Michael Peterman

     Michael was born on Thursday, 16 February 1797 in Windsor Township, York County, Pennsylvania. This was according to his birth certificate.^1,2 He was christened there on 7 March 1797 in Canadochly Union Church. His sponsors were Michael Stromenger & his wife Rachael.² Michael married Sarah Ridgely, daughter of Westall Ridgely and Elizabeth Heim, on 12 April 1832 in Crawford County, Ohio.^3,4 On 13 March 1828, Michael purchased from the government 80 acres in the east half of the southwest quarter Of section 35 Of Liberty Township [t2s r17e]. This property is between what is now U.S. 30 (Lincoln Highway or Mansfield Road) and Stetzer Road. A road connecting these two roads and adjacent to the property became known as the Peterman Road. U.S. 30 is the original trail used by the settlers on their way west. The Peterman farm was approximately one mile south of that trail and on the eastern edge of the township.⁵
3 September 1850, Michael and his wife, Sarah, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Liberty Township, Crawford County, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were Michael Peterman [52 Pennsylvania], his wife, Sarah [47 Ohio], their children: Elizabeth [17 Ohio], John [15 Ohio ], Michael [13 Ohio], Westell [9 Ohio], Sarah [7 Ohio], & Isabella [5 Ohio].⁶ 30 June 1860, Michael and his wife, Sarah, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Liberty Township. Enumerated in this household were Michael Peterman [63 Pennsylvania], Sarah [50 Ohio] Westel [20 Ohio] & Isabel [ 17 Ohio]. They have real propery valued at $3200 and personal property valued at $700. Michael is a farmer and Westel is helping with the farm.⁷ Michael made his will on 13 April 1866.

In the name of the benevent Father of all I Michael Peterman of the Township of Liberty And County of Crawford and State of Ohio, do Make and Publish this my last will and Testament.
Item first - I Give and Devise to My Beloved Wife all my Property Both Real and personal so long as she Remains my Widow and in Case She Gets Married She Shall Retain one third her life Time and in Case of her second marriage Two thirds of the Estate shall be equally divided among my Children Between John Peterman, Michael A. Peterman, Westall Peterman, Elizabeth Steen, Sarah Sutton, Isabel Peterman.
Item Second - At the death of of my wife all the property Both Real and Personal that may then remain unconsumed and unexpended shall be equally divided amongst my six children as above stated.
Item Third - I do hereby nominate and appoint my wife Sarah Peterman and W. H. Heise executors of this my Last Will and Testament and hereby authorise and Empowering Them To Compromise Adjust and Release and discharge all in such a manner as they may deem proper as the debts and Claims do me I do also authorise and empower them if it shall become necessary in order to pay my debts to sell at private sale any personal property sufficent to discharge the same and I do here by revoke all former wills made by me in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirteenth day of April in the year of our Lord 1866
Michael [X] Peterman Signed and achknowledged by said Michael Peterman as his last will and testament signed in our Presence
A, H. Briggs, W. H. Heise.⁸

30 June 1870, Michael and his wife, Sarah, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Liberty Township. Enumerated in this household were Michael Peterman [73 Pennsylvania], his wife, Sarah [68 Ohio], & daughter, Isabella [26 Ohio].⁹ 4 June 1880, Michael and his wife, Sarah, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census living in the home of their son at Bucyrus, Crawford County, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were Michael Peterman [42 Ohio][butcher], children: William [7 Ohio], Cora [6 Ohio], & Amanda [4 Ohio], Michael Peterman [83 Pennsylvania], Sarah [69 Ohio], & housekeeper: Martha Grall [32 Ohio].¹⁰ Michael died on Friday, 6 August 1880 in Bucyrus at his home located at the corner Spring & Charles Street at age 83 years, 5 months and 21 days at 6:30 am.

Obituary: Died on Friday morning, August 6 1880, at 6:30 o'clock, Michael Peterman, in the 84th year of his age. Funeral at his late residence corner of Spring & Charles Streets. Friends are invited. [Crawford County Forum - Friday, 6 August 1880]¹¹ He was buried there in Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, 7 August 1880. His funeral was held at his home.The inscription on his tombstone reads: Michael Peterman - Died Aug. 6 1880 - Aged 83 Y. 5 M. 20 D.¹²