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C. A. LEIST, a representative member of the bar at Circleville, was born in 1868 in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel Leist, and a grandson of that old pioneer of the county, John D. Leist.
John D. Leist was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, and was brought to Pickaway County in boyhood. During his active business life he was a contractor and builder and many of the old stone houses, which give such a substantial look to many sections throughout the county, were erected by him and still stand as mute memorials to his skill and workman-ship. His son, Daniel Leist, was born in 1833 in Pickaway County, and still survives, a venerable resident of Circleville.
C. A. Leist was reared in Pickaway County and first attended the country schools, later went to the Ohio Normal University at Ada, and then turned his attention to teaching. During the five years that he taught school he took advantage of spare time to become acquainted with the first principles of the law, and subsequently studied with the law firm of Folsom & Pontius and later with Judge Festus Walters. In December, 1893, he was admitted to the bar and entered into practice on January 1, 1894. Mr. Leist practices in all the courts of the State and also in the Federal courts. He has always been interested in politics and was elected city solicitor of Circleville for a term of four years. He is now serving as a member of the Board of Elections of Pickaway County.
On November 24, 1897, Mr. Leist was married to Elizabeth Crist, who is a daughter of Henry Crist, who for years was a leading business man of Circleville. Mr. and Mrs. Leist have one son--Marvin. Mr. Leist is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Circleville. He is one of the intelligent, progressive men of the city and stands very high personally and professionally.
IRA S. STONEROCK, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Jackson township, who resides on his present farm of 68 acres and owns also another farm of 57 acres, both on the Dawson turnpike, was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 6, 1863, and is a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Whiteside) Stonerock.
The Stonerock family, of which our subject is a member, is probably of German ancestry. It was founded in Pickaway County
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by the grandfather of our subject, who came here from Pennsylvania. He died while his son Jeremiah was very young, leaving five other sons, namely: Jackson, Henry, Jacob, Hiram and Joseph, of whom the last named is the only survivor.
Jeremiah Stonerock was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 15, 1817, and died on his farm, which he had occupied all his life, on April 14, 1902. He received 12 1/2 acres of land from his father's estate and this he increased until he owned 18o acres located three and a half miles northeast of Williamsport, on the Dawson turnpike, and an adjacent farm of 115 acres. He was a sober, honest. hard-working man and acquired all this property through his own industry. Politically he was a Republican. He was a consistent member of the Christian Church and contributed liberally to its support. He married Mary Whiteside, who was born in Ireland, July 15, 1830, and died on the home farm July 15, 1882. She was a daughter of Andrew and Mary Whiteside, who came here when she was a child.
The children of Jeremiah Stonerock and wife were: Rebecca Jane, who married W. E. Downing and (lied in Jackson township; Tillman, who resides with our subject; John, who died aged 18 years : Mack, who died aged 34 years; Ira S., of this sketch; Mirvin, of Pickaway County; Flora, deceased, who was the wife of William Mogan ; Dora, who died aged 17 years ; and Dolly, who married J. W. Van Keuren, a brother of our subject's wife, and resides on the old homestead in. Jackson township.
Ira S. Stonerock was reared on the home farm and attended the public schools in his locality. He made his home with his parents until he married, then rented a farm for some seven years, after which he bought his present property. He has operated his farm as a grain and stock farm and for the past four years has done a large business in buying and shipping cattle. He has made all the improvements on his property and they are excellent ones. His commodious residence is surrounded by choice, shrubbery, all of which Mr. Stonerock has set out himself. The place shows on every hand that while utility is paramount, beauty has not been neglected in the buildings and arrangement of the grounds.
Mr. Stonerock was married on October 24, 1882, to Emma Van Keuren, who was born in Dutchess County, New York, February 24, 1862. She is a daughter of William and Katherine (Schryver) Van Keuren, who settled in Wayne township when she was an infant. They died at Williamsport, where they had previously lived retired. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stonerock : Grace, who died aged one year and nine months; Modella, who married J. W. Renick, of Circleville, a member of the old and wealthy family of that name, and has two children--Modella Lucile and Elizabeth; and Lulu Marie and Harry I., both living at home. All the family except our subject belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which, however, he is a liberal contributor. In politics he is independent and has never accepted any but school offices. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America, at Williamsport.
GEORGE BRUNDIGE. One of the old, numerous and honored families of Salt Creek township is worthily represented in George Brundige, a retired citizen of Whisler. Mr. Brundige was was born October 17, 1827, in the very house which he now occupies, and is a son of Col. Thomas and Nancy '( Johnson) Brundige.
The father of George Brundige was born in New York, but was married in Virginia. In young manhood he became connected with military affairs, held the rank of colonel during an early Indian War and during all his active life was more or less connected with the militia. In 18o5, with his wife, he came to Pickaway County and settled in Salt Creek township, entering the land from the government. This land included the present site of the town of Whisler, the early name being Prairie View.
532 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.
He was one of the most enterprising and progressive men of his time and did a great deal in the development of this section. To him the town and township are indebted for the successful founding of many of the early enterprises and the establishing of conditions which have led to the further progress of the community. When he built his brick residence at Prairie View, some 8o years ago, it was considered the acme. of comfort and elegance. Its sound old timbers and honest masonry still stand, and, with improvements added by our subject, the house is still a very attractive and comfortable home. Col. Thomas Brundige and wife were the parents of 11 children, of whom our subject is the only survivor..
George Brundige was reared on his father's estate. He attended first the subscription and later the district schools of Salt Creek township. Mr. Brundige has been largely interested in agriculture all his life and still retains his farm of 192% acres of excellent land, one of the most valuable farms in the township.
On October 22, 1853, Mr. Brundige was married to Mary M. Ogan, who was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, January 16, 1834, and is a daughter of Evan and Elizabeth (Tom) Ogan, the former of whom was born in Delaware and the latter in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather, Evan Ogan, was born in Virginia. For many years the Ogan family resided in Muskingum County, but Mrs. Brundige has been a resident of Salt Creek township since 1851. With the exception of a short period spent at Kingston and Circleville, Mr. Brundige has been a continuous resident of Salt Creek township all his life. On October 22, 1903, occurred the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. Brundige and his excellent wife and there were many to congratulate them on its celebration. They have many pleasant social ties at Whisler and in the near vicinity, as they are known by almost every resident.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Brundige are valued members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Whisler, in which he has served as treasurer and in which they are very active, liberally contributing to and cheerfully furthering the various benevolent enterprises in the church's care. In political sentiment, Mr. Brundige is a stanch Republican, his father having- been an old-line Whig.
JOHN SCHLEYER. one of the leading members of the bar, at Circleville. was born in 1851 at Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, and is a son of the late John F. Schleyer, formerly a leading citizen of Circleville.
Our subject was six years old when his parents moved to Huntington township, Ross County, where they lived until 1863, and then settled at Circleville. The early education of Mr. Schleyer was secured in the local schools where he prepared for a higher course and later he entered the Capitol University, at Columbus, where he was a student for five years and was graduated in theology. Before he accepted any charge, Mr. Schleyer became convinced that he was better fitted for the profession of the law and consequently he began its study with the firm of Smith & Morris, at Circleville. He was admitted to the bar of Ohio on January 2, 1883, and immediately entered into practice in the same office which he has occupied ever since--a period of 23 years. In 1886 he was elected city solicitor and was re-elected in 1888, serving two terms. In 1890 he was elected and was subsequently re-elected prosecuting attorney of Pickaway County. His service covered two terms. He is generally acknowledged to be one of the county's most able men in his profession. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.
FRANCIS PECK, one of the rising young farmers of this county and one of its well-known educators, was born in Deer Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in the year 1876. He is a son of Milton W. Peck (whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work) and a grandson of John J. Peck. whose father, Henry Peck, was one of the first settlers of the county.
On December 24, 1900, our subject was
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married to Osa Warner, daughter of David Warner, who died during that year; Mrs. Warner resides with her daughter. Mrs. J. Francis Peck. A daughter, Marjorie, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Peck, August 7, 1903.
Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Peck purchased 60 acres of land from the heirs of the David \Varner estate, to which he has since added 11 acres and brought the entire tract under scientific and productive cultivation. For the past six years he has also been a school teacher, being- at present attached to District No. 6. During that period he has also taught at the Ferguson and Dungan schools, Districts Nos. 4 and 5.
Fraternally our subject is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and religiously is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HON. ANDREW ROBINSON BOLIN, formerly a member of the House of Representatives, in the Ohio Legislature, and for years one of the leading members of the Pickaway County Bar, was born at Circleville, Ohio, in 1849, and is a son of John and Mary A. (Brannon) Bolin.
John Bolin, the paternal grandfather, was born in Ireland, emigrated to America, settled at Martinsburg, Virginia, and died at Norfolk, Virginia, while serving as a soldier in the War of 1812. His son, John Bolin, was born in 1807, at Martinsburg, Virginia, where he married Mary A. Brannon, who was born at Martinsburg, in 1809, and was of Irish extraction. In 1834, John Bolin and family came to Pickaway County, Ohio, settling on a farm in Jackson township. For some years he carried on a business of building and contracting and later operated a farm in another township. In 1875 he purchased a hotel property at Harrisburg, in Franklin County. The mother of our subject died in 1862, but the father survived until 1887.
Andrew Robinson Bolin, of Circleville, was one of a family of seven children. He attended the public schools of his native place until 17 years of age, completing the course in so creditable a manner that he was given a teacher's certificate and taught school for the next year. Mr. Bolin, having a profession in view. then entered the Miami University at Oxford, where his brilliancy as a student attracted general notice and he was graduated in 1871, carrying off the honors of his class and gaining the degree of A. B. Subsequently the university conferred the degree of A. M. Thus well prepared, by thorough literary training, Mr. Bolin entered upon the study of the law with experienced practitioners at Circleville. where he prepared for entrance into the Cincinnati Law School, where he was graduated with the degree of LL. B., in 1873. He entered immediately into practice in his native place, where for more than 30 years he has filled a large space in the professional, political and social life. In all he has gained .distinction and still continues an important factor.
Ever since young manhood, Mr. Bolin has been a zealous worker for the success of the Democratic party. His eminent fitness for high public office has been recognized on many occasions and he has been chosen as his party's candidate many times. He was one of the most 'prominent Democratic members of the Ohio General Assembly during 1895, 1896, 1897 and 1898. For 20 years he has been a member of the Board of Examiners of the city schools of Circleville and has been one of the greatest friends of the public schools. As an orator he is known all over his own and other States and he has done good service in several campaigns.
On April 8, 1875, Mr. Bolin was united in marriage with Sophronia I. Rector, who is a daughter of Edward and Sophronia (Blodgett) Rector, the former of whom was a nephew of Governor Edward Tiffin, the first governor of the Commonwealth of Ohio. Edward Rector accompanied his uncle to Ohio and was one of the earliest pioneers of Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Bolin have two children, viz. : Stuart and Mabel. Mr. Bolin is a very prominent Mason, being past master of the Circleville.
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Blue Lodge, past high priest of the Royal Arch Chapter, past thrice illustrious master of the Council, past eminent commander of Scioto Commandery and a member of Aladdin Temple at Columbus and of the Consistory at Cincinnati. A portrait of Mr. Bolin is shown on a nearby page.
