716 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
DAVID HENRY PRINDLE, who resides on his well-improved farm of 94 acres, situated in Jackson township, was born in Scioto township, this county, April 30, 1863, and is a son of David M. and Elizabeth (Gochenouer) Prindle.
The parents of Mr. Prindle are natives of New York State and Pickaway County, Ohio, respectively, and the father is one of the representative farmers and stock-raisers of Muhlenberg township. He settled in this township when his son, our subject, was small. David Henry Prindle was the fourth member of his parents' family of seven children, the others being: Rebecca (Trego), deceased; Perry L., of Washington township, Pickaway County; John H., of Scioto township; Elmer E., of Muhlenberg township; and Bertha (Clark), of Muhlenberg township; and Edwin, deceased in infancy.
David H. Prindle was reared and educated in Muhlenberg and remained at home into young manhood and then made a trip to Wisconsin and to other points in the West. After his return and marriage, he rented a farm near his present one, on which he lived for 12 years. In 1896 he purchased his present farm which he has improved with fine buildings, a large, handsome residence and a substantial barn. Here he carries on general farming and stock-raising and. is one of the township's substantial, reliable men.
On October 8, 1884, Mr. Prindle was married to Mrs. Rosa F. (Clark) Blacker, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John J. and Mary Ann (Hott) Clark, natives of this county. Four children have been born to them, namely : Jesse M.; Charles Ellsworth, who died aged 2 years, 2 months and 27 days; Gerald Clark; and George James.
Formerly Mr. Prindle was a Republican but is now identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of the township Board of Education and looks carefully after the school interests of the community. He is one of the leading members and a trustee of the United Brethren Church at Robtown, Scioto township, and is superintendent of the Sunday-school.
HON. BARZILLAI ADKINS, one of the best known citizens of this county, who is now leading a retired life in the city of Circleville, to which he removed two years ago, was born September 3, 1831, in Ross County, Ohio. When a child one year old, he was brought by his parents to Monroe township, Pickaway County, where he grew to manhood! and where the greater part of his life has been spent. His father, Barzillai C. Adkins, a native of Maryland, was married in that State but came. to Ohio before any of his children were born and settled in Ross County. His wife, whose maiden name was Emily Parsons, was also a native of Maryland. Barzillai C. Adkins and his wife had six children who reached maturity, namely : Leah, Eleanor, Abigail, Susan, Barzillai and Zachariah P.
The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Monroe township, principally in the public schools, although he had some in-
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struction from private tutors. At the age of 17 years he assumed the responsibility of looking after the family because of the death of his father for he was the oldest son, and this he did right manfully on the farm of 26o acres which was left to him and his brother, Zachariah P., to look after. From that time until his recent retirement from agricultural labors he conducted the farm in Monroe township.
In 1860 Barzillai Adkins was married to Louise E. Fissell, a native of Circleville. They became the parents of nine sons and four daughters. The former were as follows : John P., who is a teacher in Pickaway County ; Jackson B., a prominent educator of Lima, Ohio, secretary of Lima College; Joseph W., a prominent attorney of Circleville; Harry H., an oil operator and well known business man of Lima, Ohio; Charles H., an attorney of Lima, Ohio, twice elected a member of the State legislature; George G., of Newark, Ohio, who is also an attorney by profession; Coston B., a teacher in Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York; DeWitt T., who has been engaged in teaching school but who at present is pursuing advanced studies at Lima College, Lima, Ohio; and Stanley G., also a teacher, who is taking up advanced studies at Lima College. The four daughters of the family are as follows : Catherine A., who is the wife of Henry C. Renick, of Circleville; Frances Eleanor; Margaret Maude, wife of William Davis, of Lima, Ohio; and Sara Emily, wife of Murray Oglesbee, a farmer of Madison County, Ohio.
Mr. Adkins is a Democrat in politics and during his residence in Monroe township was called upon to serve in various capacities. He was a member of the township Board of Education for about 25 years and served as assessor for seven years. He was elected to represent Pickaway County in the 74th and 75th general assemblies of Ohio, where he was a member of the following committees : "County Affairs," "Deaf and Dumb Asylum," "Privileges" and "Temperance." His son, Hon. Charles H. Adkins, of Lima, served in the same sessions of the Legislature, representing Allen County.
THOMAS JOSEPH BAKER, who has been identified with Pickaway County for the past 30 years, was born March 22, 1828, in Massachusetts. His well-cultivated farm of 18 acres is situated in Wayne township.
Mr. Baker was a child in years when his parents moved from Massachusetts to New York. In 1858 he came to Ohio and settled in Lake County, afterward removing to Ross County and finally coming to Pickaway County about 1876. In 1861 he offered his services to his country as a soldier and served through the Civil War as a member of the 128th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Infantry.
Mr. Baker married Melinda Tucker, of near Cleveland, Ohio, who died while he was serving in the war. In 1867 he married Jemima Grimes, daughter of John Grimes, of Ross County, Ohio. One child, which died in infancy, was born to the first union. Six children were born to Mr. Baker's second marriage, namely : Eugene, John, Joseph, George, Etta and Anna. Mr. Baker has had to part with all his sons. His two daughters still survive, the former of whom married John Janes, of Ross County, and the latter, George Tatman, of Wayne township. Mr. Baker has 10 granddaughters and one grandson, the latter of whom bears his name.
Mr. Baker has taken considerable interest in his time in public affairs and served as constable both in Ross and Pickaway counties. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HENRY R. CALVERT, a prominent citizen of Pickaway township, Pickaway County, a member of the School Board and one of the substantial farmers of his locality, has been established on his well-cultivated farm of 105 acres for the past 26 years. Mr. Calvert bears an honorable old name of Maryland and Virginia, and was born n the latter State, July 28, 1852. He is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Grant) Calvert.
The parents of Mr. Calvert, who were Vir-
718 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.
ginians by birth, removed to Hocking County, Ohio, when Henry R. was but nine months old. There he was reared and educated in the district schools. From boyhood he has been accustomed to agricultural labor and has been a successful farmer for many years. He settled in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, in 1877, and purchased his present farm in 1900. This he has continued to cultivate and improve. He devotes attention to the growing of corn, wheat, oats and hay and raises considerable stock.
In 1874, in Hocking County, Ohio, Mr. Calvert was married to Eliza J. Wilkins, who was a native of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Calvert have five children, viz.: Pearl E., of Pickaway township; Myrtle F., wife of Harry Anderson, of Pickaway township; Leona B., wife of Harley Allen, of Pickaway township; Cora M., wife of Clifton Allen, of Washington township; and Berman R., of Pickaway township. Mr. Calvert, being a stanch believer in the public school system, gave his children excellent opportunities for study in the local schools. Mr. Calvert is serving as a most efficient member of the township School Board.
Politically Mr. Calvert is affiliated with the Democratic party. Fraternally he belongs to the Foresters, attending the meetings of this body at Circleville. He is one of the leading members of the United Brethren Church, known as the Morris Church, of which he is serving. as a trustee.
JOHN J. RENICK, one of the farmers of prominence and men -of large substance in Jackson township, where he owns 600 acres of valuable land, belongs to one of the most highly considered families of this part of Ohio. The name of Renick carries with it, wherever found, a sense of sterling integrity as well as ample means. John J. Renick was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1886, and is a son of the late Job R. Renick. Extended mention of the Renick family will be found in another part of this work.
John J. Renick was reared and educated in Jackson township. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and after his marriage came into possession of his large estate, it being a part of the 1,000 acres originally granted to Capt. Presley Thornton, mention of which in detail will be found elsewhere. Mr. Renick has in his possession the original patent, which bears the signature of John Adams and Timothy Stickney. Mr. Renick efficiently looks after his large property and also gives some attention to furthering the interests of the Mason Wire Fence Company.
On February 29, 1903, Mr. Renick was married to Modie Stonerock, who is a daughter of Ira and Emma (Vankeuren) Stonerock. They have two bright little daughters--Lucile and Elizabeth. Mr. Renick is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
AMOS HOFFMAN, a representative farmer and venerable and respected citizen of Pickaway County, who has been located on the Nelson Hitler farm in Pickaway township since 1879, belongs to one of the county's old pioneer families. Mr. Hoffman was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, November 21, 1831, and is a .son of George and Mary M. (Harpster) Hoffman.
George Hoffman was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied his parents to Pickaway County, Ohio, settling among the early pioneers of Washington township. George Hoffman died some 6o years ago. He married Mary Harpster, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and she too, with all their children, except our subject, have passed away.
Amos Hoffman was reared in Washington township, losing his father when he was 15 years of age. He continued to live in the old neighborhood until hp was 17 years old and then was employed for some five years by George Hitler, who was then a very prominent agriculturist of Circleville township. Mr. Hoffman was very thoroughly trained in farming while with Mr. Hitler, and met with suc-
PAGE 719 - BLANK
PAGE 720 - MR AND MRS SAMUEL C. WEIDINGER AND DAUGHTER
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cess when he began to farm on his own account. For 20 years he continued farming in Washington township and then settled on the extensive Nelson Hitler farm in Pickaway township, where he has continued ever since.
Mr. Hoffman was married (first) on October 16, 1853, to Catherine Hitler, who was born in Pickaway County, and was a daughter of George Hitler, formerly a large landowner and farmer of the county. Two children were born to this marriage, viz.: Mrs. Mary E. Dresbach, of Columbus, and Emma A., deceased. Mrs. Hoffman died after the birth of the second daughter. Mr. Hoffman was married (second) on February 16, 1862, to Catherine Leist, a daughter of John D. Leist, formerly a well-known citizen of Washington township. Of the nine children born to this union, five still survive, these being : Ida E., of Pickaway township; Rose M., wife of Abraham Baker, of Auglaize County; John A., of Circleville; M. Florence, who is teaching school in Pickaway County; and Emma C., of Pickaway township. The mother of these children has also passed away.
Mr. Hoffman is numbered with the leading and influential Democrats of Pickaway township. He has always been a useful citizen and has taken a very active interest in the public school system. For many years he served as a director of District No. 6, in Washington township and later of District No. 4, in Pickaway township. He is at present a member of the township Board of Education. While in Washington township he also served several. terms as trustee. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, having united with, it in Washington township. One of the older residents of Pickaway County, Mr. Hoffman has been the witness of wonderful changes during a long and useful life, and his interesting reminiscences recall old conditions and old names which he weaves together in a most entertaining narrative. The only remaining member of his own family, he has seen other families develop and pass away leaving but few representatives. Mr. Hoffman is more fortunate, having children and grandchildren and one great-grandson to still perpetuate the honorable name.
SAMUEL C. WEIDINGER, operating the William Miller farm in Harrison township, and one of the most enterprising agriculturists in the county, was born in Ross County, Ohio, town of Yellow Bud, on the 8th of April, 1869. When a youth of 18 he came to Pickaway County. He received his education both in Ross and Pickaway Counties. After working on a farm for a time he located at Darbyville, where for seven years he conducted a meat market.
In 1903 Mr. Weidinger located on what is known as the William Miller farm, which is the property of the Scioto Canning Company, and comprises a rich tract of 654 acres. In his agricultural operations he employs 10 teams of horses, and utilizes the entire farm. In 1906 he had 140 acres in wheat and oats, 170 in corn, 155 in sweet corn, etc. He makes a specialty of sweet corn for canning and in 1905 raised 914 tons at $7 per ton ; also 6,000 bushels of field corn, 2,300 bushels of wheat and 200 bushels of oats.
In 1896 our subject was married to Mary Alice Wilson, daughter of Jesse Y. Wilson. One child has been born to their union--Mabel Sophia, now eight years of age. Although Mr. Weidinger served as corporation treasurer during the seven years of his residence at Darbyville and is a stanch Republican, he has taken little interest in politics since coming to Harrison township, his extensive agricultural operations having occupied his entire time. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Ashville.
The parents of Mr. Weidinger, both natives of Germany, came to America after their marriage. The father died in 1901, aged 63 years ; the mother in 1888, at the age of 58. They passed the lives of honest, practical, . respected farmers in Pickaway and Ross counties, spending their last days in the latter. They were the parents of 11 children, four of whom died in infancy, the seven surviving being as follows : John, a resident of Muhlenberg township;' George, who lives two miles north of Circleville; Charles ; Samuel C.; Barbara and Anna, wives respectively of William and Christopher:
722 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
McCollister, of Ross County; and Lizzie, who married William Reid and resides at Darbyville.
A group picture of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Weidinger and their daughter, Mabel Sophia, accompanies this sketch.
ADAM WEGERLY was born April 25, 1827, at Lampertheim, near Worms, Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. His parents were Valentine and Katherine Wegerly, who were natives of Germany. In 1832 the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, where the father .engaged in the grocery business, in which he was fairly successful. Valentine Wegerly died in 1868 at the age of 76 and his wife in 1880 at the age of 81.
Adam Wegerly is the youngest child of a family of two sons and one daughter. His brother, John Wegerly, who was a prominent merchant in Chillicothe, Ohio, died in 1888 at the age of 64. His sister, Mrs. Margaret Frey, died in 1904 at the age of 84.
Adam Wegerly received a fairly good education in the public schools of Chillicothe. At the age of 16 he quit school and became an apprentice at the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for two years when he went to New Orleans to join the United States Army in the war with Mexico. He then went to Indiana and became a farm laborer and was later foreman in a packing house. He then returned to Chillicothe, Ohio, and for two years was a tenant on the farm of Governor William Allen. During this time he saved a little money and purchased a tract of land in Ross County near the village of Yellow Bud.
February 13, 1855, he was married to-Amelia Schlager, daughter of Andrew Schlager, who lived near Yellow Bud. By this union six children were born, all of whom are living, as follows : William B., born February 9, 1856; John V., born August 14, 1857; Milton B., born February 25, 1859; Margaret Alice (Lamparter), born January 22, 1861; Franklin A., born March 20, 1863; and LaFayette,born September 11, 1880. All the sons are farmers except the youngest, who is a member of the law firm of Lindsay & Wegerly, of Circleville.
Shortly after his marriage, Adam Wegerly disposed of the farm near Yellow Bud, and purchased a tract of 260 acres near Williamsport, Ohio. Later he sold this tract and purchased 260 acres in Circleville township, on the Island road, a portion of which is now owned by Henry Hulse. In 1866 he purchased a tract of land four miles north of the city of Circleville on the Walnut Creek turnpike, where he now resides. He has since accumulated a large amount of property. In 1880 he retired from active farming and transferred his property to his family.
Mr. Wegerly is a stanch Democrat, has held a few township offices, but has never taken any active part in politics.
HENRY S. HULSE, one of the well-known citizens of Circleville, where he is engaged in a windmill and pump business, owns a fine farm of 200 acres in Circleville township, which claims a part of his attention. Mr. Hulse was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, July 1, 1852, and is a son of James R. Hulse.
The late James R. Hulse was born on the old Hulse homestead in Jackson township, January 20, 1828, and with the exception of two years he passed the whole of his life in this township, September 6, 1899, when he was one of the leading citizens. His father, also named James R. Hulse, was born in New York and was one of the earliest settlers in Pickaway County. The family has always been one of prominence here. The mother of our subject, Eleanor (Stipp) Hulse, was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 2, 1826, and is a daughter of Henry and Sarah Stipp, natives of Virginia, of German extraction. Mrs. Hulse lives with her son, William A. Hulse, in Jackson township.
Henry S. Hulse remained in Jackson town-
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ship until he was 17 years old and then took a trip through the country, partly for the sake of adventure and partly to secure the means that would enable him to take a course at Xenia College. He started out with a kit of tools and mended clocks and jewelry through the rural regions and earned the money he needed. After graduating at Xenia in 1877, he taught school for 14 years during the winter seasons, in the summer working for binder companies. In 1892 he moved to Circleville where he engaged in a windmill and pump business, in connection with overseeing his farm.
On September 16, 1888, Mr. Hulse was married to Elizabeth Runkle, a daughter of Henry Runkle, who was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and was one of the early settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Hulse have three children, viz.: Helen, Mary and Hepzibah, all pupils in the Circleville schools.
Mr. Hulse has always taken an active part in public affairs and has held a number of township offices. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, having membership in both lodge and encampment, and belongs also to the Elks and the Foresters. He is one of Circleville's enterprising, progressive and useful citizens.
EDWARD P. MAY, whose fine 158-acre farm of well-cultivated land is located in Pickaway township, at Kingston, is one of the well-known agriculturists and leading citizens of this locality. He was born on his present farm, on December 8, 185o, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Steele) May and grandson of Henry May, Sr., who founded the family here. Among the pioneer settlers of Pickaway township, the May family were always prominent in those efforts looking to the development of agricultural enterprises and educational and religious advancement. Henry May, the father of Edward P. May, carried on a tanning business at Kingston for a quarter of a century. He was largely interested also in farming and up to the time of his death, in 1893, was one of the leading and reliable citizens of Pickaway township.
Henry May, by marriage to Margaret Steele, became connected with another of the old and honorable families of the county. Their surviving children are: Jane E., widow of James Machir, residing at Kingston ; Alice C., who married Charles E. Ware and resides at Miamisburg, Ohio; and Edwin P.
Edwin P. May was reared in Pickaway township and was educated in the home schools. For a short period of his early business life, he was engaged in a coal and lumber trade at Kingston, after taking a business course at Wilt's Commercial College, at Dayton, Ohio. With this exception his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits.
On November 5, 1896, Mr. May was united in marriage with Mrs. Alice L. (Strawn) Freshwater, widow of Abram Freshwater, formerly of Urbana, Ohio, and a daughter of the late George Strawn, of Logan, Hocking County, Ohio. Mrs. May has one daughter by her first marriage, Miss Blanche Freshwater, an accomplished musician, who secured her musical education at Wooster College, at Wooster, Ohio.
In politics, Mr. May has always been identified with the Republican party. He is one of the trustees of Mount Pleasant Cemetery. For many years he has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. He is a man who is held in high esteem by all who know him and is a worthy representative of the best type of the citizens of Pickaway township.
HENRY B. MORRIS, agent for the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad Company, at Circleville, was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 19, 1841, and is a son of John Morris. John Morris was born in Pickaway County, in 18o6, and his whole life was passed as a farmer and public official. He served two terms as county commissioner of Pickaway
724 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
County. His father, John Morris, was one of the earliest settlers of the county.
Henry B. Morris was reared on a farm in Walnut township and was educated in the local schools. At the age of 24 years, in the spring of 1868, he came to Circleville as bookkeeper for the firm of Morris & Loughry, with whom he remained until 1874, when he was elected to the office of auditor of Pickaway County. He served for two terms in this responsible office. After retiring from public life, Mr. Marris became bookkeeper for the firm of W. E. Delaplane & Company, and was later with Heffner & Company, with which firm he remained until January 1, 188o, when he accepted his present railroad position. He is well known all through this part of the State and has a wide circle of business and personal friends.
On October 5, 1869, Mr. Morris was married to Amelia Scothorn, a daughter of Thomas J. Scothorn, one of the early settlers of Walnut township. Her maternal grandfather Pritchett was a pioneer in Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
GEORGE C. LATHOUSE, president of the board of trustees of Salt Creek township, is a substantial citizen and prosperous farmer, who resides on a well-cultivated farm of . 166 acres, situated in section 10, on which he has resided since the spring of 1893. Mr. Lathouse was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, June 4, 1863, and is a son" of Reuben and Sarah (Ernst) Lathouse.
On both sides, Mr. Lathouse comes of German ancestry. The paternal grandfather was a very early settler in Pickaway County and the maternal grandfather settled very many years ago in Washington township and has many descendants. Reuben Lathouse died when our subject was seven years old and, later, his widow married William Upp. Mr. and Mrs. Upp now reside in Clear Creek township, Fairfield County, Ohio. Of the three children of Reuben Lathouse and wife, the twosurvivors are: Emma A., wife of S. E. Valentine, of Zanesville, Ohio; and George C., of this sketch.
George C. Lathouse was reared in Washington township, where he attended the district schools. He has always been engaged in farming. He owns one of the valuable farms of Salt Creek township, on which he raises considerable stock and carries on extensive agricultural operations. He uses modern methods and utilizes excellent machinery and enjoys abundant crops.
