200 - JOHN H. ANKNEY
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(Welch) Ankney, who was born in Pennsylvania and died ii Paulding county, Ohio, in 1859. Mr. Ankney the subject o this sketch was united in marriage October 13, 1872, Paulding county, with Mary Ann Kinkle, who was th daughter of Conrad Kinkle, who was born in Germany, an( died in 1866 and Susannah Bash, who died in 1864, and whi was of the same family as the Bashs of Fort Wayne, Indi ana. To Mr. and Mrs. Ankney were born Calvin and Alvin twins, June 23, 18773, Prank Augustus, September 10, 1875 John N., February 3, 1878, Ernest L., April 17, 1882, Ethe B., February 11, 1884. Mr. Ankney enlisted in his country', service and became a part of company F, 38th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country faithfully 18 months. never being off duty a day during his service. He was slightly wounded by gunshot. He was in the battle of Jonesboro and in Sherman's historkmarch to the sea.
He is a farmer by profession and owns a well improve( farm with comfortable buildings and is able to enjoy his remaining days in ease and comfort. They are a family wel known throughout the county.
JOHN L. POCOCK.
The subject of this sketch, one of Paulding county most substantial and successful business men, wea bon November 22, 1854, in Defiance county, Ohio. He went to Iowa in 1855 where he remained one year and came to Antwerp, Ohio, in 1867. He was married in Antwerp, Ohio October 10, 1877, Miss Genevieve W. Root becoming his wife. She was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, February 1, 1855, and came to Paulding county in 1875. To this union was born one son, Fred H., who is a remarkably intel-
202 - JOHN L. POCOCK
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ligent and studious boy now attending school at Oberlin, Ohio.
John L. Pocock was the son of Jesse P. Pocock who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, September io, 1813, and came to, Paulding county in 1848, and died in Antwerp, Ohio, September 12, 1895, and Clara (Burwill) Pocock who is now living in Antwerp, Ohio.
Mrs. Pocock's father, Velorus Root died in Andover, Ohio, in 1893, and her mother, Adeline M. Lyman died April 20, 1901.
After the death of Mr. Pocock's first wife, he married, for his second wife, Miss Fannie E. McLusky, daughter of Rev. J. W. McLusky. born in Butler, Indiana, and is now living in Antwerp, Ohio. He preached in the Presbyterian church over forty years and was pastor of the church eight year in Antwerp, Ohio.
Mr. Pocock commenced business for himself, May, 1874, as agent of the Wabash Railroad at Antwerp, Ohio, where he remained in continuous employment until June 1, 1882. He then resigned and went into the grocery business in Huntington, Ind., in which business he remained until October, 1885, when he returned to Antwerp, Ohio, and became a member of the firm of E. C. Munson & Co., manufacturers of tobacco and candy pails, which they converted into a hoop factory in 1888, and continued in that business until 1897. He and his brother, E. E. Poco, went into the grocery business in 1887 Under the name of , Pocock Bros., and in 1891 they added boots and shoes to their business, and still continue in these lines.
Mr. Pocock, individually, owns the large and modern brick block in which the business is carried on. He is secretary and treasurer of the People's Elevator Company and vice-president of the Antwerp Exchange Bank. He owns
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120 acres of land in Harrison township, too acres of which is under cultivation, wel improved and good buildings. He also owns in Franklin parish, Louisiana, an undivided half interest in 4,200 acre, of timber land. He was educated in the public schools of Antwerp and vicinity. He has been a member of the Presbyterian choir ever since the organization of the church in Antwerp. He has been city treasurer three terms and is now a member of the city council.
Mr. Pocock occupies an enviable position in secret orders. He is a Knight of Pythias and is past chancellor of the lodge. In each, I. 0. 0. F. and Encampment, he has filled the offices. In the F. & A. M. he is a member of the blue ledge in Antwerp, Ohio ; chapter council and commandery in Defiance, Ohio ; Scottish rite up 't othe eighteenth degree in Toledo, Ohio ; Zenobia temple, Mystic Shrine, Toledo, Ohio.
Mr. Pocock is of large and powerful build and is one of Paulding county's very best citizens.
HENRY LUDWIG EICHLING.
The subject of this sketch was born in Kirchheimholanden, Bavaria, Germany, February i4th, 1854. He is the son of Phillip and Elsa (Diehl) Eichling, both of whom were born in Kirchheimbolanden, Germany, and both died in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Mr. Eichling was by profession a mechanical engineer and draughtsman. He learned his profession in the Polytecnic school i,n Kaiserslautern, Germany. After coming to this country he followed the profession of mechanical engineer and draughtsman, and was located in Temple Court, New York, and in this metrop-
205 - HENRY LUDWIG EICHLING
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olis, where the highest order of proficiency is to be found, his ability as an accomplished draughtsman was soon recognized and he was placed in the front rank of his profession. February 22nd, 1887, he was united in marriage in Brooklyn, N. Y., with Miss Sophia Weidmann, daughter of Mr. Paul Weidmann, whose history appears elsewhere in this volume. She as born in Brooklyn, June 3rd, 1865. After touring England, Germany and France, they located in . Paulding, Ohio. To them were born : Henry Louis, Paul Otto and Carl Anton. Before coming to Paulding Mr. Eichling became a partner in business in Paulding county, with his brother-in-law, and opened up the woods owned by them and operated the stave factory at Paulding, Ohio.
His work here being entirely new to him and entirely different from his profession, and the interest being large, through overwork he undermined his health, from which he died, May 11th, 1894, since which time the business has been under the management of Mrs. Eichling, who has been tireless in her efforts in bringing the properties up to their present excellent state of utility and beauty.
DR. ELLA THOMPSON FAST.
The subject of this sketch, the wife of Dr. Le Roy Fast, whose sketch precedes this, was born near Wilmington, Ohio, March io, 1871, and is the daughter of William and Nancy J. (Clemens) Thompson, both of whom are now deceased. The former was born in Clinton county, Ohio, and the latter is of Virginia descent the former died in 1885 and the latter in 1879. The Clemens in Virginia were an historic family and have intermarried with some of the most noted families of that state of renowned people. Her parents
207 - RESIDENCE OF MRS. S. EICHLING
209 - DR. ELLA THOMPSON FAST
210 - DR. LEROY FAST
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were extensive farmers and stock raisers, owning sever hundred acres of excellent land, on which was grown son of the best stock of the state. She was educated at Wilmington, Ohio, and at the National Normal University Lebanon, Ohio, completing the literary course and also the art course, in which she displayed great ability, some of the specimens of her work being especially fine. After completing the literary and art course at Lebanon, Ohio, she was united in marriage in Wilmington, Ohio, June 5, 1890 with Dr. Le Roy Fast, after which she entered the Cincinnati, College of Medicine and graduated in the course of me( icine and surgery in the class of 1896, since which time she has been located in Paulding, practicing her profession in partnership with her husband.. She does a general practice, but makes a specialty of the diseases of women and children in which she is unusually successful.
Mrs. Fast, as is shown by her accompanying picture, a lady of unusual beauty, considered one of the most, if not the most, beautiful woman in Paulding county.
Dr. and Mrs. Fast have a lovely home and office an enjoy a large circle of friends, who hold them in very high esteem.
HON. W. H. PHIPPS.
The Phipps family were prominent in this county anterior to the Revolution and in England were long a title family. Among the early noted members of the family Sir William Phipps, born in Maine, 1651, died in London 1695. He amassed a fortune by the recovery of Spanish plate wrecks. He was the first Royal Governor of Mass:
210 - HON. W. H. PHIPPS
211 - MRS. W. H. PHIPPS
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chusetts and captured Port Royal, Nova Scotia, from the French ; and Jedadiah Phipps, the great-great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, upon whose farm the battle of Bunker Hill was fought. The Phipps, together with their kinsmen, the Sangers, received grants of land in . America from the English government. The father of Sir William Phipps receiving a large grant in the state of Maine. Of the Sanger family. is the present General Sanger of the Spanish-American war. The Phipps name is prominent at the present day among whom might be 'mentioned the attorney in the Carnegie-Frick settlement in which he established harmony between those giants of finance. On his mother's side is a character deserving mention. His grandfather, William Miller, a Scotch-Irishman, who came to this country when 21 years of age, was made a mason in Ireland and a Knight Templar and when he died at the age of ninety-nine years, eight months, had been a Freemason for seventy-eight years and was the oldest living Mason in the world.
The immediate subject of this sketch, Hon. W. H. Phipps, was born in Caldwell, Ohio, August 18th, 1864, the son of Samuel H. and Mary (Millet) Phipps. He was educated in the common schools and Northwestern Ohio University and Elizabethtown college; taught both common and normal school ; began the study of law with Hon. D. S. Spriggs, of Caldwell, Ohio, in 1887, and was admitted to the bar in 1889 and settled in Paulding the same year and began at once a successful career in law and business. Since his advent among us, the pace he has traveled has been much beyond the ordinary for men of ability. The time since 1889 is not long, yet in that year he came among us unknown ; now he is personally known and respected by an immense
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circle extending throughout the state. In politics his influence at home is very great and he is regarded by all political organizations ft'om the local to the national organization as an organizer and manipulator of men which in his quiet cool and pleasant way marks him as a character, rarely defeated and never, except to recover with greater blandness and more quietness of Power. When temporarily vanquished, before his victors recover from their exultations he has, sphinx-like, risen in greater power than before. The only indication of defeat in him is a quiet smile playing on his countenance and a somewhat merrier twinkle in his eye These are "weather breeders" to his opponents. He was tendered his choice, council-ship of Mantes, Santor, Catania and Puerlo Cbello at the beginning of McKinley's administration which he refused. His politics is not that of an ,office seeker. The only office he ever held is that of city solicitor which he refused for a second term. The positions he has held as a party worker are too numerous to enumerate; among those, that could hardly be omitted are alternate delegate to National Republican convention at St. Louis in 1896 and delegate to National Republican convention al Philadelphia in two in which he played more than an ordinary part, his name being frequently mentioned in the city Papers of the United States in connection therewith.
In business affair he is too well-know to require mud to be said suffice to say that in 1889 he came here without means and now he stands at the front of those of financia standing in the county and perhaps has the neatest business from a purely financial standpoint of any man in the county
Mr. Phipps believes in thorough equipment in everything, his law library is consedered the best in Paulding anc his home library is one of the best in northwestern Ohio
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which, in its beauty and choice of works, is one of the best monuments to his taste, scholarship and judgment.
In his person, Mr. Phipps is tall, muscular, with a vitality that can act with giant force and sustain him far beyond the average life of man. There is a warmth and glow about • him that attracts and holds his friends ready to fulfill his every wish.
August 14, 1890, W. H. Phipps and Miss Nora Cooper, daughter of William K. and Lucy H. (Green) Cooper, descendant of Gen. Green, of the Revolution, were united in marriage, a lady of grace and refinement and who, in her sphere of life, is much like himself in his. Her feminine character being the counterpart of his masculinity and a home has grown up in harmony with the sum of their characters; every selection and arrangement has the touch of a master hand and the air is fragrant with the breath of home which is a nepentha from all cares of business and the outside world.
In secret orders, Mr. Phipps' career has been worthy, he being a member of Defiance Commandary No. 30. He. is a 32nd degree Mason ; was elected class orator at the conferring of the Scottish Rite Degree at Toledo and also at the conferring of the 32nd Degree at Cleveland in 1899. He held the office of Master of 3rd Veil at Paulding Chapter for two years and Royal Arch Captain for one year. He also belongs to Defiance Benevolent & Protective order of Elks also of the Dayton Shrine.
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HENRY W. REEB, JR.