JOSHUA HILL, a well-known farmer and reliable citizen of Scioto township, reliable citizen of Scioto township who owns valuable farming land which is divided into two portions, one of 52 7/8 acres and the other of 42 1/2 acres, is a native of Scioto township, where he was born March 26, 1862. His parents were William and Anna Maria (Gochenouer) Hill.
The grandparents of Mr. Hill, Joshua and Hannah (Kramer) Hill, came to Pickaway County from Maryland. William Hill, father of our subject, was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 10, 1836, and died March 7, 1890. He married Anna Maria Gochenouer, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 8, 1841, and is the only surviving daughter of Henry Gochenouer, a prominent farmer of Scioto township. They had 14 children--12 sons and two daughters. Two are deceased, namely: Charles, who died January 25, 1892, aged 24 years, 10 months and 15 days; and Elizabeth, who died May 15, 1892, aged 21 years, 6 months and 23 days. The other members of the family are : Henry, who resides near Darbyville, in Muhlenberg township; Joshua, of this sketch; William, who lives near Grove City, in Franklin County; Joseph, who resides in Scioto township; John, a carpenter, who works in Columbus and lives at Grove City, Franklin County; Irwin, who resides in Columbus, where he is employed in the shops of the P., C., C. & St. L. Ry.; Isaac, a rural mail carrier, residing at Orient; Milton, who is with a cash register company at Columbus ; Samuel, who is employed at the State In-sane Asylum at Columbus ; Frederick, who works as a carpenter, at Columbus ; Rebecca, who resides with her mother; and Wesley, who conducts a bakery at Harrisburg, Franklin County.
Joshua Hill was reared on a farm situated half a mile west of Commercial Point, which is known as the Al Brown farm and is now owned by Henry Gochenouer. His education was obtained in the common schools of Scioto township. He has devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits and is numbered with the successful farmers of his section. He has resided on his present farm for the past 10 years; prior to his occupancy, it was known as the George Gochenouer farm.
On February 11, 1883, Mr. Hill was married to Lydia Beavers, a daughter of Peter and Olive (Kepler) Beavers, who reside in Scioto township on what is known as the Elisha Wilkins farm. Her grandparents were William and Elizabeth (Deckert) Beavers. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Beavers had seven children, viz.: Lydia (Mrs. Hill) ; Warren, of Columbus; Addison; Nora, wife of Jacob Marburger; Bertha, deceased, who was the wife of Perkins Miller; Jesse, who lives in Columbus; and Ray, who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Hill have eight children, as follows: Arthur H., born February 9, 1884; Harry Edwin, born December 20, 1886; Edith Ann, born September 7, 1889; Weldon, born November 8, 1891; Clyde, born February 8, 1893; Mary Ethel, born June 6, 1894; Elsie Pearl, born September 1, 1896; and Millard Wendell, born August 26, 1904.
Politically Mr. Hill is a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Commercial Point.
PETER M. TEEGARDIN, a citizen of Madison township, who enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens in a very large degree, is one of the township's representative farmers and stock-raisers. He was born in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, April 19, 1868, and is a son of Peter and Ivy (Crum) Teegardin.
The Teegardin family is an old pioneer one of Pickaway County. It originated in Prussia, where the family name was spelled Tiegarden.
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Aaron Teegardin, the great-grandfather of Peter M., was the pioneer settler of the family in Madison township, where he entered a large body of land from the government. This land was inherited by his son, William Teegardin, who became a man of standing and substance in this locality and was postmaster of the post station "Teegardin" for many years, until it was discontinued. Peter Teegardin succeeded to the estate of his father, William Teegardin, and he too became a man of prominence in this community, where he died in 1900 in the house where he has born. He was a stanch Democrat all his life. Equally he was a consistent member of the Madison Presbyterian Church, contributing liberally when the church structure was built and always generously assisting in the support of the society. He was one of the early members of the Masonic fraternity in Madison township.
Peter M. Teegardin was reared in Madison township and grew up on his father's farm well trained in all agricultural pursuits. He completed the public school course and has always been regarded as an intelligent and enterprising citizen, well informed concerning the questions of the day. Like all of his name, Mr. Teegardin is a good farmer and successful stock-raiser.
On January 8, 1892, Mr. Teegardin was married to Marilla P. Alspaugh, who was born in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Mathias and Mary J. (Shook) Alspaugh, late of Pickaway County. For many years Mathias Alspaugh lived in Madison township, where he settled at an early day with his father, who was a native of Pennsylvania. Those of his children who still survive are: Ellen E., Simon B., Sarah, wife of T. M. Garner, and Marilla P. (Mrs. Teegardin)--all residents of Madison township. Mr. Alspaugh was a man of large means and sterling qualities and in his death the township lost a man of worth.
Mr. Teegardin has spent the larger part of his life in Madison township, but not quite all. For five years he was engaged in a mercantile business at Canal Winchester and for two years at Sibley, Missouri. During his residence at Canal Winchester he joined the Masonic fraternity and served three years as a member of the special school district Board of Education, officiating as its clerk. He belongs to the German Reformed Church. Mr. Teegardin is one of the influential members of the Democratic party in his locality and for six years has served as central committeeman from Madison town-ship.
MILT MORRIS, one of Circleville's well-known citizens and a leading member of the bar, was born in 1851 in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a grandson of John Morris, who came to this county from New Jersey, in 1802.
Mr. Morris was reared and educated in Pickaway County, his literary advantages being only those obtainable in the public schools. and read law with P. C. Smith, of Circleville. He was admitted to the bar in 1875 but did not begin practice until 1877.
It was in 1871 that Mr. Morris came first to Circleville as an attache of the sheriff's office, where he remained for two years and then served two years as deputy clerk of courts and for two years more was in the office of the county auditor. In 1877 Mr. Morris entered into partnership with his preceptor, P. C. Smith, which continued until the death of Mr. Smith, in 1900. Since that event Mr. Morris has practiced alone. He has a large clientele and is the attorney for the Norfolk & Western Railway Company and for the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad Company. Mr. Morris has been a stockholder and one of the directors of the Third National Bank of Circleville for some 21 years and has been attorney for the same since its organization. He is also one of the directors and vice-president of the Scioto Canning Company, the plant of which is located at Ashville, and he is also vice-president of the Circleville Ice Company. He is thus identified with the leading interests of this section and is one of the county's capitalists.
Mr. Morris was married in 1874 to Elizabeth Crist, who is a daughter of that prominent
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old pioneer of the county, Nicholas Crist. The latter established the first dray line in Circleville.
Mr. and Mrs. Morris have one son, Wellington C., who is chief bookkeeper in the Third National Bank of Circleville.
Mr. Morris is prominent in Masonic circles. He belonged to the first class in Pickaway County to receive the degree of Knight Templar.
SAMUEL PARKER, a well-known and highly respected resident of the village of Whisler, in Salt Creek township, who for years was a leading agriculturist of this township, was born here, on October 8, 1839. He is a son of Laban and Susan (Bunn) Parker.
Laban Parker was born in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and was a child in years when his parents removed to Salt Creek township, where he resided until his death, which occurred on January 16, 1896. In mature manhood he married Susan Bunn, who was born in Ross County, Ohio. Of the children of this union, our subject is the only survivor.
Samuel Parker was reared in Salt Creek township and attended the common schools of the same during his boyhood. His whole business training was in the line of agriculture and during many years of his active life he successfully followed farming in his native township, where he owns 412 acres of fine land. Mr. Parker has always been a loyal and public-spirited citizen. In 1864 when the call was sent out for volunteers for 100 days, Mr. Parker entered the army and with his company served 120 days, guarding .points in Virginia. He had two brothers in the service, Thomas C. and George W., who were members of Company K, 114th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Thomas C. was killed near Vicksburg, and George W. died in 1866, in Schuyler County, Illinois.
Samuel Parker was married (first) to Rebecca Karshner, of Hocking County, Ohio. He married (second) Hattie Newhouse, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Isaac Newhouse, who \vas a prominent farmer of Salt Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have one son --Walter S.
Mrs. Parker is one of the 10 surviving children of the late Isaac Newhouse, namely: Mary, widow of M. Reedy, living at Fulton, Illinois: Jane, wife of F. B. Pontius, of Kansas; Julia A., wife of W. B. Miesse, of Stoutsville, Ohio; Catherine, wife of L. J. Bookwaiter, of Ross County, Ohio; Ellen, wife of Samuel L. Lutz, of Whisler, Pickaway County; George W., of Salt Creek township; Hattie (Mrs. Parker) ; William H., of Salt Creek township; John A., of Whisler, Pickaway County ; and Simon J., of Salt Creek township.
Mr. Parker cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and for many years was affiliated with the Republican party, but of late years has given his support to the Prohibition party. Since 1872 he has been a resident of Whisler, taking part in the public affairs of the village and enjoying the regard of a wide circle of personal friends here. While living in the country, he served three years as trustee of Salt Creek township and was always deeply interested in all that concerned the welfare of the section, doing his part in advancing its educational as well as its agricultural development.
WILLIAM F. BROWN, one of the representative citizens and thoroughly experienced farmers of Jackson township, where he owns a valuable farm of 152 acres. was born in Deer Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, March 12, 1831, and is a son of Trustin P. and Tabitha (Wingate) Brown.
The Brown family, of which our subject is a member, has been settled in Ohio since 1810, when Peter Brown, the grandfather of our subject, removed from Delaware to Ross County. The family records farther back have been lost but the family is probably of Irish extraction. Peter Brown was a man of honest loyalty and it is known that when his health pre-vented his going to serve in the War of 1812,
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he provided a substitute to take his place. He settled first in Ross County, but later removed to Pickaway County and died in Deer Creek township.
Trustin P. Brown was born in Delaware and was a boy of 10 years when his parents made the trip over the mountains and into Ohio, carrying their possessions in a one-horse wagon. He spent the greater part of his life in Deer Creek township, Pickaway County, where he died in 1858, aged 56 years. At this time he was the owner of 650 acres of land, which he had acquired through farming and stock dealing. In political faith he was a Democrat. Religiously he was a Methodist.
The mother of our subject was born in Maryland and was a child when she accompanied her parents to Pickaway County. They settled in Deer Creek township, and she died on the old homestead at the age of 65 years. Our subject was the second born in his parents family of nine children, as follows : Elizabeth, deceased; William F. ; Mrs. Sarah Knowles, deceased; Mrs. Nancy Yates, deceased; Solomon Wesley, of Washington Court House. Ohio; Mrs. Maria Hunsicker, of Deer Creek township; Tabitha, deceased; Trustin, who died in Illinois ; and Peter W., of Chillicothe.
William F. Brown was reared in Deer Creek township and attended the district schools. He remained at home until he was 26 years old and then married and came to his present farm, settling here on March 4, 1861. The greater part of the land at that time was covered with timber; this Mr. Brown has since cleared off and has developed his property into a fine stock and grain farm. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and has met with most gratifying success, being now one of that most independent class of men, a substantial farmer.
In June, 1858, Mr. Brown was married to Massy A. Owens, who was born in Wayne township, Pickaway County, Ohio, March 17, 1832, and died here on March 6, 1904. She was a daughter of Samuel M. and Eliza (Sullivan) Owens, natives of Maryland. The children born to our subject and wife were the following: Trustin P., of Circleville; Samuel O.,deceased at the age of 16 years; Sarah, wife of Simon Carpenter, residing in Fayette County, near Mount Sterling; William F., Jr., of Darbyville; Eliza, wife of J. S. Work, of Montgomery, West Virginia; Aaron S., who manages the home farm ; Fred, who is a school teacher; and Edward, who died in infancy.