On April 27, 1893, Mr. Lathouse was married to Isadora Mowery, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, on August 22, 1860, and is a daughter of George and Sarah (Hartranft) Mowery, the former of whom was born in Salt Creek township and the latter in the State of New York. Peter Mowery, father of George, came to this section among its earliest settlers. Mrs. Lathouse's father died January 30, 1892, and her mother, November 13, 1893. They were most worthy members of the German Lutheran Church and estimable people in every relation of life.
Mr. Lathouse belongs to the Reformed Church at Stoutsville, but Mrs. Lathouse is a member of the German Lutheran Church at Tarlton. In politics Mr. Lathouse is a strong Democrat and exerts considerable influence in his community in favor of his party. He is serving his second term as a trustee of Salt Creek township and enjoys the honor of being president of the board. He is intelligently interested in the general welfare of his locality, supports the schools and churches and is a hearty worker for the maintenance of good roads. He has the respect and confidence of the mass of his fellow-citizens.
JOSEPH AUTERBACK McCRAY, deceased, who was a well-known agriculturist and highly esteemed citizen of Madison township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 14, 1856. He was a son of Joseph and Margaret (Rarey) McCray. His death took place December 25; 1905.
Joseph Auterback McCray was reared in
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Fairfield County until 14 years of age and then accompanied his parents to Franklin County, where he grew to manhood. He obtained a fair education in the local schools and, as he was a great reader all his life, became a well informed man. From his youth up he pursued agricultural avocations and acquired excellent farming lands in Madison township, settling with his family in 1893 on the farm where he died.
On January 1, 1880, Mr. McCray was married to Mary F. Millar, who was born in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jacob and Florentine (Kauffman) Millar. Jacob Millar was born in Pickaway County and was a son of Isaac Millar, an early settler of Madison township. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. McCray, these survive : Arthur H., Mabel F., wife of Harry O. Snyder; Homer D., Page H., Joseph P. and Clarence B. Frederick M. is deceased. The family still reside on the home farm of 100 acres on which they settled, as noted above, in 1893, which is the property of Mrs. McCray.
In politics, Mr. McCray was identified with the Republican party. For many years he was a worthy member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church and was a liberal contributor to its benevolent work. He was always interested in Madison township, did his full part in promoting its importance, gave attention to its educational progress and thought favorably of all judicious public improvements. He was a good neighbor and was always ready to extend friendly help. In his family he was a kind husband and a loving father.
LEWIS IRVING MORRIS, a representative of a prominent pioneer family of Pickaway County, now lives retired at Circleville but still retains his valuable farm of 190 acres in Walnut township. He was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1853, and is a son of John and Delilah (Bowman) Morris.
The Morris family was a very early and prominent one in New Jersey and the name ispreserved in the city of Morristown. The founder of the family in Pickaway County was Ezekiel Morris, who moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania and then to Ohio and settled in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, where he entered land from the government, also entering some in Walnut township. Lewis I. Morris still owns the original papers, which bear the signature of President Thomas Jefferson.
John Morris, father of Lewis I., was born in Walnut township in 1806. He became an extensive farmer and stock-raiser and was very prominent in county affairs, serving as county commissioner, as township trustee and for 25 years was a justice of the peace. Lewis I. Morris continued to reside on the old homestead, where he was born and reared, until he removed to Circleville. He was a successful farmer and for a time raised much stock and cattle, being interested in breeding Polled Angus cattle.
Mr. Morris has never married but has always taken care of his sisters and has been a devoted son to his mother. This .venerable lady, who was born May 11, 1814, passed away March 12, 1905. She was a daughter of John Bowman, of Licking County, Ohio, who was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.
Mr. Morris has never been much interested in politics but has served as township trustee when the office was almost forced on him. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Foresters.
WILSON J. ETT, who combines farming and jewelry, watch and clock repairing, owns 63 acres of fine, arable land in Walnut township. He was born on an adjoining farm, August 30, 1865, and is a son of Conrad and Abigail (Dunkel) Ett.
The late Conrad Ett was born at Hattengesass (Huttengesass), Kurhessen, Germany, January 30, 1817, and died at his home in Walnut township, Pickaway County, July 1, 1898. He was a son of Frederick and Angelika Ett: In his native land he learned the trade of shoe-
726 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
making and also worked as a farmer but was much handicapped by an inclination toward rheumatism. His physician recommending a sea voyage and change of climate, Mr. Ett, on June 14, 1837, set sail for America, in the hope of bettering his physical condition. Evidently he was much benefited by the change, for he lived a long and useful life which extended to 81 years. The larger portion of this time was passed in Pickaway County and for many years he owned a good farm in Walnut township, which he had earned through his own industry.
On February 24, 1844, Conrad Ett was married (first) to Polly Freese, of Pickaway County. After her death, he married Elizabeth Bowman, of Walnut township, on July 27, 1852. Her death left him again alone, and he married (third), on October 19, 1856, Mrs. Abigail (Dunkel) Delong, who was a daughter of the late George Dunkel, of Salt Creek township. She died March 27, 1893, at the age of 72 years. One son, Jonas C., died in 1886; the surviving children are : Conrad H. ; Maggie A.; Edson B. O.; and Wilson J.
Wilson J. Ett was reared in Walnut township and was educated in the public schools. He has always been engaged in farming and owns a very valuable property, where he carries on general agriculture. Mr. Ett is also of a mechanical turn of mind and, through his own efforts, has become a skilled jeweler, in which business he has found both profit and pleasure for the past 20 years. He finds his recreation from farm labor in mending watches, clocks and all kinds of jewelry, the most delicate workmanship and accurate balancing being thoroughly comprehended. He has quite a large trade, enough to warrant him in setting :aside a portion of his home as a work room, where he has his tools and sells a fine line of watches and jewelry.
On January 1,. 1896, Mr. Ett was married to Bertha E. Heffner, who was born August 29, 1876, and is a daughter of John and Diantha (Imler) Heffner, who are residents of Salt Creek township. They have one son, Howard, who was born February 27, 1900.
Mr. Ett is a past grand in Lodge No. 747, I. O. O. F., at Ashville.
THOMAS BRUNDIGE. In the death of Thomas Brundige, of Pickaway township, which occurred on May 28, 1903, Pickaway County lost a valued and useful citizen and an honorable man. He was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, on April 9, 1836, and .was a son of William and Emily (Palmer) Brundige.
The Brundige family may lay just claim to pioneer ancestry. Col. Thomas. Brundige, the grandfather, was one of the first settlers of Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, where assisted by his son, William Brundige, he developed a fine farm out of the forest. William Brundige married Emily Palmer and the: became the parents of a large and universally respected family.
Thomas Brundige, the subject of this record, was reared through boyhood and youth on his father's farm, and while he laid the foundation of his education in the primitive schools of the time and locality, he was also acquiring the practical knowlege which served to make him a successful farmer through the rest of his life.
When 22 years of age, on April. 6, 1858, Mr. Brundige was united in marriage with Rachel Famulener, who was born October 1, 1837, in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio. She is a daughter of Jonathan and Anna (Long) Famulener, the former of whom was born in New Jersey, and the latter in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Famulener, was a very early settler in Ross County, Ohio.
The children born to Thomas Brundige and wife were : James W., of Adair, Illinois; Sarah A., wife of R. W. Hinton, of Whisler; John N., deceased ; George E., of Columbus ; Arthur U., of Kingston ; Charles C., of Pickaway township; Frederick, of London, Ohio; Ida J., wife of Oscar McCorkle, of Chillicothe; William, of Pickaway township; Minnie E., wife of David McCorkle, of Chillicothe; Laura D., of Columbus, and Catherine L., of Pickaway township.
Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Brundige settled on the farm in Pickaway township which Mrs. Brundige still occupies
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and on which Mr. Brundige died. For many years he successfully carried on farming and stockraising and accumulated considerable means. He was one of the leading members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Whisler, in which he was a deacon and where his influence as a worthy, active Christian was recognized. Although not in any sense a politician, he was interested in maintaining law and order and in political sentiment he was a Republican. He is remembered as a kind husband and father an obliging neighbor and a good citizen in every sense of the word.
W. VERNOR GRANT, a large farmer and extensive stock-raiser of Jackson township, residing in Circleville, was born in 1851 in Kenton County, Kentucky.
Mr. Grant was reared in his native locality and attended the local schools until ready for college and then completed his education in Cincinnati. For some years he was connected with the firm of Wilson Brothers, of that city, in the capacity of bookkeeper, but his life has been mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits. Prior to 1887 he was so engaged in Kenton County, and then he located in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, where he continued farming and stock-raising on his farm of 180 acres.
Mr. Grant was married (first) in 1882, to Eleanor V. Swearingen, who died September 26. 1890, leaving one son, Henry, who is a graduate of the Everts High School at Circleville. On February 7, 1898, Mr. Grant was married (second) to Elizabeth White; of Louisville, Kentucky. They have one son, John Crawford.
Mr. Grant is a Democrat and has always taken an active interest in local politics. supporting the candidates for the various offices in whom he felt he could have confidence. He has lent his influence at all times in this direction. He has served six years as trustee in Jackson township and for six years was an infirmary director. Socially he is a Mason,holding membership in the Blue Lodge at Circleville. Religiously he belongs to the Presbyterian Church.
MICHAEL STOER. a prosperous farmer and exemplary citizen of Jackson township, where he owns a valuable farm, of 125 acres, located on the Five Points turnpike, was born in Baden, Germany, July 1, 1852. His parents were Michael and Mary (Ottman) Stoer.
The father and mother of our subject were also natives of Baden, Germany, where the former, who was a farmer all his life, died when his son Michael was 14 years of age. The widowed mother came to America with her three children, settled at Circleville, Ohio, and died here in August, 1880, aged 62 years. The children of Michael and Mary (Ottman) Stoer were : Mary, wife of Antony Drumm, now of Columbus, but formerly a resident of Circleville; Michael, deceased in infancy; Barbara, who died at Circleville, aged 22 years; William, who died in 188o at Circleville; and Michael.
Michael Stoer, the subject of this sketch. was 17 years old when he accompanied his mother across the Atlantic Ocean and settled with her at Circleville, in August, 1869. He had enjoyed the usual excellent schooling which all German boys receive, but after coming to America he had no further opportunity. He was industrious and willing and had no trouble in finding plenty of employment in and about Circleville, in which he continued for the next eight years. He then rented a farm of 65 acres in Harrison township, Pickaway County, which he worked for 19 years, in the meantime accumulating the means with which to purchase his present farm, the purchase being completed in 1894. Since residing here Mr. Stoer has made many improvements. including the erection of substantial buildings and the development of the best resources of his land. He raises grain and stock, giving his whole time to his farming operations. He has reason to feel gratified with the success which
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has attended his efforts for he has had years of hard work and economy in his life and has overcome many obstacles in the path of his progress. His farm ranks with the best in Jackson township.
On November 28, 1876, Mr. Stoer was married to Sarah Stoneburner, who was born in Morgan County, Ohio, November 10, 1854. Her parents, William and Margaret (Lefler) Stoneburner, died when she was a child. They were of German extraction and spoke the language, although born in Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Stoer have four children living, namely : Charles M., a farmer of Jackson township, who married Mary Justus and has one child--Rhoda Bernardine; Emma Alice, who married Carl Trump, of Jackson township, and has one child--Mary Rosena; Hattie Belle, who is the wife of Meinart Trump, of Monroe township; and Della May, a school teacher, who is a graduate of the county schools under the Boxwell law. The eldest child of our subject, Mary Margaret, died when a babe of two years.
In politics Mr. Stoer has always been a Democrat, but he has never consented to serve in any but school offices. He is one of the leading members of the Lick Run Lutheran Church, of which he is a deacon.
WILLIAM JACOB SLAGER, one of Wayne township's representative men, township trustee, and for the past 14 years a successful farmer in Pickaway County, was born October 12, 1864, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Pendleton) Slager.
The parents of Mr. Slager were residents of Ross County, Ohio. They reared a family of three sons and four daughters, viz.: Milton, Schuyler, William Jacob, Alice, Nora, Florence Della and Jane. The last named is deceased.
Mr. Slager was reared to the life of a farmer and obtained his education in the country schools. In Indiana, he married Sylvia Talbott, a daughter of Daniel Talbott, of Indiana, and they have these children : Ethel, Fred, Glen, Opal, Harold, Foreman and William, who is named for his father. Mrs. Slager has two brothers--Oliver, who married Susan Bell and Willard, who married Anna Largent, and two sisters--Lillie, who married William Cottingham, and Eva.
Mr. Slager has always been an active politician in his township and has frequently been selected for office. He is one of the township board of trustees and has filled the offices of school director and supervisor. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.
JONATHAN RENICK GULICK, a representative farmer of Pickaway County, the owner of considerable valuable land in Darby township, resides on his home farm of 49 1/2 acres, which is admirably situated not far distant from Derby, on the Darbyville, Circleville and London turnpike, a very important highway in this locality. Mr. Gulick was born July 1, 1856, in Muhlenberg township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Seymour) Gulick.
The Gulick family is of Welsh descent and was established in Virginia, from which State in 1818 the grandfather of our subject, William Gulick, came to Pickaway County when his son Jesse was about three years old. The latter became a farmer and a respected citizen of Muhlenberg township. His death occurred in 1878 at the age of 63 years, and his burial took place on Decoration Day. During some years of his early manhood he was in the employ of Abel Seymour, at whose home he met his employer's cousin, Elizabeth Seymour, whom he subsequently married, the ceremony taking place on the Seymour farm. To this union were born seven daughters and three sons, the record being as follows : Mary, who married Peter Merrill and died at Florence, Alabama, in 1892; Minerva, who is the wife of William C. Hill; of Jackson township; Elizabeth Sidney, who married Elmer Strader; Margaret, widow of Alexander McCord, of Grove City, Ohio; Rachel, who. married Levi
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Closan, of Mount Sterling; Fannie, who married Nelson McKinley and resides near Derby; Josephine, unmarried, who resides at Columbus ; Abel Seymour, living on the old Seymour )lace in Muhlenberg township, who married (first) Anna B. Carpenter, of Kentucky, and married (second) Mrs. Matilda Strader; Augustus P., a resident of Darby township, who married Elmira Hoover, daughter of Henry Hoover, of Robtown; and Jonathan Renick, )f this sketch.
Jonathan R. Gulick was reared to, agricultural pursuits. His education was obtained n the district schools in his native locality. He remained on the home farm for one year after the death of his father, then married and still remained for another year on the homestead in Muhlenberg township. He then rented a farm from his mother-in-law, Mrs. Susan A. Bell, following which he bought his 76-acre farm, taking immediate possession. After living there for 11 years, he purchased his present home farm and has continued here until he present. The former farm is located southeast of his present home and was formerly known as the John W. Bell farm. The home :arm, before it came into possession of Mr. Gulick, was known locally as the Dave Deyo arm. Owing to the care and good management of Mr. Gulick and to his many substantial improvements and his thorough methods of arming, all his property, in the past decade, has doubled in value. Time was when the land, ill raw prairie and swamp, could be bought for 2.50 an acre. Now it is not for sale at $150 in acre.
Mr. Gulick carries on general farming and stock-raising, giving especial attention to corn.He has developed a fine strain of Normanhorses on his farm and now owns 14 head of these fine animals. He gives the preference to Delaine Merino sheep, having 225 head and also has 50 head of hogs. He has provided for the care of his stock by erecting a fine windmill which connects with a notable well situated on his farm, bringing up the finest water in the county from a depth of 104 feet. The mill is so constructed that it furnishes power to saw his wood and do all his grinding. In 1900 Mr. Gulick built his handsome residence, a commodious, well planned frame dwelling of 13 rooms, so arranged as to give convenience and comfort to its inmates and to also present an attractive aspect to the stranger or visitor. For many reasons, one of these being the genial hospitality offered, the Gulick farm is one of note in the neighborhood.
In December, 1880, Mr. Gulick was married, a coincidence of interest being that the ceremony took place on the last day of the last month in the year, uniting the last son of one family with the last daughter of another. Mr. Gulick married Laura Virginia Bell, who is a daughter of John W. Bell, who was a slave-holder prior to the Civil War. He died in Pickaway County when his daughter was four years old. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Bell contained seven daughters and two sons, viz.: Agatha, Mollie, Elizabeth, Elawisa, Rebecca, Sally, Laura Virginia, Charles and James. Charles went to the West and was never heard from. James married a daughter of Alfred Taylor. Mrs. Bell and her sister met death while driving across the railroad tracks near Harrisburg.
Mr. and Mrs. Gulick have had two children, viz.: Agatha Rebecca and James Earl. The former died aged. five years. James Earl Gulick, who is a rural mail clerk, married Anna Griffin and they reside on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Gulick are well known all through the neighborhood. Mrs. Gulick is well posted on county history in this section and has many entertaining reminiscences of people and events which would add interest to any published record of the northwestern section of Pickaway County.
STUART ROBINSON BOLIN, the only son of Hon. Andrew Robinson and Sophronia I. (Rector) Bolin, and with his father comprising the law firm of Bolin & Bolin, was born June 20, 1878, at Circleville, Ohio.
After completing the course in the graded schools of Circleville, he was graduated with
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honor from Everts High School on his 17th birthday in 1895, and has ever since taken a prominent and active interest in the development and advancement of the schools of Pickaway County and has inaugurated many plans to bring the work and worth of the schools before the public.
After completing his high school course, Mr. Bolin entered the Ohio State University to prepare for the study of the profession which he had already chosen, following in the footsteps of his father, who has become a worthy example for his ambitions.
While at the Ohio State University Mr. Bolin was elected to membership in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, which membership he still retains.
After completing his preparatory course, he entered the Law Department of Yale College. He enrolled in the "two years course," which required the successful completion of the whole three years course of studies in two years and was one of the very few who sustained the requirements. While at Yale Mr. Bolin was elected a member of the Yale Kent Club. He also enrolled in certain classes in the Sheffield Scientific School. On June 28, 1899, eight days after attaining his majority, he received his degree of LL. B. from Yale College and on June 20, 1900, he entered into partnership with his father. The firm of Bolin & Bolin has an extensive practice and stands very high.
In politics Mr. Bolin is an ardent and active Democrat, and while he has never sought political preferment he has ever been active and zealous in the advancement of the interests of his party and the welfare of his friends.
He organized and was the first secretary of the Franklin County Democratic Club of former Pickaway County voters residing in Franklin County--a large and strong Democratic organization. He is secretary of the Circleville Business Men's Association and one of the city's progressive and successful young men. Mr. Bolin is an Elk and a studious, enthusiastic Mason of high degree.
In November, 1904, Mr. Bolin was united in marriage to Ada Rebekah Brown, a daughter of the late Ambrose W. and Flora (Cunningham) Brown and a granddaughter of the late Thomas W. Brown, who was one of the early settlers and largest landowners in Pickaway and Ross counties. A portrait of Mr. Bolin accompanies this sketch.
C. L. BOYER, superintendent of the schools of Circleville, and one of Pickaway County's leading educators, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1864, and is a son of David Boyer, who was born in Fairfield County in 183o, his father having come there from Pennsylvania.
C. L. Boyer's education was commenced in his native county. He subsequently attended the Capital University at Columbus, where he was graduated in 1891, with the degree of A. B. He then took charge of the schools at Lithopolis, Ohio, where he remained for two years and then entered Lima College, at Lima, Ohio, as a member of the faculty, having the chair of mathematics. For four years he was also at the head of the normal department. During the succeeding two years he had charge of the schools of Logan, Ohio, and then came to Circleville, in 1899.
For the past seven years Mr. Boyer has been the head and front of the excellent school system of Circleville, and his careful, conscientious work has brought about remarkable results. The schools here have an enrollment of 1,300 pupils, who are distributed in four school buildings, being under the instruction of 39 teachers. To see that all of the latter are capable and faithful like himself, is no slight task, but Mr. Boyer has insisted on the methods which his experience has taught him are the best and has gathered about him a very efficient corps of instructors. His services to the city in the educational field are thoroughly appreciated.
