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JACOB W. STIVING.
The subject of this sketch is a prominent and enterprising farmer, and has been actively identified with the growth
and development of Madison township, Williams county, where he still makes his home. He is a native of Ohio, born
in Richland county, August 23, 1847, a son of Philip and Leah (Dohm) Stiving.
On the historic River Rhine, in Baden, Germany, the father was born and continued to live until thirteen years
of age, when he was brought to America by his parents, Jacob and Savilla ( Weidner) Stiving, who became pioneer
settlers of Richland county, Ohio. On his arrival there the grandfather invested his small capital in a tract of
wild land, and in order to support his family he was at first obliged to work by the day for others. As the opportunity
presented itself he labored on his own land, and was finally able to devote his entire time to its cultivation
and improvement. He died upon that place, and his widow then made her home with her children in Williams county,
dying here at the age of eighty two years.
Philip Stiving (our subject's father) assisted his father in making a home for the family, and after his marriage
engaged in farming upon rented land in Richland county until 1856, when he came to Williams county, here buying
a tract of timberland, which he soon transformed into a fine farm. As his financial resources increased, he extended
its boundaries until he owned four hundred acres of valuable land The primitive buildings upon his farm were in
later years replaced by a fine two story brick residence and good and substantial outbuildings. Before leaving
his native land he became connected with the Lutheran Church, and he was ever an honorable, upright man, his word
being considered as good as his bond. Politically he was a Democrat, and he efficiently served as township trustee
and in other minor offices. He died in the spring of 1888, his wife in the following October, honored and respected
by all who knew them. Their children were: Mrs. Catherine Weidner; Jacob; Mrs. Mary Traxler; George (a farmer);
Mrs. Sarah A. Greek; Peter (a farmer); Mrs. Emma J. Keller; and Mrs. Savilla L. Kunkle.
During his boyhood and youth Jacob W. Stiving attended the local schools and assisted his father in the work of
the farm, thus early becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits. He remained at home until his marriage in 1877,
and then operated rented land for seven years. After which he purchased his present farm in Madison township, Williams
county, but at that time only five acres had been cleared. Of the one hundred and sixty acres, one hundred are
now under excellent cultivation and improved with a large two story frame residence with a slate roof, good barns
and outbuildings, in fact, equipped with all the conveniences and accessories of a model farm. In connection with
general farming he is also engaged in stock raising, having upon his place a fine grade of horses, cattle and hogs.
His political support has always been given the Democracy, but he has never cared for the honors or emoluments
of public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests.
In 1877 Mr. Stiving was united in marriage with Miss Nancy E. Yocum, who was born in Williams county, October 28,
1856, and they have become the parents of three children: Arthur L.; Cornelius O.; and Claudious L., born February
1, 1886. Lemuel and Elizabeth (Martin) Yocum (parents of Mrs. Stiving) are natives of Wayne county, Ohio, and Pennsylvania,
respectively, and were married in the former place. Andrew Yocum, the grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania, while
the great grandfather was a native of Holland, thence coming to America at an early day, and aiding the Colonies
in their struggle for independence; he located in Pennsylvania.
As Lemuel Yocum was in limited circumstances at the time of his marriage, he first worked by the day for others,
and when he had saved some money, he purchased a small piece of land in Ashland county, Ohio, which he improved
and cultivated until 1842. On selling out he came to Williams county, where he bought a tract of timberland, built
a cabin, and at once commenced clearing and improving his place. By subsequent purchase he added to his land, and
although he has sold some of his property and given other tracts to his children, he still owns one hundred and
sixty acres in the old homestead. There he and his wife live at the ripe old age of seventy two years, and are
surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, which have been secured through their own industry,
perseverance and good management. Both are consistent members of the German Baptist Church; in politics he was
formerly a Democrat, but is now a Prohibitionist. Their children are: Andrew, a fainter; Mary, who died at the
age of twenty years; Nancy E., wife of our subject; and Henry, who died at the age of five years.
From:
Commemorative Biographical Record of Northwestern, Ohio
Including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams and Fulton
Published by: J. H. Beers and Company
Chicago, Illinois
1899
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