The subject of this sketch was born in Carryall towri. ship, Paulding county, January 23rd, 1862. He is the sol of Henry Reeb, Sr., a native of Alsace, Lorraine, Germany who was born in that county March 3, 1821. He came to Paulding county in 1847., He landed in New York, thei went up the Hudson river and the Erie canal to the lake then by lake, to Toledo, Ohio, and up the Maumee river any canal to Antwerp, Ohio, which was only a few houses on th bank of the canal. He entered eighty acres of land upoi which he lives at the present time and worked in Defiance six months at nine dollars per month to pay the government price for the land. At this time the Indians had left th country some three or four years before. The only road a that time was the river road which he helped to underbrush. He went to mill at Orange, Indiana, often going horseback with a bag of corn. His neighbors at that time were Josep Reeb, the Runyans, William Gordon and Thomas Banks.
On March 31, 1853, he was united in marriage in Defi ance with Miss Annie Kellermier, who was born in Germany, October 11, 1823. To them were born Henry W deceased; Bennett, deceased ; Franklin, deceased; Henry W the subject of this sketch; Frank B. and Mary A., neither c whom are married. These two venerable people have live to see almost the entire development of Paulding count having come to the county when almost the entire count was a virgin forest inhabited by bears and wolves. Their lives have been rich in pioneer experiences, and now in th sunset of life are enjoying the fruits of their labor and economy. They and the children own and operate a farm of 21 acres, well improved and stocked. They make a specialty of thoroghbred Poland China swine.
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The Reebs in Paulding county are a numerous and a well known and highly respected people.
EMMET E. POCOCK.
The subject of this sketch, one of Paulding county's substantial business men and member of the firm of Pocock Bros., also of the People's Elevator Company, was born September io, 1859, in Antwerp, Ohio. He is the son of Jesse P. and Clara (Burwill) Pocock,tan account of whom is given in the sketch of J. L. Pocock.
In boyhood, the subject of this sketch commenced for himself as a laborer in the stave factory at which work he continued until twenty-two years of age, after Which he followed telegraphy five years, then commenced merchandising at which business he continues at the present time.
May 20, 1891, he was united in marriage in Antwerp, Ohio, with Miss Lottie M. Doering, who was. born February 15th, 1867, in Antwerp, Ohio. She was the daughter of P. P. and Sue (Stout) Doering, Mr. Doering being the present commissioner of Paulding county, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. Pocock is now serving his second term as corporation treasurer. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and of the Encampment. He is Past Noble Grand and Past Chief Patriarch. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Aside from the grocery and soot and shoe business in which the Pocock Bros. are leaders, E. E. Pocock owns a farm of 110 acres in Crane township thoroughly improved with good substantial buildings.
Mr. Pocock is an entirely self-made man commencing
217 - EMMET E. POCOCK
218 REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
as a factory laborer he has, through application-to business and business ability made himself one of the leading business men of the county and highly respected.
ELMER A. HAINES.
Among the younger generation of thrifty and successful farmers is found the subject of this sketch who was born in Union county, Ohio, March 14th, 1865, and came to this county with his parents April 3oth, 1870, giving him a residence here of thirty years which' classes him among the pioneer of this new and rapidly developing county. He is quite familiar with that rugged life which characterizes the early development of a heavily wooded country and the transforming of the primeval forest land into fields of waving corn and wheat. He is now the owner of a very fertile and well improved farm of 126 acres with comfortable buildings and modern farm implements.
Elmer A. Haines, the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage. March 20, 1886, in Paulding county, Ohio, with Miss Laura, daughter of Townsend R. and Louisa (Bash- ore) Carter, who was born in Adams county, Ohio. The Carters are a part of the Viriginia family of Carters who, have contributed so much to the growth and culture of the "Old Dominion."
To Mr. and Mrs. Haines have been born the following children : Ethel A., Zona, Maude A. and Robert S.
The parents of Elmer A. Haines are Augustus E. and Emiline (Crowder) Haines, whose history is found on another page of this volume. They are of Puritan descent and wherever found are law-abiding Christian people.
The subject of this sketch has been a member of the
219 - ELMER A. HAINES
220 - REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
township board of education and township trustee, the latter of which he now holds. In politics, he is a Republican and a party worker.
JOHN MUSSELMAN, SR.
John Musselman, Sr., the subject of this sketch, one of the prominent and representative pioneer citizens of Paulding county, is a native of Virginia ; was born in Shenandoah county, that state, May 30, 1803. He is the son of David and Susanna (Hershberger) Musselman, both Virginians. Our subject is the eldest of the following children born to these parents : John, Samuel and Isaac, who are .dead; Annie, of Covington; Susan, Elizabeth, Mecca and Mary, the last four deceased. John Musselman was a tanner by trade and was also a boot and shoe merchant for several years. He formerly practiced medicine for about twenty years and finally retired to his farm. He at his death, which occurred recently at an advanced age, owned a splendid farm of 16o acres, upon which he spent the evening of a long eventful and useful life in peace and repose. He in early life was a Democrat, but afterwards joined the forces of that honorable citizenship, the independent voter and placed man above party. He was county commissioner one term and justice of the peace five terms. He purchased farm In the early day of 1833. March 29. 1832, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza, daughter of David Clemmer, a Virginian, and early pioneer. To them were born John, Jr., Amos, Diana, Cyrus, Jane, William, Mary, Eliza, Minerva, Ira, Ida and David. Mrs. Musselman died September 19, 1880, and June 29, 1882, Mr. Musselman married Clarissa (Richards) Lacy, widow of Elmer Lacy. Mr. Musselman was one of
221 - JOHN MUSSELMAN, SR.
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our earliest and most prominent pioneers. He lived a life. of usefulness and his influence on his community was a power for good.
ALLEN BYBEE.
The subject of this sketch, Mr. Bybee, the popular and efficient auditor of Paulding county, has just been flatteringly indorsed by the people of the county and his tenure of office extended another term. Mr. Bybee, since coming to Paulding county, has grown in popularity every year as regularly as the years go by. Nobody as far as we know have any adverse criticism either upon his character or his official acts. He is a believer in the people and the people are believers in him. The accompanying cut not only explains his business previous to his official life, but also is evidence of his enterprise and unique business methods. In business Mr. Bybee has been successful, eminently successful. The popularity of the man and the popularity of his goods both had a harmonious, steady growth. If we were asked the elements in his character that give base to his popularity, we would say first that he is as true as Steel and will go to the limit with alacrity to 'rescue a friend in financial distress. He scorns business methods only in the face of a deserving appeal for an accommodation. The names of those he has befriended is legion, and he will be invincible just as long as the hearts of the citizens of the county haver a spark of gratitude in them. Here is a flat contradiction of the theory that to be successful politically one must be vacillating and false in character. Would we had enough such characters in public life to purge our body politic of this
223 - ALLEN BYBEE
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heresy. Our political sky like the starry heavens have meteors of monetary dazzling brilliancy, but they must in Obedience to the laws of gravity soon drop back to the earth and sink into oblivion. He -who holds permanently the hearts of the people must have his heart's cords deeply anchored in unflinching integrity, and faithfulness to his friends. Such a man is the subject of this sketch.
FRANK W. DUNHAM.
The present popular and efficient treasurer of Paulding county, Frank W. Dunham, is entirely a self-made man, having been left fatherless at. the tender age of six years and motherless at the age of eight after which he was reared upon .a farm and knows what it is to be a farmer's boy without the tender influence of a father and a mother's care.
Frank W. Dunham, the subject of this sketch, was born in Lucas, Richland county, Ohio, January 28, 1856. He is the son of James S. and Frances C. (Davis) Dunham. The former was born in Delaware county, Ohio, and followed the profession of merchant tailor. He gave his life for the preservation of our Union, having enlisted as a private in the 120th 0. V. I. and died in a hospital in St. Louis and is buried in the National cemetery there, after being buried two years in a Catholic cemetery. He died February, 1862. The latter died in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1863. Mr. Dunham, after leaving the farm, entered the employ of the company known as Old's Wheel Works. This company is an immense affair occupying four large buildings and employing about 400 men. He started in as a machine hand but his ability was soon recognized in the way of promotions until
225 - FRANK W. DUNHAM
226 - REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
he reached the very important position of superintendent of. eighteen different departments, where they employed four hundred men. He remained with this company fourteen years and was one of the important' factors in the material affairs of the city of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He left this company for the purpose of entering into manufacturing for himself and moved to Cecil, Ohio, where he followed the business of saw milling, hub and spoke, and tile manufacturing. He also has a manufacturing plant at Auburn, Indiana, where he manufactures wind mills and harrows. He has all his life been a very busy man and a large overseer and employer of labor with whom his relations have been of the most friendly and congenial nature. He has never been an oppressor of labor in any sense, but has always been the staunch friend and neighbor to those whom he employed.
Ever since coming to Paulding county the public has drawn freely upon his time as its servant in various capacities ; member of village council, member of school board, treasurer of school board, treasurer of the corporation and treasurer of the county, in all of which capacities he has exercised the same care and acted with the same promptness as in his own private affairs. His popularity at home is fairly shown by his own township's vote when he was elected county treasurer, Crane township polling Democratic, gave him io5 majority over his Democratic competitor.
Mr. Dunham was united in marriage in Vt. Wayne, Indiana, July 5th, i88o, with Miss Jennie M. Dunfee, who was born November 20, 1862, in Columbia City, Indiana. She is the daughter of James H. Dunfee and Elizabeth (Moores) Dunfee, upon whose farm the present town of Dunfee, Indiana, was built and after whom it was named. The former died in 1872 on his farm and the latter is now living in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
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Mr. Dunham and family are valued and benevolent members of the Presbyterian church. He is a member the K. of P. lodge, No. 101, at Ft. Wayne, Indiana. H official term as treasurer of Paulding county promises to be one of the most popular in the history of the county and everything points to his triumphant re-election. Paulding county takes great pride in having Mr. Dunham as one of her citizens.
OSCAR L. PARROTT.
The subject of this sketch, one of the energetic ar prosperous farmers of Blue creek township, was born Mercer county, Ohio, October 29th, 1865. He is the se of Jacob H. and Charlotte (Rodibaugh) Parrott, the fo mer born in Mercer county, Ohio, and the latter in Loral county, of the same state and are now living in Paulding. county. Oscar L. Parrott was raised upon a farm and h: followed that business ever since. He has in connection with farming run hay presses and been interested in drilling oil wells in the way of prospecting in his own neighborhood. He came to Paulding county in 1882.
April 12, 1888, he was united in marriage in Payne, Ohio, with Miss Alvina Eagleson, who was born in Hancock county, Ohio, December 19, 1868. She is the daughter of Andrew Eagleson who was born in Ireland and Lucinda (Baughman) Eagleson. Her parents are now living Paulding county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Parrott were born Herman (October 8, 1891,) and Raymond ( June 4, 1896.)
The father of the subject of this sketch served in Company K, 55 I. V. I., during the Civil war.
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Oscar L. Parrott served one term as assessor and is at present one of the school directors of his district.
His postoffice address is Payne, Ohio.
SILAS ALBRIGHT.
The subject of this sketch, Mr. Silas Albright, farmer and ex-soldier, was born July 4, 1847, in Marion county, Ohio, and came to Paulding county in 1875.
October 28, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Rica Keinlie in Marion county, Ohio. She was born in Marion county, Ohio. To this union were born Melvin, deceased; William, Webster, deceased ; Minnie M., deceased; Solomon M., Victoria, deceased; Edmond and Franklin Arthur. The parents of Mr. Albright were Solomon Albright who was born in Pennsylvania in 1812 and moved to Fairfield county where he married and then moved to Marion county, Ohio, and became one of the substantial farmers of that county. He died in Marion county in February, 1899, and Rebecca (Cramer) who was also born in Fairfield county, Ohio, and who died in Marion county, Ohio, May, 1901. The father of Mrs. Albright was Jacob Keinlie, who was born in Germany and who is now living in Marion county, Ohio. Her mother's maiden name was Frank, who was born in Germany and who died in Marion county, Ohio.
