My Genealogy Hound

JACOB MITZEL. In a county which contains so large a number of thoroughly competent farmers and stock-raisers as does Clark County it would be almost impossible to determine who deserves pre-eminence over all others. But it is a comparatively easy task to select in each township some men who represent the class to which they belong, in its best elements of worldly activities and upright character. One of these is to be found in Jacob Mitzel, who resides in German Township, near Tremont City, and whose life it is our purpose to briefly record.

Our subject is the seventh child in a large family of whom the following members survive: Elizabeth, widow of Benjamin Stump, York County, Pa.; Catherine, whose home is in the same county; Frederick, of Dauphin County, Pa.; Christie A., Scranton, Pa.; Jacob; Lydia, whose home is in York County, Pa.; Emanuel, of Tremont City, Ohio; and Amos, York County, Pa. Their parents were Jacob and Catherine (Flintchbaugh) Mitzel, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State.

In York County, Pa., February 26, 1831, the eyes of our subject opened to the light. His educational advantages were somewhat meagre, there being no free schools in the section in which he was reared, but in the subscription schools he acquired a good fundamental education to which he has largely added by reading and observation. His home was on a farm until eighteen years of age, when he began to learn the trade of a mason and bricklayer, at which he served an apprenticeship of three years. He then worked as a journeyman for a short time, after which for many years he carried on the business of a contractor. About 1863 he abandoned that occupation and turned his attention solely to farming. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-two acres, under excellent cultivation, with a fine set of buildings and other improvements to match. The residence was built in 1863, and is one of the finest farm homes in northern Clark County; the barn was erected in 1873, and it also is a credit to the estate.

On June 12, 1860, Mr. Mitzel and Miss Elenora A. Neff became husband and wife. Mrs. Mitzel is a daughter of Adam and Margaret Neff, formerly residents of German Township, both of whom are now deceased. She has been an efficient helpmate, has looked well to the ways of her household and is honored and revered by its members. She has borne her husband four children, two of whom — Arvilla M. and Lucien C., are deceased. Laura L. is the wife of George Koehler, a teacher, and Adam J., still makes his home under the parental roof.

Mr. Mitzel is independent in politics, voting for the best man irrespective of party prejudice. Much interested in the cause of education he has served efficiently as a School Director for a number of years. He is a member of the Grange Lodge of Tremont City. All worthy movements for the elevation of society and the prosperity of the public are favored and supported by him. Both he and his wife belong to the Reformed Church in which he has served as a Deacon and an Elder.