Mr. Brown has been a leading Democrat in his locality for many years. For 11 years he has served as township trustee and has also served as school director and assessor. For 50 years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and has been a teacher in and superintendent of the Sunday-school at Darbyville. He is regarded by his fellow-citizens as an honorable, upright, useful and public-spirited man.
EDMUND MOELLER, the senior member of the firm of Moeller & Schleyer, the leading dry goods and carpet house at Circleville, is one of the city's representative men. He was born in Germany, in January, 1856, and was 18 months old when he was brought to America by his parents.
The family remained in New York City for about six months and then came to Circleville, and this city has been Mr. Moeller's home ever since. After completing his public school education, he was employed in a grocery for some five years, gaining, with an intelligent youth's faculty, a very fair notion of business. From the grocery he went into the dry goods store of W. S. Jacobson & Company and remained with that firm, under its reorganization, for 24 years. In 1899 Mr. Moeller embarked in a business of his own, buying out the E. & K. Ucker stock of dry goods. He remained for about 18 months in the old location and then removed to his present commodious quarters which have been equipped with modern improvements to expedite business. In February, 1903, Mr. Moeller admitted J. Frederick Schleyer to partnership, the firm style becoming Moeller & Schleyer. This firm is known all over Pickaway County and takes pride in
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offering to a very appreciative public a complete line of dry goods, carpets and rugs. This house is one of the most substantial in the city and it has an enviable reputation for honest dealing.
In 1891 Mr. Moeller was married to Elizabeth Bending, who is a daughter of the late Capt. Henry R. Bending. Captain Bending was a lifelong resident of Pickaway County and formerly was a merchant tailor at Circleville. He was a brave soldier during the Civil War and held the rank of captain. Mr. and Mrs. Moeller have two children, Gretchen and Harry, both of whom are attending the Circleville schools.
Politically Mr. Moeller has always been identified with the Democratic party. For several years he has been a Member of the Board of Education and is a citizen of civic enterprise. He is a member of a number of fraternal organizations the Masons, Elks, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America.
DAVID M. ATER, one of Deer Creek township's most substantial citizens and excellent farmers, was born in Deer Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, half a mile west of his present home, May 4, 1847, and is a son of Zachariah and Rebecca (Thomas) Ater.
Abraham Ater, the paternal grandfather, came from Maryland to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1816, and located in Deer Creek township, where he acquired several hundred acres of land. He was a son of John Ater, whose brother, George Ater, was the first of the Ater family to come to this county. Abraham Ater married Elizabeth Hill and among their children was one they named Zachariah.
Zachariah Ater was born in Maryland in 1814 and was two years old when his parents brought him to Deer Creek township. He was reared on the farm on the west side of the creek, now owned by John Gates, but later moved to the farm on which our subject was born. There he lived until his death, on April 3, 1893. He married Rebecca Thomas, who was born in 1819, in Deer Creek township, and was a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Payne) Thomas, early residents of the township. She died October 25, 1899. They had four children : John Wesley, deceased ; Bennett H., deceased; Thornton V., who died from sickness, in the army, during the Civil War; and David M., who is the only survivor. The parents of this family were most worthy members of the Baptist Church. Zachariah Ater was a stanch Democrat.
David M. Ater was reared in Deer Creek township and his boyhood was passed on the old home place. He obtained his education in the local schools and was trained to practical and intelligent farming by his father, who was an excellent agriculturist. In 1878 Mr. Ater came to his present farm, where he has productive land and a very comfortable home. He married Missouri Boots, who was born in Deer Creek township, and is a daughter of Joseph and Susan (Ater) Boots. Mr. and Mrs. Ater have had five children, viz.: Vida, who married Charles Hosler and lives in Monroe township; Victor, who resides on the home place; Voight, born June 29, 1878, who died March 11, 1894; and Claude and Sina M., both. living at home.
In politics, Mr. Ater is affiliated with the Democratic party. He served as a member of the Board of Education some 12 years. In fraternal circles he has long been quite prominent. Both he and his father joined the Masonic fraternity on the same night, in 1875, and he is an active member of Heber Lodge, No. 501, F. & A.. M., at Williamsport, to which lodge his two brothers also belonged and with which his sons are connected. Mr. Ater is also a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Circleville and the Pickaway Encampment. .
Mr. Ater is a very pleasant man to meet, being intelligently concerned with matters pertaining to this locality and interested in the general welfare of the community. He is a man of methodical habits and since January 1, 1873, he has kept a diary, in which he has recorded both family happenings and local events. It often has been a very satisfactory
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document in his own affairs and on more than one occasion has been the means of amicably adjusting disputes in the neighborhood.
JAMES A. DRESBACH, a representative agriculturist of Pickaway County, who has been identified with the interests of Pickaway township all his life, was born on his present farm of 182 acres, on December 8, 1839, and is a son of William and Margaret (Earnhart) Dresbach.
The founder of the Dresbach family in Pickaway County was George Dresbach, the paternal grandfather of our subject, who brought his family with him from Pennsylvania, and at an early day settled on the farm that is now owned and occupied by Scott Dresbach, our subject's brother. At that time the little pioneer home was built in the forest, all the present fruitful land, which is now so highly productive and so thoroughly cultivated, was heavily timbered. Here George Dresbach died, leaving a number of descendants.
Both William Dresbach and wife were born in Pickaway township and the former died on the old farm on which our subject resides. He was a man of prominence here in his day and served as township trustee and in other offices. He was a Republican. His surviving children are: James A., of this sketch; Mary, widow of Albert Coombs, now a resident of Mount Pulaski, Illinois; George E., of Pickaway township; Harriet, wife of Elias Julian, residing near Remington, Indiana; Milton, of Salt Creek township; Catherine, wife of Nelson Reichelderfer, of Salt Creek township; Amanda, wife of A. K. Shride, of Franklin County, Ohio; and Scott, of Salt Creek township.
James A. Dresbach grew to maturity in his native township and in boyhood attended the subscription schools which afforded the only educational advantages the children of his youth and locality enjoyed. His life has always been one devoted to agriculture, and infollowing this with persevering industry during his active years he has provided for a comfortable evening of life. His farm is one of value and would command a high price in the market.
Mr. Dresbach was married February 28, 1867, to Mary E. Alexander, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, not far from Tarlton, September 24, 1844. She is a daughter of John and Margaret (Martz) Alexander. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. They came at an early date to Ohio and located for a short time in Fairfield County and then settled in Pickaway County, near Tarlton, where Mrs. Dresbach was reared. Her father was one of the pioneer school teachers in the vicinity of Tarlton. He served at one time as deputy sheriff of Pickaway County. He died at Circleville, Ohio, in 1891, having been a resident of the city for many years. The mother of Mrs. Dresbach died in 1852. Mr. Alexander married a second time and he is survived by these children : Nancy D., widow of William A. Empie, residing at Circleville; Margaret L., wife of George Moore, of Circleville; Mary E., wife of our subject; Charles, of Columbus; and Emma, wife of Charles Epps, of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Alexander was a. soldier during the Civil War.
Mr. and Mrs. Dresbach have had four children, the three survivors being: William R., James A., Jr., and John S., all residents of Pickaway township.
Politically a Republican, Mr. Dresbach has frequently been chosen for office and has served as township trustee and in other offices. Mrs. Dresbach is a member of the German Reformed Church.
CHARLES EDWARD WRIGHT, an energetic agriculturist and citizen, who has been operating a farm of 187 acres in Harrison township since 1900, was born at Circleville, Ohio, March 17, 1877.
.Charles Edward Wright, Sr., whose death occurred in 1877, was born at Baltimore,
542 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
Maryland, and early in life became a resident of Pickaway County, Ohio, of which he became. one of the most prominent citizens. He was a member of the manufacturing firm of Haswell, Wright & Company, and for many years was also connected with the old Scioto Bank. He served in the Civil .War as a lieutenant in Company A, 114th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and the hardships then endured terminated his life at a comparatively early age, just as he was entering into a very broad field of usefulness. His wife, Lovina Thompson, was a daughter of Dr. Jesse C. Thompson, who was one of the earliest medical practitioners of Pickaway County, locating at South Bloomfield in 1837, and practicing there until his death in 1889. Dr. Thompson was widely known for his skill and it is thought that he was the first practitioner in the West to perform what is known as the Caesarean operation. Dr. Thompson's wife, Emily Sage, was a daughter of Harley Hi Sage, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. The following children were born to our subject's parents, all of whom are living, namely: Thompson B., a physician of Circleville; Annie E., wife of Thomas W. Brown, who resides near Circleville; and J. W., jobber of machinery, who lives in St. Louis.
Charles E. Wright, the subject of this sketch, has been a resident of South Bloomfield and the vicinity nearly all his life. He acquired his education in the schools' of the village and in those of the county seat, finishing his education in 1895 in the Circleville High School. Since then, with the exception of his period of service in the Spanish-American War, he has been continuously engaged in farming. His enlistment was in Company M, Fourth Ohio Infantry, U. S. Volunteers. His command was stationed at Fort Thomas until August 1, 1898, when it was ordered to Newport News, Virginia, and then to Puerto Rico. Mr. Wright participated in the campaign on the island until he was sent home as a victim of typhus fever. He was mustered out of the service after peace was declared.
On December 12, 1905, Mr. Wright was married to Katherine Harman, daughter of R. D. and Ella (Shotts) Harman, the ceremony occurring at the home of the bride's parents near Bell Center, Hardin County, Ohio. Mr. Wright is a Republican in his political affiliation.
REV. T. W. CHEESEMAN. D. D., rector of St. Philip's Protestant Episcopal Church at Circleville, is one of the most scholarly clergymen of his diocese and one of the respected and esteemed citizens of Circleville. Dr. Cheeseman was born in 1861, in England, where he was reared and where he secured both his literary education and theological training.
At New College, London University, he received his degree of Master of Arts. His theological course was also taken at New College, from which institution he received his degree of D. D.
Dr. Cheeseman first entered upon his ministerial work as a Congregationalist and served a church of this body at Southampton for seven and a half years. He was stationed at Sunderland for three years and then west to Bristol. This last pastorate he resigned on account of his wife's failing health, and then came to America and shortly afterward took charge of the Congregational Church at Ashland, Nebraska. He remained there three years and then resigned both pastorate and connection with the Congregational body. He then entered the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church and became rector of St. John's Church at Clinton, Iowa. Two years later he accepted the rectorate of the church at Neenah, Wisconsin, where he remained 18 months and then came to Circleville as rector of St. Philip's Church.
On October 31, 1888, Dr. Cheeseman was married to Kate Conway, of Southampton, England, and they have three children, viz.: . Alice, Edwin and Lucile.
Dr. Cheeseman is well known as a contributor to both the religious and secular press. He is a popular lecturer on Chautauqua plat-
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PAGE 544 - PICTURE OF MR AND MRS LITTLETON GOCHENOUR AND DAUGHTERS
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forms and as such has visited many parts of the country. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, Elks and Modern Woodmen of America.
LITTLETON GOCHENOUR, a prosperous farmer of Scioto township, whose ancestors were prominent in the pioneer history of this section, was born at what is now known as Jacktown, May 27, 1841. He is a son of George and Ann Maria (Smith) Gochenour. The Gochenour family is of German derivation and was first established in Pennsylvania.