In July, 1889, Mr. Boyer was married to Clara Shade, who is a daughter of Daniel Shade, of Fairfield County, Ohio, and they have three daughters and one son.
Mr. Boyer is connected with the leading
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educational institutions of the State, .is a member of the Ohio State Teachers' Association, the Central Ohio Teachers' Association, of which he has been vice-president, and of the Central Ohio Schoolmasters' Club, of which lie has been secretary and treasurer.
SAMUEL B. CHAMBERS, who enjoys the esteem of his fellow-citizens in general, and is the superintendent of a somewhat noted property in Pickaway township, known as the S. H. Ruggles estate, which comprises some 1,650 acres of well-cultivated land, Was born in Hocking County, Ohio, March 24, 1865. He is a son of Henry and Mary A. (Hunter) Chambers.
The parents of Mr. Chambers are natives and residents of Hocking County, where Alexander Chambers, the grandfather, a native of Pennsylvania, was an early settler. The family has always been one of thrift and reliability.
Samuel B. Chambers was reared in Hocking County and was mainly educated in the public schools at Tarlton. He has always devoted himself to agriculture and owns 150 acres of land in Pickaway township and 70 acres in Hocking County. From Hocking he went to Fairfield County, where he lived until 1894, when he came to Pickaway County, residing for a time in Washington township. After accepting the position of superintendent of the Ruggles estate, in 1897, he removed to Pickaway township. The successful management of so large a body of land entails much hard work and requires the exercise of' constant vigilance and the possession of good judgment. This is one of the largest estates in Pickaway County. It may justly be stated that it is also one of the best managed.
Mr. Chambers was married November 9, 1893, to Sarah J. Gayman, a native of Canal Winchester, Franklin County, Ohio, who is a daughter of Daniel Gayman, late of Franklin County. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have two bright, interesting sons--Henry Gayman and Daniel Hunter.
Mr. Chambers is an independent thinker and votes according to his own convictions. In all local matters he is found to be liberal minded and public-spirited and enjoys the reputation of a first-class citizen. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Kingston, in which he is serving on the official board as steward.
WILLIAM L. KRIMMEL, pharmacist, at Circleville, is one of the reliable and experienced druggists of this city, one who enjoys to the fullest extent the confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was born in 1861 at Circleville and is a son of the late John J. and Christina (Landenberger) Krimmel.
John J. Krimmel was born in Ebingen, Germany, where he was reared and educated. On February 1, 1843, he was united in marriage with Christina Landenberger and 10 years later they emigrated to America. They located at Circleville where Mr. Krimmel established a brewery and later bought the Glick Brewery, operating both until his death in 1882. His widow survived until 1893. Their children were : Charles F., an attorney at Circleville, who died in Colorado ; John L., who established the drugstore on the corner of Court and Main streets, Circleville, and conducted the same until the time of his death, which occurred suddenly in February, 1905; Albert, who is a farmer in Jackson township; Mary M., who is the wife of Frederick Palm, of Harrison township, and William L.
William L. Krimmel was reared and educated at Circleville and on leaving school entered a drugstore to learn the business. On the death of his brother, in association with Frank Hamilton, Mr. Krimmel purchased the drug business formerly conducted by John L. Krimmel and they have continued to conduct the same to the present time.
Mr. Krimmel was married in 1894 to Lizzie R. Miller, who is a daughter of Charles Miller, of Pickaway County. They have one son--Dudley. Mr. Krimmel is a Democrat,
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has taken an active interest in civic affairs and has served two terms as a member of the City Council. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias.
MRS. ELIZA B. WILLIAMS, a well-known resident of Kingston, is the ' widow of the late James Williams, who died in 1892, on his home farm of 150 acres in Pickaway township, which Mrs. Williams still owns. She was born in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Dreisbach) Steely.
Mrs. Williams comes of old pioneer stock on both sides of her family. Her great-grandfather, Gabriel Steely, and her grandfather, John Steely, were natives of Virginia and probably both came to Pickaway County . among the earliest settlers. Benjamin Steely, father of Mrs. Williams, was a lifelong resident of Pickaway township, where he died November 11, 1899, in his 85th year. Like his father, he was a man of substance, owning large tracts of land and carrying on extensive farming and stock-raising operations. He was prominent in the political and religious life of his neighborhood and was connected with the Odd Fellows lodge at Kingston. The Dreisbach family, in which he found his estimable wife, also settled early in Pickaway County, coining hither from Pennsylvania. Of their eight children, Mrs. Williams is the sole survivor.
Eliza B. Steely was reared to capable young womanhood in the home of her parents where she resided until her marriage, on October 6, 1868, to the late James Williams. Mr: Williams was born in Pickaway township. Pickaway County, Ohio, June 16, 1840, and was a son of John and Mary (Rice) Williams, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Pickaway County. The maternal grandfather, James Rice, was an early pioneer in this county, Mrs. Williams has one daughter, Fannie E., who is the wife of Charles E. Baker, a resident of Kingston, and themother of two children--Marie E. and James W.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Williams settled on a farm in Pickaway township and almost the whole of their married life was spent here, the only period of absence being four and a half years passed in Dickinson County, Kansas. The prudence, wisdom and success with which he managed his affairs, enabled Mr. Williams to accumulate a valuable farm, which, as above stated, was the home of Mrs. Williams until after his decease. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Kingston and is a welcome addition to the city's pleasant social life.
IRA L. MAY, a well-known resident of Wayne township, is a son of Michael and Mary (Lutz) May, formerly pioneer residents of Circleville. Mr. May was born in that city March 28, 1854, and lived there until a short time after his graduation . from the High, School in 1870, when with his mother and sister he removed to the farm which is now his home. His father having died six months previously, Mr. May was thus started, at the age of 16, in the business of farming and caring for an estate of over 400 acres, which was the property of his mother, inherited by her from her father, Judge Jacob D. Lutz, a wealthy and prominent pioneer of Pickaway County.
Being an ardent lover of the country, Mr. May studied and mastered every difficulty 'in his chosen avocation and is considered one of the most successful farmers in the county.
He was reared in the Presbyterian faith, his parents having been members of the Presbyterian Church at Circleville, his father serving as elder at the time of his death. Mr. May is a member of all the Masonic organizations in Circleville and has filled all offices of Scioto Commandery, No. 35, ending with that of eminent commander for 1905-06.
He married his second cousin, Ada Jessie Lutz, September 11, 1879. Five sons were born to them, two of whom died in infancy.
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The three remaining are: Lutz, Percy and Leslie. All three were educated in the public schools of Circleville and all three were graduated from the High School. They are members of the various social and other organizations and are well known in Pickaway County.
The two older boys are members of Company F, Fourth Regiment, O. N. G. and are now commanding officers. All are members of the Presbyterian Church. Both Mr. and Mrs. May are descended from Revolutionary stock. The latter is a charter member of Mount Sterling Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. In politics Mr. May is a Republican.
D. A. LANE, a representative agriculturist of Scioto township, and a member of the board of directors of the County Infirmary, resides on his finely improved farm of 190 acres. Mr. Lane was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 29, 1841, and is a son of John Wesley and Sarah (McCord) Lane.
The parents of Mr. Lane were both natives of Virginia. The father was born in the vicinity of Richmond, while the mother was born in Albemarle County. In 1835 they came to Pickaway County, Ohio, where the father became a prosperous farmer, reared a large family and died on his own land. Seven of his children died in infancy those who reached maturity were : Franklin, Sarah Virginia and John Monroe, all deceased; Lucy Ann, widow of James Curry, residing in Franklin County, Ohio ; James M., of Canada ; and D. A., the subject of this sketch.
D. A. Lane was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the log school-houses in its vicinity. With the exception of two years spent in Madison township, Mr. Lane has passed his whole life in Scioto township and nearly all of this period has been spent in farming and stock-raising. He has met with much success in raising and feeding hogs, having a preference for the Chester White variety, and feeds about 100 a year for the market. For some 12 years he has done an extensive business in selling stock, shipping to Buffalo, Pittsburg and Philadelphia. His farm is worth a great deal of money, the land being exceedingly valuable and the improvements being of the most substantial character.
In March, 1861, Mr. Lane was married to Mary Wheeler, who is a daughter of Benjamin Wheeler, one of the early settlers of Madison township, where he became a large farmer and man of substance. Mr. and Mrs. Lane have nine living children, as follows : Sarah E., who is the wife of J. L. Martin, a merchant at Commercial Point; George W., who is in business at Ashville; B. L., at home; John V., in business at Ashville; Charles, a resident of Columbus; D. R. and William, who are in business at Orient; and Mary and Grace, both at home.
As a member of the board of directors of the County Infirmary, Mr. Lane performs many public duties, being a man of principle. He takes an interest in all things pertaining to the welfare of his neighborhood and gives liberal support to home enterprises. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
JOHN WARREN, an esteemed citizen of Kingston and a representative agriculturist of Pickaway County, owning jointly with his wife a valuable farm of 225 acres in Pickaway township, was born November 29, 1848, in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio. He is a son of Peter and Anna (Saylor) Warren.
Peter Warren was a son of Tillman Warren, a native of Maryland, who came to Pickaway County in 1819. He was one of the pioneers of this section, dying in Salt Creek township about 1852. He. was a typical pioneer and had friendly dealings with the Indians.
Peter Warren, father of John Warren, was born in Pickaway County and spent almost the whole of his life in Salt Creek township. Some 16 years previous to his decease, lie. retired to Kingston. A few years later he returned to Salt Creek township, where his death took place. He married Anna Saylor, a member of another old pioneer family. Her grandfather
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was a gunsmith; after he came to Ohio he made firearms for the Indians who paid for the same in game and furs. The only surviving children of Peter Warren and wife are: Elizabeth A., who is the widow of Hiram Allen, of Salt Creek township, where she still resides, and John, who is the subject of this sketch. Peter Warren was firm in his adherence to the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he was stanch in advocating the principles of the Republican party.
John Warren was reared on his father's farm and was early taught habits of industry. He was educated in the schools of Salt Creek township and grew to young manhood well informed and capable. From youth he has taken pride in agricultural work and has been a very successful raiser of fine cattle.
On April 16, 1874, Mr. Warren was united in marriage with Clara J. Black, who was born in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret A. (Huffman) Black. Her paternal grandfather. Joseph Black, was born in Pennsylvania and was an early settler in this county. The maternal great-grandmother of Mr. Warren was a woman of business judgment and enterprise. She was one of the pioneers of this township and it was she who entered 16o acres of land from the government, which Mr. Warren owns:
Mr. and Mrs. Warren have had two children, viz.: Anna L., living at home, and Clarence P., deceased. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Whisler.
In addition to the land mentioned, Mr. Warren owns 425 acres in Salt Creek township. For many years he was actively engaged in farming, but in the fall of 1899 he removed with his family to Kingston. Politically he is a Republican.
SAMUEL LINDSEY, who since 1897 has been an esteemed resident ofCircleville, has been engaged in teaching school since 1874 with the exception of 10 years when he followed agricultural pursuits exclusively. His work as a teacher has been in Hocking and Pickaway counties. He removed to the latter county 21 years ago and is one of its best known citizens.
The parents of the subject of this sketch, William and Susan (Creiglow) Lindsey, still reside on the farm in Hocking County, Ohio, where their son Samuel was born December 21, 1853. They are natives of Hocking County, which was formerly included in Fairfield County. They had seven children as follows : Mary Jane, who died in young womanhood; Samuel; Nelson, who is a resident of Scioto township, Pickaway County; John Allen, who lives in Muhlenberg township, Pickaway County ; W. S., who makes his home with his parents ; Clementine, deceased, who was the wife of Simon Steel, of South Perry, Ohio; and Bertha E., wife of Charles Krafthefer, of Salt Creek township, Pickaway County.
Samuel Lindsey was reared in Hocking County and there received his early education. Subsequently he attended the normal school at Logan, Ohio, and just before reaching his majority began teaching. This profession he followed continuously for 16 years until 1890, then for 10 years operated a fine farm in Muhlenberg township, which he still owns and on which he erected in 1905, the first cement-block house in this part of the country. He removed to Pickaway County from Hocking County on April 7, 1885. Twelve years later he became a resident of Circleville and purchased a fine location on Park place where he erected what is recognized to be one of the handsomest homes in the city.
On April 22, 1875, at South Perry, Ohio, Mr. Lindsey was married to Amelia A. Newton, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Feagan) Newlon, natives of Virginia, who after their marriage moved to Ohio in 1850, settling in Morgan County, where Mrs. Lindsey was born. Later Mr. and Mrs. Newlon moved to Hocking County and there the former died in 1859; the latter survived until December, 1903, dying at her home in Circleville. Mr. and Mrs. Newlon had four children, namely : Samantha, deceased, who was the wife of John Steele, of Pickaway County; Frances ; Amelia A. (Mrs. Lindsey) and John, who died aged three years. Two daughters and a son have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
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Lindsey. William Lewis, the son, who was born March 7, 1878, and died January 12, 1893. was a prime favorite with all he came in contact. Both daughters are living. The elder, Fleta Nell, on April 11, 1895, became the wife of C. M. Beatty, who operates an extensive farm of 400 acres in Muhlenberg town-ship. being chiefly engaged in the raising of fine thoroughbred stock. Ada May, the younger daughter, is a graduate of Circleville High School, class of 1902.
Mr. Lindsey is an active supporter of the Republican party and a popular one, as was shown in the campaign of 1903 when he ran far ahead of his ticket as a candidate for State Representative. The family belong to the First Presbyterian Church of Circleville.
ISAAC LUDWIG, a venerable and highly esteemed resident of Pickaway township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits through many years of active life, owns a finely cultivated farm of 131 acres not far distant from Circleville. Mr. Ludwig was born September 21, 1834, and is a son of Jacob and Evaline (Morris) Ludwig. The Ludwigs, a family of German extraction, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania and Daniel Ludwig, the grandfather of Isaac, was an early settler in Circleville township, his old farm being now the property of our subject's brother, David S. Ludwig.
Jacob Ludwig was born in Pennsylvania and was brought by his parents to Pickaway County, where his father died when Jacob was 14 years of age. His whole life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. Jacob Ludwig .died in 1881. He was one of the men of standing in his township, honest, upright and industrious, and enjoyed universal esteem. He left the homestead to his descendants after developing it into a fine, productive farm. His father built the first brick farm house in Pickaway County.
Isaac Ludwig was reared to man's estate in Circleville township and attended the best schools afforded in his neighborhood. He wasreared a farmer but when the Civil War broke out he proved that he could also be a soldier. With the Army of the Cumberland, as a member of Company F, 90th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., he served faithfully through 16 months and during this period he participated in the battle of Stone River and a number of lesser engagements, and was one of those who passed safely through the terrible battle of Chickamauga. Upon his return from the army he resumed farming.
On February 1, 1881, Mr. Ludwig was married to Charity M. Betz, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, August 28, 1863, and is a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Root) Betz. The father of Mrs. Ludwig was born in Pennsylvania and her mother in Pickaway County, Ohio. Mr. Betz came to this county in boyhood and was reared on a pioneer farm. Of. the family of seven children born to Isaac Ludwig and wife, the survivors are : Cora E., M. Myrtle, John I. and T. Mildred, all living at home.
JOHN M. DICK, a representative citizen and successful farmer of Perry township, is a member of one of the old and honorable families of this section. He was born on the old Dick farm in Perry' township, on January 13, 1854, and is a son of Thomas and Zilpha (McIntyre) Dick.
The Dick family was established in Perry township, Pickaway County, Ohio, by Jacob Dick, the grandfather. of John M., who came here from Virginia as early as 1812. He spent the rest of his life here, mainly engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Sarah McIntyre and they had three sons and five daughters, viz.: Charles and Nathan, who resided in Perry township; Thomas, father of our subject; Mrs. Sarah Crabb; Mrs. Ruth Rickey; Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas ; Mrs. Roxanna Stimson ; and Mrs. Jensey Rickey.
Thomas Dick was born in Perry township on the farm adjoining the one on which his son Milton now resides, and there passed the whole of his life engaged in farming and stock-
738 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.
raising. He died aged 51 years. He married Zilpha J. McIntyre, who was a daughter of John McIntyre, who formerly lived near Urbana and also near Waterloo. They had eight children, as follows: L. J., who lives in Fayette County; Ruth Jane, who married Jesse Wood and lives at Columbus; Milton T., who resides in Perry township; Ann Elizabeth, who married Peter Stookey and lives at Frankfort, Ohio; Sarah E., who resides on the home farm; Jerushia Etna, who is the widow of Spencer Wilkins, of New Holland; John M., the subject of this sketch; and Josia, deceased, who was the wife of John A. Davis.
John M. Dick was reared on the home farm and was educated in the local schools. He remained on the home farm until about 1886, when he came to his present place which was known as the old Samuel Hughes farm. Mr. Dick is a practical farmer and is counted with the township's most successful ones. He carries on a general agricultural line, does a little dairying and raises some excellent stock.
Mr. Dick married Sarah E. Bennett, who was born in Perry township and is a daughter of John W. and Joanna (Kearney) Bennett, and a granddaughter of John Bennett, who came to Ohio from Delaware and settled ,n the Pickaway and Ross County line, about 1799. The children of John Bennett were: Kendall, who lived and died in Monroe township; William, who lives at Muncie, Indiana; Samuel, who died in Monroe township; Mrs. Elizabeth Rosebome, deceased; Mrs. Jane Grimes, deceased; Mrs. Nancy Pennewell; Mrs. Mary Timmons; and John W.
John W. Bennett lived in Pickaway County all his life and died in Perry township on September 20, 1902. He married Joanna Kearney, who was born in Canada, a daughter of John Kearney. She died in 1885. They had six children, viz.: Sarah Elizabeth, who married John M. Dick; Milton; William, deceased ; Flora, wife of Abner Bryant; Joseph, a farmer in Perry township; and a babe that (lied in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Dick have four children, viz. : John T., who lives at home; Hallie J., who married Frank Thatcher, has one daughter, Pauline, and lives at Columbus; Grace; and Blanche.
In politics Mr. Dick is a Democrat but takes little interest beyond casting his vote as becomes a good citizen, in support of the principles he believes in. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic and Knights of Pythias lodges at New Holland.
EBENEZER S. DAVIS. The town of Williamsport has reason to remember with gratitude and to recall with respect the late Ebenezer Davis, who for years was one of its most honored and useful citizens. Mr. Davis was born September 10, 1808, on the bank of the Potomac, in the village of Westernport, Virginia.
In 1813 Mr. Davis accompanied his parents to what was then the wilderness of Pickaway County, Ohio. his father settling down to pioneer life on the farm which is now known as the W. I. Wood farm and home, in Deer Creek township. The family consisted of four daughters and six sons, Ebenezer being the youngest son and third youngest of the family. He survived them all, his death taking .place in 1894. His boyhood and youth were passed among conditions long since relegated to the past--the primitive living, the hardships and privations, the lack of educational and social advantages. When 18 years of age he secured work at $9 a month, digging through the bluffs near Westfall, on the Ohio Canal. He learned the cabinetmaker's trade and for a number of years worked at this, in the days before the establishment of great furniture factories. Among the treasured and still useful articles to be found all over Pickaway County. are bedsteads, bureaus, spinning-wheels, warping bars, and various other articles which were fashioned by his skilled hands.
For 43 years Ebenezer Davis was post-master at Williamsport. During his earlier incumbency the mail was carried by stage coach from Circleville to Washington Court House. In 1841 he was elected justice of the peace and during his many years in office mar-
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PAGE 740 - PICTURE OF MRS. MARY H. BORROR AND JAMES M. BORROR
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 741
ried 45 couples and adjusted more local differences peaceably than any other official in the county. He was a leader in every enterprise looking to the advancement of Williamsport, in which village of four houses his parents settled in 1819, and scarcely any early movement of importance or business enlargement were completed without his advice and cooperation. It was Mr. Davis who first secured the petition to have the town incorporated. This first petition, however, was destroyed because it would have taken in the distillery that then stood where a mill was later built. A second petition was prepared, which. excluded the distillery. In his day the temperance movement was one of the important issues before the country. Mr. Davis belonged to the Sons of Temperance and also organized the Cadets of Temperance in Williamsport.