Mr. Albright was twice married, his present wife being Alwilda Smith, who was born in Pennsylvania, April 14, 1844, and is the daughter of John Smith of that state.
Mr. Albright served his country during the Civil war, being a private in 174 0. V. I. He enlisted September, 1864, and participated in Sherman's historic March to the
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Sea. He was mustere 1 out at Charlotte, North Carolin, June, 1865. His uncle. John Albright, was in the war ( 1812. Both of his wives had brothers in the Civil war.
He and his wife are members of the M. E. church Lee's Chapel and during the building of the church was member of the building committee. He has also been churc trustee.
When he first came to the county his surroundings were somewhat primitive. He first attended church at Blue Creek and went somewhat well dressed as he would in the older country from which he came and was an object of very close scrutiny from the congregation. Young men at the time attended church barefooted with pants rolled up and with their guns and dogs.
Mr. Albright is an active Republican and has held the offices of township trustee two terms, supervisor, constable and school director. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. an G. A. R. He has a beautiful home and is held in hig esteem.
JESSE H. UNDERWOOD.
The subject of this sketch, one of the enterprising young farmers of Paulding township, was born in Harrison township, Paulding county, Ohio, January 26, 1875. His father, Aaron Downs Underwood was born in Logan county, Ohio, and is of English descent, his ancestors having come to this country before the Revolution and are a numerous people. He served his country faithfully during the entire Civil war.
His mother, Emma Wiltzie, who was born in Harrison township, Paulding county, Ohio, October 9, 1857, and died
230 - MR. AND MRS. JESSE H. UNDERWOOD.
PAUI,DING COUNTY, OHIO - 231
March 30, 1877. She is the daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Mumma) Wiltzie. The former was born in Otsego county, New York, January 23, 1827, and the latter in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1834. Mr. Wiltzie served in the one hundred days' service in the Civil war and one year and nine months in the First Regiment U. S. Volunteer in the Mexican war, participating in all the engagements of the Valley of Mexico.
March 27, 1898, Mr. Underwood was united in marriage near Payne, Ohio, with Miss Stella M. Mathias, who was born August 28, 1876, in Rockbridge, Hocking county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Levi and Malinda J. (Halfhill) Mathias, he having been born in Pennsylvania, August 4, 1837, and died May 1st, 1877, in Paulding county, Ohio. He was a private of Capt. Emanuel T. Hooker, Company A, First Regiment Ohio Volunteer infantry, and was enrolled the first day of August, 1861, and was discharged from the service the 15th day of August, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., by reason of expiration of term of service. She was born in. Gallia county, Ohio, March 26, 1850, and died in Paulding county, Ohio.
To Mr. and Mrs. Underwood was born one child, Clyde Downs, born February 8, 1899. Mr. Underwood and wife are yet young people but are well situated, being owners of the L. M. Barnes homestead, one of the early and well known farms of the county, to which he is adding many improvements. He is also raising it to a high degree of productiveness, everything being kept neatly and having the appearance of good supervision and management.
Mr. Underwood and wife are valued members of the Disciple church and have their membership in Payne, Ohio. They are good neighbors and citizens.
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GEORGE W. FORDER.
The subject of this sketch, George W. Forder, perhaps the most successful farmer and stockman in Paulding county and one of its pioneers, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, September 20, 1840, and came to this county in the year of 1854 with his parents, they settling upon a part of his present farm.
The history of the Forder family in this county is characterized by economy, industry and progress. The building up of his splendid estate has cost him many years of cease- - less toil, watchful care and. the constant exercising of the best business judgment. It is a great mark of distinction to stand at the head of any profession. and especially so when that distinction is reached by the strictest business integrity. The father of the subject of this sketch. Samuel Forder, was a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Beaver county, that state, January 1, 1812. His mother, Rachel Crouse, also a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Susquehanna county in 1817. The former died in Paulding county in 1866, and the latter in Hicksville, Defiance county.
George W. Forder, the subject of this sketch, enlisted October 21, 1861, and was assigned to the 68th 0, V. I. and was mustered out October 28th, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tenn., by reason of expiration of time of service. Among the engagements that he participated in are Ft. Donaldson, Shiloh, Corinth, Iuka, Black River, Jackson, Champion Hill, Vicksburg, Meridian Campaign and Atlanta Campaign.
He was united in marriage in Antwerp, Ohio, February 16, 1865, with Miss Mary C. Middleton, who was born November 25, 1855, in Noble county, Indiana. She Was the daughter of John and Lydia (Phillips) Middleton, both natives of New Jersey, the former died in Noble county,
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Indiana, and the latter in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Tb this union were born Wiliam W., Elma E., Samuel G., Elera R., Thomas 0., Flora, Elemeda and Kittie B.
Mr. Forder owns in his home farm 498 acres and over 200 acres in Defiance county. -He also owns property in Hicksville, Ohio, and is a breeder of short horn cattle.
Mr. Forder and family are widely known and are held in the highest esteem wherever known.
C. W. GORDIN, M. D.
Dr. Charles W. Gordon, the leading physician and surgeon of batty, Ohio, and member of the oldest and best known families of Paulding county, was born in Crane township, Paulding county, February 15, 1852. He is the son of William Gordon, who was born in Orange county, New York, and came to Paulding county in 1824 when almost the entire county was a primeval forest inhabited by savage Indians and wild beasts. He has the distinction .of being the first treasurer of this county. Gordon Creek received its name from the Cordon family. He died in Crane township in 1856. An extended genealogy of the Gordon family will be found in the biography of H. H. Gordon. The mother of C. W. Gordon was Sarah (Moore) Gordon, who was born in Hamilton county in 1808 and came to Paulding county in 1835 and died in Paulding county in 1880.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon a pioneer farm in Crane township, educated in the country schools and at Berea, Ohio, commenced teaching at the age of 17 years and began attending medical lectures in Cincinnati in 1875 and graduated from Ft. Wayne college of medicine in 1877 and Rush Medical college in 1880. He has a general
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practice and makes a specialty of fevers and surgery. He is a licensed pharmacist and owns the only drug store in batty, Ohio where he carries a complete line of fresh drugs and druggists' sundries. He is at present county coroner and has filled the position of pension examiner. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. orders at Scott, Ohio.
July 3, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Anne Crener in Ft.. Wayne, Indiana. She was born in Allen county, Indiana, April 24, 1847. She is the daughter of Philip and Sarah (Smitley) Crener. To this union were born Nina S., (June 11, 1883,) Nettie, (February 28, 1886,) and Carl W., (February 15. 1892.)
Dr. Gordon is one of the leading representative citizens of Paulding county.
HON. R. S. MURPHY.
Among the early settlers of Paulding county was Robert Murphy, a native of County Down, Ireland, who emigrated to this country and settled in Pennsylvania. He subsequently removed to what was then Williams county, now Paulding county. He purchased io6 acres of land, situated upon the Maumee river about one mile from Antwerp, which is now in the possession of his son, Daniel Murphy. His family consists of John, Philip, Robert, Joseph, Rosana, (who married S. Filly and are both deceased), Anna, (who married Wilson Snook), both deceased, and Harriet, (who married John Collins and are both deceased.)
Robert, Sr., married Anna Jackson, a native of Pennsylvania and died about 1843. He was the first treasurer of
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Carryall township and in politics was a Democrat, in religion he was a Presbyterian.
Joseph K., the fourth son of Robert Murphy, was born in 1814 in Pennsylvania and came to Paulding with his parents. He was a farmer and local preacher in the M. E church, which he filled through life. He married in 1837 Miss Phoeba, a daughter of Sylvestus Carving of Antwerp Ohio, one of the pioneer settlers of that locality, and by this marriage they were the parents of six children, Robert S, Daniel, who died of sickness contracted in the U. S. Marine Service on the Steamer Baltic, August 3, 1863 Joshua, of Ft. Yates, Dakota ; Mary J., (deceased, was the wife of Cowen Cole), Isaac Newton, Roseanna, (who wa twice married, first to George Genther and secondly to Gilbert James), Ellen, (wife of Frank Pierman), Joseph K.. (died November 22, 1852, and his wife in 1882.) He held many minor township offices, was a Democrat and a self-made man, having had no opportunities in early life. Robert the eldest child, was born in what was Williams county, April 15, 1840. His early life was spent on the home farm and he was educated in the subscription schools August 27 1861, he enlisted in Company E, 13th Indiana Volunteer infantry. At the battle of Corinth, he was made Sergeant of his company and served with his regiment until 1863 when he contracted rheumatism and was discharged. He next enlisted in the marine service and was made sergeant of Company H, First Marine Regiment, on the 23rd of August, in the same year. He was made second lieutenant of the same company May 9, 1864, and was commission& by President Lincoln first lieutenant. He participated it the battles of Pittsburg Landing Siege of Vicksburg an( many smaller engagements. His discharge was endorse(
by D. S. Tollerdy, major commanding, as follows:
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"I have known this officer three years and have ever found him prompt and efficient in the discharge of his duty. As a gentleman, his character is irreproachable and he is brave even to a fault."
At the close of his term of service he returned to Antwerp and engaged in farming until 1866. He then engaged in mercantile business for seven years and was then elected Justice of the Peace and engaged in real estate business in Antwerp. In 1881 he was elected county auditor, an office he filled for one term and then engaged in mercantile and insurance business until the spring of 1891 when he retired. . Since his election as county auditor, he has been a resident of Paulding, and has filled the office of town councilman four years. He was elected to the 72nd general assembly as a Republican over A. N. Wisely, Democrat, by a plurality of 763 votes. He is a member of F. & A. M., Paulding Lodge 502, also of Defiance, chapter and the Commandery No. 3o of Defiance, and member of the Ohio Consistory S. P. R. S., 32nd degree; also Theodore Merchant Post, G. A. R. No. 683, and has been post commander many years, and commander of Paulding county battalion G. A. R., also of Paulding lodge K. of P..
Mr. Murphy was married August 13. 1865, to Miss Roxanna, daughter of John and Jane Evans. who died October 8, 1876, leaving four children : Charles, Florence Adell, Cora and Alva. His second marriage occurred June 8, 1889. to Mrs. Esther Snyder, daughter of Jacob Goldsmith, of Morrow county, Ohio.
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JOHN W. WORTMAN.
The subject of this sketch, John W. Wortman, occupies the unique position of having held the offices of township clerk six terms, justice of the peace nine years, land appraiser in 1880 and assessor two terms in a township with a Democratic majority of sixty and he is a stanch outspoken and uncompromising Republican. This covers a long period of unbroken majorities and is unquestioned proof of his hosts of unswerving friends and of his stirling worth as a citizen among them. Mr. Wortman is the most highly respected where best known.
John W. Wortman was born April 11, 1848, in Bristol township, Morgan county, Ohio. He is the son of Barnet V. and Rachel (Strong) Wortman. His father was born in Pennsylvania, July 15, 1803. He emigrated to Muskingum county, Ohio, when a young man and afterwards to Morgan county where he became a prosperous farmer, owning two good farms and several thousand dollars at interest as a result of his energy, good judgment and careful management. He died in Morgan county, Ohio, February, 1882. His mother was born in Loudon county, Virginia, in 1805, a descendant of the Indian princess Pocahontas on one side and of English blood upon the other. She died in May, 1886, in Morgan. county.
Mr. ,Wortman emigrated to Paulding county May 1st, 1875, and settled upon a farm of 80 acres which he has thoroughly improved and has added other lands to his possession until he now owns 260 acres in all and is one of Paulding county's leading farmers and one of the most thoroughly informed men upon farming in general and the needs and conditions of Paulding county, farmers within the county. He was educated the country schools and one
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term in a select school, taught by Prof. Andrews, now pre dent of Marietta college. He commenced teaching schc when 18 years of age and continued to teach in connection with farming until he reached the age of 40 years and successful teacher. Ever since he commenced farming has given especial attention to stock and especially Shropshire sheep and has upon his farm some typical blood stock of that breed that are worth a visit to see.
