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- CHRIS VERWOHLT, an enterprising citizen and one of the leading farmers of 'Warren Township, Jefferson County, Ohio, iesiding in Section 18, is the owner of 877 acres of farm land in this township, and was born January 19, 1838, in Germany, a son of Henry and Hannah (Hosper) Verwohlt.
Henry Verwohlt was born and reared in Brunswick, Germany, where for some years he was engaged in operating a distillery. He married Hannah Hosper, also a native of Germany, and to them were born two sons: Henry and Chris. Henry, who came to the United States in 1853, located at Martin's Ferry, O., where he worked as a fireman in the glass works operated by a Mr. Sweeney. During the Civil War he served in the 1st Virginia Cavalry, and his death was caused by injuries received in battle. He was survived by his widow, Mary Verwohlt, now deceased, and five children, four of whom are still living.
In March, 1855, Chris Verwohlt came with his parents to the United States in a sailing vessel, which required six weeks and three days to make the voyage. Chris was about eighteen years of age when the family settled on Warren Ridge near Rayland. He engaged in farming at Smithfield for three years for Isaac Lewis, receiving six dollars a month the first-year, $120 the second year, and $150 the third year, and during this time spent but $40 of his earnings. He then rented a farm in Warren Township from Jacob Cremer for seven years, after which he rented his present farm of 2481/2 acres from Greer & Lang, of Wheeling, for seven years. He then bought for $16,000, the land, buildings and stock, paying $8,000 in cash and the balance during the next six years. To this he subsequently added at different times, 4471/2; acres; fifty acres, for which he paid $6,000, and 146 acres, for which he paid $12,000. He also purchased two dwellings in Wheeling, W. Va., for $5,500, and also erected near Rayland seven dwellings which he rents. In 1891, he built his large ten-room residence, also the barns and other buildings, and carried on farming on an extensive scale. Some years ago he disposed of the coal interests on his land for $9,000. Mr. Verwohlt is one of the most progressive and substantial citizens of Warren Township, and what he has acquired has been entirely due to his own efforts, as he started out in life as a poor boy.
Mr. Verwohlt was married February 23, 1860, to Christina Brandfass, a native of Germany, who came to this country at the age of seventeen, and to them has been born three children: Henry, Lena M. and Rosenna. Henry died aged two years. Lena M. was married January 24, 1884, to John W. Greenlee, and they have five children; Christopher; Rose; Christina. who married Ross Stillwell, has one child, Lena Jane; Emma; and Cleora. Rosenna died aged twenty-three years.
Mr. Verwohlt was formerly identified with the Democratic party in politics, but since President Cleveland's first administration, has been a Republican. He has served as representative, and was for ten years trustee of the township, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. He is afliliated with the I. O. O. F. of Rayland, and is the second oldest man in the lodge there. The religious connection of the family is with the Presbyterian Church.
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The Family Puzzles - Demystified (Sort of)
1838 - 1910
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