The Neff Families of Crawford County, Ohio

DAVID E. NEFF.

As a thorough and successful farmer, an excellent neighbor and a highly respected citizen David E. Neff enjoys the esteem of the community in which he lives, and is regarded as a representative citizen of Liberty township. His birth was in Hepburn township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 1825, a son of John Michael and Christina (Wagner) Neff, and he was one of a family of eight children, the three survivors being David E.; Christina, a maiden lady living with her brother Joseph; and Joseph, a farmer in Holmes township.

John Michael Neff, the father of our subject, was born in the town of Mahrenjen, Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1783, a son of Michael and Catherine (Graff) Neff, both of whom died in Germany, after rearing a family of six sons and one daughter. These sons were all of fine physique, all of them except John Michael being over six feet in stature. Two of them, Lorentz and Frederick, during the German war with France were chosen, on account of their fine appearance, as members of the king's body guard at the battle of Leipsic. In 1818 our subject's father, with his own family and three brothers, Lorentz, Abraham and John, emigrated to America. At that time the trip was a long and wearisome one. They took a flatboat from their home and came down the river Rhine on it to Amsterdam, and there embarked on a sailing vessel, the Susan, and added their number to the three hundred passengers already on board. Before sailing two deaths occurred, but there were none later on the voyage: on the contrary there were two births, one of these being a son born to our subject's parents, when in sight of land, and he was iously named Gottlobe, the meaning of the name being Praise God. As the voyage had consumed eighty-six days, seventy-six of these being without sight of land, the joy and thankfulness over its ending was universal, and perhaps no one rejoiced more than did John, who had been hidden in a barrel of household effects.

Idie destination of the family was Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and there they settled. The father was thrice married, his first wife and her infant died together. It was the wife of the second marriage that made the voyage with him, and she bore four children, all of whom are deceased. The mother of our subject, Christina Wagner, was the third wife. She was born in the same locality as the father, and was a daughter of John and Christina (Herdtneck) Wagner. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. NefT came to America on the same vessel with Mr. NefT, and were in very limited circumstances. Having a family of seven children, Christina and her sister Dorothy were bound out, after landing, to a family in Philadelphia, to work out their passage, and at the expiration of three years Christina was married to our subject's father and became the former's estimable mother. An uncle of Mrs. Neff occupied the position of veterinary surgeon to the king of Wurtemberg. In Germany the Wagner family at one time had been prosperous, but unfortunate times came and they also came to America to repair their fortunes and settled in Lycomingcounty.

With his brother Abraham, John Michael NefT bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Hepburn township, each taking sixty acres, and both added to their states in later years, the father owning at one time one hundred and twelve acres. After the death of his second wife he walked to Philadelphia to bring back with him the bright girl he remembered so well, and with her as his bride returned to the farm, through ten inches of snow. By trade he was a potter, and he established a [lottery on his estate, but the country was too sparsely settled to make this pay. Here he lived, and died on April 2T. 1841.

Our subject grew up on his father's farm in Pennsylvania and received his education in the common schools, in the German language, and for six weeks received instruction in English, after lie was twenty-one years of age.

\1 the age of eighteen he apprenticed himself to the cabinet-making trade, in

Wiliiamsix.rt, Pennsylvania, and remained until he was a finished workman.

In April, 1848, he took passage on a canal boat to Philadelphia, being able to work for his passage, as the owner of the boat was a friend, and he soon found employment in Philadelphia, at his trade, following it there for fifteen months, at the expiration of which time he returned to Williamsport.

In 185 1 Mr. Neff took a trip to Crawford county, Ohio, with his brother John, who was returning to Ohio with his bride, this being a pleasant excursion of sixteen days in an old prairie schooner. He spent the winter in Crawford county, returning to Williamsport in the following June, but in rhe spring of 1858, as his health seemed impaired, he removed with his wife and two children to Crawford county, in order to be again with other members of his family. His mother, with his brothers Jonathan and Joseph, with three sisters, had moved to this locality the previous year. Our subject lived with the family eight years. They had purchased two hundred acres of land and our subject worked with them in Holmes township and assisted in paying for it. In the spring of 1866 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres and removed to it, where he has ever since resided, engaged in developing and operating this fine property.

The marriage of Mr. Neff was on September 7, 1854, to Miss Mary Wise, a native of Lycoming county and the daughter of Jacob Wise, also a native of Pennsylvania, who with his wife, Mary Magdalene (Ott) Wise, were of German extraction. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neff numbered four, these being Henry E., living at Ada, Ohio; Ellen M., deceased; Charles J., the farmer on the home farm; and Louisa, deceased.