George Gochenour, the father, was born in Rockingham County, in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, in the year 1808, and about 1822 came with his parents and other members of the family to this county, locating near the present site of Commercial Point, on the farm where our subject now resides. He married Ann Maria Smith, daughter of Isaac Smith, who came from Maryland and located on the farm now owned by William Rush and Joseph Hill. After his marriage, Mr. Gochenour removed to Illinois and located on the present site of Danville, in the locality of which city he came to own considerable property, dying wealthy. His death occurred in 1872, at the age of 64 years, his wife surviving him until 1884, when she passed away, aged 71 years.
Joseph Gochenour, the grandfather of our subject, was born and raised in Pennsylvania and early moved to Virginia and the greater portion of his large family claimed it as their native State. He traded his extensive milling property in Virginia for 1,000 acres of land in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio. When he came to take possession of his estate in the new country beyond the mountains, he found he had made a better bargain than he supposed,, since the survey proved that he had acquired 1,122 acres. Upon this grand tract of land he raised his family of 11 children, so that according to the correct figures he was able to give each of them 102 acres. The grandfather passed his life, after coming to Ohio, on the homestead which he founded.
Of Joseph's 11 children--eight sons and three daughters, it may be briefly stated that Joseph removed to Warren County, this State, where he raised a family and (lied. John first settled in Warren County, Ohio, but later migrated to Henry County, Illinois, where his family reached maturity and where he himself passed his last years. It is said that he possessed a fine estate in Ohio. which he sold upon moving to Illinois. George was the father of our subject; his life history has been given above. William became a resident of Kosciusko County, Indiana, where he remained until his death. He was twice married and left a family of 12 children. Henry died in Scioto township, Pickaway County, on the homestead given him by his father. He had a family of eight children, two of whom are still alive. David became a resident of Decatur County, Iowa, where he died leaving a wife and several children. Samuel removed to Kosciusko County, Indiana, where he died the father of a family. Daniel, who never married, served in an Ohio regiment throughout the Civil War, his captain being Dr. Black. Elizabeth, who married James Beavers, moved to Decatur County, Iowa, where both herself and husband died, leaving a family. Mary became the wife of Richard Payne, by whom she had two children. After his death she married Madison White and removed to Kansas, where both died. She was the mother of four children by her second marriage. The third daughter of Joseph Gochenour married Littleton Bethards, of Scioto township; both are now deceased. '
To Mr. and Mrs. George Gochenour, the parents of our subject, were born seven children, as follows : Joseph, who died when about one, year old; Isaac, who passed away on the home farm of his brother at Jacktown, leaving a widow (formerly Lucy Ann Mason) and a son and daughter--the latter now residing in Columbus; Barbara, who became the wife of Nelson McGhee and died on a farm adjoining that of our subject, leaving a family of eight children; Elza, who married Elizabeth Dechert and died on a neighboring farm, the father of
546 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
eight children; Sarah A., who married the late Lewis Beavers, resides in Scioto township and has four children; Littleton, our subject; Henry, who first married Elizabeth McGhee, by whom he had one child, and, after her death, Margaret Beavers--he died at Jacktown as did his second wife.
Littleton Gochenour first married Margaret Beavers, a daughter of Elisha Beavers. She died childless in March, 1884. For his second wife he chose Sarah R. Gibson, daughter of James and Esther A. (Crabb) Gibson, the marriage occurring May 20, 1885. The Gib-son family is of Irish ancestry and has been long established in this country. Four children were the fruits of this union: Hester A., born June 25, 1887, who died December 15, 1895; George Gibson, born August 7, 1892, who died July 31, 1893; Mary L., born November 1, 1896; Ind Martha Ruhamah, born July 11, 1899. The two last named are attending school.
James A. Gibson, the father of Mrs. Gochenour, was born at Dayton, Ohio, in 1823, and when six years of age came with his parents to Scioto township, Pickaway County. Robert Gibson, the grandfather of Mrs. Gochenour, was a tanner in Pennsylvania, from which State he came to Ohio in 1816. He located in Scioto township, Pickaway County in 1829. He had a family of six children: Robert W.; James A.; Martha A., who married J. W. Scholey and resides at Kansas City; Mary J., who died single about 1894; Rebecca, who became the wife of a Conover and moved to Denver, Colorado, where she died; and Sarah, who married Luther Lerch, and, after his death, Lawrence Crookham. Of this family, the first son, James A., married Esther A. Crabb, and by her had three daughters, viz.: Sarah, wife of our subject; Martha A., living at home with her mother; and Mary Jane, who married Henry Kaiser, of Scioto township. James A. Gibson died in 1893, at the age of 70 years; his widow, who was born October 26, 1833, lives on a farm adjoining that of her daughter, the wife of our subject.
Littleton Gochenour has resided on his present homestead since the spring of 1865. He owns a farm of 252 acres, a considerable portion of which is in grass, and runs two teams constantly. Mr. Gochenour built his first residence during the year following his location and erected the commodious and modern home in which he now lives, in 1883. To the land which he inherited from his father he has since added 130 acres, so that he is now placed among the mast prosperous landowners and agriculturists in the township.
Ordinarily Mr. Gochenour supports the Democratic party, but when the Prohibitionists have a ticket in the field he gives his vote to their cause. He concerns himself little with politics, although he has served for a number of years as township trustee. His religious connections are with the Methodist Episcopal Church, while his wife is a Presbyterian, their membership being with the local organizations at Commercial Point. There are few men in the township who stand higher than Mr. Gochenour both for what they are in them-selves and on account of their family connections.
A group picture of Mr. and Mrs. Gochenour and family is shown on a foregoing page in proximity to this.
ISAIAH DOWDEN, owner of 138 acres of farm land, proprietor of a store building, long prominent in the work of the Salvation Army and a leading citizen in the public affairs of Wayne township, has been a resident of this locality for the past 51 years. He is a son of Ashford Dowden, who migrated to Ross County, Ohio, from Cumberland, Maryland, in 1818 and to Pickaway County, in 1855. Our subject has served as justice of the peace for six years and as assessor for three years, and is now a member of the Board of Education. For a number of years he was an officer in the Salvation Army, being successively sergeant, secretary, treasurer and major. -His religious affiliations are with the Union Church of Wayne township. Isaiah Dowden is a native of Ross County,
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this State, born March 8, 1844, his birthplace being within eight miles of his present home. He was reared and educated in this section, and in 187o was united in marriage to Sarah Ellen McDill, daughter of James McDill, who came to Pickaway County in 186o. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Isaiah Dowden were born to children, as below : James, who married Maggie Althouse and had three children, one of whom is deceased; Mack, who married Ollie Pontius and has two sons; Clarence, who married Anna Fuller, and became the father of a daughter; Edward, who married Mary Flemming; Sherman, who married Mary Bockardt ; Emma, who became the wife of George Curry and the mother of three sons and one daughter; Shurley and Hurley (twins) ; Gifford Fielding, who died in infancy ; and Gilbert. Mrs. Dowden died April 5, 1896. On August 7, 1898, Mr. Dowden married Gertrude Shaw, of Syracuse, New York. In politics our subject is a Democrat.
VAN METER STIPP HULSE, one of the substantial citizens and representative agriculturists of Jackson township, was born in this township, March 27, 1856, and is a son of James R. and Eleanor (Stipp) Hulse. He owns 135.32 acres of fine land in his home farm on the Five Points turnpike; he also has 61 1/2 acres on the McLean Mill road, besides 96 1/4 acres in Pike County, Ohio.
James R. Hulse, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, was born in New York. He was a wheelwright by trade and when he came to Ohio it was as a young man seeking his fortune, with all he possessed done up in a pack on his back. He found favor in the eyes of the daughter of a substantial farmer of Pickaway County, Rebecca Van Meter, and after their marriage he had command of her small fortune. He was a man of fine business instincts and invested the money wisely in land and stock. He owned many cattle and on occasion drove them to favorable markets in the East. He accumulated a large fortune, a part of this being 3,000 acres of land. After the death of his first wife, he married again. He had nine children by the first union and two by the second. Politically he was a Democrat.
James R. Hulse, father of our subject, was born in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 20, 1828, and spent his whole life in this locality, except a short period when he resided in Ross County. His death occurred September 6, 1899, at the age of 71 years. He inherited some 800 acres of land from his father's estate and on this he carried on extensive farming and stock-raising operations. Like many men of his time, he was unduly hospitable and generous and a large part of his fortune passed out of his hands. He was a stanch Democrat and served as township trustee for a long period. He married Eleanor Stipp, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 2, 1826, and who now at the age of 8o years resides with her son, William A. Hulse, in Jackson township. Her parents, Henry and Sarah Stipp, were both natives of Virginia. The children born to this marriage were : Henry Socrates, of Circleville; Sarah Rebecca, deceased at 21 years ; Van Meter Stipp, of this sketch; James Reeves, of Jackson township; William A., of Jackson township; Stephen Arnold Douglas, deceased at 14 years; and Mary and George, both deceased.
Van Meter. Stipp Hulse, our immediate subject, remained at home until he was 21 years of age and then worked out by the month for some three years prior to going to Moultrie County, Illinois, where he remained some 18 months and a like period in Iroquois County, in the same State. He then returned to Jackson township and worked on the farm for his father. At the death of the latter, he inherited his present home farm of 135.32 acres. Mr. Hulse also owns a farm of 61 1/2 acres in Jackson township, and one of 96 acres in Pike County, 35 of which is timber land. He continues to operate his farm as a grain and stock farm, it being well adapted to both industries.
Mr. Hulse is one of the well-known, re-
548 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
spected citizens of Jackson township and en-joys the friendship and respect of his fellow-citizens. For many years the Hulse family has been one of the leading ones in this section.
GERMAIN JOSEPH, dealer in gentlemen's clothing and furnishings, at Nos. 109-111 Main street, Circleville, is a well-known business man of this city and has the largest store of its kind in Pickaway County. Mr. Joseph was born in France, March 12, 1853, and is a son of David. Joseph.
After passing his early life in France, Mr. Joseph came to America when 17 years old and located in Cincinnati, where he remained for one year, clerking in a clothing store. In 1871 he removed to Circleville and took a position as clerk in the clothing store of Isaac Levy, where he remained until 1882; during the last five years of this period he was junior partner of the firm of Isaac Levy & Company. He then moved to Centralia, Illinois, where he conducted a clothing store until 1891, when he sold the store and returned to Circleville and established his present business, having at that time but one room. In 1901 he enlarged the store by renting another room, thus practically doubling his capacity for business. Mr. Joseph also owns the residence the family occupy on North Scioto street, which he purchased in 1900.
Mr. Joseph was married in 188o to Emma Weill and they have five children : Merle, who was graduated from the Everts High School in 1905; Clara, Fanny, Helen and Samuel. Fraternally our subject is connected with: the Masons; Knights of Pythias; Modern Wood-men of America and Knights of Honor.
WILLIAM HEDGES, the owner of a 100-acre farm in Walnut township and a well-known citizen of the eastern section of the county, is a native of Iowa, born December 28, 1850. He is a son of Gideon and Mary (McIntyre) Hedges, but at the age of about three years came to Walnut township to live with Ezra Hedges, his father's cousin. His father joined the Union forces and when the boy was 13 years of age, died of disease contracted in the service, after which until lie reached years of maturity Ezra Hedges was his foster father.