On April 26, 1830, Mr. Davis was married to Sedanay McFarland, and they had four children, the two survivors being: William B., of Williamsport; and Rilard W., of Iowa City, Iowa.
Politically Mr. Davis was a stanch Republican. For a number of years he was treasurer of Williamsport and Deer Creek township, was school director and councilman and was also treasurer of a savings bank. He was noted for his integrity. During the Civil War he issued script to the amount of $300, for the convenience of making change, and every cent of this was redeemed. In February, 1830, he united with the Christian Church and continued in good standing as long as he lived. During the early struggles of the local church, he assumed a large part of its financial obligations. Had Mr. Davis entertained some of the modern kind of financial views he would have died a very wealthy man, but his money was honestly earned and was lavishly given to others less fortunate or provident, his faith in human nature making him believe that those who benefitted by his bounty would surely repay when they could. That this was not the case was shown when, among his papers, after his decease, were found notes for over $20,000 which were outlawed by the passage of time, no attempt having ever been made to collect them.
JAMES M. BORROR, a prominent and influential citizen of Scioto township, is a representative of a family which has been identified with Ohio and her interests for several generations. Mr. Borror was born in Jackson township, Franklin County, Ohio, March 23, 1867, and is a son of Jacob and Isabelle Borror.
The Borror family came from Battenberg, Germany, at a very early day, the great-grandfather of James M. Borror settling in Hardy County, Virginia (now West Virginia). His son, Jacob Borror, the grandfather of James M., was the founder of the family in Franklin County, Ohio. He accumulated 240 acres of land, on which he lived and died, as did his son, Jacob Borror, and on this farm the latter was born, as was our subject. The grandfather had these children : Joab, Joel, Josiah. Jacob, Silas, William C., Margaret (wife of Abraham Haughn), Elizabeth (wife of George Gordon), Magdalena (wife of J. M. Ford)--all now deceased except Silas, who is a resident of Jackson township, Franklin County, Ohio..
Jacob Borror, father of James M., was born in the old log house in Franklin township, which, then sheltered the family. It served well' enough in pioneer days, but later Jacob Borror erected a fine brick residence on the same site. He was a farmer all his life, an industrious, prudent man, and at the time of his death, in January, 1903, he owned 1,840 acres of land; purchasing in 1900 the 400-acre farm in Scioto township, where our subject resides. The family of Jacob. Borror contained four sons and three daughters, namely : Mary A., who married Michael Duff and resides in Columbus; Ida, who married Russell Shover and lives on the homestead farm in Jackson township; James M., of this sketch; Jacob C., who owns and operates 450 acres of land, partly in Franklin and partly in Pickaway Counties; Otis H., residing a short distance from the homestead, who owns a farm of 400 acres; Albert H., a successful farmer of Jackson township, Pickaway County, who owns 26o acres of fine land; and Nora May, who died in infancy. The mother of this family, Isabelle (German) Bor-
742 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
ror, belonged also to an old pioneer family, of German extraction.
James M. Borror was reared in Jackson township, Franklin County, and was educated in the district schools and at an excellent school conducted at Borror's Corners. With his brothers, he was well trained to agricultural pursuits on the large family estate, and remained in Jackson township until he reached his 22nd year. He then moved to Hamilton township, Franklin County, and followed farming there for some 13 years. In 1901 he located in Scioto township, Pickaway County, on what was then called the Dr. Jones farm, which property was purchased by his father, as stated above, in 1900, and is our subject's inheritance from his father's estate.
James M. Borror has placed his property under a high state of cultivation and under his management his land yields abundantly. He devotes 150 acres to corn and realizes from 7,000 to 12,000 bushels of this staple; from 120 to 150 acres to wheat and this acreage produces from 1,5'00 to 3,000 bushels. He keeps five teams busy during the productive season and always has work of further improvement going on. He also keeps from 30 to 6o head of cattle and raises many hogs. He has devoted his entire active life to agriculture, and has made a scientific study of it. This section of Ohio has many fine farms but not all of them are so carefully and intelligently cultivated, as that of James M. Borror.
On November 27, 1890, James M. Borror was married to Mary Hagans, of Hamilton township, Franklin County, Ohio, and they have two children, Frances Norene and James Curtis, both of whom are attending school.
Mr. Borror has a wide acquaintance both 'in Franklin and Pickaway Counties. He has always been actively interested in educational matters and during his residence in Hamilton township, Franklin County, testified to it by serving on the School Board. This interest he continued after coming to Scioto township, where he has served four years on the board and is serving in his second term as president of this body. It was mainly through his energy and efforts that the Commercial Point High School has been raised from a second to a first-grade High School. He has devoted fully 10 years to advancing the educational interests of the county and has always been a prime mover in all commendable public-spirited enterprises, in fact is a model citizen.
Mr. Borror is a strong advocate of the policy of the Democratic party, and is loyal to all its interests. Personally he is a man of engaging address, possessing a cordial, pleasant manner which invites friendship. Fraternally he is associated with the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to Commercial Camp, No. 10,963.
Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Borror accompany this sketch, while a view of their home is shown elsewhere in this work.
JOHN W. BETTS, a successful farmer of Deer Creek township, was born on the old Betts farm in this township, where he now resides, on September 28, 1864. He is the oldest son and child of the late George and Mary (Phillips) Betts and grandson of John W. and Harriet (Gordy) Betts.
Mr. Betts was reared in Deer Creek township and was educated in the local schools, remaining at home until his marriage. He then took charge of the elevator at Woodlyn, which was conducted by his father, and remained in charge for eight years. The death of his father changed his plans and he then moved to Williamsport, where he built a comfortable home. This he subsequently sold and located on that part of the home farm which had been secured from George Gordy. Here Mr. Betts has carried on general farming ever since. In 1899 he erected his handsome residence.
On May 26, 1899, Mr. Betts was married to Emma Andrews, who was born and reared in Williamsport, and is a daughter of Joseph D. and Anna (Cox) Andrews. Her mother belonged to one of the prominent pioneer families of Williamsport. Mr. and Mrs. Betts have three children of their own--Thurman, Horace and Burnell. They also have an
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adopted son, Rodney Gordon, who has been reared and fathered and mothered by Mr. and Mrs. Betts, with true Christian spirit, since he was a little orphan of one and a half years.
In politics Mr. Betts is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to the camp of the Modern Woodmen of America at Williamsport, the lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Williamsport and the auxilliary society of the latter, the Rathbone Sisters: Mr. and Mrs. Betts are members of the Christian Church. The families of Betts and Cox have long been honored ones in this locality, as has also the Andrews family, which has many members in Pickaway County.
EMANUEL WESTENHAVER, one of the representative men and extensive farmers of Walnut township, resides on a tract of 240 acres in section 12. Mr. Westenhaver was born at Circleville, Ohio, September 16, 1824, and is a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Miller) Westenhaver.
The parents of Mr. Westenhaver were both born near Martinsburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). After marriage, they came to Pickaway County, Ohio, settling in a little village known as Jefferson, in Pickaway township. The only remains of the village still visible at Jefferson is the old brick schoolhouse. The settlement of Jefferson preceded the building of Circleville. At a later date, seeing that the avenues of business would leave Jefferson stranded, Jacob Westenhaver moved to the then growing village of Circleville, building the third house in the place. He was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. When Emanuel was eight years old, his father settled in Walnut township on the farm of his uncle, Peter Miller, who owned some 64o acres.
Emanuel Westenhaver was mainly reared by one of his maternal uncles, who sent him to school until he was 12 years old and then put him at farm work, paying the lad the sum of $4 a month. Emanuel remained with his parents until his marriage, being at that time a sober, industrious young man who had accumulated enough capital to start out for himself. With the exception of the time spent in the army, Mr. Westenhaver has followed farming in Walnut township to the present time. On May 2, 1864, he enlisted for the 100-day service in the 155th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and served out his time, the greater part of it in Virginia. After his return, in 1865, Mr. Westenhaver erected his comfortable and commodious frame dwelling. In addition to general farming, Mr. Westenhaver operates a saw-mill on his property.
In 1845 Mr. Westenhaver was married to Caroline M. Done, a daughter of Noble Done, of Circleville township. She was born in Connecticut and died in Walnut township in 1867. Of the six children of this marriage, the survivors are : Mrs. Frances Miller, of Lancaster; Mrs. Loretta Clements, of Columbus; and Mrs. Addie Oman. Mr. Westenhaver was married (second) to Sarah Courtright, a daughter of Hon. Jesse D. Courtright, of Circleville. She died in August, 1901, leaving two children--Jesse C. and Mrs. Anna Glick.
Although never an active politician, Mr. Westenhaver has always supported the Republican party. He has never been willing to accept any office except membership on the School Board. He is very prominent in Masonry, having taken the 32nd degree, and is well known in fraternal circles all over the State. Formerly he owned 240 acres in Fairfield County, but he has deeded 160 acres to his son and daughter. He owns other property, including a brick residence at Circleville.
EDWARD WRIGHT, an enterprising and progressive farmer of Muhlenberg township, and a member of the Board of Infirmary Directors of Pickaway County, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 24, 1861. He is a son of John Wright, who was born in Fairfield County and there died, having lived there all his life (with the exception of 12 or 15 years spent in Pickaway County), engaged in farming and stock-raising.
744 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
Edward Wright was reared and educated in Fairfield County and at the age of 22 moved to Jackson township, Pickaway County, where he purchased a tract of 90 acres and engaged in farming until 1905. He then purchased a tract of land in Muhlenberg township, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He also owns the 90-acre farm above mentioned, which he is having farmed by a tenant.
Mr. Wright was married December 24, 1884, to Susie Lemay, a daughter of Lewis . Lemay, who was engaged in farming in Muhlenberg township. Mrs. Wright died on August 10, 1905, leaving seven children, namely : Florence, Bertha, .Nellie, Dona, John, Gilbert and Evert. .Mr. Wright has always taken an active interest in politics, has served as trustee of Jackson township for six years and has also held numerous other minor offices. He was elected infirmary director in the fall of 1903 and was reelected in the fall of 1906.
W. L. PETERS, M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon at Circleville, was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1851, and is a son of Lewis S. and Margaret (Ritter) Peters.
Lewis S. Peters was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. Immediately after his :marriage, he moved to Walnut township, Pickaway County, where he followed farming and was also a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, where his ministerial labors were highly valued. His first wife, Margaret Ritter, the mother of our subject, died in 1861. In 1864 Lewis S. Peters was married to Mrs. Lydia J. Beckwith, of Somerset, Ohio. He continued to live on the farm until the time of his death, with the exception of the years between 1866 and 1872, when he made his home in Circleville.
W. L. Peters was educated in the local schools and the National Normal School and spent three and a half years in the Ohio Wesleyan University.. After teaching one term of school, he followed farming for 10 years. and then entered the homeopathic medical department of the University of Michigan, where he was a student for two years, following which he attended the New York Homeopathic College, where he was graduated in 1890. He located for practice in Nebraska, Ohio, where he remained, following his profession, until October, 1900, when he moved to Circleville, where he has built up a very satisfactory practice.
On October 16, 1879, Dr. Peters was married to Belle L. Beckwith, who is a daughter of Joel King Beckwith, a prominent business. man of Somerset, Ohio. Dr. and Mrs. Peters had one son, Howard R., who was one of the most promising and popular young men of this city. He graduated at the Everts High School at Circleville in 1904 and spent the following year at the Ohio Wesleyan University. It was while enjoying his first vacation that he suffered from an attack of appendicitis, and, owing to the fact that a number of such attacks had occurred in the preceding to years, he decided to have an operation for relief from these recurring attacks. On account of slow recovery, he did not return to college at the opening of the term, as he had intended, although his convalescence had given hope of a complete recovery. On the night of March 8. 1906, while returning home after spending a very enjoyable evening with three of his most intimate friends at the home of one of them. he was seized with a hemorrhage and died within half an hour after reaching his home. Sympathy with the bereaved parents was universal. His college fraternity, the Sigma Chi, sent three representative members and a beautiful floral offering to his funeral.
Dr. Peters is a member of the Ohio State Homeopathic Medical Society and the American Institute of Homeopathy. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Foresters. He is a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He owns two farms. in Pickaway County, one of 16o acres in Circleville township and another, of 84 acres, in Walnut township.
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JOHN E. PENN, whose valuable farm of 168 acres of well-cultivated, fertile land is situated in Pickaway township; was born March 27, 1852, in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Abram and Elizabeth (Black) Penn.
Both parents of John E. Penn were born in Salt Creek township. The paternal grandfather, Abram Penn, was born in England, accompanied his parents in boyhood to America and grew to manhood in Pennsylvania. He learned the trade of ship carpenter but chose farming as his later occupation and came as a pioneer to Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, where he developed a farm out of the forest. He was succeeded by his son Abram, who resided in Salt Creek township until 1867, when he removed to Pickaway township, where he resided for over 20 years. He died in 1889, at London, Ohio. He married Elizabeth Black, daughter of a pioneer of Salt Creek township, and they reared five of their nine children, as follows: Samaria, wife of Andrew Dresher, of Defiance County, Ohio; John E., of this sketch; George, of Kingston, Ohio; Rollin F., of Madison County, Ohio; and Oliver, of Springfield, Ohio.
John E. Penn was reared to the age of 15 years in Salt Creek township and then accompanied his parents to Pickaway township, where he has lived ever since. His education was obtained in the district schools and his agricultural training from his father. He has always followed agricultural pursuits. On his present farm upon which he settled in 1899, he carries on general farming and raises some stock. He has made a number of substantial improvements.
In February, 1884, Mr. Penn was married to Mary L. Hunter, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of Joseph Hunter, formerly a resident of Pickaway County and later, of Madison County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Penn have four children, namely: Bessie A., Lyman E., Ernest E. and Hazel B. Mr. Penn is giving his children every advantage in his power and they are growing into intelligent young people, capable of filling almost any position to which the duties of life may call them.
Mr. Penn has been a lifelong Republican, but he has accepted no office except that of school director and has served as such for nine consecutive years in District No. 2. He is a member of the Foresters lodge at Circleville.
WILLIAM F. STOUT, a member of the board of trustees of Pickaway township and a popular and well-known citizen, was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, March 11, 1867. He is a son of Jeremiah and Caroline (Sitler) Stout.
The Stout family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania and the mother of William F. Stout was also born there. Jeremiah Stout, however, was born in Ohio, and for many years was a respected resident of Washington township. Both he and his wife died there.
William F. Stout received his education in the public schools of Washington township. His life has been mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits and he is considered a good, careful farmer.
On January 3, 1906, Mr. Stout was married to Leona Calvert, who was born in Pick away County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Jacob Calvert of Salt Creek township, Pickaway County.
Politically Mr. Stout has always been affiliated with the Democratic party. As a man of standing in the community, he was selected as one of the board of trustees of the township and is filling the office with the care and attention it demands. He belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, at Adelphi, Ohio.
WILLIAM W. MILLER, one of the enterprising business men of Circleville, leading in gents' furnishings, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1845, and is a son of John and Caroline (Angel) Miller.
John Miller was born in 1807 in Pennsylvania, and accompanied his parents to Pickaway County in 1812. He was reared in Wal-
746 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
nut township and later learned the hatter's trade at Circleville. In 1845 the firm of J. Miller was established, which handled hats exclusively, and Mr. Miller continued in the business until his death in 1877. He was not only one of the early business men of this city, but he was one of the public-spirited and useful citizens. He served as a member of the early City Council and did much to advance the city prosperity.
William W. Miller was left motherless in infancy. He was reared on a farm and obtained his education in the common schools of his native county. In 1866 he was admitted by his father to a partnership in the hat business and the firm became J. Miller & Son. At the death of his father he succeeded to the business and changed its scope to include a general line of gents' furnishing goods and now conducts the leading business of this kind in Circleville. His stock compares favorably with any in this section of the State.
In 1876 Mr. Miller was married to Rebecca Lee Dougherty. He is a member in good standing of the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Circleville. In politics Mr. Miller is a Republican.
EDMOND RECTOR, a well-known citizen and representative farmer of Deer Creek township, residing on the old Rector homestead, belongs to a family which has been established and prominent here for over a century. He was born in Deer Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 14, 1872, and is a son of Thomas W. and Mary (Conkle) Rector.
Henry Rector, the great-grandfather of Edmond, came from Virginia to Pickaway County, Ohio, about 1800, acquired land, married and reared a family. His son, John Rector, was born in Pickaway County, and he also acquired large tracts of land and lived here until his death. He married Miranda Wiggins, and one of their numerous sons was Thomas W., the father of our subject.
Thomas W. Rector was born February 9,. 1847. His rearing and education, his agricultural success and his death all took place in Deer Creek township, his death occurring at his residence on the old family farm, on February 9, 1902. He married Mary Conkle, who was born in Hocking County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Baumgardner) Conkle. Eight children were born to Thomas W. Rector and wife, of whom the seven survivors are : Edmond ; Jessie and Carrie, both at home; Wilbe, widow of C. A. Hunsicker, of Williamsport; Lulu, wife of Heman Eckert, of Columbus; John R., who at present is in Oklahoma ; and Guy T., who lives at home. Thomas W. Rector was a stanch supporter of the Republican party. In his neighborhood he was a man of high standing but he never consented to fill any public office except that of school director. He was one of the liberal supporters and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He belonged to Heber Lodge, No. 501, F. & A. M., at Williamsport.
Edmond Rector was reared in Deer Creek township and here received his education in the public schools. He has always engaged in farming on the home place, agriculture being an occupation followed by his family for generations.
Politically Mr. Rector is prominent in the Republican party in his township. He is now serving as assessor and has shown his interest in the matter of public education by serving as school director. He is a member of Williamsport Lodge, No. 478, Knights of Pythias.
JOHN PETERS, a prominent citizen and prosperous farmer of Scioto township, resides in a beautiful home of brick construction, which is situated on a magnificent farm of 600 acres, all of which is in one body. He belongs to one of the oldest and most substantial families of the county. He was born in Royalton township, Fairfield County, Ohio, October 27, 1847, and is a son of Andrew and Ann H. (Reber) Peters.
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Andrew Peters, the father of our subject, was born August 15, 1809, in Maryland, and accompanied his parents to Ohio, when he was just old enough to cause his mother anxiety by persisting in looking over the old-fashioned wagon-bed, as the family was being conveyed over the mountains, across unbridged streams and through unbroken forests. Samuel Peters, the grandfather of John Peters, located in Fairfield County, where he became a man of substance and finally passed away. His son Andrew died in Fairfield County on July 8, 1894. He had been a farmer and trader all his life. He married Ann H. Reber, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 31, 1821, and died May 21, 1897. They had five children, as follows : Alice, deceased in October, 1894, who was the wife of George Creed, of Fairfield County; Emma, deceased at the age of six years; Frank, who is a large farmer and wealthy resident of Harrison township; John, the subject of this sketch; and Milton, who is also engaged in farming in Fairfield County.
The old Peters family ancestry can be definitely given from the birth of the grandfather, Samuel Peters, who was a son of Jacob Peters, of Philadelphia, and was born November 27, 1772. On November 28, 1795, he married Mary Stevenson, who was born September 28, 1773, and was a daughter of Daniel Stevenson, of Baltimore, Maryland.
The children of Samuel and Mary (Stevenson) Peters were: Henry, born October 1, 1796; Robinson Jones, born December 18, 1799; Nathan, born June 20, 1800; Wesley, born October 10, 1801 ; Rachel. born August 25, 18o3; Stevenson, born June 23, 1805; Leah, born November 19, 18o6; Andrew, born August 15, 1809; Gideon, born August 29, 1811; Lewis L., born March 23. 1816: Elizabeth, born November 17, 1814; and Ebenezer.