March 21, 1872, Mr. Wortman was united in mania in Manchester township, Morgan county, with Miss Annie Phipps, who was born in Noble county, Ohio, May 28, 1854. She is the daughter of Samuel H. and Mary (Miller) Phipps, whose history will be found in the biography Hon. W. H. Phipps, who is a brother of Mrs. Wortman. this union were born Frederick P., (Aug. 26, 1876,) Fra B., (March 24, 1879,) Mary M., (May 26, 1882,) Char W., (May 18, 1884) Stella M., (Sept. 22. 1886,) Jan W., (Nov. 16, 1889,) Alice, (Sept. 1, 1892.)
Mr. Wortman is a Master Mason and was born a raised in the Methodist Episcopal church. His son, Ft P., is a student at the Ohio State university and is a ough scholar and has taught school. He is also a photographer and between the school years follows that profession.
Mr. Wortman, aside from the township offices nary above in this sketch, is at present a member of the board of county infirmary directors. He is also a wool merchant with all these different businesses to look after, he is eminently a social man and takes great pleasure in a social chat with any of his innumerable friends of whatsoever profession he may be, all of whom find him an interesting talker upon any topic that may arise. He has a good library of excellent books with which he has made him: thoroughly familiar.
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Mr. Wortman is one of Pau'ding county's thrifty, broad and liberal minded citizens.
COL. WILLIAM N. SNOOK.
Col. Snook is one of the best known and one of the most historic personages now living in the county and is truly one of the representative citizens of Paulding county
The Snooks are a historic family and are of Hollandic descent, settling in New Jersey in the early colonial period. His father, William Corwin Snook, was born in that state August 26, 1781, and died in Defiance *linty, Ohio, August 28, 1827. His mother, Lonita Stout, was born in the same state August 28th, 1783, and died in Defiance county, January 17, 1853.
Col. William N. Snook was born in Warren county,. March 17, 1819, and moved to Delaware Bend, Defiance count, November 9, 1826, and to Paulding county in March, 1834, settling upon the old Harris place where he lived until 1840, when he settled upon his present farm just north of Antwerp, Ohio, upon the Maumee. October 1st, 1840, he was united in marriage in Carryall township, with. Miss Martha Banks, who was horn in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 14, 1821, and moved to Paulding county, Carryall township, in 1832. This was a union of two of the oldest and most prominent pioneer families of the county. She was the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Ann (Shanks). Banks, both born in New Jersey, the former in 1798, and died in Carryall township in 1834, the latter died in Carryall township, September 6, 1840. To Col, Snook and wife were born Peter, (deceased,) Lomita, (Who married Den nison Hughes,) Joseph, (who died in November, 1900,)
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William N. Jr., John S., (the present congressman from this congressional distrct.) Col. Snook's second wife was Hester Canine born January 20, 1821.
The Snook family have played a prominent part in our country's wars, the grandfather of Col. Snook was a captain in the Revolution, and his father served in the war of 1812. The subject of this sketch was colonel of the 132nd regiment one hundred days service. His brother, John S. Snook, was colonel of the 68th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer. Infantry. He was a brilliant lawyer by profession. He was killed at Champion Hill before Vicksburg. Another brother, Peter Snook, who was at that time living in the south,. was colonel of a southern regiment and was wounded five times. He served under Gen. Price in Missouri and after the viir went with the army of General Price to Mexico and d d near the city of Mexico and was buried there, Another brother, Hon. Wilson H. Snook, was a member of the Ohio legislature and county commissioner three terms.
Col. Snook, the subject of this sketch, aside from his military duty, has filled many positions of honor and trust.. He was county commissioner one term, infirmary director three terms, justice of the peace three terms and treasurer of Carryall township from 1850 to 1880, a period of 30 consecutive years, and school director about twenty years. During the war he was internal revenue collector for the county and carriages at that time, being an article of internal assessment, were found to number four in the entire county.
Col. Snook, in politics, is a Democrat, but during the war and for a period after, was a Republican. He voted for Lincoln both times and Grant the first time.
His business has been timbering, farming and merchandising at Antwerp, Ohio. He at present owns a farm 0f 350 acres, much of which is rich Maumee bottom land. He
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holds to the Methodist church and has been for the last fifteen years a member of the F. & A. M. order. He is now the advanced age of 84 years, hale and hearty, and is large and robust build.
HON. JOSEPH R. ROSS.
It is a pleasant duty to sketch the life of a worthy citizen, one who commenced penniless and through his own efforts has at the early age of 38 made a reputation as an able editor whose influence is felt throughout the entire state and who has at the same time placed himself in the front rank of the financiers of the county. Such is the history of Joseph R. Ross, the versatile editor of the Old Reliable Paulding County Republican, who was born in Mercer county, Ohio, January 8th, 1863. He is the son of Thomas C. and Mary (Sherer) Ross, the former a native of Kentucky of Scotch parentage is a descendant of an histoic family in Scotland ; the latter was born in Pennsylvania of German descent. The grandfather of Mr. Ross was `one of the pioneers of Mercer county and entered land there of the government. During his earlier life, he followed the sea for eighteen years, during which time he visited all parts of the world. He lived many years one of the good citizens of Mercer county. Thomas C., his son, and father of Joseph R., was a boy six years old when he came to Mercer county where he grew to manhood and has since lived owning a part of his father's old honk which he helped to redeem from the forest. At the age of 26 he married Miss Mary Sherer who came to the county in childhood and has been a resident ever since. They are a prosperous family and enjoy a pleasant, substantial home near Mendon, Ohio. It was the writ-
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er's pleasant experience, as an entire stranger, to spend the night with these. good, aged people, and with an experience covering many states, this was one of the most pleasant visits with strangers he has had to recall. They are members of the Dunkard church. Joseph. R. Ross was reared upon the farm, where a good opportunity was offered for plenty of hard work and a country school education. He was studiously inclined and had a strong disposition to excel, as well as a retentive memory, thus standing at the bead of his classes. His leisure hours upon the farm were spent in reading from which he profited later on. At the age of eighteen he held a teacher's license, but instead of teaching, he began an apprenticeship in the office of the Mercer county Observe:-, during which time he pursued a course of study under the direction of Rev. J. M. Anderson,
who took a great interest in, him. Then, as his own preceptor, he has become well versed and is a fair example of what pluck and a determination to succeed will accomplish. In 1884, he became a partner in the office which existed until November 3o, 1889, when he sold his interest and December 1, 1889, he took charge of the Paulding County Republican, having bought one-half interest and leased the other half and thus continued one year when he became sole proprietor. When he took charge of the paper he instilled new life and vigor into it, since which time it has been a power to his party and for the upbuilding of the town and county, always upholding the right with a strong hand as he saw the light. As a paper, it is much above what would be expected in a town and county as ours has until recently been, it being second to none and a clean, well edited county paper and party organ.
Mr. Ross was united in marriage October 24th, 1888,
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in Celina, Ohio, with Miss Delphene Roop, who was born July 27, 1863, near Ft. Recovery, Ohio. She is the daugh ter of Captain David J. and Sarah J. (Johnson) Roop, both of whom died in Celina. Ohio, graduating in 1879, after which she taught several terms in the public schools of that place. From 1883 to 1885 she was a typo in the office of the Mercer County Observer; during which time the friendship formed as co-worker ended in marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Roth are worthy members of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the F. & A. M.. lodge at Paulding and Defiance Commandery and Paulding K. of P. Lodge. He has been an elder in the Presbyterian church ever since he came to Paulding and was before he came and a member of the building committee of the present noble church structure. He has been Sunday school superintendent and teacher for years in Paulding and a member of the choir. Aside from his valuable newspaper and job plant, he is a director of the First National bank of Paulding and recently purchased a farm of 160 acres near the county seat and is giving great attention to growing fine sheep. He was a member of the Electoral college in 1892 and is now a member of the state central committee for the fifth congressional district. He is one of Paulding county's representative citizens both socially and financially.
RICHARD F. BLAUSAY.
Richard F. Blausay, of Latty, the able editor of "The Latty Herald," was born in the "Teagarden Settlement," in Darke county, Ohio, February 15, 1859. His parents were Prussian-Americans. The mother died when Richard was not yet six years old, and this event broke up the family,
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leaving also the father and a brother, Charles Henry, two years old. The father, a good practical watchmaker and jeweler, continued a hard struggle against poverty in Darke county for a short time and then moved to Marion, Ohio. Here he was taken sick and then his two boys, Richard and Charles, were placed in the Ohio State Reform school, near Lancaster, where they remained two years and eleven months. In this institution th foundation of Richard's broad and versatile literary education was laid. When the boys were brought home again Richard followed the varying fortunes of his father, who prosecuted his business at different times at Forest, Lima, Dunkirk, Ansonio and finally at Greenville, where he died in January, 1879. In the summer of 188o, both Richard F. and Charles H. Beausay drifted to Upper Sandusky, Wyandot county, where most of their relatives on their father's side lived. Richard settled in Mifflin township, began working on a farm and attended school two winters. In the summer of 1882, he began teaching school and has never altogether left the ranks of that profession. May 1st, 1884, Mr. Beausay was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Leono Keller, and to this union five children have been born, namely : Hoy Llewellyn, (June 14, 1885.) Rex Audenmar, (February 20, 1887,) died January 30, 1894 ; Joyce Constance, (October 9, 1889.) Wayne Cleveland, (May 4, 1894,) and Doris Romaine, (May 14, 1897.)
Mr. Beausay taught the school at Kirby one winter and was for two years principal of the schools at Fowler City, now Harpster, Ohio. He then moved his family to Carey Where he lived four years and taught school in the country. In this time also he served fourteen months on the Wyandot. county board of school examiners, filling an unexpired term. . In 1890 he began the study of law. In August, 1892, Mr.
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Beausay was elected superintendent of the public schools Pemberville, Wood county, and served acceptably in th capacity for three years. In this time also he prosecuted h study of law, and, on March 7th, 1895, after a most rig examination, was admitted to the bar by the Supreme court of Ohio.
In June, 1895, he mewed with his family to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and for fifteen months followed the practice of law.
Richard F. Beausay is an ordained minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. He received his first licen; in 1887 and has preached at odd times ever since in the capacity of a local preacher, and his preaching has always been acceptable to the people. Mr. Beausay has also serve two years in the Traveling Ministry of his church. being admitted on trial in the Central Ohio annual conference ; Bellefontaine, Ohio, in 1896, and appointed to the pastoral of Dixon Circuit, Van Wert county, where he served or year, and for the conference year of 1897 and 1898, he serve in the pastorate of Williams Center Circuit in William county, and in the fall of 1898. in the annual conference Sidney, Ohio, he was ordained a deacon. He then discontinued from the Traveling Ministry and in the early spring of 1899, he moved to Latty, Ohio, and founded "The Lan Herald." This publication is easily the brightest and able: local newspaper in Paulding county.
Mr. Blausay is leading a life full of activity and earner application to duty and being clean in character and hone; in his purpose, he stands high in the esteem of his neighbor and the citizens of Paulding county. Ever active in business and a scholar of wide attainments, he stands honored as leading citizen.
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JOHN E. FOX.
In the genealogy of the Fox family there is so much of interest to the student of history. indeed, much of which has become part of the general history of the world, that owing to the space allotted this sketch must necessarily be incompjlete. While preparing this biography we were surrounded on every side by books of reference as far as we could reach.
The ancestors of the subject of this sketch, both paternal and maternal, have been so prolific of greatness as to necesitate making simply a series of disconnected statements.