Ezra Hedges was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1817, being a son of Obed Hedges, a soldier of the War of 1812. He never married. Although now nearly 89 years of age he has enjoyed good health, until a comparatively recent date. It is safe to say that there is no resident of the township or county, who is more universally honored and loved than Ezra Hedges. He has always been a charitable man, and his goodness has invariably taken a practical direction. Although a bachelor, he has a deep love for children, and during his long and useful life has adopted several orphan boys and reared them to careers of usefulness and happiness.
William Hedges was married to Eva Fowler, a native of Ross County, Ohio, and have had two children, Ezra and John. The last named married Mary Roese; they reside on the family homestead.
THORNTON GLASSCOCK, an esteemed agriculturist of Darby township, residing on a well-improved estate of 167 acres, owned by himself and wife, is a native of Virginia and an old resident of Pickaway County. He was born in the Old Dominion, December 28, 1846, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Leach) Glasscock and grandson of Thomas and Margaret Glasscock.
Thomas Glasscock and his wife were natives of Virginia and there spent much of their lives, engaged in farming. Four sons and three daughters were born to them.
John Glasscock, father of our subject, was born in Virginia and there grew to manhood and married Mary Ann Leach, only daughter of Thornton and Nancy (White) Leach, whose family also included four sons--Leroy,
PAGE 549 - PICTURE OF WILLIAM HARVEY ALKIRE
PAGE 550 - PICTURE OF ABRAHAM REID ALKIRE
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Armster, William and Benjamin. Nine children were born to our subject's parents, namely: Mary, who died at the age of 13 years; Newton, who with his wife, Mary Jane Caldwell, is now deceased ; Warren, who married Virginia Glasscock, his cousin, and now lives in Missouri; Margaret, whose husband, Alfred Stump, is now deceased; Sarah, who married Darius Shockley; Martha C., who married Rev. Robert W. Peters, a minister of the Baptist Church; Thornton, the subject of this sketch; and Alice, wife of Richard R. Leach, of Darby township--all born in Virginia; and William, the only member of the family born in Ohio, who married Ella Balla. Both parents died in 1895, the mother on February 4th and the father on November 18th.
Thornton Glasscock was eight years of age when the family located permanently in Ohio. Several years before, however, his parents with some of the children came to Ohio, but remained only a short time, when they returned to their old home in Virginia. Later all the members of the family came to Ohio, lived here two years and then started for Missouri. The family and goods were loaded into three wagons, one of them being a four-horse team driven by Thornton and his sister Sarah. The family did not long remain in Missouri, however, but returned to Ohio and located in what is now Darby township, Pickaway County, where Thornton Leach, the maternal grandfather of our subject, had purchased a tract of 600 acres of forest land. The country was quite unsettled at that time. Thornton Leach had made a clearing on this tract and here had built a rude log house, with a stick chimney and a puncheon floor, and with a quilt hung up for a door. It was amid such surroundings that William Glasscock, the youngest member of the family; was born.
On August 21, 1866, Thornton Glasscock was married to Frances Rush, daughter of John W. and Nancy (Yocham) Rush. Mrs. Glasscock's mother died in June, 1906. Besides Mrs. Glasscock, there were five sons and two daughters in the family of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Rush, namely: William, who wastwice married and both of whose wives, Sarah Worthington and Jennie Watson, are deceased; Jesse, deceased, who married Fidelia Seeds; John, also deceased, who never married; Nelson, who is single; Dennis, deceased. who never married; Sarah, who married George Burgett; and Alice, who married Theodore Shockley.
Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thornton Glasscock, as below: Laura, who married John Gillen; Milton, deceased at the age of 24 years, who married Julia Johnson; Effa, who married Herman Matthews--both died within four months of each other, the latter on November 22, 1894, and the former on March 22, 1895, at about the age of 30 years, leaving three children (Harry. Alta and Laura), who are living with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Glasscock; John R., a resident of Oregon, who is the father of one child; and Sarah, who married Nelson Martno, and has had seven children--Dennis (deceased), Francis, Rush, May, Ruth, Lewis and Edna.
Although the old family homestead was willed to Mr. Glasscock by his father, he came into possession of it before the latter's death. It consisted of 52 acres, besides which he inherited another farm of 27 acres. He purchased other tracts of land, his wife came into possession of landed property, and the result is their ownership, as stated, of 167 acres in Darby township. Mr. Glasscock has devoted the bulk of his time and energy to the care and improvement of his property. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and keeps .in intelligent touch with the questions of the day.
WILLIAM HARVEY ALKIRE. vice-president of The Citizens' Bank at Mount Sterling, Madison County, may justly be regarded as one of the leading financiers and capitalists of this section of Ohio, as well as a most worthy and prominent representative of one of the old and important families of
554 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
Pickaway and Madison counties. Mr. Alkire honorably perpetuates a name which has been an American one since the days of Lord Baltimore's coming to the English colony now known as the State of Maryland, in the days of James I., of England. Since 1800 the family has been established in Ohio, and in this State, on the old homestead farm in Pleasant township, Madison County, William Harvey Alkire was born on July 20, 1857. His parents were Abraham Reid and Mary Jane (Tanner) Alkire.
In tracing the Alkire family from its earliest settler on the American shores, the line is followed from Maryland to Virginia, thence to Kentucky, and thence, in the time of our subject's grandfather, to Ohio. The family history is traced to Holland, where, in 1626, according to records at The Hague, there lived near Arnheim on the Rhine a family known from their baronetcy as Alkire, which family bore a coat of arms given by William II., Prince of Orange. The arms were on a silver. shield, signifying distinction, and may be thus described : Crest, a falcon, red beak and feet; bunch of grapes and wineglass; pike and cross sword; with the motto--"Cum Salus." In religious belief the Algires were Lutherans. It is presumed that the family removed from Scotland to Holland, probably on ac-count of religious persecution, though possibly for more worldly considerations. In the - 17th century one Almonas Alkire accompanied Lord Baltimore to America and settled on Albemarle Sound near the Virginia shore. He assisted the Governor in various campaigns against the Indians. In 1720, near Moorefield, Virginia (now West Virginia), the great-great-grandfather of our subject, Almonas Alkire by name, was married to Mary Crayman. The names of their four children have been preserved and are as follows : William, born in 1724; Deborah, born in 1728; Almonas, Jr., born in 1730; and Sarah, born in 1732.
William Alkire, the eldest son of Almonas Alkire, was probably reared in Virginia, where he was married' to his first wife, Elizabeth Moore, who died later than 1797. She was the mother of 12 children, namely : Mary Ann, born October 5, 1781, who married Courtney Tanner ; Robert, born October 3, 1783, who married Elizabeth Douglass ; John, born December 17, 1785, who died in infancy; Margaret, born in 1786, who married James Denison ; Jacob, born April 1, 1787, who married Mary Phebus, who died March 20, 1842, his death following on June 5, 1847; Isaac, born October 12, 1788, who married Mary Graham; Abraham, born August 6, 1790; Lydia, born January. 3, 1792, who married John Graham ; Harmon, born February lo, 1794, who never married; John (2), born October 15, 1795, who married Susan Mantle; Delilah, born in 1796, who married John Metz; and William, born in 1797, who married Hannah Osborn.
William Alkire married, for his second wife, Temperance Clay, and had two sons by this union--Henry Green Clay and Joseph. Mrs. Alkire was a sister of the distinguished statesman, Henry Clay, for whom she named her eldest son, who was born May 25, 1807, and died July 23, 1863. He married Elizabeth Neff.
Abraham Alkire, the grandfather of William Harvey Alkire, and son of William and Elizabeth (Moore) Alkire, was probably born in Virginia and reared in Kentucky. His birth took place on August 6, 1790, and his death on May 19, 1859. In Ohio, on April 16, 1812 he married Jennie Martin Creath, who died January 27, 1862. They became the parents of these children : Mary Margaret, born February 5, 1813, who married John Tanner and died February 11, 1892; Elizabeth, born November 5, 1814, deceased May 17, 1815 ; William G., born July 24, 1817, who married Mary Ann Riddle and died July 5, 1846; Martha . Jane, born February 7, 1827, who married Adam Kious, and died September 10, 1846; and Abraham Reid. Abraham Alkire and family were Presbyterians.
Abraham Reid Alkire, father of William Harvey Alkire, and son of Abraham, was born on the old Alkire homestead, in Pleasant township, Madison County, Ohio, on February 27, 183o. His father had settled in this section of Ohio in 1800, acquiring a very large body
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of land, which included part of the present site of Mount Sterling and which was inherited by his children. Mr. Alkire was a man of intelligence, industry and foresight. Possessing much land, his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits in large measure. He was one of the directors of the toll road running from Mount Sterling to Harrisburg, a distance of eight miles, which was sold about 1883. He was one of the founders of The Citizens' Bank at Mount Sterling and was also president from the date of its organization, June 1, 1891, to the time of his death. In his death, on February 12, 1902, Madison County lost an exemplary, honored citizen. On October 18, 1855, he married Mary Jane Tanner, who was a daughter of Harvey and Hester Ann (Neff) Tanner. Harvey Tanner was born November 25, 1805, and died December 18, 1865; his wife was born March 11, 1811, and died October 31, 1864. Four children were born to Harvey Tanner and wife, namely : Rachel (Darst), who died aged 19 years, 9 months and 22 days; Abraham, who died at the age of 16 years, 5 months and 28 days; Courtney, aged 50 years; and Mary Jane (Alkire) mother of our subject, who was born February 22, 1839, and died October l0, 1886.
Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Reid Alkire had these children: William Harvey; Charles Francis, born March 4, 186o; Abraham Scott, born October 7, 1861; Corban Grant, born May 26, 1863; Tully Smith, born March 1, 1866; and Lillie Annie, born June 20, 1869. Charles Francis lives just outside the corporation of Mount Sterling. He is a stockholder in The Citizens' Bank and a member of Talmage Lodge, No. 194, Knights of Pythias. On December 7, 1882, he married Flora Heath; ; they have two children : William Reid, born January 29, 1885.; and Abraham Clyde, bath September 12, 1886.. Abraham Scott lives in a beautiful home on his grandfather's homestead, in the corporation of Mount Sterling. He is a director in The Citizens' Bank and a member of Talmage Lodge, No. 194, Knights of Pythias. From 1891 to 1894 : he was a member of the firm .of Beale & Alkire, dealers in hardware, at Mount Sterling. He is president of the Mount Sterling Building & Loan Company, a member of the Board of Education of Mount Sterling (of which he has been a member for the past i8 years with the exception of two terms) and was a member of the Council of Mount Sterling corporation for about 10 years. On December 17, 1884, he was married to Flora Augusta Beale. This union has been blessed with four children, namely: Coral, born September 22, 1885; Abraham Ross, born November 2o, 1889; Mary Jane, born September 14, 1891; and Florence Amanda, born September 11, 1899. Corban Grant, who is a resident of Mount Sterling, was married, on June 29, 1898, to Clara Liggett, who was born April 22, 1868, at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is a daughter of the late Col. John B. Liggett. They have no children. Tully Smith resides near Mount Sterling and is a stockholder in The Citizens' Bank and a member of Talmage Lodge, No. 194, Knights of Pythias. He was married on September 2, 1891, to Elizabeth Morris. Lillie Annie was married to Charles Edgar Zahn on March 23, 1891. Three children have been born to them, of whom two are now living. The record is as follows : Paul Alkire, born June 20, 1894; May, born December 18, 1896, deceased August 15, 1898; and Charles Ewin, born March 27, 1898.