John Peters attended the district schools in his boyhood and then became a student under Dr. John Williams, who conducted a noted private school at that time, at Lancaster, and subsequently founded the Greenfield Academy, which Mr. Peters attended for three months. In the fall of 1861 he entered Ohio University at Athens, where he completed his educationin 1867. Mr. Peters then engaged in farming and remained in Fairfield County until the spring of 1871, when he came to Pickaway County and located on the farm on which he now resides. At that time this property was all covered with hazel brush and wild briers, but under Mr. Peters' management the land has been converted into its present fine condition, probably being one of the very finest farms in this section of the State, as his residence is one of the most attractive, substantial and comfortable, an ideal rural home.
On January 21, 1875, Mr. Peters was united in marriage with Clara Rebecca Beckett, who is a daughter of James A. and Margaret Beckett, of Commercial Point, both of whom are deceased. Her ancestors were among the first settlers of Virginia birth, to come to this section of the State and her grandfather was the first merchant at Commercial Point. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have these children : Laura May, Alice B., Emma. Homer Hoyt and Margaret Anne. The eldest daughter was born November 15, 1875. and was married on December 27, 1894, to Alva B. Courtright, a prosperous farmer, and they have one son, John Peters. Alice B., who was born August 26, 1877, married Owen P. Lamb, and they reside at Columbus, where Mr. Lamb is interested in the Columbus Packing Company. Emma, born September 13, 1879, was married in June, 1903, to Seymour M. Millar. a son of Michael Millar, a substantial farmer of this section ; they reside on a farm near South Bloomfield, Harrison township, and have a little daughter--Louise. Homer Hoyt. born August 14, 1882, is at home with his parents. He first attended school at Granville, then was a student at the Randolph-Macon Academy, in Virginia, and then took a two-years university course at Athens, Ohio. He supplemented his literary training with a commercial course at a Columbus business college. Margaret Anne completed her education, as did her older sisters, at Mrs. Phelps' Private School, an aristocratic institution at Columbus. All the ladies are highly educated and variously accomplished.
Both Mr. Peters and wife are members of
748 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Commercial Point. For more than 35 years Mr. Peters has been a member of this religious body, uniting with it at Royalton. He is considered one of the largest capitalists in Scioto township, having, beside a large amount of real estate.. a number of safe investments, including stock in the First National Bank, now known as the New First National Bank, which is one of the strongest institutions in Columbus. He was one of the original stockholders of the Market Exchange Bank. For the past 20 years he has systematically invested in stocks and bonds but has also expended some $10,000 in educating his children. He is the largest taxpayer in his part of the county. Personally, Mr. Peters is a courteous gentleman, whose pleasant address and friendly interest place a visitor at ease and instinctively inspire admiration and confidence.
WILLIAM S. MOORE, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Madison township, owning a fine farm of 225 acres, under an excellent state of cultivation, was born on this farm on April 9, 1847, and is a son of John B. and Catherine Ann (Perrill) Moore.
John B. Moore came from Pennsylvania with his parents, who were early settlers in Madison township, and here his long and honorable life was spent. He was a man of intelligence and energy and took an active interest in public affairs. He was elected clerk of Madison township and was serving his second term as treasurer of Pickaway County, when his death took place, in 1855. He was one of the leading Democrats of the county and was a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Lithopolis. He married Catherine Ann Perrill, who was born in Virginia. Of their children, these survive: Missouri E., widow of Thomas B. Vause, now residing at Columbus; Franklin A., of Madison township; Nathan Z., of Columbus; William S., of this sketch; Ella R., wife of George R. Miller, of Madison township; Josephine C., wife of Rev. J. F. Kemper, presiding elder of the Lincoln (Nebraska) district, of the Methodist Episcopal Church they reside at University Place, a pleasant suburb of Lincoln. In the death of John B. Moore Pickaway County lost a citizen who had proven his fidelity to the interests entrusted to him and who is recalled with feelings of respect and esteem. His burial took place at Canal Winchester. He was a consistent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and took a deep interest in the Sunday-school. His estimable wife seconded him in his worthy efforts.
William S. Moore grew to manhood and was educated in his native locality, with the additional advantages afforded by one year at the Lebanon (Ohio) Normal School. He has always been interested in farming and stock-raising and for the last quarter of a century has also dealt largely in cattle.
Mr. Moore married Elizabeth Bunn, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, a member of an old and prominent family of that county. They have three children, viz.: Archie B., Harry P. and Frederick B. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are active members of the Madison Presbyterian Church, in which he is serving as trustee and treasurer. Politically he is a Democrat and for six consecutive years he served as trustee of Madison township. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Lithopolis.
GUSTAVUS A. SCHLEYER, cashier of the Second National Bank of Circleville, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is one of the city's enterprising, educated men, who, in spite of having business interests of an absorbing nature, can find time to take an interest in and to actively promote the higher institutions which make for something more in civic growth than mere material prosperity. Mr. Schleyer was born at Chillicothe, Ohio, February 7, 1857, and is a son of the late John F. Schleyer, who settled with his family at Circleville, in 1863.
Mr. Schleyer was educated in the schools of Circleville and began his business career when a youth of 15 years, when he became a collector for the Second National Bank. He soon realized that a more complete education
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PAGE 749 - PICTURE OF DAVID M. PRINDLE
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along business lines would be desirable and took a special course in bookkeeping, studying at night. In 1875 he was promoted to be individual ledger bookkeeper in the bank and in 1882 was made teller, in 1885 assistant cashier and in 1900, cashier. During all these years he has shown himself thoroughly interested in the general welfare of his community, perhaps in no more signal way than in his successful efforts, while a member of the City Council, in the founding of a fine Public Library and the erection of the large brick structure, on the corner of Main and Pickaway streets. This is no gift from a millionaire but stands as a memorial to the public spirit and cultured intelligence of Gustavus A. Schleyer and his associates.
Mr. Schleyer was married first, at Circleville, in 1880, to Emma Hartmeyer, who was born in this city and was a daughter of ex-Sheriff C. F. Hartmeyer. They had one son, Paul F. Mr. Schleyer married, for his second wife, Nellie Hartmeyer, a sister of the first Mrs. Schleyer. In 1881 he erected a handsome home on Scioto street, Circleville and later, a still more modern one, on the same street. He also owns a large amount of city property, aggregating some three acres which constitute one of the city's residence subdivisions.
Politically Mr. Schleyer is a Democrat and he has frequently been elected a delegate to important conventions. In 1891 he was elected to the City Council from the Fourth Ward, served as its vice-president, and was chairman of the police committee and of the light committee during the latter's two-year struggle for the introduction of arc lights. He has served also as president of the Public Library and has been connected with many charitable and philanthropic organizations Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias and an Elk.
DAVID M. PRINDLE, a prominent pioneer citizen of Pickaway County, who owns a well developed farm of 131 acres, situated along the Florence Chapel turnpike, in Muhlenberg township., was born near Utica, New York, June 22, 1834, and is a son of David and Hannah (Kritsinger) Prindle.
The Prindle family originated in England and was founded in America by three brothers, one of these being our subject's great-grandmother. Amos Prindle, the grandfather, spent his life in the State of New York, and there David Prindle, the father of David M., was also born. In 1836 he closed out his farming interests in New York and came to Pickaway County, with his family, subsequently buying a farm of 170 acres in Scioto township. on which he lived during the rest of his life, dying in 1882, in his 81st year. He was a strong Whig in early days, later became a Republican but never consented to hold office. In religious faith he was a Methodist. He married Hannah Kritsinger, who was born in Pennsylvania of German parentage, and spoke the German language fluently. As an indication of the great regard felt for this most worthy lady in her community, a pleasing obituary notice appeared in a Circleville newspaper, a part of which is as follows : "Mrs. Hannah Prindle, an old resident of near Darbyville, died August 11, 1901, and was buried at Darbyville on August 13. She was 89 years of age. She left 10 children, 58 grandchildren, 105 great-grandchildren, and 37 great-great-grandchildren." It is granted to very few to witness so many descendants grow and prosper under one's-eyes. In this case the venerable mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother was the center of family affection and interest. Her children were : Anna Eliza, deceased May 21, 1906, who was the wife of Clifford Carpenter, of Muhlenberg township; Mrs. Celinda Clellen, a widow, of Scioto township; Polly, who died young; David M., of this sketch; John, who died young; Aurilla, wife of Joseph Gochenouer, of Scioto township; Daniel, of Scioto township; Elizabeth, wife of Richard Hudson, of Scioto township; Sarah Jane, wife of George Birkhead, of Scioto township; and Perry, deceased.
David M. Prindle was two and a half years old when his parents came to Circleville. During the succeeding winter, his father cleared the timber off the present site of the Everts High School and later moved on the Kepler farm in Scioto township and still later bought a farm in that township, built there a home and
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spent the rest of his life there, as mentioned above. David M. Prindle was reared there and went to the district schools as occasion offered, remaining with his parents until he was 27 years of age. In 1863 he went to Illinois and passed one year in Vermilion County and then returned to Pickaway County and remained in Scioto township until the close of the Civil War. When he came to his present farm, it contained 128 acres, still in woods, although the best of the timber had been chopped out. He now owns 131 acres and has cleared Too acres with his own hands; only one who has accomplished. such a feat can recognize what an undertaking it is. Mr. Prindle found here a sawed-log house which he now utilizes as a part of his present dwelling. He has made all the fine improvements here, erecting substantial buildings and has also built a good dwelling for his son, on another part of the farm. Mr. Prindle earned his first considerable amount of capital by peddling and engaging in a huckster business for some seven years prior to purchasing his farm. He has it now under cultivation and devotes it mainly to grain and stock.
On April 16, 1855, Mr. Prindle was married to Elizabeth Gochenouer, who was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 6, 1837, and died here June 13, 1886. She was a daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Smith) Gochenouer, the former of whom was born in Pickaway County and the latter in Maryland. The children born to this marriage were: Perry L., who resides south of Circleville in Washington township; Rebecca, deceased; who was the wife of Josiah Trego, , of Scioto township; John H., of Scioto township; David Henry, of Jackson township; Elmer E., who resides on the home farm; Edwin, deceased in infancy; and Bertha, who married George Clark, of Muhlenberg township. Mr. Prindle was married (second), on October 26, 1896, to Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Brewster, widow of Samuel R. Brewster, and daughter of Thomas and Christina Curry. Mrs. Brindle was born July 4, 1846, in Vinton County, Ohio. She has had no children by either marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Prindle have a child living with them, named Ollie Stevens, taken from a Children's Home, some nine years ago.
In politics, Mr. Prindle is affiliated with the Republican party. He has served four terms as township trustee and has taken a great deal of interest in the development of Muhlenberg township. It was due to his good judgment that Darbyville has so neat and well-arranged a cemetery, he having staked off the lots and built the mound there. He has also been very active in the Darbyville Baptist Church, in which he is a deacon. Mr. Prindle is one of . the representative men of this section and commands the universal respect of his fellow-citizens. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
HENRY HILL, who is engaged in farming in Muhlenberg township, was 0born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, March 31, 1861, and is a son of William and Anna Maria (Gochenouer) Hill.
William Hill was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 10, 1836, and here spent his whole life, owning a farm of loo acres in this township which he operated until, his death at the age of 54 years. He was a Republican all his life but never entered actively into politics. He was a son of Joshua Hill who came to Ohio from Maryland, locating in Scioto township, Pickaway County, where he entered about 400 acres of land on the Scioto River bottom. He helped haul the stone for the old State House at Columbus. The most of his life, however, was spent in farming. He died on the old home place at the age of 66 years. He had eight children, two of whom are still living. Mrs. William Hill, the mother of our subject, was born April 8, 1841, in Pickaway County, and is a daughter of Henry Gochenouer. She is still living and resides on her father's old place in Scioto township. She is the mother of 14 children : Henry, subject of this sketch; Joshua, who lives in Scioto township; William, who lives near Grove City, in Franklin County; Joseph, who lives in Scioto township ; John, of Grove City,
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Franklin County ; Charles, who died in young manhood; Irvin, Milton, Samuel and Frederick, who live in Columbus; Isaac, a rural free delivery carrier, living in Orient; Rebecca, who lives at home; Wesley, who lives in Harrisburg, where he conducts a bakery : and Mary Elizabeth, who died at the age of 21 years.
Henry Hill was reared on his father's farm, where he remained until the time of his marriage, in 1885, to Sarah E. Brown, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1864, and is a daughter of Samuel E. and Elizabeth ( Morris) Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had three children : Florence, who died at the age of eight years; Georgia F. and Elizabeth M. After his marriage, Mr. Hill purchased his present place of 1 1/2 acres, where he has a fine home which he built about 12 years ago. He also operates a farm of 200 acres, which belongs to his mother-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown. Mr. Hill at one time worked about five years at carpentering, but has spent the most of his time in farming. Mr. Hill has always been a Republican. He is district commissioner, road supervisor, and is serving on the School Board.
SAMUEL STUMP FETHEROLF, postmaster at Era, and a well-known and highly respected citizen of Darby township, was born in Hocking County, Ohio, September 20, 1840. He is one of the oldest merchants of Pickaway County in point of continuous service.
He was educated in the district schools and upon attaining manhood learned the carpenter's trade, afterwards learning the harness-maker's trade. He had been married but 20 days when he was drafted for service in the Civil War, and he was in the army from September, 1864, until the close of the great struggle. During this time he participated in the battles of Morris Island, Appomattox Court House and others, but was fortunate in escaping all injury. Upon his return home, in 1865, he engaged in farming and also followed milling at the Rock House mills in Hocking County.
In 1869 he moved to what was then known as Palestine, but now bears the name of Era, where he embarked in a general mercantile business in 1873. This he has continued, expanding it as trade has demanded, and since 1878 he has been postmaster, having been first appointed under the administration of President R. B. Hayes.
On September 4, 1864, Mr. Fetherolf was married to Margaret Oswalt, a daughter of Asa and Clarissa (Friend) Oswalt, natives of Pennsylvania, who had two children, Margaret and Levi, the latter a resident of Lancaster, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Fetherolf have had these children : Frank, who met death by accident on the railroad, in 1893 ; Charles, who married Margaret Robbins; Ida L., who married Thomas Neff ; Mary, who married John Swartz; Clarissa, who married Edgar Manning, now the mayor of Harrisburg, Ohio; George, who married Lillian Landacre; and Minnie, who married Augustus Stare. Our subject is the proud and happy grandfather of 12 grandchildren, bearing these names : Ethel, Elmer and Lucille Neff ; Edgar Leo Swartz; Ruth and Merrell Fetherolf; Gladys and Harry Manning; Cecil and Beryl Fetherolf ; and Arthur Davis and Edith Stare.
Mr. Fetherolf occupies an enviable position in the community in which he has so long made his home. Possessing as he does the confidence and esteem of all who know him, he is often made a court of last appeal by his fellow-citizens, who lay their troubles and difficulties before him, assured of his sympathy as well as practical help. He has a number of the old maps and papers concerning the early surveys of the county, as well as private records, and thus, aided by excellent judgment and a large amount of tact, he frequently settles disputes which might otherwise lead to long drawn out proceedings in courts of law. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of 40 years and was an exhorter and local minister for 24 years, until 1904, when he withdrew from the church to be free to "do the work of an evangelist." He is a ready speaker and scarcely any other zealous advocate of temperance and prohibition in the county is more ire-
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quently called upon or more willingly listened to.
It was mainly through Mr. Fetherolf's efforts that the name "Era" was given to this village, station and postoffice and he has had much to do with the building up of the place. For a number of years he has been local correspondent for the leading journal of Circleville, and for religion and temparance papers and he has also for some time issued two advertising journals of his own, which he calls The Banner and The Courier. He has also devoted much of his time to writing tracts to be published, and letters in answer to inquiries of those who desire to attain the "better life."
THOMAS J. MORRIS, formerly auditor of Pickaway County for two terms, has been a resident of Circleville since 1889, but still retains his valuable farm of 16o acres in Walnut township. He was born March 11, 1854, in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Mary (Davis) Morris.
John Morris, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in 1802, settling as a pioneer in Walnut township, Pickaway County, where he later became possessed of 1,000 acres of land, 16o acres of which is now the property of Thomas J. Morris, our subject. He reared, a family and left descendants who are now among the county's best citizens.
James Morris, son of John Morris and father of our subject, was born in Walnut township and here grew to manhood, cleared a farm of 160 acres and added several hundred more acres to his first purchase. He died April 22, 1896. For many years he was a justice of the peace and served as township trustee. In politics he was a strong adherent of the Democratic party. He married Mary Davis, who was also a native of Walnut township and a daughter of William Davis, who was one of the pioneer settlers of the township. She died January 7, 1904. Of their nine children, there are now living three sons--Thomas J., our subject; George W., the present treasurer of Pickaway County, a sketch of whom will be foundin this work; and James M., a hardware merchant of Circleville, also represented with a sketch in this book--and four daughters--Mrs. Lydia Stein, of Circleville township; Mrs. Ella Stein, of Jackson township; Mrs. Alice Blacker, of Chillicothe; and Mrs. Clara Campbell, of Circleville. John and Jane are deceased.
The boyhood and youth of Mr. Morris were spent on the farm and in attending school. In 1875 he entered the Worthington Normal School and enjoyed a thorough course of training there which fitted him for the profession of teaching. which he followed for 13 years. After his marriage, Mr. Morris operated a portion of the homestead farm during the summer seasons and taught school in the winter, until 1889, when he moved to Circleville and bought a one half interest, with Henry Pontius, in a grocery business, the name of the firm being Pontius & Morris. One year later Mr. Morris withdrew in order to give his attention to other matters.
Mr. Morris married Clara K. Ritt, who was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (McDowell) Ritt. They have four children, viz. Mary F., Emmett C., Clara Helen and Frances R. The family residence is located at No. 722 North Court street, Circleville.
In politics Mr. Morris has always been identified with the Democratic party. Prior to removing to Circleville, Mr. Morris had served as justice of the peace in Walnut township. In the year following his retirement from business, he was elected auditor of Pickaway County and served six years. He, has always been active in party matters and wields considerable influence. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows, Foresters and ' Knights of Pythias.
HENRY B. RHOADS, the operator of a farm of 322 acres in Jackson township, which lies along the Dawson turnpike, is one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of his section of the county. Mr. Rhoads was born in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio,
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August 5, 1864, and is a son of Henry and Rosa (Mack) Rhoads.
The Rhoads family in Pickaway County dates back to the settlement here of Leonard Rhoads, the grandfather of Henry, B., who located in Pickaway township at a very early day. He acquired land there and died in advanced age. Henry Rhoads, father of Henry B., was born, as was his father, in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. When 21 years of age he came to America and joined his parents who had previously located in Pickaway township. He died in 1889 at the age of 59 years, having been a farmer all his life. He married Rosa Mack, who was born in Wittenberg, Germany, and died in Pickaway township in 1888, aged 59 years. She had accompanied her parents to America and they settled in Ross County, Ohio.
The children of Henry and Rosa Rhoads were: Emma, who died at the age of 11 years ; Henry B., of this sketch ; Annie, who married John Walters, of Circleville township; Maggie, who married Albert Cook, of Circleville; and Frank L., of Pickaway township.
Henry B. Rhoads was reared on his father's farm and continued at home until he was 24 years of age. His education had been obtained in the district schools and he grew to manhood an intelligent, practical .farmer. After his marriage he rented a farm in Pickaway township for a year and then farmed the famous "Seven Oaks Farm" in Wayne township for a year and for the next four years operated an adjoining farm. He then came to his present place, which he has rented for the past 12 years. Recently Mr. Rhoads has purchased a valuable farm of 176 acres in Pickaway township but still continues to operate the Jackson township farm which he has so admirably managed. He has the reputation of being a very capable farmer and a successful stock-raiser. The condition of the land demonstrates that his agricultural methods bring about excellent results.
Mr. Rhoads was married February 7, 1888, to Alda Motz, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Catus and Priscilla (Valentine) Motz, natives of Pennsylvania. They have a family of four children, viz. : Lawrence, Howard, Mabel and Neda Beatrice. .Mr. Rhoads is disposed to give his children every advantage in his power. Politically Mr. Rhoads has always been a Democrat but gives more attention to the management of his business than to public affairs. He is one of the leading members of the Lick Run Lutheran Church.