In politics Mr. Neff has been for many years a stanch supporter of the Republican party, although his first vote was cast for a Democratic candidate. His family belongs to the English Lutheran church, which he also attends and to which he gives liberal support. The social standing of the family in Liberty township is high, and Mr. Neff is well known as a liberal-minded and most estimable citizen who enjoys the respect of all with whom he has either business or other relations.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

An esteemed citizen and substantial farmer of Holmes township, who has been identified with much of the development of this section of Crawford county, is Joseph Neff, who was born in Hepburn township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1829, a son of Michael Neff. (The family history may be found in the sketch of David Neff, in another part of this volume. )

The early life of Joseph Neff was similar to that of other health and happy boys, some schooling but much more farm work occupying his time. Until he was twenty-eight years old he remained at home, managing the farm for his mother. In the spring of 1857 our subject, with his mother, brother Jonathan, and three sisters, came to Crawford county, Ohio, and spent his first summer with his uncle, John Wagner. In the fall Joseph Neff and his brother Jonathan, bought two hundred acres of his present home farm, and here the brothers carried on extensive operations for a number of years together, their mother residing with them. During this partnership they increased the acreage to three hundred and seventeen, and when Jonathan Neff decided to retire from active labor Joseph purchased his interest. In later years he lias added to it and now owns in Holmes, Liberty and Sandusky townships some nine hundred and ten acres of the finest farming land in Crawford county.

Mr. Neff was married February 9, 1869, to Sophia D. Yeiter, and to this union were born nine children, eight of whom still survive: Emanuel, who married Sarah Krauter; Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Durr; Aaron and Amos C, twins; J. Jacob, who married Ella Schieber; Mary, the wife of Abraham Schieber; Matilda, deceased; Emma, at home; and Joseph. All of the children are at home or located on farms in the county. Mr. Neff is surrounded by his descendants and has great cause to feel pardonable pride in them. Mr. and Mrs. Neff are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Neff, one of the most generous of men. donated the ground and was a member of the building committee for the Methodist church building, which was erected on his farm near his residence. For a number of years he has been a trustee and his advice and business management of its affairs are invaluable. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and has taken an active part in educational matters and has been a wise and judicial member of the school board. Mr. Neff is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Crawford county.

Mrs. Neff was born in Liberty township, Crawford county, Ohio, April 5, 1840. Her parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Aupperly) Yeiter, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and were married there and came to this country in 1832, and settled in Liberty township, where they lived and died, the father dying in 1878 and the mother in 1885. They had nine children, of whom four are deceased. The names are John, deceased; Jacob; Mary, deceased; David; Catherine; Christina, deceased; Frederick; Sophia; Emanuel, deceased.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men of Sandusky township is Emanuel Neff, who has attained a front rank in agricultural circles in his locality. He was born in Holmes township, Crawford county, Ohio, on the 9th of January, 1870, a son of Joseph Neff, whose history will lie found on another page of this volume. Our subject was reared to manhood on his father's farm, his educational advantages being those afforded by the common schools of his neighborhood. On the 28th of March, 1895, ne was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Krauter, a native of Cranberry township and the daughter of Jacob Krauter, who came to this locality with his parents when a child, the family locating in Libert)' township. Immediate. after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Xeff came to Sandusky township, locating on the farm where they still reside and which belongs to his father. The place consists of two hundred and forty-four acres of rich and fertile land, and there our subject and his brother Aaron are extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, their efforts in both branches of their business being attended with a high and gratifying success. They pay cash rent for the land.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Neff has been blessed with two children, —

Lester E. and Ralph. Mr. Neff exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. He has made farming his life occupation, in which lie has been very successful, and his record thus far in life has been such as to commend him to the respect and esteem of all with whom he has had business or social intercourse.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

AARON NEFF, whose valuable farm of 113 acres lies in Liberty township, Crawford county, O., four miles northeast of Bucyrus, is a member of one of the old county families and was born in Holmes township, Feb. 21, 1873, a son of Joseph and Sophia (Yeiter) Neff.

Joseph Neff was born in Pennsylvania and came to Crawford county, O., when about 25 years old, ever afterward residing here and becoming a successful farmer and respected citizen. He was married in early manhood to Sophia Yeiter, who was born in Liberty township, Crawford county, and the following children were born to them: Emanuel, who resides in Sandusky township, and who married Sarah Krauter and has one daughter, Elsie; Lizzie, who is the wife of Joseph Durr and lives in Liberty township; Amos, a twin of our subject, who is a resident of Bucyrus, and who married Anna Sheiber; Jacob, a farmer in Liberty township, who married Ella, daughter of Jacob Sheiber; Mary, who is the wife of Abraham Sheiber and resides at Bucyrus; Tillie, who is deceased; Emma, who is the wife of Albert Sheiber and lives in Holmes township; Joseph, a farmer in Holmes township, who married Myrtle Sheiber; and Aaron, the subject of this article.

