- 28, 1866. Mr. Wohlgamuth is a member of the German Baptist Church, and one of the most honorable and respected citizens of this township; he is one of its most successful farmers, and has done much for the general improvement of his community.