WALTER D. McDILL, one of Wayne township's excellent farmers and respected citizens, resides on his well-improved farm of too acres, where he was born July 28, 1863. He is a son of James and Nancy (McCollister) McDill.
The parents of Mr. McDill were both born in Ross County, Ohio. In 1862 they came to Pickaway County and the father purchased a farm from Mr. Flemming, a portion of which is now included in our subject's farm. Here the father died December 13, 1898, and the mother, November 16, 1901. They had the following children : Mary Jane, Maria, Sarah Ellen, Martha, Rachel, Nancy Belle, Owen and Walter D.
Walter D. McDill purchased 100 acres of the home place from the other heirs at the time of his father's death. He has a very valuable home here, where he carries on general farming and stock-raising operations. It took much hard work on his and his father's part to clear the farm of brush and useless shrubs and to put it into its present state of fine cultivation. In his boyhood plenty of wild turkey could be shot where now are his most fertile fields. Mr. McDill was educated in the schools of Wayne township and is a well-informed, sensible, reliable man.
On October 19, 1887, Mr. McDill was married to Lizzie Leist, a daughter of Jacob and Mahala (Kinser) Leist, who had the following children, namely: Lemuel, Salome, Rose. Floyd, Joseph, Minnie, Laura, Lizzie and Mahala. Mrs. Leist passed away on February 11, 1905, but Mr. Leist still survives, residing in
756 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.
Ross County, Ohio, on a farm on the Pickaway County line.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Walter D. McDill are: Russell, born April 25, 1896; Laura, born February 19, 1899, and Florence, born February 4, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. McDill are prominent members of the Church of the Evangelical Association at Yellow Bud. Mr. McDill has long been connected with the schools of the township, has served as a member of the School Board and is now one of the school directors of District No. 5. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.
ADAM RUEB, who has been settled on an excellent farm of 120 acres, situated near Salem, in Pickaway township, since 1901, belongs to that large class of excellent agriculturists who have made this part of the county famous. Mr. Rueb was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 14, 1868, and is a son of John B. and Catherine (Uhrig) Rueb.
The father and mother of Mr. Rueb were both born in Germany, and both were brought to America in childhood by their respective parents. They were early settlers in Ross County, John B. Rueb and wife now reside near Kingston. For a few years they lived in Vermilion County, Illinois. John B. Rueb fought for the Union in the Civil War.
Adam Rueb was about five years old when his parents returned to Ross County from Illinois, and he was reared on a farm some eight miles from Chillicothe. He attended the local schools and prepared, under his father, to adopt farming as his business in life. His farm in Pickaway township shows the effects of careful cultivation and demonstrates his ability as a first-class farmer.
Mr. Rueb was married February 10, 1895, to Estella Mahr, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, February 28, 1872, and is a daughter of the late Joseph Mahr, of Ross County. Mr. and Mrs. Rueb have two children, viz.: May A., born January 4, 1897, and Floyd M., born February 18, 1899.
In politics Mr.. Rueb is a stanch Democrat. He is a liberal supporter of the public schools and takes an interest in improving the roads and advancing the farming interests of his locality. He is one of the respected and highly esteemed citizens of Pickaway township.
ELI REICHELDERFER, a well-known agriculturist of Salt Creek township, where he is the fortunate owner of 161 acres of valuable farming land, was born November 26, 1858, in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio. He is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Mowery) Reichelderfer, extended mention of whom will be found in the sketch of Harvey Reichelderfer, appearing in another part of this work. The family is an old pioneer one of the county and has many well-known and most highly esteemed members in Salt Creek and adjacent townships.
Eli Reichelderfer was reared in Salt Creek township and attended the district schools. The family has always been an agricultural one, turning out many good farmers and our subject can lay claim to being one of the best. His well-cultivated land, his herds of cattle and fine stock and his well cared for machinery, testify both to his excellence as a farmer and his good business judgment.
In political sentiment Mr. Reichelderfer is one of the sound Democrats of Salt Creek township and takes much interest in the success of his party. He is a worthy member of the Lutheran Church at Tarlton and is a member of its board of trustees. In his business relations Mr. Reichelderfer is known to be an honorable and upright man.
EDWARD E. SMITH, one of the prominent men and valued citizens of Circleville, president of the Citizens' Telephone Company, treasurer of the Ohio Cereal Company and treasurer of the Esmeralda Canning Company, was born at Circleville in 1866 and is a son of Edward Smith.
Mr. Smith was reared in this city and here
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completed the common school course and then spent four years at the University of Notre Dame. After leaving school, he was interested with his father, for some seven years, in the broom corn industry, and later engaged in farming and milling. He became a member of the firm of J. S. Smith & Brothers and later was interested in the firm's successor--the Smith Mill Company. When the Ohio Cereal Company was organized in 1900 and took over the interests of the Smith Mill Company and Crites Brothers & Company, he became treasurer of the new organization. Noted above are the large industries in which he is interested, these being very important ones in Pickaway County. He is a business man of broadened view and his co-operation is sought in many of the commercial enterprises of this locality.
In 1902 Mr. Smith was married to Julia Corcoran, a daughter of Thomas Corcoran, who during life was extensively interested 'in coal mining, being superintendent of the Sunday Creek and Congo coal companies. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Circleville.
B. F. BENFORD, president of the First National Bank of Circleville, and senior member of the large hardware firm of C. Benford & Son, of this city, was born February 21, 1851, in Pennsylvania, and is a son of Cyrus and Harriet (Walker) Benford.
The late Cyrus Benford was one of Circleville's most successful business men and valued citizens. For a number of years he conducted an extensive hardware business here, and for the last five years of his life was president of the Third National Bank of Circleville, of which he was one of the incorporators. He was a man of the highest integrity and both in his home and abroad was honored and respected. 'He had 10 children.
B. F. Benford was reared and educated in his native State until 18 years of age, whenhe came to Pickaway County, and in the following year entered into the hardware business. He still owns and operates what is the most extensive establishment of the kind in the city, which is still conducted under the old firm name of C. Benford & Son. Since 1898 he has been president of the First National Bank of Circleville.
Mr. Benford was united in marriage with Florence Fickardt, a daughter of George H. Fickardt, and they have one daughter--Caroline. Politically Mr. Benford is a Republican. Fraternally he is an Elk.
WILLIAM J. BINKLEY, a well-known citizen and representative agriculturist of Salt Creek township, is also an honored survivor of the Civil War, in which he served from 1861 until 1863. Mr. Binkley was born July 5, 1842, at Adelphi, Ohio, and is a son of William and Margaret (Strawser) Binkley.
The father of Mr. Binkley was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, and the mother in Ross County, Ohio. William Binkley settled at a very early day at Adelphi, where he carried on a mercantile business. He was 18 years old when he accompanied his parents to that village from Fairfield County, and there he spent his life. His father had been a merchant before him, a pioneer in the business at Adelphi, and William Binkley continued and expanded it.
William J. Binkley was reared at Adelphi and was educated in the public schools of the town and after reaching a business age he was engaged for a time in a grocery enterprise there. The larger part of his life, however, has ,been devoted to farming and raising fine horses, and both he and his wife have valuable farming interests both in Pickaway and Salt Creek townships.
On July 17, 1861, Mr. Binkley offered his services to his country, enlisting in Company A, 27th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., his regiment being assigned to the 17th Army Corps and
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attached to the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Binkley participated in many great battles, including Shiloh, Corinth and Iuka, and in numberless skirmishes and long and wearying marches before he secured his honorable discharge, on January 23, 1863. For some years he was active in the Grand Army of the Republic post at Adelphi, of which he was quartermaster.
On September 27, 1888, Mr. Binkley was married to Mrs. Jane (Dunkel) Rush, who was the widow of the late Samuel W. Rush, of Pickaway County. She is a daughter of George and Sarah A. (Mounts) Dunkel, and was born April 28, 1856. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and was a son of George Dunkel, who was an early settler in Salt Creek township. Mrs. Binkley's father died when she was five years old, but her mother survived many years, dying subsequently at Circleville. By her first marriage, Mrs. Binkley has one daughter, Laura D., who resides at home. Of the old and prominent family of Dunkel, Mrs. Binkley is the only survivor in Salt Creek township.
Politically, Mr. Binkley is a Republican and while a resident of Ross County served as treasurer of Colerain township. He has always been a good citizen but has not been anxious to take upon himself the cares of office-holding. He and his wife have one of the most commodious and beautiful homes in their section of Pickaway County and it is so located that it is seen by those passing on the public highway. Mr. and Mrs. Binkley have learned the secret of enjoying life to its full and to this beautiful home they frequently offer a hearty welcome to their many friends.
LEONARD MILLAR, who resides on his valuable farm three-quarters of a mile west of South Bloomfield, in Harrison township, has lived continuously on his present homestead for a period of 26 years. His place is a part of the estate of William Millar, his maternal grandfather, and is cultivated on thorough and scientific principles, being therefore both attractive and productive. Mr. Millar was born in Harrison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, April 1, 1854, and is a son of Isaac D. and Sarah Ann (Millar) Millar.
The branch of the Millar family to which our subject belongs is of old Virginia stock, and the early ancestors held various grants from the British crown. Members of the family commenced to migrate to Ohio about 1803, soon after its admission to the Union.
Isaac Millar, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born February 9, 1749, married Elizabeth Sea, on October 28, 1777, and died January 23, 1815, in the 66th year of his age. His wife, who was born August 15, 1756, died April 14, 1794. Their children were as follows : William, born August 6, 1788; Catherine, born February 19, 1780; Rebecca, born February 3, 1783; Michael, born March 30, 1785; Isaac, born December 6, 1787; Elizabeth, born February 4, 1790: and Adam, our subject's grandfather. William, the oldest child, married Mary Sudduth and they had the following family: Elizabeth, born May 2, 1809; George Washington, born February 5, 1811; Isaac, born January 28, 1813: Adam, born March 15, 1815; Sarah Ann (mother of our subject.), born April 24. 1817; Lucinda, born December 12, 1819; William A. P., born November 17, 1824; and Mary Catherine, born April 23, 1830.
Adam Millar, the paternal grandfather of Leonard Millar, was born March 24, 1792, and died March 28, 1824. He married Rebecca Decker and to them were born two sons : Isaac D., our subject's father; and John, who died in young manhood.
Isaac D. Millar, the father, was born March 18, 1822, and on February 22, 1844. married Sarah, Ann Millar, daughter of William and Mary (Sudduth) Millar. The seven children born to their union were : John D., born December 6, 1844, who died March 28, 1860 William, born April 28, 1847, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Mary Rebecca, born September 6, 1850, wife of Hon. Thaddeus E. Cromley; Leonard; of this sketch;
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PAGE 760 - PICTURE OF MR. AND MRS. HOMER V. RUSH AND DAUGHTERS
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Isaac M. and Adam P. (twins), born March 21, 1857, the former deceased February 3, 1860, and the latter, March 26, 1886; and Annie L., who married F. S. Chryst, a lawyer of Warren, Ohio, and present probate judge of Trumbull County--Mrs. Chryst died March 25, 1901, leaving two daughters, Blanche E. and Sarah M. The death of Isaac D. Millar took place October 21, 1867; he was survived many years by his wife, who lived to the age of 83 years, dying on June 27, 1900.
Leonard Millar obtained what education he could in the South Bloomfield school, and after leaving school commenced his life work of farming upon the family homestead. On the loth of October, 1888, he was united in marriage to Lida Grace Stimmel, daughter of Peter and Catherine Stimmel, of Franklin County, Ohio. Mrs. Millar's father died when she was about six years of age; her mother is now a resident of Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Millar have two sons : Earle William, born August. 8, .1889, who is a student at the Ashville High School ; and Benford S., who is attending the district school at South Bloomfield.
Mrs. Leonard Millar, the wife of our subject, is a capable, well-educated woman. After finishing the common-school work, she spent three years in the completion of a thorough business course, which was afterward supplemented by a special training in stenography. She is of German ancestry, the first of her family to come to the United States being Yost Stimmel. This ancestor of the American branch was born in 1756, and his wife, Hannah Magdalene Stocker, four years afterward. The family located in Frederick County, Maryland, where Mr. Stimmel resided and cultivated his farm, dying in 1805. and being buried on the family homestead.
Michael Stimmel, the great-grandfather of Mrs, .Millar, was born in .Frederick County, Maryland, and died in 1859. On March 3, 1790, he was married to Catherine Plum, born in Hampshire County, Virginia (now West Virginia), March 3, 1790, who, passed away in 1872, at the age of 82.
Peter Stimmel, the grandfather, was a native of Frederick County, Maryland, born in 1788. He married Elizabeth Landes, daughter of Samuel Landes, of Hamilton township. Franklin County, Ohio, and resided on the Landes homestead, one mile north of Lockbourne. Their family consisted of the following members : John, Jacob, Samuel, Mary, Peter, Hannah, Michael and Lydia. Peter Stimmel died in 1844, aged 55 years, and his widow survived him until 1855, when she died at the age of 63.
Peter Stimmel, the fifth child of this family, was the father of Mrs. Leonard Millar. He was born at Lockbourne, Franklin County, Ohio, July 17, 1824, but from the age of five years until his death, February 28, 1874, was a resident of Shadeville, Franklin County, engaged at various times as a merchant and a grain dealer. He was also the owner of a farm, and a man of good standing and circumstances. His wife. Catherine Huha. was born near Groveport, Franklin County. Ohio, January 3, 1837, and, as stated, resides in Columbus, where she is a nurse. Besides Mrs. Leonard Millar, the children of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Stimmel were Henry Landes, Carrie A., Arabella H., Effie G. and Earl H. Henry Landes Stimmel, the oldest brother of Mrs. Millar, is a traveling man, residing- at Decatur, Illinois.
HOMER VIRGIL RUSH, one of the substantial citizens and representative farmers of Pickaway County, who owns and operates a valuable farm of 173 acres in Scioto township, was born on his present farm, December 8, 1855. and is a son of Francis N. and Matilda (Rayn) Rush;
The Rush family originated in Germany. Its movements as pioneers and early settlers are full of interest. The great-grandparents of our subject, who were of German birth, emigrated to America and located in Pennsylvania. At a later date they removed to Virginia and there Francis Rush, the grandfather of Homer V. Rush, was born and reared. He married Nancy Greenwade, who was born in
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England and accompanied her parents when they settled in Virginia. They had eight children, all of whom have passed away, viz.: Thomas, deceased at the age of 45 years; Polly, deceased at the age of 30 years; Jacob, who was married four times; John, who married Ann Yocum--both now deceased; Sarah (twin sister of John), who married Cornelius Sharp; Nelson, who married Martha Chambers; Francis, father of our subject; and William, who married Hester Hillery.
The grandparents of our subject started for what was then the wilderness of Pickaway County, Ohio, after the birth of three of their children, Thomas, Polly and Jacob. The old home in Virginia did not promise any substantial fortune for a growing family, and Francis Rush decided that it was the part of wisdom to seek a home in a new locality even if much hardship had to be endured in reaching the destination. It was an ingenious arrangement of a sort of saddle-bag, fastened on the back of a faithful old family horse, that enabled the tired mother and children to ease the long distance by occasionally enjoying a ride. The little party was accompanied by the brother-in-law of Mr. Rush; both men carried their flint-lock rifles and thus provided the entire subsistence for the long journey.
Soon after reaching Ohio and establishing his family in a log cabin in the woods, Francis Rush answered the call for recruits and entered the army and fought through the War of 1812. While all due credit should be given Mr. Rush for his patriotism, a thought should be reserved for the courageous and capable wife who lived with her children through these times, almost unprotected in the .dense woods of Ohio. Mr. Rush died in 1861, and was survived by his widow until 1870.
Francis N. Rush, son of Francis, and father of Homer V., was born in Ohio in 1820, and assisted in the developing of the pioneer farm. In 1849 he was united in marriage with Matilda Rayn, a daughter of John and Huldah Rayn, who came to Ohio from Maryland. She had four sisters and five brothers, as follows : Nancy, Elizabeth, Ellen, Levicy, Cyrus, William, John, Edward and Joseph.
Mr. and Mrs. Rush had four children, as follows : Austin, who married Martha W. Mitchell ; Homer Virgil ; Alice, who married William Thrailkill, a farmer of Scioto township; and Eugene B., who married Emma Mundell.
Homer Virgil Rush was reared on the farm where he now lives, which has been his home all his life. This land is his inheritance from his father and is a part of the famous old Buckley woods and was long known as the Buckley farm. It is a valuable piece of property, well adapted to general farming and, as it is traversed by a never failing stream of water, known as Morris Run, is also well suited for stock-raising.
In 1880 Mr. Rush was married to Caroline Maris, the only daughter of James and Elizabeth (Worrell) Maris, who were well-known members of the Society of Friends. Three children have been born to this marriage --Leatha, Mary and Marvin M. The eldest daughter was graduated from' the High School at McConnellsville, Ohio, and also from the Capitol College of Oratory, at Columbus, in 1903, and taught elocution for one year at Findlay College, Findlay, Ohio, and while there became acquainted with J. Otley Lehman, a student from Illinois, to whom she was married on September 7, 1905. He is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is stationed at Moweaqua, Illinois. Mary, the second daughter, graduated at the Commercial Point High School, in the class of 1906. Her specialty is music and she is an accomplished performer on piano and violin. She married Ralph R. Thomas, who is a son of Newton N. Thomas, who farms his father's land in Darby township.
Marvin M. Rush, the only son of the family, was born May 7, 1890, and lived only until September, 1891. His death was a great blow to the family, as he was a beautiful, interesting child. His little casket was laid away in the Darbyville Cemetery, after comforting words were spoken by Rev. F. H. Smiley, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which religious body the family belongs.
While Mr. Rush has never been prominent
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in politics, he votes with the Republican party and aims to keep good men in office. He has served as justice of the peace in Scioto township and is a member of the township School Board. A group picture of the Rush family is shown on a preceding page in connection with this sketch.
GEORGE H. ROOF, a well-known agriculturist and valued citizen of Pickaway township, residing on the S. H. Evans estate, located on the Circleville and Kingston turnpike, about three and a half miles south of Circleville, was born September 14, 1872, in Pickaway township. He is a son of Frederick and Anna (Goeller) Roof.
The father of Mr. Roof was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and died in 1886, at the age of 38 years. The mother was born in Germany and resides at Circleville, Ohio. Of the seven children born to Frederick Roof and wife, four survive, these being: Charles E., of Circleville; Rose, wife of Clinton Jenkins, of Circleville; Amelia, wife of Edward Cook, of Circleville; and George H., of this sketch. In political sentiment Frederick Roof was a Democrat. For many years he was a worthy member of the Lutheran Church.
George H. Roof was reared in Circleville township and was educated in the Circleville schools. From his youth he has been interested and engaged in agricultural pursuits, a thorough training making him an experienced and successful farmer. The large estate which he so capably manages contains 320 acres of land, and here Mr. Roof carries on general farming and stock-raising.
On October 14, 1897, Mr. Roof was married to Maud E. Phillips, a daughter of Evan Phillips, of Pickaway township. In politics, Mr. Roof is identified with the Democratic party and has served as township assessor. He takes an active interest in public matters in the township, especially in those closely concerning agricultural advancement and deserves the reputation accorded him of being a public-spirited, reputable and useful citizen.
JOSEPH A. BAUM, a well-known citizen and representative agriculturist of Madison township, residing on his valuable and well-cultivated farm of 160 acres, was born in this township, September 25, 1854, and is a son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Roof) Baum.
The Baum is an old and long lived family of Madison township. The father of our subject, now in his 83rd year, was born here and is one of the township's oldest residents. He was identified with much of its early development and can recall a large part of its pioneer history.
Joseph A. Baum has been a life-long resident of Madison township and owes his education to her public schools. His entire business life has been concerned with the township's agricultural interests and he bears the reputation of being an excellent farmer. His well-cultivated acres show the effect of careful methods and the whole appearance of his home indicates thrift and good management.
Mr. Baum was married to Sarah C. Snyder, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Adam and Anna M. Snyder. Mrs. Baum's father is deceased; her mother lives in Fairfield County. Mr. and Mrs. Baum have these children : Lena L., wife of John W. Hay, of Harrison township ; Clara B., Chrissie C. and Clayton B., all at home.
