(Top left) George W Clouse 1845-1931, Mary Jane Clouse 1848-1927, Esli T Clouse 1851-1926, (bottom left) Jacob Clouse 1838-1920, Michael Clouse 1841-1909, William Clouse 1843-1923. The 3 brothers seated in front row are all Civil War veterans.
The following was compiled from the History of Van Wert County, published by Richmond and Arnold George Richmond; C. R. Arnold Chicago, Illinois,1906 and other spurces.
JACOB CLOUSE, who is distinguished as the first white child born in Liberty township, is also an honored survivor of the Civil War and an esteemed resident of Ohio City. He was born November 19, 1838, and is a son of George and Elizabeth Kesler.
George Clouse, the father, was the second householder to locate in Liberty township, Van Wert County, coming here when the entire country was covered with its native growth of timber, and when the Indians still claimed' much of the land and, by their unfriendly attitude, caused much uneasiness among the scattered settlers. George Clouse was a son of Michael Clouse, a native of Germany. Michael Clouse acquired 160 acres of land in Liberty Township, which he divided between his two sons, George and Michael. The latter, however, never settled here, but sold his 80 acres to his brother George, who, with his wife, settled there on September 2, 1838.
The family located in the woods and George Clouse immediately set to work to fashion some kind of a shelter for his young wife. He succeeded in putting together a room of logs—as complete a structure as one man could erect without assistance—which could not be denominated a cabin in the accepted definition of the word, but was far removed from a tent. In this humble little home, in the great wilderness, with the wild animals peering through the unilluminated darkness of the forest, Jacob Clouse was born, the first of nine children. The other members of the family were : Solomon, who died in infancy; Michael; William; George Washington ; Mrs. Mary Jane Duncan ; Esli; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; and Hugh, who died aged two years. George Clouse clung to the task of clearing his land until the time of his death, which occurred June 26, 1859, his wife surviving him until 1889. She was a woman of remarkable force of character, and had passed through the pioneer hardships with courage and cheerfulness.
Jacob Clouse was reared in Liberty Township and attended the local schools as opportunity offered. On September 30, 1860, Mr. Clouse was married (first) to Elizabeth Roush, a daughter of Samuel Roush, who was a native of Germany and a resident of Medina County, Ohio. There were four children born to this marriage, namely: Mary Elizabeth, who died when almost 12 years of age Elnora, who married (first) John Temple, and (second) Jesse Roberts; Sarah Alberta, wife of Thomas Miller; and Eva Jane, who is the wife of William Flager. Mrs. Clouse died in 1867, and Mr. Clouse married (second) who later died. He was then united to Sarah Jane Emerine. They both belong to the Lutheran Church. Since selling his farm of 80 acres, Mr. Clouse has resided in a comfortable home in Ohio City.
Mr. Clouse is an old soldier of the Civil war, having served from the beginning of hostilities until his honorable discharge June 27, 1865. He was a member of Company A, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., first under Capt. W. C. Scott and later under Capt. W. T. Exline. He saw considerable hard service, received a number of slight wounds, and has a record of which he may feel proud as a faithful, loyal soldier.
Jacob Clouse was the sexton of Woodlawn Cemetery where he is buried between the years 1900-1914. Jacob Clouse died on 28 Jun 1920 (incorrect birth year on headstone) Sarah Jane (Emerine) Clouse died 25 Mar 1931.
Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City, Van Wert County, Ohio.