The Foxes are of English origin and in England include such names as John Fox, English martyrologist, born in 1517 and died in 1587. George Fox, the originator of the Society of Friends or Quakers, born in Drayton, England, in 1624 and died in 1691; Edward Pox, Bishop of Hereford, who died in 1538 ; Charles James Fox, Whig statesman, born in 1749, and who was during the whole of the Revolutionary war the most formidable opponent of the coercive measures which were adopted by the government, and the most powerful advocate of the claims of the American Colonists. The regency, the trial of \\Tanen Hastings, the French Revolution and the events which followed it, gave ample scope to the talents and energies of Fox. He died in 1806. Charles R. Fox, English statesman and general, born 1796 and died 1873.
The Foxes in this country, the ancestors of the subject of this ketch, settled in Massachusetts long prior to the Revolution. Harvey G. Fox, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Worchester, Mas., and moved to Mansfield, Ohio, where he was united in mariage with Miss Sarah Amanda Gilkison, born in Mansfield, Ohio, Sept:29, 1827.
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He afterwards went to California as a gold miner and died in Sacramento City, Cal., in 185o. Miss Gilkison's mother... was a Coffinberry. The Gilkisons and Coffinberrys are two of the oldest and best known families of Mansfield' Ohio. John C. Gilkison, who was born in Kentucky, published the first newspaper, ''The Olive Branch." Previous to this he assisted in printing and binding the territorial laws of Ohio, before Ohio became a state. He was also a pioneer newspaper publisher in Lancaster, Ohio, where he married Sarah Coffinberry and moved from there to Mansfield, Ohio, in 181o, with his father-in-law and family and became the third family in the town. After several removals, he established the Mansfield Gazette.. John C. Gilkison later established the Richland Jeffersonian in 1844. It was the organ of the Whig party. The days of the Jeffersonian by the Gilkisons and the "Shield and Banner," by Glessner, were the golden days of the weekly press of Richland county. John C. Gilkison was the father of the first white child born in Mansfield, Mansfield Hedges Gilkison, named in honor of the town and the original proprietor of the town. An early settler of the town was George Lewis Coffinberry. He and his wife and sons and daughters and all their descendants down to the generation of today are worthy of more than ordinary mention in the annals of Mansfield. In the blood of the parents were elements which transmitted genius to the generation thereafter. Mr. Coffinberry and wife came from Virginia, Martinsburg, now within the borders of West Virginia. The father was a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church and a Revolutionary soldier, a staid, stately man with strict notions of living, of pronounced character and correct life. His wife, whose maiden name was Little, was of French parentage and was of titled birth. their son would have inherited the title of Count but for their removal to
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America. She was a gifted woman and a writer of both prose and poetry. Her son, the "Count," became a poet of some note and a gifted practitioner at the bar who afterwards removed to California and became one of the leading public citizens of the state. Another son, Salathiel C. Coffinberry, who was gifted in music and also a writer of poetry, moved to Michigan and became Grand Master of the Masonic Order of that state; was his party's candidate for Governor, but was defeated with his ticket. Another son. who had charge of the Muskingum river improvement; hab in his employ, John Sherman, as rodman at the time 16 years old. Another son, Wright L. Coffinberry. also moved to Michigan and commanded a gunboat during the Civil war and was an important factor in the improvement and beautifying the city of Grand Rapids, his home. Another son, Abraham, remained on the farm. His was the genius of the true son of America, turning neither to the right nor to the left. ambitious only to live and let live, true to himself, loyal to his country's flag and to the white banner of his father's " God. The history of the two daughters who married Gilkisons, was given above. These two families were giant factors in the communities in which they lived all powerful and eminently respected citizens.
John E. Fox, son of Harven G. and Sarah Amanda (Gilkison) Fox, was born in Mansfield, Ohio, Jan. 23, 1849, and came to Paulding county in 1876, the Centennial year. and settled upon his present farm of 160 acres in Benton township, locating in the fastness of the forest and true to the genius of his blood, he has displayed the same energy as his fatherS, but directed it to clearing. carpentering and farming. He has transformed the woods into fields and erected commodious and comfortable buildings. H'e has just erected perhaps the largest barn in the county, size of main building
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forty by ninety feet with a wing twenty-four by fifty-six feet with iron roof and entire structure painted white.
December 24, 1874, he was united in marriage in Crawford county. Ohio, with Miss Mary A. Crouse, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, February 9, 1840, daughter of Abner and Harriet (Tolman) Crouse, both born in Pennsylvania. They were substantial farmers and benevolent and consistent members of the Lutheran church.
To this union were born two children, a son and daughter : Rosalie B., born Jan. 2, 1878, and Allen L., born Dec. 6, 1880, the son a student at the State University at Columbus, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Fox are now enabled to enjoy the fruits of an industrious, a frugal and a well spent life. They have a lovely home, elegantly furnished and neatly kept, an air of taste and refinement pervades the entire home. They are one of the best informed families in Paulding county.
WILLIAM F. FLECK.
The family of William F. Fleck is one of the thrifty pioneer families of Paulding county. They have lived lives of usefulness not only to themselves, but to those around them. They can take a retrospect of their lives with satis. faction to themselves as they call again to memory the good deeds they have done arid the surrounding souls they have comforted by their sympathy and words of cheerfulness. They especially in later years give much of their time for the good of humanity and the community in which they live. Indeed it would be hard, if possible, to recall any enterprise for either the religious or moral good of those around them that they have not encouraged with open hearts and assisted with willing hands.
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257 - WILLIAM F. FLECK
258 - MRS. WILLIAM F. FLECK
259 - RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM F. FLECK
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William F. Fleck was born in Wayne county, Ohio, January 21st, 1842. He is the son of Henry and. Rebecca (Owens) Fleck, who settled in Paulding county in 1847. He was united in marriage in Antwerp, Ohio, November 28, 1866, with Miss Emily S. Hill. She is the daughter of Daniel McFalen and Pamelia (Snook) Hill, the former born in 1809 and the latter in 1810. They settled in Paulding county in 1834. April 22, 1861, William Fleck enlisted in Company G, 14th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three months ; was discharged August 13th. 1861, serving in West Virginia, taking part in the battles of Phillippi, Cheat River, etc. He re-enlisted in the same company and regiment August 26, 1861, to serve three years. W. H. Eckles commanding the company, and James B. Steadman, the regiment. He served in Kentucky, Tennessee Northern Mississippi and Alabama, was in a number of skirmishes, but the regiment lost few men until the battle ot Chickamauga. From the brigade of which his regiment formed a part, was fired the first gun of that hard fought battle and his company of forty-seven men, rank, file and musicians, lost thirty men and of those taken prisoners, all but three were wounded. During the fight, the regiment had six color bearers shot. Mr. Fleck's tent mates, T. B. Harris, W. A. Tanner and J. A. Conard, were wounded the first day of the fight. Conard was taken prisoner and died at Andersonville. After the battles of Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, etc., Mr.. Fleck was one of the twenty men of his company to re-enlist for three years, or during the war. Re-enlisted December 14, 1863 after thirty clays' furlough, he returned to his company, participating in the Atlanta campaign. He was with Sherman during the celebrated march to the sea. He, with his regiment, then- marched to Washington for the Grand Review, after which they were
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ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, and mustered out, to date July 4, 1865, receiving pay and final discharge at Cleveland, Ohio.
Mr. Fleck can be especially proud of his military record having enlisted three times and rendered four years and three months of faithful and constant service filled with hardships not understood by the boys of this generation. He has thus proven himself to be a character of sterling patriotism
About a year after his return from the service, he was united in marriage, as shown above. To them were born two children who are yet living. William N., born December 27, 1877, graduated from the Antwerp High School class of 1896, attended one term, each, at Ada and Angola, taught with success five terms and is now taking a business course at Indianapolis, Indiana. He is a young man of much more than ordinary intelligence and possesses great oratorical gifts, and has passed civil service examination for department work. Bertha A., born March 16, 1883, graduated at Antwerp High School class of 1900 and attended Normal School at Angola, Indiana.
Mr. Fleck followed farming successfully until 1878, when he came to Antwerp and in company with John H. Chester bought the grain elevator and engaged in the grain, hay and live stock business. Messrs. Ely and Bissell soon entered the firm. This firm did a large business. After continuing in business ten year he was elected mayor of Antwerp and during his term the Paulding county reservoir trouble occurred. He has many letters and telegrams from Gov. Foraker in regard to his trouble. At the solicitation of the governor, he, in company with Hon. W. H. Snook went as peace commissioners to the government at Columbus, Ohio, when the matter was adjusted. He has also served as mayor by appointment and enforced the prohibitior
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ordinance and as he says, "has all the experience he desires on this line." The ordinance was repealed and prohibition ended in Antwerp, Ohio.
Mr. Fleck has always taken a very active interest in everything pertaining to farming and was one of the leaders in the Alliance reform and was the first president`of Carryall township Farmers' Institute in 1892 and ever since has held the position of secretary. In church work, he has done more than his share in the way of both time and means, being one of the elders, superintendent of Sabbath school and chairman of the special committee on finance of the First Presbyterian church at Antwerp, Ohio, also a member of the. building committee.
ELIAS F. PATTON
Elias F. Patton is worthily descended and in Ids veins flow the blood of nearly all the first families of Virginia. Robert Patton, a native of Scotland, emigrated to America some time before the revolution, landing at Charleston, South Carolina, where he lived for awhile but soon removed to Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he established himself as a merchant. He was very successful and soon acquired a competent fortune. He was a high-spirited man and in full sympathy with his adopted countrymen in their struggle for freedom, being a non-combatant, he was on terms of social intercourse with the invading Britons. On one occasion, whilst dining with some officers of Tarleton's Legion, one of them took upon himself to denounce, in unmeasured terms, the people he had come to subdue. He was very free in his use of the terms "rebels," "rebellious," etc., which he finally coupled with abusive terms with the names of certain officers
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of the patriot army. This, Robert Patton could not let go unrebuked. He calmly but decidedly told the officer that he felt it to be right to inform him that some of these officers were his friends. This warning being disregarded, Patton threw a glass of wine in his face. This produced a storm of fury from the insulted officer, when Patton said the affair must be then and there settled ; and going to the door locked it and put the key in his pocket. They fought with pistols across the table and the officer was killed. Robert Patton married October 16, 1792, Anna Gordon, daughter of the gallant General Hugh Mercer, who fell mortally wounded, at the battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777. They had issue eight children, whose history with that of their descendants, and through marriage, becomes too extended for detail, except to enumerate a few of the most historic. The third son, John Mercer Patton became governor of Virginia, having previously served eight years in the congress of the United States. The fifth son, William Fairlie, surgeon of the United States and Confederate States navy. Their youngest child and daughter, married Hon. John Herndon, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia, who was a brother-in-law of Commodore Mathew Fontaine Maury, perhaps the most learning man that ever plowed the sea. Through intermarriage, the Pattons are related to the Masons, Stewarts, Williams, Zachary Taylor, Pendletons, Penns, Hopkins, Lewises, Lees, Chews, Gibsons, Mortons, Glasssells, Toliaferros, Conways, Ashbys, Battailes and U. S. Senator Caperton. These families relates them distantly with all the historic families of the state and most of the prominent families of the south. But space forbids farther examination into geneology except the removal to Ohio and our immediate subject.
The father of the subject of this sketch, Abraham
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Patton, was born in Virginia, October 15, 1807. He moved from Virginia to Hocking county, Ohio, and from there to Marion county, where the subject of this sketch was born. While living in Hocking county, he married Miss Catharine A. Self, who was born in Hocking county, Ohio, whose father, Obediah Self was born in Virginia. Elias F. Patton their son, was born in Marion county, Ohio, October 8th, 1859, and came to Paulding county March 14, 1882, locating at Paulding as a grain and feed merchant where he was united in marriage February 22, 1885, with Miss. Margaret F. Carter, daughter of Milton and Margaret (Thompson) Carter, farmers, the former now living in Lima, Ohio, and the latter having died in Putnam county, Ohio.
Mr. Patton, after quitting the grain and feed business located upon a farm four and one-half miles east of Paulding in Jackson township, where he now resides. This, he has cleared and tiled and raised to an excellent state of productiveness.