For 12 consecutive years Mr. Baum served as a trustee of Madison township and for four years as a member of the School Board. He is one of the stanch supporters of the Democratic party in his section and wields considerable influence. He is one of the leading members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church and has always been one of the most active workers in the Sunday-school, for 20 years serving as its superintendent. He has also been a church trustee for many years. When the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized in April, 1904, Mr. Baum was one of its promoters and is a member of its board of directors. Mr. Baum is a director and stockholder in the Ashville Banking Company, of Ashville, which is capitalized at $30,000. In all that concerns the well-being of the com-
764 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
munity, Mr. Baum takes a public-spirited interest and his fellow-citizens know that they may count on his hearty co-operation.
HENRY J. BENNETT, one of Circleville's esteemed retired citizens, has been prominently identified with large business enterprises both in Ohio and in other States for a quarter of a century. He was born in 1853, at Dover, Canada, and was five years old when he accompanied his parents to Circleville, Ohio.
The city of Circleville, which he has assisted to develop, has been Mr. Bennett's chosen home all through his more than usual successful business career. He was educated here and was the pioneer in the ice business, in which he engaged first when a lad of 16 years. This business was continued by him under the business style of the Circleville Ice Company until 1903, when he disposed of it. He has numerous interests, owning valuable real estate in the cities of Circleville, Columbus and Chicago, Illinois; gold mines in South Dakota, Idaho and Arizona, and is interested in a tract of 64o acres of coal land on the Elk River, West Virginia, where there is an out-crop of 16 feet of coal on the ledges above the railroad. He also has silver and lead interests in other parts of the country and owns stock in many prospering industries. He is a man of remarkable business sagacity and still looks after many of his enterprises himself.
In 1883 Mr. Bennett was married to Emma B. Breternitz, of Circleville, and they have one son, W. B., who is engaged in looking after mining interests in Arizona. This young man graduated at the Circleville High School and then entered Kenyon College, but was obliged by ill health to leave prior to finishing his course and is now building up his health in the mountains of the 'West.
Mr. Bennett has been one of the most valued members of the City Council, elected on the Republican ticket. overcoming by 21 votes the usual Democratic majority of 55. For the past 22 years he has been a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Circleville.
FRANKLIN MILLAR. The late Franklin Millar, whose death occurred March .15, 1878, was for 50 years a resident of Madison township where he was born January 1828, being a son of Isaac and Susan (Decker) Millar.
Isaac Millar was born in Hampshire County, Virginia (now West Virginia), and in 18o6 came to Ohio, settling on a section of land in Madison township, Pickaway County. He accumulated considerable property during his life and at one time owned 1,800 acres of land in Madison and Harrison townships. In 1815 he built and operated a small distillery and corn mill. He brought the first threshing machine and the first reaper into Madison township where the greater part of his life was spent. In 1812 he married Susan Decker, also a native of Virginia and to them were born nine children, as follows: Rebecca, John D., Jacob, Michael, Susan, Sarah, Franklin, Hannah and Elizabeth, all of whom are deceased but Hannah (wife of George W. Brown) and Elizabeth (widow of Jesse Musselman). Isaac Millar died at the home of his (laughter, Mrs. Musselman, July 15, 1883.
Franklin Millar was reared and educated in Madison township and devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits in which he was uniformly successful. He was married on May 18, 1854, to Jane A. Rarey, who was born in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of George and Jane (Wilson) Rarey, who were early settlers in this township, where the former was a large farmer and stock-raiser. Mrs. Millar's mother died in 1836 and her father in 1850. She was reared in Madison township and was mainly educated at Lithopolis where she completed her education in the high school. To Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Millar were born seven children, namely: Isaac, Hannah D., Charles R.. Margaret R., Clara, Franklin G. and Irvin. Isaac was married to Mary E. Wilson on January 1888, and on the 4th of the following August was killed by lightning in the house where he was born. On October 16th of the same year, a son, Isaac, was born to his widow, which son now lives with his mother at the Wilson home-
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stead near St. Paul, Ohio. Hannah D. died November 15, 1893. Charles R. died December 24, 1875. Clara married William H. Rugh and lives on an adjoining farm in Madison township. Margaret R., Franklin G. and Irvin live with their mother on the home farm. The subject of this sketch died in the full belief of a blessed immortality. He was, as is his widow, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church located near Duvall. Ohio. Mrs. Millar is a lady who is widely and favorably known throughout Madison township for her many estimable qualities and numbers her friends by the score.
CLINTON B. TEEGARDIN, the popular clerk of Madison township, who owns a fine farm of 16o acres which he devotes to general farming and the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and fine stock, was born in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 29, 1870, and is a son of Peter and Ivy (Crum) Teegardin.
Peter Teegardin was born in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and was a son of William Teegardin, who came with his father, Aaron Teegardin, to this locality from Pennsylvania, when the country was still wild. In Peter Teegardin the township had one of its most reputable and useful citizens. He served as township trustee for a number of years and enjoyed the entire confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was one of the pillars of the Madison Presbyterian Church. His wife died in 1883 and his own death followed in 1900. Of his children, these survive : William H., of Kansas City, Missouri ; Hannah E., widow of Samuel. V. Murphy, of Madison township, Franklin County; Thomas H., of Madison township ; George E., of Columbus ; Edwin O., of Madison township ; Sarah A., of Madison township; Clara M., wife of O. C. Peters, of Madison township; Peter M., of Madison township, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Clinton B., of this sketch; and Cora A., wife of Oscar Housinger, of Kansas City, Missouri.
Clinton B. Teegardin grew up on his father's farm in Madison township and, after completing his preparatory education in the local schools, entered the University of Kentucky, at. Lexington, where he was graduated in 1896. In addition to managing his large property and stock interests. Mr. Teegardin gives attention to public matters of import and also serves as secretary and treasurer of the Pickaway County Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Association. He \vas one of the promoters and main organizers of this successful enterprise.
Politically Mr. Teegardin is a Democrat and as a member of that party he has done a great deal of effective campaign work. He is now serving as clerk of Madison township and is a very popular official. He is known favorably all over the county.
On November 27, 1902, Mr. Teegardin was married to Mary L. \Varner, who is a daughter of that prominent citizen of Madison township, Elisha Warner, Esq.. and they have two children--Paul W. and Ruth P. Mr. Teegardin is one of the active members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Madison township and is a member of its board of trustees.
E. F. ANDERSON, dealer in marble and granite, at Circleville, is one of the representative business men of this city. He was born in Marion County, Iowa, March 22, 1868, and in childhood accompanied his parents to Christian County, Illinois.
After completing his education. Mr. Anderson secured employment as a salesman for Barbre & O'Brien, granite and marble dealers at Taylorville, Illinois, with whom he remained for two years and then purchased a one-half interest in the business. One year later Mr. Anderson and Mr. Barbre bought out Mr. O'Brien and continued together for two years, when Mr. Anderson sold his interest to Mr. Barbre and was employed for two years by the Richter Monument Works, Springfield, Illinois, and then located at Circleville. Here he
766 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
bought the old established business of James Harsha, who had founded it in 1860. Mr. Anderson purchased the above mentioned business February 1, 1898; and has conducted it ever since. In February, 1906, Mr. Anderson purchased his present building and is well equipped for all kinds of business in his line. His territory covers all of Pickaway and adjoining counties, and he has a branch office at Mount Sterling, Ohio. U is fine monuments and modern style of vaults can be seen all over this section.
Mr. Anderson is a stockholder in the Montello Granite Company at Montello, Wisconsin, where are located some of the finest quarries of granite in the United States. He is an excellent business man and his methods bring him the confidence and esteem of the trade and the public.
Mr. Anderson married Jennie (Gongwere) Murgotten. and they have two children, Walter and Edith. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his fraternal relations Mr. Anderson is a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight of Pythias. a member of the Woodmen of the World and of the Modern Woodmen of America.
CHARLES WILSON DAVIS, principal of the Darbyville public schools and for the past 11 years an educator here, was born in Monroe township, Pickaway County, Ohio, on the farm west of Five Points operated by his father, on October 28, 1863. He is a son of William and Emily (Peacher) Davis.
The parents of Mr. Davis were natives of Virginia. They moved to Ross County, Ohio, with their parents, in childhood and were there reared and married. In 1859 they settled in Monroe township, Pickaway County, Ohio. The mother died in Scioto township, aged 62 years and the father's death followed in Darby township at the age of 68 years. They had nine children, namely: John Wesley, who died aged 13 years ; Edward, who died aged 44 years ; Sarah, who married James Campbell, of Fayette County; Martha (Hatfield), deceased; George, of Darby township; CharlesWilson, of this sketch; William, of Columbus; Dennison; and James. of Columbus.
When Charles W. Davis was a lad of seven years, his parents purchased and settled on a farm south of Five Points, where the family lived for three years and then moved to the village and lived there until 1878. They were then located in Darby township until 1884, when they returned to Monroe township. When 23 years of age, after careful preparation, our subject began to teach and after three years took a year's course at the Ohio Normal University at Ada. Since then he has continued in his chosen field, giving all his efforts to his native county. For 11 years he has been identified with the Darbyville school and for the past year has been at its head. He, with his two capable assistants, has 85 pupils in charge. Mr. Davis gave his entire attention to his school work until December 3, 1903, when, with Harry Moore, he embarked in a mercantile business at Darbyville, under the firm name of Davis & Moore. He has been a resident at Darbyville since 1893 and enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens.
In 1892 Chutes W. Davis was married to Sally Graham, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 28, 1873, and is a daughter of Thomas L. and Elizabeth (Bell) Graham, natives of Pickaway County, who spent the larger portion of their lives in Darby township.
Although Mr. Davis has never been a very active politician, he has been a stanch Democrat all his life. He is one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Darbyville and has been a class leader for five years' and for eight years has been superintendent of the Sunday-school.
CARSON CHASE McCAFFERTY, whose fine home farm of 105 acres is situated in Monroe township, owns another farm which is located on Deer Creek. Both properties are in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. McCafferty was born in Fayette County, Ohio, and
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is a son of David and Ann E. (Steele) McCafferty.
William McCafferty, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Ireland, where he married a Miss Nutt, of German extraction. After his death his widow married Isaac Moore. Two children were born to the first marriage, viz.: Eliza, who married Ezra Blaine, now of Mount Sterling, Ohio; and David, the father of our subject. The three children of the second marriage of the grandmother of our subject were : Harry, who married Martha Alkire and, after her death, Tabitha Hedges, who survives him; Madeline, deceased, who married the late Spencer McCafferty; and Clara, who is the widow of a Mr. Shook.
The parents of David McCafferty located first in Fayette County but moved to Madison County before his birth. He was reared on a farm which lay along Duff's Forks, and he remained at home until his marriage, after which he settled on an 80-acre farm in Fayette County, near Bloomingburg, and it was here that Carson C. McCafferty was born. After the birth of two children, the parents moved to Monroe township, Pickaway County, selling the old farm and purchasing the 105 acres in Monroe township, on which the father died September 9, 1896. This farm is occupied by the widow of David McCafferty, with her son Charles.
After reaching manhood, David McCafferty was married to Ann E. Steele, who is a daughter of James P. Steele, a well-known old citizen. Mrs. McCafferty had one sister and four brothers, namely : Elizabeth, .who married Tillison Neff--both died in Kansas; David; James P., who married Mary Taylor, now deceased; Adam, who married Mary France and lives at Five Points, Monroe township; and Franklin, who married Catherine Davis (now deceased) and lives near San Francisco, California.
The children of David McCafferty and wife were: Carson C., of this sketch; Elizabeth, who married W. H. Thomas and lives on a farm adjoining that of our subject; Clara, who died at the age of four years; Adam, deceased in infancy; Vista C., who married C. W. Mouser and lives in Perry township; James T., who married Etta Baker and, after her death, Christina Brown--they live near Five Points; Estelle. deceased at the age of 23 years; Charles F., unmarried, who lives with his mother on the homestead: and Scott, who married (first) Hester Crownover (deceased February 28, 1896), and (second ). Emma Morehart--they live at Mount Sterling, Ohio.
Carson C. McCafferty, was educated in the township schools where his parents lived during his boyhood and youth. His advantages were no better than those of many of his comrades, but he undoubtedly made Letter use of them, for immediately after his marriage he was engaged to teach school at Mount Sterling, where he lived for the first year. He then rented a farm on Deer Creek, which he subsequently purchased. He did not give up teaching, however, seeming to have special ability as an educator. He taught for five years in Perry township, and after an interval taught three years more. He next purchased 84 acres of land from the Hanawalt estate, on which he lived from 1879 until 1893, when he sold it and bought the farm on which he still resides. Mr. McCafferty then gave up teaching and devoted his energies mainly to farming.
The farm owned by Mr. McCafferty was formerly included in the Porter estate ; a part of it was purchased from the heirs in 1878 and the rest in 1890. Two old log houses were the only buildings on the place at the time of purchase and one of these Mr. McCafferty utilizes as a barn. His handsome residence of eight rooms was built in 1893 and is a comfortable, attractive home. He has made innumerable improvements here and his property has grown to be very valuable. He operates both of his farms and raises principally wheat, corn and hogs. His well-cultivated land shows that is well managed and there are unmistakable evidences that it is very productive.
On March 12, 1876, Mr. McCafferty was married to Elizabeth J. Porter, a daughter of James and Mary E. Porter, of Pickaway County. Mr. Porter was twice married and Mrs. McCafferty has three brothers and two sisters,
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viz. : William J., who married Mary Maddox; John, who married Olive Taylor; Milton, who married Alice Robison; Catherine, who married William Longerbone ; and Mahala, who married J. W. Lewis. The half-brothers and sisters of Mrs. McCafferty are : Vincent, who married Sapphira Nutt; Clement V. Hughes, who married Carrie Porter; Margaret, who married Joseph Maddox; and Margaret, who married Sherman Larey.
Mr. and Mrs. McCafferty have five children but none was born on the present farm. They are as follows: Walter E., born at Mount Sterling, Ohio, January 15, 1877, who married Opal Porter, has two children, Verna and Earl, and lives' in Monroe township; Cora May, born February 25, 1879, in Monroe township, who married Myrel Scott and lives at Waterloo, Ohio; Grace L., born August 29, 188o, in Monroe township, who lives at home; Edma C., born in Monroe township, August 26, 1884, who married Charles Fulton, has one son, Lewis A., and lives at Mount Sterling, Ohio; and Perry Clark, born in Pickaway County, June 1, 1889, who is attending school.
Mr. McCafferty has been one of the township's leading men for many years. For the past 18 years he has been a justice of the peace, for six years a notary public and for two years was supervisor and a member of the election hoard. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow. In religious belief and observance he is a Methodist.
WILLIAM H. CORDRAY, one of the leading farmers of Muhlenberg township, where he owns a well-improved farm of 100 acres, on the Florence Chapel turnpike, was born at Williamsport, Pickaway County, Ohio, , September 24, 1850. His parents were Levi and Mary (Bateman) Cordray.
The Cordray family is of Scotch extraction, but has been established in Ohio through several generations. Levi Cordray, father of our subject, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, and came to Circleville in its early days, when he was still a very young man. From Circleville he enlisted for service in the Mexican War and served under Gen. Zachary Taylor, returning to Circleville after the close of the war. For many years he followed fence making and made many miles of fencing throughout Pickaway County. Later in life he lived on a farm and died at the home of a (laughter in Kingston, Ohio, in 1896, aged 89 years. Although he was an industrious man and made considerable money for his time, he never invested it in such a way as to bring him a competency. He was always interested in public matters. He was a strong Whig in youth, later becoming identified with the Republican party. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Levi Cordray married Mary Bateman, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and passed her whole life here, dying at the age of 6o years. Their children were: William H., of this sketch; James, a resident of Circleville township; George W., who resides in Muhlenberg township; Thomas, of Franklin County, Ohio; Ada Jane, wife of David Smith, of Kingston, Ohio; John, who died in infancy; and Margaret, who died aged nine years.
William H. Cordray was the oldest of his parents family and on him fell many burdens when but a youth. He was 10 years old when his father settled on a small farm in Jackson township, Pickaway County, near Fox, and our subject remained in that township for some 16 years, and then moved to a farm in Pickaway township. About this time he was married. He then farmed rented land in Pickaway township for four years, after which he rented a farm near St. Paul, in Madison township, for four years and, later, a farm in Harrison township, for three years. He then made his first purchase of land, this being a small farm in Scioto township, near Commercial Point. After operating that for seven years, he was able to sell it to advantage and then purchased his present farm of Too acres, in Muhlenberg township, 6o acres of which he cleared of scrubs. He settled here in 1891. He erected all the buildings now standing and has many plans for improving his place in the future. He devotes his whole time to the development of this
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PAGE 770 - PICTURE OF JAMES M. JOHNSON AND MRS. SARAH R. JOHNSON
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farm which has come into his possession entirely through his own efforts.
On September 17, 1873, Mr. Cordray was united in marriage with Anna McDonald, who was born in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and. is a daughter of Peter and Abarilla (Botts) McDonald, natives of Guernsey County, Ohio. The children born to this marriage are : Charles F., of St. Paul, Madison township, Pickaway County, who married and has four children--Elva Anna, Ruth Florence, Carra Marie and Carl Noaker ; and Carra Dell, wife of Rev. Emanuel Reid, of Muskingum County, a minister of the Lutheran Church--they have one child, Anna Bell; Marshall Fleetwood, of Circleville township; and Palmer Lloyd.
Mr. Cordray has always been a Democrat and for three years he served as a justice of the peace. For seven years he was a member of the township Board of Education. He and his wife belong to Florence Chapel Presbyterian Church.
HOMER VIRGIL JOHNSON, a substantial citizen and leading agriculturist of Scioto township, who owns and operates the old homestead farm of 300 acres, was born here in 1851 and is a son of James M. and Sarah C. (Briley) Johnson.
James M. Johnson was born in Maryland and was six years old when he accompanied his widowed mother to Hardin County, Ohio. where he remained until he was 17 years of age. In search of farm work he then came to Pickaway County and was employed by Jonathan Renick and it was while thus employed that he became acquainted with Sarah C. Briley, a native of Ohio, to whom he was married on April 28, 1842. He was born September 5, 1820, and died March 15, 1893. She was born May 20, 1827, and died June 11, 1893. They had 17 children, all of whom reached maturity with the exception of an infant that died December 19, 1868. The record of the others is as follows : Harriet, who married F. M. Beavers and died July 7, 1870; Sarah Jane, who married James Rasor--both now deceased; Jonathan, born March 3, 1843, who married Sarah Clifton and is now deceased; William W., born November 3, 1844, who married Esther Beavers and resides in Scioto township; James M., born March 27, 1846, who married Mary Ann Beavers and lives in Scioto township; Marion F., born November 4, 1849, who resides with our subject on the old home farm; Homer V., of this sketch ; Peter, born November 2o, 1852, who married Martha Leach and later Alice Miller, both of his wives being now deceased; Mary E., born April 12, 1856, who married G. E. Neff, a merchant at Derby, Ohio; Lydia A., born January 17, 1858, who married Alex. Redman, of Columbus; Lucy A., born June 3, 1859, who is the widow of Austin Gochenouer and resides at Los Angeles, California; John D., born December 13, 1860, who married Flora Hudson and resides in Muhlenberg township ; David, born August 28, 1862, who resides on the home farm; Priscilla, born December 4, 1864, who married Peter Redman and lives at Harrisburg, Franklin County, Ohio; Grant, born December 27, 1866, who married Margaret Winegarner and resides at Columbus; and Lillian, born December 12, 1869, who married William Beavers and lives in Scioto township.