On January 29, 1889, Abraham Reid Alkire married, for his second wife, Mrs. Flavilla (Coalton) Tenny, who died January 16, 1899, without issue. Mr. Alkire and family belonged to the First Christian Church of . Mount Sterling.
William Harvey Alkire was reared on the old homestead farm in Pleasant township, Madison County, and received his education in the local schools. In 1880 he formed a partnership with John W. Graham, which business association continued ,to 1884, in which period they engaged extensively in buying and shipping hogs to Eastern markets. In 1885, in partnership with William Taylor, he engaged in shipping hogs and cattle to Eastern markets and Columbus, Ohio. Six years later, in 1891, he entered into partnership with his brother, Tully S. Alkire, and Robert H. Deyo, and en-
556 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
gaged in shipping hogs and wool. In 1892 the firm of Deyo & Alkire (Tully S. Alkire having retired) rented the elevator of C. Tanner & Company at Palestine, which had been built four years before by the following 12 farmers--Courtney Tanner, Sr., James B. Anderson, John W. Graham, William Davis, Milton J. Tootle, Charles A. Wilson, Robert H. Deyo, Peter J. Dick, William Denison, James Stone, Abraham Scott Alkire and William Harvey Alkire. The last named was president of C. Tanner & Company from the time the elevator was built until it was sold to Joseph Smith, of Circleville, in 1897. Mr. Alkire is the owner of a large amount of valuable land both in this and other counties, aggregating 868 acres in Pickaway and Madison counties, with a 230-acre farm' in Vinton County, which has a 4-acre orchard on it. His brother, and sister also own a large amount of valuable land in Pickaway and Madison counties. Mr. Alkire has one of the most beautiful homes in the eastern section of Madison County. It is a well-proportioned brick residence, situated on an eminence just out of Palestine, not far from Mount Sterling, the farm being known as "Deer Creek Farm." From the hospitable entrance of this home the surrounding country for miles around may be viewed as a beautiful picture. The disastrous wreck of 1891 on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad occurred not far from Mr. Alkire's residence, and quick and generous assistance was lent to the sufferers from the mansion on the hill.
On November 14, 1883, Mr. Alkire was united in marriage with Sierra Nevada Beatty, a daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Hopkins) Beatty, who had five children, namely : Harlan G., Elijah Adelbert, Sierra Nevada (Mrs. Alkire), Belle and Fannie. Mr. and Mrs. Alkire have four children, as follows : Essie, born October 24, 1884; Rife Tanner, born August 7, 1886; Floyd Smith, born May 10, 1888, and Homer Reid, born August 31, 1891.
Mr. Alkire is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has long been connected with The Citizens' Bank at Mount Sterling, both as a member of the board of directors and also as its vice-president. He is also a director of the Mount Sterling Building & Loan Company. He has other interests, both commercial and social, and is a citizen who is thoroughly representative of the best residents of this favored part of the great commonwealth of Ohio, which his forefathers helped to' develop.
Portraits of William Harvey Alkire and his father. Abraham Reid Alkire, accompany this sketch.
HENRY J. SMITH, a well-known citizen of Salt Creek township, and a veteran of the Civil War, resides on his finely cultivated, compact little farm of 26 acres, situated not far from Stringtown. Mr. Smith' was born in Hocking County, Ohio, October 15, 1845, and is a son of Henry H. and Jeriah (Hosler) Smith.
The Smith family is one of the oldest in Hocking County. The parents of Mr. Smith were both born there and they resided for many years in Salt Creek township, in that county, where our subject was reared to manhood.. He was educated in the township schools and followed farming until he left home to become a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War.
In July, 1864, Mr. Smith enlisted as a private soldier in Company G, 23rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., of which the late beloved President McKinley was captain. This company and regiment became a part of the Army of the Potomac and took part in the Shenandoah Valley campaign, with Gen. Phil. H. Sheridan in command, and bore a gallant part at Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill and other points. Mr. Smith was a model soldier, did his duty cheerfully and bravely and was honorably dischaeged in July, 1865, at Cleveland, Ohio.
In September, 1871, Mr. Smith was married to Matilda Reid, who was born in Hocking County, Ohio, November 25, 1848, and is a daughter of James and Matilda (Cave) Reid. Her grandfather, George Reid, was an early settler in Pickaway County, but died in Hocking County, where her father, a native of Pickaway County, passed much of his life.
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PAGE 558 - PICTURE OF JOHN COURTRIGHT
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Her mother was a native of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had four children, the two survivors being Jennie M. and Virgil M. Mrs. Smith and daughter are members of the Evangelical Association..
In politics Mr. Smith has always been a stanch Republican. He was an earnest supporter of President McKinley, whom he had learned to thoroughly admire and esteem in the army. Formerly. Mr. Smith belonged to the Grand Army post at Adelphi.
JOHN COURTRIGHT, one of the prominent agriculturists of Pickaway County, who is the owner of 700 acres of farming land, 225 acres of which lie along the county line between Pickaway and Fairfield county, in the latter county, has his home on the remainder which is situated in sections 11, 13 and 14, Walnut township, his residence being located near the corner of four sections. Mr. Courtright was born in the home he occupies, on January 28, 1838, and is a son of Hon. Jesse D. and Sallie (Stout) Courtright.
Hon. Jesse D. Courtright was born in Bloom township, Fairfield County, Ohio; May 5, 1811, and was a son of John Courtright, a Pennsylvanian, who came to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1801. Jesse D. Courtright was reared in Fairfield County. In August, 1831, he was married to Sallie Stout, who was a daughter of George Stout, a very prominent farmer of Washington township. For a time after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Courtright lived in Clear Creek township, Fairfield County, and for a short time in Washington township, Pickaway County, but in 1834 they moved to the farm now owned and occupied by their son John. In the following year Jesse D. Courtright erected the brick house which still serves as a comfortable family home. Mr. Courtright served for nearly a third of a century as a justice of the peace and was a member of the Ohio State Legislature for one term. Hedied at Circleville, February 22, 1873. His wife survived until July, 1881.
John Courtright was reared and educated in Walnut township, where his business and family interests have always more or less been centered. On August 16, 1866, he was married to Minerva L. Brobst, who is a daughter of David and Leah Brobst, of Fairfield County, where Mrs. Courtright was born on February 8, 1846.. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Courtright were: Alva Brobst, Sallie Florence, John David and Grace Cilicia. Alva Brobst, the eldest son was born September 29, 1868, and was married in December, 1894, to Laura May Peters, a daughter of John Peters, of Scioto township, and they, have one son, John Peters, born in December, 1896. Sallie Florence was born August 15, 1873, and on December 22, 1899, was married (first) to Rev. E. J. Snyder, who died 10 months later; on September 19, 1905, she was married (second) to Harry Reichelderfer, of Salt Creek township. John David was born September 30, 1875, and died November 20, 1885. The youngest daughter was born March 16, 1881, and resides at home,
Mr, Courtright has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has frequently been called upon to serve in offices of trust and responsibility. He has been on the School Board; has served as township trustee and is serving his second term as trustee of the Pickaway County Children's Home. By Governor Herrick he was appointed a member of the State board of control of the Ohio Agricultural Experimental Station; a board made up of two Democrats and three Republicans. Mr. Courtright has always shown great interest in the Grange movement, regarding it as. a helpful organization for agriculturists, and served as master of Nebraska Grange for 28 years. For almost 24 years he has served as a director of the Reber Hill Cemetery, of Walnut township. For 47 years he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, and served as worshipful master several terms. No man stands higher in public esteem in this section than does John Courtright, whose portrait_ accompanies this sketch.
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GEORGE W. HARTMAN, county recorder of Pickaway County, whose pleasant home is situated at No. 527 East Franklin street, Circleville, was born in this city on October 17, 1855, and is a son of William D. and Catherine (Glantzer) Hartman.
The parents of our subject were natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers in Ohio. In 1861 his parents moved from Pickaway to Fairfield County, Ohio, where both died. They were farmers. Their family numbered 12 children.
George W. Hartman was reared and educated in Fairfield County where he lived from the age of six years. He was a member of a large family and as soon as he was physically able learned a self-supporting trade, making choice of that of plasterer, at which he worked until 1889, when he came to Pickaway County. He has always been more or less prominent in Democratic politics and shortly after returning to Circleville was elected assessor, serving in that office for two terms and later as township clerk. In 1900 he was elected county recorder and approbation of the manner in which he discharged the duties of this office was shown by his fellow-citizens in his re-election in 1903.
Mr. Hartman was married (first) to Jennie Kesler and they had two children. Mrs. Hartman died in 1903. He married (second) Rosie Angell. Mr. Hartman is a member of the United Brethren Church.
DENNIS C. RADER, whose well-improved farm of 198 3/5 acres is located in section 18, Pickaway township, divided into two tracts, is one of the representative men of the locality and is a member of the township Board of Education. He was born in Pike County, Ohio, May 28, 1870, and is a son of James and Mary A. (Shock) Rader. Extended mention of this old pioneer family will be found in. another part of this work, in the sketch of Burr H. Rader.
Dennis C. Rader was still a lad when his parents moved to Pickaway County, in 1875, and he was reared and educated in Pickaway township. His training was all in the direction of agriculture and it served to make him a practical, successful farmer.
On March 21, 1893, Mr. Rader was married to Louise Bougher, who was born in Hocking County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Benjamin Bougher, formerly of Pickaway County, but now a resident of Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Rader was six months old when her parents brought her to Pickaway County and she was reared in Pickaway township.
Mr. Rader is identified with the Democratic party as was his father before him. He is serving his first term as a member of the township Board of Education and performs his duty according to the highest demands of good citizenship He is one of the leading members of Emmett Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, of Pickaway township.
SOLOMON GLOYD, a successful farmer of Harrison township, was born January 22, 1842, in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Myrom and Mary Gloyd.
Myrom Gloyd, who was a native of Vermont, located in Columbus upon coming to Ohio; later he moved to Pickaway County, where he passed the remainder of his life.
Solomon Gloyd lost his father when but 12 years old and the following year his mother died. He received a very limited education in the common schools of Walnut township and was reared on a farm. Mr. Gloyd has lived on his present form for over 40 years, having come to Harrison township when 18 years of age. He continued to live here for. 14 years after his marriage, then lived outside the township for a time; ever since returning to the township, he has lived on this farm.
Mr. Gloyd operates a farm of 216 acres and is recognized as one of the leading farmers of the county. He has operated the Dill Bur-
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gett farm of 100 acres for a period of 10 years and at present runs the Sarah Jane Wiggins farm of 116 acres also; from the Wiggins farm in 1905 he produced about 2,000 bushels of grain and from the Dill Burgett farm he raised 1,400 bushels of grain--the largest with one exception of any crop ever raised.
On January 4, 1863, Mr. Gloyd was married to Sophia Leonard. Mrs. Gloyd came with her parents from Switzerland in 1851. Her father, David Leonard, was born near Basle, Switzerland, as was Mrs. Gloyd, also. Mr. Leonard died in Bloom township, Fair-field County, Ohio, as did his wife. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gloyd, namely : Henry, who resides in Ashville; John, who resides south of South Bloomfield on the Bill Adams farm ; Mary, wife of Frank DeLong, living near Groveport, Franklin County; Minnie, who married Jesse O'Day and lives at Commercial Point; Mahala, deceased, whose first husband was Frank Goodman, and her ,second, John French; Charles, who died in childhood; Frank, who accidentally shot himself, dying at the age of 17 years; and Carl, who died in infancy. Eufala Goodman, a bright lass of 12 years, our subject's granddaughter, has lived with her grandparents since she was three years old. Mrs. Gloyd is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at South Bloomfield. Mr. Gloyd has been a lifelong Democrat.