He has held the office of justice of the peace three successive terms and was a candidate for county clerk on thePeople's ticket and received more votes than any other candidate on that ticket. This year ( tom) when that hot contest over the nomination for county commissioner was on, he, although not a candidate, received many votes and perhaps with his sanction would have been the nominee of his party. It is not necessary to state his politics as he is know by everybody as being of the Republican faith. He and his wife are valued and regular members of the Church of God, with membership at Anderson Bethel. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Paulding, Ohio. Mr. Patton is held in the highest esteem by the large circle of his acquaintances.
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HARRISON H. GORDON
It is the peculiar province for some families in each community to occupy positions, both business and socially, which leave their names entirely above the tongue of slander and who are regarded by all as strictly honest in business and eminently honorable in character.. This is not only thee history of the Gordon family in Paulding county, but is the general history of the family for centuries past. The family db- is a historic family, one whose worthy deeds properly portrayed would fill this volume with historic matter worthy the perusal of the general reader from a purely historical standpoint. Mr. Gordon, as we thought, being over-modest in regard to permitting the genealogy of the family to be published, we had some difficulty in securing this part of the history, but after assuring him that one of the special features of the work was the family genealogy, he permitted us to embrace it in the sketch. Henry Clay, in Congress in an oration, said, "I am one of those who holds to the safety which flows from honest ancestors and the purity of blood." (Congressional Globe, vol. 8; p. 345.) The genealogy of the Gordon family is varied and interesting, and is here correctly given, being verified by the Herald Office in Edinburgh, Scotland. They are undoubtedly of Celtic origin, probably Pictish, judging by their first known location. The first authentic mention of the family is Bertram de Gordon, who assisted Philip II. of France at the siege of Chalme, against Richard I. of England, in 1189, and in a personal encounter wounded Richard severely. Their lands were in what is now Berwickshire, southeast of Edinburgh. and the parish of Gordon still retains the name, whence the family came. They were a prosperous and powerful house in the reign of Malcolm II. (1004-1034), and remained in Ber-
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wickshire until the reign of Robert Bruce (1306-1320). On the fall of the Cummings family, their estates in Mar (now Aberdeen), were given to the Gordons, they retaining only a small portion of their original patrimony, which they still retain ; there are still many of the name, as the Earl of Aboyne and Viscount Henmure. The Gordons have always been a family of soldiers, and after their removal to the north, their place as soldiers was filled by the Douglas family, both of whom could and often did bid defiance to their sovereign. Especially was their influence felt in the wars consequent to the Reformation. They were Roman Catholics and zealous supporters of the beautiful, unfortunate Mary. One of the family went to Russia and was enrolled. Several went to Sweden and their descendants are there yet, and always soldiers. The family suffered much and has been widely scattered in the various wars and religious changes that have occurred in Scotland and since the union in Great Britain. The almost continuous wars with England made it necessary for the king to retain and cherish the influence of the Gordons by adding to their landed possessions and titles, till the baron of the fourteenth century became the duke of the seventeenth and was allied by marriage with royalty. Thus Adams, knighted by Bruce after Bannockburn, 1315 ; Alexander, made Earl of Huntly by James II. ; George, made a marquis by James VI., and George, by Charles II. made Duke of Gordon. All of these titles were bestowed for many services, each cat—Tying with it increased possessions in entail.
All of the emigrants to the several European countries were Jacobins, Roman Catholics and supporters of the royal Stuart family. Those that came from Scotland to Ireland and America were Presbyterians of the most rigid type. The ducal family remained Roman Catholic until the eighteenth
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century and the estates are the second in Scotland. In 1303, when Edward I. of England had subdued almost the whole of Scotland, they were among the few nobles that stood with Bruce for liberty and the independence of the country, and the last Englishman was driven over the border. They have always been staunch royalists, especially, during the rule of the Stuarts, and in our own time the Gordon Highlanders have carried their name and arms wherever the British flag has been either feared or respected.
The, present ducal family are descendants of Richard Gordon of Gordon, who in 1276 endowed the abbey of Kelso, now one of the finest ruins in Scotland. He was succeeded by his son, Thomas, who went with the Crusaders and fell at Fort Jeeb de Aon. His only daughter married Adam, a kinsman, succeeded by Sir Adam, knighted by Bruce. He got from Bruce the confiscated estates of the Cummings, the Cordons going to Aberdeen and Moray, where they remain. He was succeeded by Alexander, he by Alexander, who fell at the battle of Durham in 1346; he by John, he by David, slain at Hamildon. He left an only daughter, who married Sir Alexander Seaton ; he by permission of James II resumed the name, quartered the arms and had all the immunities of the Gordons ; he was made Marquis of Huntly, the succession being then made a male fief by James II ( I437-146o.) His son, Alexander, Earl of Huntly, Lord High Chancellor of Scotland to James III and IV and his wife was a daughter of James I. His son, Alexander, was privy councillor to James IV and led the van of the army at Flodden, and during the minority of James V he was Lord Lieutenant of the Kingdom north of the Forth. His daughter, Mary, married Perkin Warbeck, the pretended Duke of York. His grandson was Lord Lieutenant during the king's absence in France to marry
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Magdalen, in the fourth year of Queen Mary as chancellor and for bravery at Pinktecheugh got the Earldom of Moray. His son, George, Chancellor and privy councillor to Mary and general of all her forces, died in 1576. George, his son, first Marquis of Huntly, died at Dundee in 1636 buried in St. Mary's Aisle, Elgin Cathedral. George, his son, was captain of the Scotch regiment of refugees in the service of Louis XIV of France, and in the civil wars of Charles I was his lieutenant in the north. He was beheaded at Edinburgh March 30, 164o. His son was Lewis, first Marquis of Huntly ; his son was made Duke by Charles II in 1648 and by James I (II of England) Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Knight of the Thistle, and Lord of the Treasury, He dies at Leith, in 1716 ; his son, Alexander, died in November 1728 ; his son, Alexander Cosmo George, died in France, 1752; his son Alexander died in 1827; his second daughter Mary, married Charles Lennox, fourth Duke of Richmond. His son, George V and last of the direct line, died in 1836. His maternal uncle, Charles, Duke of Richmond, took the name of Gordon in right of his mother, under the style and titles now the Duke of Richmond, Lennox and Gordon.
St. Mary's Aisle has been for over 250 years the burial vault of the Gordon family at Elgin Cathedral in Moray, shire; the oldest readable monument in black-letter Latin, the translation being as follows : "Here lies noble and powerful Lord, Alexander Gordon, first Earl of Huntly; Lord of Gordon and Badenoch, who died the 15th of July in the year of our Lord, 1470." There have been many other inscriptions but they have been broken, the brass tablets stolen and the vault and its surroundings are now a scene of -titter desolation.
Their coat-of-arms is very varied, bearing parts of the
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several family arms of their inter-marriages with those entitled to coat armor.
The history of the Gordon family in this country extends back into colonial times where frequent historic mention is made of them. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Samuel Gordon, Sr., was born in Orange county, N. Y., October l0th, 1753, and died February, 1845, age 92 years. He took part in the war of the revolution and was at the battle of Trenton where Cornwallis pushed Washington across the Delaware on. December 8th, 1876, the latter securing every boat and bateau against a pursuit by the former and on Christmas eve, 1776, helped ferry Washington's troops across the Delaware through the ice where they began to march on Trenton before daylight, which resulted in the capture of Col. Rahl and one thousand officers and privates. His son, Thomas Gordon, and the father of the subject of this sketch was born in Orange county, N. Y., March 10, 1801, died at Cecil, Ohio, March 24, 1876. He married Sarah Jane (Smith) Gordon, who was born in Middletown, Orange county, N. Y., April 1, 1807, died at Antwerp, Ohio, August 16, 1894, aged 87 years. The earliest record of the Smith family is that Thomas Moore (Mrs. Gordon's great grandfather) left Yarmouth, England, in the ship "Dorset" in September, 1636, and settled at Salem, Mass., where the record shows as follows : "At a towne meeting 11th of ye 5th monneth, 1636, its agreed that Thomas Moore soone to Widowe Moore and his wife are received for inhabitants and may have one fishing lot on the neck." Fishing lots have water fronts. He engaged in building small vessels. Her father, John Smith, was born August 6, 1773, died December 8th. Her mother, Lydia M. Smith, was born April 7th, 1775, died November 22nd, 1848. Thomas and Sarah (Smith)
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Gordon had issue five sons and four daughters : Clarissa B., October 6, 1831, died October 6, 1831, David E., born June 6, 1833 ; Lewis S., born April 7, 1835, died November 12, 1894; Jane Harriet, born November ,4th, 1837; Charles William, born January 22, 1839; Harrison Houston, the immediate subject of this sketch, born November 13, 1841, George Washington, born September 20, 1842 ; Lydia Ann, born June 20, 1845 ; Sarah Francis, born September 1, 1849 died December 4, 1888.
Harrison Houston Gordon, the seventh child and the subject of this sketch was born at Florida, N. Y., November 13, 1841, served in the war of the rebellion about two years and was discharged on account of disability, He came Ohio in the spring of 1870 and engaged in the hardware business with his brother, the late Hon. Lewis S. S. Gordon, at Antwerp, Ohio, in which business he still continues in connection with his son, Edwin V. Gordon. He has filled several minor township offices and is at present township treasurer, member of the school board (which position he has filled for twenty consecutive years) and is president of that body as also of the Antwerp Telephone Company the People's Elevator Company.
November 21st, 1869, Mr. Gordon was united in marriage with Miss Alice G. Hallock. To them was born one son, Edwin V. Gordon, January 25th, 1875, and who is now a partner in the hardware business with his father. Their store is large and modern and one that would be a credit to a much larger city. Their business integrity unquestioned by any one.
Mr. Gordon is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Lodge at Antwerp, Ohio, and has been since 1867 and of the I. O. O. F. lodge of which has been a member for 22 years. Of the soldier organizations, he first became a member
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of the Soldiers and Sailors' Union and at the organization of the order in 1867 was made the commander. This order was afterwards merged into the G. A. R. of which he became a member and has been ever since. The Gordons are Presbyterians, he being a member of the building committee of the splendid new structure now in course of construction,
Mr. Gordon is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Paulding county.
HENRY HARRIS.
The Harris family is very numerous and very well known. There is two branches of the family that have been quite well known to the world for many years, even centuries ; the English and the Welch branches whose homes were not more than one hundred miles apart, both branches of whom have in their own country produced some names of world-wide reputation. The most noted personage of the Welch branch perhaps is Rev. Howell Harris, an open air preacher and the chief founder of the Calvinistic Methodism, born in 1714 and died in 1773. The most noted perhaps of the English branch is James Harris, an English philologist and logician, the eldest son of James, Esquire of the Close of Salisbury. He was born in 1709 and in 1761 was returned to parliament for Christ Church, which seat he retained until his death. In 1762 he was appointed Lord of Admiralty and 1763, Lord of the Treasury and in 1774 secretary and comptroller to the queen. He died in 1780. He was born in the adjoining county, except one, to the , father of the subject of this sketch.
The Harris’ in this country are too numerous to attempt any account of them in a brief sketch like this, except
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to say that they are very probably of the same stock, as there are many resemblances in the Harrisses everywhere, they being either intellectual or business leaders in the community in which they live. What has been said of the Harrisses might also be said of the Baileys, except that the Bailey name with variations in the spelling, is a common name in England, Ireland, Scotland and France, as well as in all other English-speaking countries, in each of which some have made their name historical.