Shortly after his marriage, James M. Johnson rented a part of what was then known as the Buckley farm, which he purchased in 1869. He made many improvements, one being the building of the present comfortable farm residence--a large nine-room house in which his many children spent a happy, healthy childhood. One feature is an old fashioned fireplace, the like of which is seldom seen in later constructed buildings. It radiated good cheer on many festive occasions. The old house was so stanchly built that in the lifetime of Mr. Johnson it was sometimes facetiously declared that it was so tight that a window had to be opened when a drought was needed to make the fire burn. The home stands on an eminence that commands the surrounding country and the traveler along the Buckley road has no difficulty in singling out the beautiful old
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Johnson home. Pausing at its hospitable entrance, a draught of sweet, cold water may be obtained, brought up from the rock bottom, from the old-fashioned well which recalls memories to everyone of the "Old Oaken Bucket."
Our subject came into possession of the old homestead at the death of his father and has always resided here. Formerly this land was included in Darby township, but is now situated in Scioto; it is bounded on the west and south by Darby Creek. It is thus well adapted to general farming and stock-raising and has always been considered a very valuable property, and under the Johnsons has been a very productive one.
In addition to his agricultural interests, Homer V. Johnson has been more or less concerned for years in all matters of importance that have required good citizenship in Scioto township. Since 1888 he has served his political party as central committeeman and for 24 years he has been a member of the township School Board, its chairman for 21 years, and is also one of the board of trustees of the Pickaway County Children's Home. From 1894 until 1897 he served as justice of the peace. Mr. Johnson is unmarried.
Portraits of the father and mother of the subject of this sketch are shown on a foregoing page.
J. R. WILSON. The city of Circleville owes much of its prosperity to the responsible business firms which have given it standing; a leading one is that of Hoffman, Brown & Wilson, large dealers in stoves, hardware and house furnishings and engaged in sanitary plumbing. Of this firm J. R. Wilson is the junior member, a progressive, enterprising man of business. He was born in Hocking County, Ohio, in 1856, and was reared and educated at Logan. His father was Arthur Wilson, who was engaged in railroad contracting.
After completing his education, Mr. Wilson, under his father, engaged in railroad construction and became foreman of the workmen who built the Norfolk & Western Railway. He filled this position one year and then spent one season with C. E. Sears & Company, following which he was clerk for the C. A. Helwagen grocery house for three and a half years. In 1881 Mr. Wilson first became identified with the hardware line, entering the employ of Hoffman & McMullen. Here he continued for 11 years and when Mr. McMullen retired he bought a third interest in the business, and the firm style of Hoffman, Brown & Wilson was adopted, the other members of the firm being L. H. Hoffman and K. J. Brown, Mr. Wilson being the general manager of the store and collector. This house is one of the firmly established ones at Circleville and has large trade connections and a generous patronage from the city and its environs.
About 1878 Mr. Wilson was married to Kate Will, who is a daughter of Robert Will. who was formerly manager of a woolen mill at Circleville. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have three children, viz: Charles R., of Columbus, Ohio; Helen, wife of Albert Wolf, of Circleville; and Lyall, who lives at home. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church at Circleville.
Fraternally Mr. Wilson is prominent in the Knights of Pythias, being chancellor commander of Philos Lodge, No. 64. He belongs also to the Foresters and the Modern Woodmen of America.
WALTER M. GRAY, a prominent farmer and dairyman, proprietor of the "Circle City Dairy," at Circleville, and the owner of the old homestead farm of 16o acres in Washington township, Pickaway County, was born in 1851 in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of George W. and Maria J. (Eaton) Gray.
The father of Mr. Gray was born near Washington, District of Columbia. He learned the blacksmith's trade but later became a farmer in Fairfield County, Ohio. He married Maria J. Eaton, who was born and reared in Fairfield County. They had seven daughters
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and two sons born to them, viz.: Walter M.; Lida, wife of J. Iles, residing near Logan, Hocking County; Jennie, wife of Lyman Doner, of Union County, Ohio; Lydia. wife of O. C. Drum, living on the old farm ; Emma, of Washington, D. C.; Ida, wife of George Wirtman, of Washington township : and Allen, Delilah and Anna, all deceased. During our subject's infancy the family moved to Washington township, Pickaway County.
Walter M. Gray was reared on his father's farm in Washington township and attended the country schools. After his marriage in 1875, Mr. Gray engaged in farming in Pickaway township until January 1, 1904, when he moved to Circleville and embarked. in a dairy business. He purchased first the Fosnaugh dairy and later the Marfield dairy and consolidated the two under the title of the "Circle City Dairy." He keeps from 40 to 50 dairy cows and does the largest business in Circleville in this line.
In 1875 Mr. Gray was married to Emma Drum, who is a daughter of William Drum, who was one of the early settlers of Salt Creek township. They have one son, Pearl, who is associated with his father in the dairy business. On May 24, 1902, Pearl married Nettie Waite, of Kingston, Ohio. They have one child, Donald, born May 28, 1905, and reside with our subject.
LEWIS R. LESHER, a much esteemed citizen of Salt Creek township, whose well-improved farm comprises 400 acres, was born September 12, 1839, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah A. (Reber) Lesher.
No family of German extraction stands higher in public esteem in old Berks County, than does that of Lesher and many of its members own rich farms in that section of Pennsylvania. There Samuel Lesher was born, as was his wife, and there their peaceful lives were spent, the old farm supporting a large family.
Lewis R. Lesher was a young man of 23 years of age when he came to Pickaway County from his native State. He had been well educated in the public schools and for three years had been a clerk for his uncle, William Lesher, in the latter's store, but the confinement injured his health, and it was with the hope of restoring the same by a life in the open air, that Mr. Lesher took up farming in Salt Creek township. His anticipations were realized and, although years of hard work were necessary, Mr. Lesher, at the age of 67 years, not only enjoys excellent health, but has also acquired one of the largest and best farms in the township. This land is well cultivated and produces large crops of wheat, corn and hay, and good stock--horses, cattle and hogs --are also produced.
On August 2, 1863, Mr. Lesher was married to Mary Lutz, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Hon. Samuel Lutz, formerly a justice of the peace, who represented Pickaway County in the State Legislature. Samuel Lutz was a pioneer of Salt Creek township and one of its most prominent citizens. He was one of the early surveyors and made many. of the surveys through the county. He lived to the age of 101 years and 6 months.
Mr. and Mrs. Lesher have three children, viz.: Samuel H., Charles and Elizabeth--all residing- in Salt Creek township.
Politically Mr. Lesher is a Republican. He has served both as trustee and as treasurer of Salt Creek township, performing all the duties of these offices with due efficiency. He is one of the leading members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Whisler, of 'which he is a deacon, a trustee and for some years has been treasurer. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Adelphi, Ohio.
JOHN H. ZEHRUNG, one of the best-known business citizens and old residents of Tarlton, who has been commercially engaged here for over half a century, was born at Tarlton, December 10, 1832, and is a son of Peter and Catherine (Holsman) Zehrung and grandson of Jacob Zehrung.
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The Zehrung family, from its orthography, probably originated in Switzerland, emigrating from there at a very early clay to Pennsylvania. The father and grandfather of our subject established the family in Salt Creek township when this section was but a great wilderness. The names of Jacob and Peter Zehrung appear in the records as pioneers. Peter Zehrung died in 1837, aged 43 years.
John. H. Zehrung. who was left fatherless in his boyhood, was reared at Tarlton or in the near vicinity, attended the early schools, and while still young began through his own industry to provide for himself. When 18 years of age he became clerk for Eli Creager, who at that time kept the leading general store at Tarlton, and worked for him for five years. Mr. Zehrung then became a manufacturer and dealer in tinware and stoves, having James Sanderson in partnership with him for a time, the firm name being Sanderson & Zehrung. Since the death of Mr. Sanderson, Mr. Zehrung has continued alone in the business. Through his industry and business integrity he has been amply successful, and, although he started out with no capital, he is now considered one of the town's substantial men. He owns a farm of 86 acres in Fairfield County, and another, of 8o acres, in Hocking County.
On January 1, 1855, Mr. Zehrung was married to Maria S. Kraft, who was born May 8, 1837, in Pickaway County, Ohio. They have three children, viz.: Elizabeth C., wife of S.. S. Spring, of Roseville, Ohio; Samuel P.. a resident of Roseville; and Mary 'C., wife of D. W. Macklin, a well known teacher in the public schools, residing not far from Tarlton, in Fairfield County.
Mr. Zehrung is identified with the Republican party and has had great confidence shown him by his political organization, having been elected by it treasurer of Salt Creek township for 11 consecutive years. Formerly he was very active in the lodge of Odd Fellows at Tarlton, of which he was treasurer for 30 years, and still takes a deep interest in the order to which he has belonged since 1854. He is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church at Tarlton and is one of the elders. Mr. Zehrung is held in very high esteem by his fellow-citizens and his relations with them are those of cordiality and good will.
GEORGE E. DRESBACH, one of the best known citizens of Pickawa township, engaged in farming and raising stock, was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, December 9, 1847, and is a son of William and Margaret (Earnhart) Dresbach.
The Dresbach family came to America from Germany at a very early clay, settling first in Pennsylvania. Many of the name can yet be found there among the solid, substantial citizens. George Dresbach, the grandfather of George E., was born there and was the pioneer in Ohio. coming just after his service in the War of 1812. He located in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, and here his son, William Dresbach, was born and reared. The latter followed farming all his life and died at the age of 65 years. Eight of his children are still living, namely: James A., Mary (Coombs), George E., Harriet (Julian), Milton, Catherine (Reichelderfer), Amanda (Shride) and Scott.
George E. Dresbach was reared and educated in Salt Creek township. He has always been interested in agricultural pursuits and owns a fine farm of 166 acres in Pickaway township, which he has developed into a valuable property. In addition to general farming, he is known as one of the leading stock-raisers of the section. For the past 15 years Mr. Dresbach has also followed the business of an auctioneer and has established such a reputation that he has calls all over Ohio and even from Indiana and Illinois.
On Christmas Day, 1871, Mr. Dresbach was married to Julia Parcells, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of William Parcells, who is a resident of Leistville, Pickaway County. His children are: Homer, of Leistville; James, of Salt Creek township; Hannah, wife of B. F. Stevens, of Ludlow, Illinois; and
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Julia, who is the wife of Mr. Dresbach. Mr. Parcells is now in his 84th year. He was one of the early settlers in Salt Creek township.
Mr. and Mrs. Dresbach have these children: Emanuel, of Tarlton, Ohio; Pearl, Delano and Homer, all residents of Indiana ; Fannie, widow of Shelby Stage, of Circleville; Lewis, of Indiana; and Snow, who resides at home.
Mr. Dresbach. is one of the leading Republicans of his section. He has been his party's chosen candidate for county commissioner and served six years as township trustee, during the whole of this period being president of the board. For three consecutive years he also served as township assessor. He is a man of standing in his community and enjoys the confidence of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Dresbach keeps thoroughly posted on all local affairs and is ever ready to cast his influence in the direction of movements assuring better school facilities, better roads and better agricultural conditions.
E. SENSENBRENNER, one of the well-known business men of Circleville, was born in Ross County, Ohio; in 1876, and is a son of Andrew Sensenbrenner, who removed with his family from Ross County to Circleville in 1882 and has resided here ever since.
E. Sensenbrenner was reared and educated at Circleville and at the age of 15 years entered the jewelry establishment of H. P. Lorbach, with whom he remained for four years, completing his trade. In 1895 he embarked in the jewelry business at Circleville on his own account, beginning in an humble way and gradually expanding as custom increased, until now he conducts one of the finest jewelry stores in Circleville, handling fine jewelry, gems and silver. He also keeps a line of the leading talking machines, with up-to-date records and his enterprise is shown in his displaying over his place of business the first and only electric sign in the city. He deserves his evident success for he has won recognition through thoroughness, perseverance and business courtesy.
Mr. Sensenbrenner was married in May, 1901, to Anna Lama, of Hocking County, Ohio. They have three children, viz.: Maynard, Marion and Helen.
Mr. Sensenbrenner is a member of the German Lutheran Church. He belongs to the Circleville Athletic Club and the Circleville Business Men's Association.
MRS. ELIZABETH A. ALLEN, a well-known and highly esteemed resident of Salt Creek township, residing on her well-cultivated farm of 200 acres, was born November 19, 1844, in this township, and belongs to two of the old and well-established families of this section. Her parents were Peter and Anna (Saylor) Warren.
Peter Warren. father of Mrs. Alen. was a son of Tillman Warren, who came at a very early date to Ohio and settled iii Salt Creek township where the family has been prominent ever since. Peter Warren and his wife were both born in Salt Creek township, where they spent the whole. of their lives.
Elizabeth A. Warren was reared in her parents' home in her native township and was educated in the neighboring schools. On September 11, 1872, she was united in marriage with Hiram Allen, who was born November 12, 1838, in Salt Creek township, where he died July 28, 1896. .In his death this community lost an excellent citizen. He was a man of sterling character, , a kind husband and father, a good neighbor and a liberal supporter of schools and churches. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By industry and good management, he acquired a large farm and thus provided well for his family.
Mr. and Mrs. Allen had three children, viz.: John Eddie, Charles W. and Wilbur P., the two last named being deceased. John Eddie Allen married Grace R. Hummel, who was born in Salt Creek township, and they have one daughter, Doris E., Mrs. Allen's only
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grandchild. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Whisler. She has a wide circle of friends.
CLIFTON R. DREISBACH, deceased, belonged to one of the old pioneer families of Pickaway township, and for many years was a prominent citizen and leading farmer of the same. He was born August 14,1855, on what is known as "Lawndale Farm," in Pickaway township, on which his family still reside, and died there on April 14, 1896. He was a son of John E. and Mary (Reedy) Dreisbach, and a grandson of that pioneer settler and noted Evangelical preacher, Rev. John Dreisbach.
Rev. John Dreisbach was one of the founders of the Evangelical Association in Ohio, coming to the frontier as a zealous expounder of the faith in which he had been reared in Pennsylvania. He made his first home in what was then but a vast expanse of forest land in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, the site of which is the richly cultivated fields and attractive home now known as "Lawndale Farm." At this time the .father of the late Clifton R. Dreisbach, John E. Dreisbach, was but a child and he was reared in the midst of the pioneer conditions then prevailing. His life was spent in the improvement and cultivation of the estate left him by his father. He died about 1864, when his son, Clifton R., was nine years old.
Clifton R. Dreisbach resided at "Lawndale Farm" until he was 14 years old, when he entered the home of his uncle, Martin E. Dreisbach, then a farmer in Pickaway township and now a resident of Circleville, with whom he remained until he was 20 years of age. He was educated in the local schools and the Ohio Wesleyan University and developed into a young man of mental strength and personal worth. His subsequent life was devoted to agricultural pursuits: At the time of his death his estate aggregated 634 acres of well-cultivated land, 320 acres of this comprising "Lawndale Farm," while two other farms aggregated 314 acres. Mrs. Dreisbach and son still occupy the old homestead.
On February 7, 1878, Clifton R. Dreisbach, was married to Lina L. Hitler, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Abraham and Eleanor (Morris) Hitler, both parents being natives of this county. The Hitler family settled very early in Washington township, Pickaway County, and has many prominent members throughout the county. Mrs. Dreisbach has but one sister, Mary A., who is the wife of Benjamin F. Dreisbach, of Circleville township. Mrs. Dreisbach is a member of the Evangelical Association. .
Mr. and Mrs. Dreisbach had four children, namely: Marvin H., a prominent and popular citizen of Pickaway township, . who is now serving as township treasurer; John E.; Harry R. and Shirley M., all concerned in the management and operation of the family estate.
In political sentiment, the late Clifton R. Dreisbach was a stanch Republican. He was a citizen who possessed the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens and worthily represented the fine old family from which he sprung.
W. E. CRIST, senior member of the firm of Crist & Mason, proprietors of one of the largest mercantile houses at Circleville, was born in this city in 1863, and is a son of Nicholas and Susan (Smith) Crist
Nicholas Crist was born on the shore of the Rhine, in Germany, and died, an old and
respected. man, at Circleville, Ohio, in 1870.He came to Circleville in 1836 and established himself in business and made this place his permanent home. He married Susan Smith, who was also a native of Germany. They had nine children born to them, the survivors being : Sophronia, of Circleville ; Henry, of Circleville ; George, of Walnut township ; Mary, wife of Joshua Glick, of Walnut township; Elizabeth, wife of Milt Morris, a prominent attorney at Circleville; Carrie, wife of . E. L. Howard, of Columbus ; Charles, and W. E., of this sketch. Margaret, the eldest daughter,
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is deceased; she was the. wife of Christian Schwartz, of Circleville.
W. E. Crist was reared and educated at Circleville and his whole business life has been spent here. Leaving school he became connected with the dry goods house of Wallace & Schleyer, remaining there for three and a half years, and was then associated with Joseph Wallace until 1893. At that time, in partnership with Frank Mason, he embarked in a dry goods business, and the present large enterprise was inaugurated. The firm of Crist & Mason are leaders in the line of dry goods, carpets, millinery and house furnishing goods in Circleville, conducting the leading department store here. For some five years Mr. Crist was interested in the furniture business with E. L. Howard and thoroughly understands the handling of all the commodities offered to the public in his great store.
In 1887 Mr. Crist was married to Kate Mason, who is a daughter of John F. Mason, who for years was a prominent grocer here. Mr. Mason still survives at the age of 84 years, one of the city's venerable citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Crist have one son, Joseph Wallace, who is employed in the store, a promising young merchant. Their only daughter, Helen F., died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Crist enjoy the comforts of one of the finest homes in the city, which is situated on North Court street. The family belong to Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Crist is interested in the Circleville Improvement Company. He is one of the leading, enterprising, public-spirited men of affairs of the city.
HARRY DAVIS KRAFT, a substantial farmer of Circleville township, residing on the old Stevenson farm of 155 acres, was born in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio, September 15, 1865, and is a son of Horace and Mary (Powell) Kraft.
Horace Kraft was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Thomas Kraft; a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Pickaway County and settled in Pickaway township, where he owned a farm of 190 acres. He also owned 400 acres in Madison County, Ohio. He had five children and before his death he sold the 400 acres in Madison County and bought 125 acres near Dayton, Ohio, which with the 190 acres previously mentioned he divided among his five children.- Horace Kraft was reared and educated in Pickaway County and was the owner of 83 acres .of farm land. He is now living in Circleville.
Harry D. Kraft was reared and educated in Pickaway County. He was married in 1892 to Ella Wilkins, a daughter of David Wilkins. They have three children, all living: Creaton, Turney and Claude. Mr. Kraft comes of a fine old family and has a wide acquaintance throughout the county. He is always interested in public works which tend toward the advancement of his community. He is a member of the Evangelical Association and has held all the offices in the church to which he is eligible. Politically he is a Democrat.
GEORGE B. THOMPSON, one of the prominent attorneys at Columbus, Ohio, with offices at Nos. 606-607 New First National Bank Building, belongs to one of the oldest families of Pickaway County and owns a valuable farm of 115 acres in Walnut township. He was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 3, 1862, and is a son of Thomas and Frances E. (Pratt) Thompson, both of whom were born and reared in Scioto township, this county.
His paternal grandfather, also named Thomas Thompson, was a Scotch-Irishman who moved from Western Pennsylvania to Ohio and settled in Scioto township, Pickaway County, about the time Ohio was admitted to the Union.
His maternal grandfather, Elias Pratt, came from Virginia to Ohio and settled in Pickaway County shortly after Ohio became a State.
George B. Thompson obtained his educa-
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tion in the country schools, the graded school at South Bloomfield, the State Normal School at Terre Haute, Indiana, and the Ohio State University. He taught school for several years in the northern part of the county.
He was nominated by the Democratic county convention in August, 1896, for the office of clerk of courts and at the ensuing election in November was elected by a large majority over his, Republican opponent. He was re-elected in the year 1899, receiving a larger majority than he did in 1896. He served two terms of three years each and because his successor, elected in 1902, did not qualify for the office he held over one year additional, making seven years in all that he served as clerk of courts.
While in the clerk's office, he studied law and after the expiration of his terms of office he attended the law school of the Ohio Northern University at Ada, graduating in June, 1905. On the 27th of the same month he was admitted to the practice of the law and on the 1st of October, 1905, he opened a law office at Columbus.
Mr. Thompson is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs to all the Masonic bodies at Circleville.