HARRY W. MOORE, the junior member of the well-known mercantile firm of Davis & Moore, at Darbyville, was born at Darbyville, on October 26, 1874, and is a son of William Henry Harrison and Anna (Buckler) Moore. William H. H. Moore was also born in Darbyville and lived here until just prior to the opening of the Civil War, when he removed to Paxton, Illinois. In 1861 he enlisted in an Illinois regiment and served faithfully for four years, participating in many of the great battles of the war. After its close, he returned to Darbyville and conducted a grocery business here for some three years before his death. His store was accidentally burned and he did not resume business. He was one of the active Democrats of this section. He was of Virginia stock, his father having been born in the Old Dominion.
After his return from the army, William H. H. Moore was married to Anna Buckler, who was born at Darbyville, some 62 years ago. She still survives, diving on the old home place. Her father was Rev. Abraham Buckler, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. William H. H. Moore and wife had these children : Sally, wife of W. G. Burroughs, of Superior, Wisconsin; Emma, wife of J. A. Hewitt, of London; Stanley, deceased,. who was a resident of Zanesville, Ohio ; Harry W.; and Chancy, deceased.
Harry W. Moore obtained an excellent education, remaining in school until about .19 years of age, his advantages including a course at a business college. At the close of seven years of business with Dr. J. E. Miller at Darbyville, Mr. Moore bought his partner's interest and in December, 1903, became a partner with Prof. C. W. Davis, of Darbyville. The firm is a leading one of the town and carries a large and well selected stock of general merchandise.
Politically Mr. Moore is a Democrat. He has taken a very active part in political matters for a number of years. He has been a member of the Democratic Central Committee for three years and for one year was a member of the Executive Committee, has been clerk of the village and for one year has been a member of the Council. His fraternal relations are with the camp of the Modern Wood-men of America at' Darbyville and with the Odd Fellows lodge at Derby. He is a good business man and a frank, outspoken citizen.
J. G. HAYS, who is engaged in an insurance business at Circleville, was for a number of years a ranchman in the West and later a successful farmer in Jackson township, Pickaway County. He was born in 1852 in Indiana, where he was reared and educated
In 1879 Mr. Hays went to Kansas, where
562 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
he remained for 18 years, engaged in raising and shipping cattle. In the spring of 1882 he went to Texas and brought to Kansas 1,800 head of cattle for the company in which he was interested. Their ranch was located in "No Man's Land," near Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, where they had some 4,000 cattle grazing. The bringing of 1,800 head all the way from Texas was considerable of an undertaking, requiring 71 days of travel on the old-trail of the Oklahoma survey. At the time the Red River was crossed, it was a mile wide, the cattle swimming and the party crossing on rafts. Cattle were shipped from Dodge City to Kansas City and Chicago and during Mr. Hays' business experience there, he shipped many thousands.
In 1897 Mr. Hays returned to the East and settled in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio, where he still owns a farm of 500 acres. James R. Huls, the grandfather of Mr. Hays' wife, bought 1,500 acres from Lieutenant Colonel Cable, in 1822, which had been secured by the latter in 1812. The patent was signed by President Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, Secretary of State. This parchment is in possession of the Hays family. In 1903 Mr. Hays left the farm and moved to Circleville in order to give his children better educational advantages. Since locating here, he has engaged in an insurance business, representing the New York Life Insurance Company; during the past year he has paid out the sum of $10,000 in death losses in Pickaway County.
In 1884 Mr. Hays was married to Mary Huls, a daughter of Arestes Huls and a granddaughter of James R. Huls. The last named was born in New York and was one of the early and prominent settlers of Pickaway County. From his large estate he furnished many cattle for the American Army during the War of 1812.
Mr. and Mrs. Hays have three children, viz.: A. Huls, who superintends his father's farm; and Griffith and Helen, who are students in the Circleville High School. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church. During his residence in Jackson township, Mr. Hays served two terms as township treasurer. He is a member of Circleville Lodge, No. 77, B. P. O: E.
ROBERT McDOWELL GIBSON, a leading instructor and representative citizen of Scioto township, still residing on the farm purchased by his grandfather in 1839, was born on the old family homestead November 6, 1872. He is a son of Eleazar W. and Louisa Virginia (Walker) Gibson, and was reared, educated and developed into his present prominence in his native township. Mr. Gibson laid the foundation of a thorough education and a broad intelligence in the district schools, which he attended until 1888, in the meantime taking a course of six months at the Central College Academy. Coincident with his mental training, he enjoyed the discipline and healthful influences of farm life, so that the physical and intellectual have gone hand in hand and combined to form a virile and substantial nature.
The five years spent by our subject as a teacher in Pickaway County have given him an enviable reputation as an instructor. In 1894-95 he taught school in District No. 7 and in 1898-99, in District No. 11, both in Scioto township. For two years he taught in District No. 2, Jackson township, and during 1905-06 was principal of Deer Creek township school. At the last meeting of the School Board of Scioto township, he was elected to the principalship of the Robtown School.
From boyhood Mr. Gibson has been of a studious disposition and has taken a deep interest in educational work; the practical application of his earlier literary training, in the field of pedagogics, has been most meritorious. In his treatment of pupils he is firm, but always kind, and above all endeavors to command the respect and confidence of those whose training is intrusted to him. He has earned a high reputation as a public speaker, and his services are in quite frequent demand, especially in the sections where he has lived so many years and where he is best known.
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Eleazar W. Gibson, the father of our subject, was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born near Dayton on the 7th of February, 1821. When eight years of age he removed with his parents to Scioto township, Pickaway County, the family locating on a arm a mile southeast of Commercial Point, where he resided until his death July I I, 1894. As a young man his occupations were various, but the greater portion of his life was devoted to husbandry, and at the time of his marriage he owned the farm on which his heirs now reside.
On the 17th of May, 1865, Eleazer W. Gibson was married to Louisa Virginia Walker, laughter of John and Elizabeth Walker. One son--Robert McDowell, and three daughters --Emma, Sarah Margaret and Ruie--were born to this union. Emma attended the public schools of Scioto township, and spent a year n study at Reynoldsburg. Her career as a teacher extended over a period of to years. or five years she taught in District No. 1, Jackson township, Franklin County ; for about our years in Scioto township, Pickaway County, and the remainder of the time at ;rove City, Franklin County. Sarah Margaret received her education in the schools of Scioto township, and while her brother and elder ister were teaching remained at home caring or her mother, who for some years was parially blind. She still resides on the old hometead. Ruie. was also educated in the district schools of Scioto township and in 1900 gradated from the Scioto Township High School, t Commercial Point. The mother of the family, Louisa Virginia (Walker) Gibson, who was born March 20, 1835, survived her husband for seven years, her death occurring February 20, 1901, at the age of 65 years and 11 months.
Robert Gibson, the paternal grandfather I our subject, migrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1816, and in 1818 married Ruamah Williamson, daughter of Capt. Eleazar Williamson. After their marriage they moved to Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, where hey remained until 1829, when they located a Scioto township, Pickaway County, about amile southeast of Commercial Point, where Mr. Gibson had purchased from his father-in-law, Captain Williamson, the farm that is now the Gibson homestead, which is in the possession of our subject and his three sisters.
Robert Gibson, while a resident of Pennsylvania, served in the War of 1812, among other duties being assigned to the work incident to the construction of Fort Meigs. His death occurred in 1854; his wife survived him until September 6, 1876.
Capt. Eleazar Williamson was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1747, and his wife was a Miss McConnell. He migrated to Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1800, and eight years later removed to Scioto township, Pickaway County, where he received, in consideration for his military services, too acres of land near the present site of Commercial Point, which was known for many years afterward (until its purchase by Robert Gibson) as the Williamson homestead. Captain Williamson died February 28, 1832.
Captain Williamson was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and also played a conspicuous part in the campaign against the Indians in 1782. During that and the following year he was in command of the second Company of the Third Battalion, Washington County Militia. In the campaign of 1782 he was under Colonel Crawford, and when ordered to attack the savages held his men back, but bravely withstood the assault& of the enemy during the entire day. In this engagement, he was the only officer. who brought his company .away from the field of battle.
To Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gibson, the paternal grandparents of our subject,. were born the following six children : Eleazar W., father of our subject; James A., who married Hester A. Crabb; Martha A., who became the wife of George W. Scholey; Mary J., who remained single throughout life; Rebecca, who married Garrett E. Conover; and Sarah, who became the wife of Luther Lerch. In connection with the history of the Gibson family, it may here be stated that the first of the name to settle in America came from Ireland.
For many years Robert Gibson and his
564 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, as are the present members of the family; the mother of our subject, however, was a Methodist. Robert M. Gibson and his sisters are all members of the Presbyterian Church at Commercial Point.
For many generations the Gibsons have been Republicans, and our subject is now active in the councils of the party. He has served as a delegate to various conventions in the county, and on various occasions has done effective work as a campaign orator. Since boyhood, in fact, he has been locally noted as a speaker.
The farm occupied by Robert M. Gibson and his sisters as the family homestead consists of 175 acres and represents a valuable property. They are especially identified with the educational progress of Scioto township, and their home is therefore the center of much of the intellectual activity of the community. As Mr. Gibson himself is a young man of marked ability and acumen, and has also behind him several generations of strong pioneer ancestry, there is every likelihood that he is at but the commencement of his career and that his advancement in the future will be even more rapid than in the past.
WILLIAM COLBERT HATFIELD, a member of the board of trustees of Monroe township, and a citizen of standing and influence, was born on the old Hatfield farm in Monroe township, on September 29, 1842. He is a son of Seth and Margaret (Longberry) Hatfield.
The venerable father of our subject still survives, although he has passed his 95th mile-stone. He was born at Chillicothe, Ohio, when it was but a village, on May 15, 1811, and is a son of John Hatfield, who was born in England. The latter came to America when a young man and located first in Maryland, but later pushed on into Ohio, and settled for a ' time at Chillicothe. There he contracted his first marriage and reared five children, viz.: Mary, Hetty, Elijah, Seth and John W. By a second marriage the family was increased by these children : Shadrach, Anderson G., Nelson, Caroline, Nancy, Sarah Ellen and Maria.
After the death of his mother, Seth Hatfield was bound out to a blacksmith, with whom he learned a trade, which he followed more or less through the whole of his active life. He was about 19 years of age when he accompanied the family to Pickaway County, where his father purchased about 100 acres of land. After his own marriage, in 1834, he bought a small farm in Monroe township, on which he built a blacksmith shop and continued to work at his trade until 1861, when he sold his first farm and bought a farm of 220 acres, on the Lester mill road, where he now lives. Mr. Hatfield has witnessed wonderful changes since he first came to this part of Ohio and can describe the primitive appearance of the now bustling city of Chillicothe, as it was in his childhood. In 1834 he married Margaret Longberry, a daughter of Charles Longberry, who had come to Pickaway County from Pennsylvania. They had these children : Mary Jane, who married Frank Hill--both now deceased; Orlando, who married Margaret Griffith and is now deceased; Elijah L., who married Charlotte Morton and resides in Darby township; William C., the subject of this sketch; Susan A., who resides near our subject; Felix R., a member of the 114th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., who died in the army;. Rhoda, who married William Taylor Dennis and resides in Monroe township; Ezra, who married Betty Smith and lives in Monroe township; and Seth, Jr., who died in infancy.