The father of the subject of this sketch, Samuel Harris, was born in Devonshire, England, June 22, 1818, and was a surveyor in the service of the government. His mother, Mary An Bailey, was born in Cornwall, England, December 27, 1817. They emigrated to America in 1843 and settled in Knox county, Ohio, where they followed farming from which they moved to Defiance county in 185o and to Paulding county in 1856, becoming one of the prosperous and extensive farmers of Carryall township. Mr. Harris died in Carryall township in 1875 and Mrs. Harris is still living in Antwerp, Ohio, remarkably strong in both body and mind for one of her age. Henry Harris, son of Samuel and Mary Ann (Bailey) Harris, was born in Danville, Knox county, Ohio, August 5th, 1845, and moved with his parents first to Defiance, then to Paulding county in 185o. He spent his boyhood upon his father's farm, receiving his education first in the country schools then at Berea, Ohio. He enlisted in the service of his country and was assigned to Company A, 132 0. V. I., which was a part of the roth Army Corps under the command of General Terry and was engaged in the Siege of Richmond. In 1868 he commenced business for himself as a farmer upon his father's farm and farmed until 1872 and in the meantime bought a half interest in 117 acres of his father's farm. This farm was located
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just across the state line in Indiana. In 1872 he helped organize the Antwerp "Hub and Spoke" Company and remained actively in the company till 1893 and closed buiness in 1900, he being president and assistant secretary nearly the entire time and during that time manufactured nearly 100,000,000 feet into staves and lumber. In 1893 he went into the Antwerp Exchange Bank as cashier and staid until 1900, when he went into the grain and electric light bush at which he is now engaged. His plant is considered one of unusual excellence. He handles much grain and stock and owns a farm of 126 acres within the corporation limits.
Mr. Harris has been one of the strong characters for good to Antwerp during almost its entire history, he and his associates in business being a company of men rarely surpassed in any town for the sterling character of the individual members, and of these, Henry Harris has played an important part in shaping their entire business course. If it were asked "what are the elements in his character that has contributed most to his success," I would say "strict integrity, good judgment and doe application to business elements that will succeed anywhere.
December 25, 1871, Mr. Henry Harris and Miss Jane E. Cottrell were united in marriage in Carryall township. She was born in Carryall township, November 26th, 1854. She is the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Bridge) Cottrell, the former born in Union county in 1818 of Virginia parentage, whose mother was a full cousin of President Tyler. The Tylers are a very old stock of people. They are English, of Norman blood, having come to England with William the Conqueror and were beneficiaries in parcelling out lands under the name of Gilbert de Tiler, which in 1233 was rendered de Tyler, then le Tyler, when the race became more numerous, being represnted in parliament by Thomas le
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Tyler in 1311 and finally Tyler, a numerous family, including knights, baronets, admirals in the navy, member of parliament and distinguished divines and also the great blacksmith of English history, Wat Tyler, who in the reign of Richard II led the glorious rebellion which forced the reconfirmation of Mogna Charta. In Virginia their history is almost synonymous with the history of the state, including two governors and a president of the United States.
To Mr. and Mrs. Harris were born Lillian E., wife of Mr. M. L. Barnes and lives in Whitely county, Indiana ; S. L. Harris, who is engaged with his father in business ; Louis C., at Monticello, Indiana, in the electric light business ; Guy, deceased, and Bertha L., at Oberlin college in the. musical course. All of the children are graduates of the Antwerp high school, after which Lloyd took a business course at Toledo, Ohio, Louis at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and both of the girls studied music at Oberlin, Ohio.
Mr. Harris is a member of the I. O. O. F. in which he has passed the chairs and is a member of the encampment of the state. He is also a member of the G. A. R. He and family are active and influential members of the Presbyterian church in which he has been elder about 25 years. He also served on the important committees in the building of the new church.
Such citizens as Henry Harris and fami'y are a guarantee of safety to our country and her institutions.
JOSEPH W. RUEBUSH.
The subject s of this sketch, Joseph W. RuebuSh, a native of the "Old Dominion," was born in Augusta county, Virginia, April 4, 1853, upon a farm. He came from a
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family of what is known in that state as "good people." He is the son of Jacob and Diana (Kice) Ruebush. The former was born in Virginia, September 18, 1817, and is now living in Virginia at the ripe old age of 84 years, a venerable citizen of his county, whose lather was a native of the "Emerald Isle." The latter, Diana Kice, was born in Virginia, September 29, 1816, and died in that state July 25, 1829. She was a lady of many excellent traits of character and died respected by all who knew her.
Joseph W. Ruebush was reared upon a farm and educated in the schools of Virginia and in the Greenville (Ohio) Normal school, having removed to Darke county, Ohio, in 1874, in which county he followed the profession of teaching. November, 1882, he came to Paulding county and immediately took rank as one of the best teachers in the county. He is perhaps the most exact and syste atic country teacher in the county ; indeed he is regard d by many as Paulding county's ablest school teacher, having taught twelve years, seventy-six months in one district and one hundred and thirty-five months in all. He, in his school work, is unwearied in his efforts to cultivate those elements in the character of his pupils that make good and useful citizens. It is impossible for a pupil under his instructions not to improve in character as well as knowledge. Mr. Rue - bush can look back over his life with great satisfaction, having been one of the most potent factors for good in our county. He has retired from his profession and has taken up the vocation of farming. He is loved and respected by a host of pupils who have been bettered by his disinterested labor for them.
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JUDGE WILSON H. SNOOK.
The subject of this sketch, Judge Wilson H. Snook has stood at the head of his profession and been held in veneration for so many years that it is impossible in a brief sketch like this to properly narrate the important events of his life and bring out those elements in his character that make him the ranking personage in this part of the state. The conditions surrounding his birth, childhood and youth were perhaps the most favorable possible for laying the foundation for a perfect manhood ; a robust and vigorous ancestry in both body and mind, an extremely pioneer country and parents of moderate means. The Snooks halve always been a rugged and forceful people, full of activity and progress and of Holland descent, a dictionary of names defines the name as church in our language. They can from Holland and settled in New Jersey long prior to the Revolution in, which war they were represented by Captain Snook, a great uncle of Judge Snook who served during the entire war under Gen. Starke. Three of his uncles were colonels in the Civil war ; Col. William N., of 132 Regiment one hundred days' service; Cal. John S., of the 68th O. V. I., and Col. Peter, was in the Southern army. He served under Gen. Price in Missouri. His father, Hon. Wilson H. Snook, served ably in the Ohio legislature and as county commissioner three terms. The legislative district at that time comprised the counties of Putnam, Van Wert, Defiance and Williams. This shows that his influence extended far beyond the confines of his own county. He was born October 9, 1808, in Warren, Ohio, and located at Delaware Bend in Defiance county in 1828 and came to Paulding in the fall of 1834. He married Miss Anna Murphy, who was born in York state and came to Paulding county in 1830. He
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commenced without means and died at the age of forty-four with an honorable name and a substantial citizen of the county, haying followed the business of farming, merchandising and grain dealing. Their youngest child, Wilson H., the subject of this sketch, was born near Antwerp, Ohio, October 30, 1850, at the age of two years he was left fatherless, his father dying December 15th, 1852. His parents were prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and his boyhood was such as would be experienced by a boy upon a good pioneer farm and under the care of a Christian mother. He has been a student all his life attending first the country schools, then one term each at the academy at Newyille, Indiana, and Maumee City, Lucas County, Ohio, In 1869 he entered Baldwin university at Berea, Ohio, where he remained three years at hard study, taxing himself to his fullest capacity. During, and after his school life, he followed teaching in the country and one year in the Antwerp high school and in the meantime began reading law with Hon. Lewis S. Gorden at Antwerp, Ohio, and in 1879 was admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio. These were busy years and have permanently impressed themselves upon his character making study and research a daily necessity.
Upon being admitted to the bar he commenced the prat ice of his profession at Antwerp, Ohio. His practice in Antwerp was such as a country town of its size would afford, the best being neither very lucrative nor important. He served three terms as clerk of Carryall township. In the campaign of 1886 for county prosecutor, he was opposed by Hon. Lewis Platter, who was contesting for a second term and who in his first canvass carried every township in the county excepting one. In this election Mr. Snook ran over two hundred ahead of his ticket and carried every
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township in the county. He was easily selected over his opponent, John S. Snook, the present congressman from this district. The office of prosecutor during his incumbency was perhaps the most important in the history of the county. These were the golden days of the office. The giant legal battle of the Paulding bar was the Plumly damage and murder case arising from the shooting. and killing of W. W. Carpenter by John Plumly. Here was an array of legal talent rarely seen. Snook, of Paulding, and Higsby, of Cleveland, against Holland, of ,Paulding, Hill and Hubbard, of Defiance, and Blackburn, of Cincinnati. This was not a trial of days, but of weeks during which the court room was daily crowded and every spectator sat with abated breath and ever increasing interest in the collosal mental battle. Here was Tom Hollandwith his life-long reputation as a criminal lawyer never in better trim and never with better opportunities to display his sagacity and adroitness. Here was Hill and Hubbard, the legal lights of the Defiance bar and Blackburn the "Invincible" of Cincinnati. This was an association whose reputation and ability would have adorned any bar. All these were fighting on the defensive fortified by all the strong laws and tender mercies for the protection of possible innocence. The assaulting party was a doublet—the one, quick, shrewd, penetrating, the eloquent Higsby heralded by a reputation that shown upon his person with an almost transfiguring light ; the other a plain country lawyer with comparatively no legal reputation, just recently from the out-town of Antwerp. When the legal array first became known it was considered to be Higsby to storm the fort, but a revelation was at hand. From the very moment that W. H. Snook began to measure strength with these veterans of the legal arena his reputation advanced and the trial ended by his
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being classed as one of the strong characters of the Ohio bar. This was an exciting time in the annals of Paulding county, all minds were' centered on the trial and the characters that conducted it. Every individual who left the scene of action became either a courier or a herald to those he saw. This doublet advanced to the charge Higsby's weapons and armour sparkling with previous stones. He carried a banner which was inscribed "The force of the silver tongue," Snook advanced full abreast his weapons and armour cold unburnished truth, and truth alone, was inscribed upon his banner ; one the glitter and the impetuosity of the cavalier, a legal Prince Rupert ; the other the simplicity of a roundhead and as unassuming and as direct as a Cromwell. At first the brilliancy of Higsby attracted the notice of the spectators, they believing that upon him hung victory or defeat but as the towering form of Snook advanced more and more into the fight they soon recognized in him one of the crowning characters of the battle. The victory was to the assaulting party. Truth was laid bare to the court and jury, but owing to some coterie, of shady hearts, Plumly was set free and old gray haired spectators laughed a cold laugh and walked away. Other important murder trials were the Haley, Watterside, etc., five in all. One of the most important duties that Paulding county's prosecutor ever had was the preparation and examination of the contracts for the construction of the court house and to Judge Snook great credit is due for his careful service in this capacity. The great ability of Mr. Snook as displayed in the discharge of his office and especially the part he took in the Plumly case led to his nomination and election to the bench as Judge of Common Pleas over Judge Sutphen who was contesting for a re-election.
The brevity of our sketch necessitates a very much
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abridged history of his services upon the bench. Among the most important cases over which he presided might be mentioned : The homicide case at Bryan, the murder of the Good children, trial of defaulting county officials of Putnam county, the auditor, deputy auditor and treasurer in which there was a defalcation of $23,000 in five years and the case of the City of Defiance against the Wabash Railroad Company ; the point in contention was the power of the municipal authorities to sulender up the rights of a street. This is a case of too much importance to every town or city in the United States to pass without some notice. This case was decided by Judge Snook that they could not and his decision was contested through the Circuit and Supreme court of the state and the United States courts in each of which courts his decision was sustained. The importance of this case can hardly be over-estimated and the great good that Judge Snook has rendered the citizens in this preservation of their rights will never be fully appreciated. It is a point that had never been decided by the courts but is now fortunately decided by the highest court in the land. If this case would have been tried before a judge of less legal acumen or less penetrating judgment and decided that the street rights could be surrendered up by the municipal authorities every street in every city or town in the United States might have been left at the mercy of corruptible town or city officials and the gigantic corporations with their unlimited means might corrupt the officials and purchase street rights which would render worthless or nearly so the best property of any town or city by closing the street upon which they were situated. Though this decision, Judge Snook has preserved to us one o4 our most valued rights and powers as citizens of towns and cities. Of the cases that were tried before him and appealed to the higher
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courts, he was almost uniformly affirmed in his decisions and his decisions are held to be of great weight in the courts generally. Immediately after his retirement from the bench he was connected with a case to recover $11,000 to the treasury of Paulding county and in the defense of John B. Vinegar, a first degree homicide case, in both of which he was successful. In fact, he is asked to take one side of nearly every important case in the county. His practice extends through all the courts of the state and to the Fed, eral courts at Columbus and Toledo.