Aaron Neff obtained his education in the schools of Holmes township and with the exception of one year spent in the West, has always lived in Crawford county. On his well improved farm in Liberty township he carries on general farming and raises some excellent stock and in the management of his different industries finds enough work to make him a very busy man.

On Feb. ii, 1904, Mr. Neff was married to Miss Cora Orewiler, who is a daughter of Jacob and Jennie (Steen) Orewiler, and they have two children, son and daughter; Carol Irene and Forest A. Mrs. Neff has one brother, Harry N. Orewiler, who is a resident of Bucyrus. In politics Mr. Neff is a Republican. He is a wide awake, intelligent citizen and keeps thoroughly posted on public affairs and well informed concerning agricultural matters.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

AARON NEFF.

Among the young men who are cultivating a portion of the soil of Crawford county with gratifying success should be mentioned Aaron Neff, who is a prominent agriculturist of Sandusky township. This is indeed a beautiful farming country, and the land which cur subject now cultivates is some of the best in the locality.

A native son of the Buckeye state, Mr. Xeff was born on the 21st of February, 1873, in Crawford county, a son of Joseph Neff, one of the most prominent and esteemed citizens of this county. Aaron was reared to manhood under the paternal roof, acquiring his education in the common schools of his locality. At the age of twenty-two years, in company with his brother Emanuel, he came to Sandusky township, Crawford county, and began operating the two hundred and forty-four acres of land which belongs to his father, for which he pays cash rent. He is meeting with success in his venture as an agriculturist and he now occupies a front rank among the public-spirited and progressive young farmers of his locality. In his political views he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He is very popular and is held in high esteem by the people of his locality for his honorable character and energetic nature.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

E. M. NEFF.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

FRANK A. NEFF, proprietor of the leading barber shop at Crestline, O., and an enterprising business man of the city, is a native of Crestline, born July 4, 1860, a son of John and Catherine (Burkhart) Neff.

The grandparents of Mr. Neff, on both sides, were natives of Germany, but both parents were born in Germany and were married at Marion, O. They afterward took up their residence in Galion, coming later to Crestline, spent the rest of their lives here. The father, who was a car finished with the Big Four Railroad for some years, was a skilled cabinetmaker and also manufactured delicate musical instruments. He was well known to the people of his adopted city and universally respected. In his religious faith he was a Lutheran, while his wife was a Roman Catholic. They had four children: Catherine, John, Frank A. and Edward, the last named being a dry goods merchant at Crestline.

After his school days were over, Frank A. Neff learned the barber trade in 1871 and has been in business for himself since 1886, after spending about ten years in New York state, and has established himself here, having a modern tonsorial parlor, with three chairs and skilled attendants to care for patrons. Through his courtesy, skill and careful attention to details, Mr. Neff has built up a heavy patronage and conducts a place that compares very favorably in its equipments with these found in a much larger city.

Mr. Neff was married at New York city to Miss Elizabeth Cohan who was born in Rochester, N. Y., and who losing her parents was reared by an aunt. They have the following children: Bertha, who is the wife of Gran Blanford, of Crestline; William L., who is a factory worker at Crestline; and Alfonso, who is a brickmason by trade, both sons living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Neff are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Neff is a Democrat and fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Maccabees and the Modern Woodmen. In addition to his business location, Mr. Neff owns some valuable presidential property here.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ADAM NEFF, carpenter, builder and contractor at Crestline, O., has been in this line of business, including the operating of a planing mill, for more than 50 years. He was born near the city of Darmstadt, Germany, March 22, 1844, and is a son of Peter and Barbara (Pfeifer) Nefif.

Peter Nefif was born about 1822, in Germany, was reared there and married and after the birth of several children, he and his wife decided to emigrate to America where better advantages could be secured for their family. Taking passage on a sailing vessel they were safely landed at New York after 49

AXD REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS days on the sea, a storm nearly wrecking their ship on the last day, carrying away the mass. By water and wagon they finally reached Crestline, O., and then secured no acres of virgin land, situated in Hancock county, on which they built a log house and there spent the remainder of their lives, subsequently developing this wild land into one of the finest farms in Hancock county. This property remains a possession of the family. The mother died on that place in 1875, when aged 48 years, the father surviving until 1893, passing away when aged 71 years. They were members of the Lutheran church and were leaders in the same in those early days. By trade the father was a weaver but he was more than a skilled workman at that trade, having some knowledge of medicine and enough dental science to enable him to pull teeth without endangering life. He is recalled as a kind, generous, neighborly man, one who was unusually well qualified to be a member of a pioneer settlement. Of his sixteen children, ten grew to maturity and all married and became heads of families and five of these yet live.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.