Notwithstanding the extreme modesty of Judge Snook upon this subject I will speak upon his personal appearance and resemblance. His is of a striking appearance and would elicit inquiry anywhere, in height, form and physiognomy, being strikingly like that of our most beloved president, Abraham Lincoln. To those who knew Lincoln well the resemblance is almost startling.
April 11, 1877, at Antwerp, Ohio, Mr. Snook was united in marriage with Miss Minnie J. Graves, who was born November 18, 1854, in Carryall township. She is the daughter of Zachariah and Adaline Graves. The former was born in Virginia, November 11, 1827, and came to Paulding county in 1835, and are an energetic and historic family in the county. They are both now living in Antwerp, Ohio.
To Mr. and Mrs. Snook were born Homer C., Lee M„ Otto W., and Ethel M.
Judge Snook and family are pillars of Methodism in Paulding, giving freely of their time and means for the advancement of all the church interests. In the church organization he has been Sunday school superintendent, teacher and Bible class teacher, church steward, trustee and member of the building committee. He has been identified
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with th church since reaching the age of 20 years. In Paulding county, no family is better or more favorably, known than the family of Judge Snook.
JOHN A. ANGEL.
The subject of this sketch, John A. Angel, was born in Syracuse, Kosciosko county, Indiana, September 15, 1875, and came to Paulding county, Ohio, in 1889. He is the son of Marion and Margaret (Rapp) Angel, the former having been born near Syracuse, Indiana, and is now living in Chicago, Ill. The latter is now living in Paulding county, Ohio.
July 31, 1897, Mr. John Angel and Miss Alma Ludwig were united in marriage in Harrison township. She is the daughter of Charles and Mary B. (Borders) Ludwig, a family of Paulding county's most enterprising citizens, a full sketch of the Ludwigs will be found in the history of his brother, George Y. Ludwig. The Borders family are one of the early pioneers of Paulding township.
To Mr. and Mrs. Angel were born two children, Frank, December 23, 1899, and Harry, August 24, 1901.
Mr. Angel is now located in the thriving town of Payne, Ohio, and is a dealer in and repairs bicycles. He handles the leading standard brands of wheels and keeps on hand a large supply of bicycle sundries and has the best bicycle repair shop in the county. His representation in regard to his goods may be relied upon and his repair work is first- class and very reasonable in price. He understands his business thoroughly and is one of the enterpriing citizens of Payne, Ohio. If you need anything either in the bicycle or repair line it will pay you to call upon John A. Angel, Payne, Ohio. Any business transaction with him will be satisfactory.
289 - JOHN A. ANGEL AND FAMILY
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JAMES S. PUGH.
One of the representative citizens and successful farmers, was born November 24, 1855, in Harrison township at his present home, and is the son of Job and Mary Ann (Shepard) Pugh. His father was born in Frederick county, Virginia. August 12, 1810, and settled in Paulding county in April,1855. The Pughs came originally from Wales and are a numerous people in this country and all coming from the same family and contain many names of note in almost all the walks of life, being judges, noted lawyers, United States Senators, Congressmen and railroad presidents. They are generally people of Much more than ordinary prominence in whatever profession found, and rarely found to be shiftless people. His mother was born in Frederick county, Maryland, August 31, 1816, and is now living upon the homestead farm, with her son, the subject of this sketch, at the advanced age of 85 years. The Pugh family has been a well known family in Paulding county for a half century, giving name to the neighborhood, the school and the church.
James S. Pugh, the subject of this sketch, was, united in marriage October 28, 1880, in Carryall township. with Miss Anna Renshaw, who was born in that township, January 11, 1858. She is the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Bycroft) Renshaw, the former was born in Lincolnshire, England, April 22, 1825, and who died in Carryall township, March 29, 1898, the latter died in Carryall township, September, 1872.
To Mr. and Mrs. Pugh were born Minnie M., August 24, 1881, now the wife of J. C. Overmeyer ; John W., deceased, and Earl R., deceased.
The subject of this sketch had five brothers in the Civil
291 - JAMES S. PUGH AND FAMILY
292 - REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
war, two of whom were killed in the battle of Atlanta, and one nephew in the Philippines during the Spanish-American war.
Mr. Pugh is one of the substantial farmers of Harrison township, owning two farms, 13o acres in all, under a good state of cultivation and well drained. He and wife take a deep interest in church and religious affairs, 'being members of the M. E. church at Pugh's chapel. He has been trustee and steward of the church for seven years and is serving his third term as treasurer of the Sunday school association of the county. HE is also class leader of Pugh Chapel. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge at Antwerp and he and wife are members of the Rebecca lodge at the same place.
Mr. Pugh is a staunch Republican and a party worker, being prominently spoken of for county commissioner and is generally a delegate to his party's convention..
He and family are well known throughout the county.
FRANKLIN P. DAVIS.
The subject of this sketch, Franklin P. Davis, is one of the younger generation of active and educated representative citizens of Paulding county, he having been born in Shelby county, Ohio, December 23rd, 1865, and came to Paulding county, Ohio, in 1883. Previous to his:location in this county, he had lived a few years in Logan county, Ohio, and also in Hardin county, a short time.
December 5, 1889, he and Miss Maggie C. Harlan were united in marriage at the home of the bride's father near Tipton. His wife was born in Stark county, Ohio, May 27, 1873. She was the daughter of Ezekial Harlan, who was
293 - MR. AND MRS. FRANKLIN P. DAVIS
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born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October 24th, 1850, and Celestia (Miller) Harlan, who was born February Ti; 1853, and who died September 28, 1873. Mr. Harlan is now living in San Jose, Cal.
Mr. Davis' parents are Eli Davis, who was born at Waterloo, New York, and who is now living in Logan county, Ohio, and Malinda McIntire, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, and died January 19, 1886.
To Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born Zelma Pearl (Nov. 12, 1890), Hazel Dell (Sept. 4, 1892), Harlan E. (May 13, 1895 ; died Sept. 26, 1898), Marie (born May 18, 1900),
Mr. Davis' father served his country during the Civil War as a soldier in the 122nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
Mr. Davis, the subject of this sketch, is one of Paulding county's very successful school teachers. He now resides upon and operates a farm of 8o acres one mile north of Tipton, in Blue Creek township. His residence is one of the finest country residences in the township. Culture and refinement pervades his home.
NORTH GARFIELD OSBORN.
The subject of this sketch was born in Antwerp, Ohio, on September 9, 1875, and a part of his given name, "Garfield," was from the fact that his entrance into this mundane sphere during the hours of a political meeting, being addressed by the then member of Congress, Hon. Jas. A. Garfield. His parents were W. E. and N. H. Osborn, who located in Antwerp on October 4, 1864. His grandparents were David N. and M. P. G. Osborn. North G., at an early age, entered our village school and commenced the battle of life for an education, and after passing through. several
295 - NORTH GARFIELD OSBORN
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departments, laid his books aside, and he, in company with Verne Robinson, on the 19th of November, 1895, published the first number of the Antwerp "Bee." This partnership contiued for about one year when Mr. Robinson retired and Osborn assumed full control, and at this date continues as its publisher. On October 31, 1896, he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie U. Waite at Maysville, Indiana, and their fruits are two children, one son and one daughter, Dale Nelson, born November 9, 1899, and Dorothy Louise, born September 17, 1901.
During his career as publisher of the "Bee," Mr. Osborn has at all times labored not only in the interests of his home town but for the community at large. Liberal in his ideas, and at all-times looking to the kindly welfare of his neighbors, with an endeavor to treat all classes with fairness. He is identified as a member of the lodges of K. of P. and.S. of V., and is at present a member of the Antwerp Military Band.
VAUBEL BROS.
The subjects of this sketch, Christian J. and Anthony C. Vaubel, merchant tailors of Payne, Ohio, were born in Wapakoneta, Auglaize county, Ohio, the former October 10, 1871, the latter February 6, 1873. They are the sons of Christian Vaubel, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, April, 1834, and died in Wapakoneta, Ohio, in 1892. He was a merchant tailor in Miamasburg in 1856, when he, with forty associates, concluded to try their fortunes in the gold fields of California. They went by way of the sea around South America. Within three years all had returned except himself, who remained for nearly fifteen years as a placer miner.
297 - VAUBEL BROTHERS
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He was successful as a miner, but lost what he made mining in various ventures, and came to Wapakoneta, Auglaize county, and followed his profession of tailoring. While in California, he was intimately acquainted with Mackay, who afterwards became the famous bonanza miner and millionaire. Their mother was Margaret Gumbrecht, who was born in Neuremburg, Bavaria, German, in 1851, and who is now living in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Their maternal grandfather was a soldier in the Franco-Prussian war. They also had several uncles in the war. Their uncle, Selvador Vaubel, enlisted in Dayton, Ohio, as a soldier in the Civil War, and was captured and sent to Libby prison, and after his exchange from the prison he was discharged from the service, owing to disability. His grandfather and grandmother had a family of twelve children, and at their golden wedding anniversary, one hundred grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren were present. They lived a married life together sixty-seven years. He was born in Germany in 1810 and came to. America when ten years of age, and to Auglaize bounty in the pioneer days of 1833. The elder brother, Mr. Christian Vaubel, was united in marriage in Payne, November 12, 1897, with Miss Mary Quince, who was born in Payne, Ohio, September 15, 1875. She is the daughter of Solomon Quince, one of the highly respected pioneer families of Paulding county. To this union was born one child, Christian Anthony Vaubel, March 25, 1899. Mr. Christian Vaubel has had somewhat of a roving life, having visited many of the states of the union, and can relate many interesting incidents of his experience while away. He came to Payne in the fall of 1894, to join his brother, Mr. Anthony Vaubel, who first came to Paulding in 1891, as a tailor, and moved to Payne in the fall of 1894.
Vaubel Vros., Merchant Tailors, of Payne, Ohio, are a
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firm who thoroughly understand everything in regard tc their business and are excellent workmen. The garment: made by them are second to none made anywhere for their price ; their representation in regard to goods or work can b( relied upon. They enjoy a large patronage of regular cus tomers who have learned to rely both upon their word and work.
HENRY RADENBAUGH,
Henry Radenbaugh was born in Sandusky, Erie county Ohio, October 2, 1847, and is the son of Philip and Mary A (Fisher) Radenbaugh. The parents, who were natives o Germany, emigrated to this country in early life and locate( for a time in Erie County, later coming to Williams and thei to Paulding.
He enlisted from the state of Ohio, January 15th, 1864 and was mustered into the United States service at Nicholasville, Ky., February 24, 1864, as a private in Company F 38th Regiment, O. V. I., under Captain John Crosson and Colonel Wm. C. Choate, to serve three years, or during the war. He was honorably discharged July 12, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., on account of the close of the war. During his service, he took part in the following battles : Mill Springs Murfreesboro, Corinth, Stone River, Jonesboro, and th battles in which the Army of the Cumberland participated
His marriage with Miss Mary. E. Van Gundy occurred January 22, 1868. She died July 14, 1887, leaving six children named Charles F., Alice A., George E., John L., Myrtle E., Eva M. Mr. Radenbaugh was again married on March 28, 1888, to Mrs. F. M. Frampton, formerly of Fairfield county, but moved to this county in 1886.