William C. Hatfield has resided on his present home farm of the Hatfield family since his father purchased it in 1861. He owns a farm of 40' acres and carries on general farming and stock-raising for which the land is particularly well adapted. In addition to managing his large agricultural operations, Mr. Hatfield has given much attention to public matters in his township and at various times has been elected to important local offices. In 1868 he served through one term as constable
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JOHN WARDELL, a director of the Second National Bank of Circleville, and one of the successful men of Pickaway County, was born in England, in April, 1831, and is one of a and made a good officer. In 1893 he was first elected township trustee, serving until 1895, and was elected again in 1905 and assumed the duties of the office in January, 1906. He is an honest, straight-forward man, one in whom his fellow-citizens repose the greatest confidence.
In 1883, Mr. Hatfield was married to Susan Redding, who is a daughter of Reuben and Nancy Redding, the former of whom died some 30 years since. Mrs. Redding resides with her daughter, Mrs. Hatfield. Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield have four sons, viz.: John Arthur, Seth Emery, Festus Webster and Cecil Clark, all residing at home. They have all been afforded excellent educational advantages and are fine types of intelligent American young manhood.
WILLIAM M. STIMMEL, a well-known resident of Kingston, and the owner of a well-cultivated farm of 155 acres, located in Pickaway township, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, January 20, 1860, and is a son of John and Mary (Miller) Stimmel.
The Stimmel family is of German extraction, as is the Miller, and both settled in Ohio in the days we call remote. Counting by years they are not so far away, but counting by the advance in civilization and the wonderful progress attained through the efforts of these same pioneers, the time is distant indeed. The Stimmels settled in Franklin County, where John Stimmel was born, and the Millers in Fairfield County. The father of our subject died when he was still in boyhood, but the mother still survives, in her 77th year, and. resides in Franklin County.
William M. Stimmel grew up on the home farm in Franklin County and attended the district schools. From boyhood he worked on the farm and thus grew up a thoroughly competent farmer.
On May 22, 1889, Mr. Stimmel was married to Ida M. Hassenpflug, who was born in Pickaway township; Pickaway County, Ohio, March 15, 1863, and is a daughter of Joseph and Martha (Black) Hassenpflug. John Hassenpflug, the paternal grandfather, was born in Holland; after emigrating to America, he settled first for a period in Pennsylvania, but later came as an early settler to Ross County. Ohio, where he died full of years. Joseph Hassenpflug was born in Pennsylvania and was 15 years of age when he accompanied his parents to Ross County. After his marriage to Martha Black, who was born in Pickaway County, he located in Pickaway township, where he engaged for many years in farming, but subsequently retired to Circleville, where he and his wife died, both in June, 1895. He was a supporter of the Republican party. Both he and his wife were valued and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The children of Joseph Hassenpflug and wife were : Missouri E., wife of Daniel Dunkel, of Lawrence, Kansas; Agnes J., wife of Clay Snyder, of Kingston; Emma L., wife of John Given, of Circleville; and Ida M., wife of our subject.
For a number of years Mr. and Mrs. Stimmel lived on the old farm in Pickaway town-ship, but in 1904 they retired to Kingston, where they have a very comfortable home.. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Kingston, and they have many pleasant social ties in this village. Mr. Stimmel is a member of the Masonic lodge at Circleville. family of three children born to his parents, who were John and Anna (Bealby) Wardell, farming people of England.
Mr. Wardell had little more than attained manhood when he left his native land, where he' had been well educated. Landing in the city of New York, after the voyage across the Atlantic, he came on to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he arrived in November, 1853. His capital was small and for years very hard work was his portion,. but with persistent industry he has become one of the cap-
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italists of Wayne township, where, he owns a fine farm of 400 acres. This he has cultivated and improved until it is a very valuable possession.
Mr. Wardell has been married three times. His first wife, Sarah Douglas, was a native of England, where they were married. She died after they came to the United States. His second wife was Mary Clearwater, whom he married in Wayne township; they had nine children, eight of whom are now living. The third marriage was to Lydia Clearwater, to which union one child was born, Margaret, who resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wardell, with their children, belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Clearwater family, into which Mr. Wardell married, is one of the old, pioneer families of Pickaway County.
Mr. Wardell is a strong Republican and has served as trustee of Wayne township for two terms. Since 1900 he has been one of the directors of the Second National Bank of Circleville. The family home, since removing from the farm, has been at No. 335 East Union street, Circleville. Mr. Wardell is a self-made man. He has comfortably reared a large family and has given them good educational and social advantages. He has developed those sterling traits of character which make him respected and beloved at home and universally esteemed by his fellow-citizens.
JOHN KEGG, who has been identified with Pickaway County for the past 63 years, resides on his well-improved farm of 142 acres, situated on the Young road, off the Commercial Point turnpike, in Scioto township. His parents were Christian and Catherine Elizabeth Kegg.
Christian Kegg and wife, who were natives of Germany, emigrated to America, with their eldest son, in 1827. Mr. Kegg was a brickmaker and he found employment at Columbus, Ohio, where the family lived for some years, during which time the family was increased by the birth of five children. With an increasing family, the father sought wider opportunities for them and decided to settle on a farm, although his means were limited. His opportunity came when the John Law land was for sale, at $4 an acre. It was situated right in the woods and our subject, who was born here some years later, can well remember when it was still wild and uncleared and neighbors were far distant. Both father and mother died on this farm, the former in 1859 and the latter in 1867. They were honest, industrious, virtuous people and set a good example to their children, two of whom were born in Pickaway County.
The children of Christian Kegg and wife were: Godfrey, born in Germany, who married Ella Cunningham and resides in Georgia; William, now a resident of Pickaway County, who was born in Columbus and married Caroline Eacher; Charles, who married (first) Sidney Clifton and (second) Mary McFarland, and lives at Morgan's Station (Orient P. O.) ; Catherine, who married John Seeds, of Pickaway County ; Mary, who married Amarias Jackson, of Madison County; Caroline, who is the widow of Thomas Peterson ; Louisa, deceased, who was the wife of the late John McCord ; Elizabeth, born in Pickaway County, who married Nelson Kassidy; and John.
John Kegg, the youngest son in his parents' family, has made his home all his life on the farm on which he was born, not having been absent from it for any extended period. Near the close of the Civil 'War he enlisted for 100 days, in the 133rd Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., served out his time and then resumed the management of the farm for his mother. After her death he purchased the interests of the other heirs and has conducted large farming and stock-raising operations here up to the present time. Mr. Kegg is acknowledged to be one of the most successful horse and swine raisers in' the county. He makes a specialty of the Poland-China hog, crossed with the Berkshire. He takes a great deal of pride in his fine horses and none but the very best can be found here. His comfortable residence, a great, roomy, frame structure, its 10 rooms easily sheltering all the family when they are at home and still leaving room for the exercise of the generous hospitality in which Mr. Kegg rejoices, commands a fine view of the Young
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road, just off the much-traveled .Commercial Point turnpike. Many improvements to house and barn were made by Mr. Kegg after he became the owner of the farm.
In 1868 Mr. Kegg was married to Jane Baker who died in 1893. She was one of the children born to Lewis and Mary (Mitchell) Baker, the others being: Howard, Albert, Anna, Ella, Belle, Andrew and Earl. In September, 1896, Mr. Kegg was married to Mrs. Emma (Neff) Murphy, widow of George W. Murphy, and daughter of George and Amanda (Berry) Neff. Both parents of Mrs. Kegg died in 1882 at their home, which is now the farm of A. L. Shockley. Their children were: Lydia, who married George Deyo; Jesse, who married Mary Wilson; Harley, who married Eva Demilt; Thomas, who married Ida Fetherolf, daughter of S. S. Fetherolf, postmaster and oldest merchant at Era ; and David, who lives unmarried, at Derby.
By her first marriage Mrs. Kegg had three children, viz.: Elta Florence, who married Harry Brown, who is the contractor for all the big Hartman barns in South Columbus; Edna Fay; and Fletcher Lee, who assists his brother-in-law, Mr. Brown. Mr. Kegg's six children were all born to his first marriage, as follows : George, who died in boyhood ; Albert, who served m the Spanish-American War, enlisting from Washington, passed 18 months in the Philippine Islands and now is in business at Los Angeles, California; and Frank, Jesse, Nelson and Wallace, all of whom live in California, where they have gained health and good positions.
Mr. Kegg has served on the School Board and as township trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is one of the very highly esteemed citizens of Scioto township.
WILSON FISHER, a successful farmer and well-known citizen of Scioto township, who operates a farm of 323 acres, was born November 27, 1842, in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio. He is a son of John G. and Mary ( Jordan) Fisher.
The Fishers settled among the pioneers ofJackson township, Pickaway County, 91 years ago. John and Absalom Fisher, the great-grandfather and the grandfather of our subject, came from Virginia, in 1815, and the former died in Jackson township at the age of 86 years. Absalom Fisher died in 1865, in Illinois, in his 77th year, his wife having passed away in 1863.
John G. Fisher, father of Wilson Fisher, was born in Virginia on February 27, 1813, and was only two years old when the family settled in Ohio. He lived all his life in Jackson and Scioto townships. He died in 1887 in Scioto township in his 75th year. He married Mary Jordan, a daughter of Andrew Jordan, of Franklin County, Ohio. She was born in that county, August 31, 1818, and died in Jackson township, Pickaway County, in October, 1886. Their children were : Matilda; Jane, wife of D.. V. Shook, of Circleville; Wilson, of this sketch ; Mary C., widow of John Hall, who now lives in Pickaway County, coming here from Illinois; Andrew M., a farmer of Paulding County, Ohio ; Cindia E., who died in 1895 ; Absalom, a farmer of Paulding County, Ohio; Josephine ; Frances E.; and Tirzah C., deceased, who was the Wife of Lewis Haynes.
Wilson Fisher attended the subscription and district schools in his native township, attending mainly in the winter time and working for wages in the summer.. He thus reached his 20th year, by which time he was a pretty fair farmer. The outbreak of the Civil War, however, aroused a feeling of loyalty in his breast and he soon settled the current of his life for the next three years by enlisting in the service of his country. He became a member of the 45th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., under Col. Benjamin P. Runkle, Capt. George Ross' and Lieut. Elias F. Scott, and was mustered in at Camp Chase on August 19, 1862. The regiment was sent to the front and during the whole of Mr. Fisher's service bore a prominent part in the dangers and hardships which attend army life. Mr. Fisher was wounded on June 9, 1863, in an engagement at Rocky Face, which was serious enough to entitle him to a furlough home. He returned as soon as recuperated and was with his regiment under
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General Burnside through the East Tennessee campaign, was with General Sherman in the Atlanta campaign and later was with General Thomas at Nashville and Franklin. His regiment followed Hood's forces when they retreated to Huntsville, Alabama, and then was sent to Virginia where it was stationed when the war closed. The regiment was mustered out at Nashville in June, 1865..
After .the close of his honorable army service, Mr. Fisher returned to agricultural pursuits in Ohio. In 1868 he went to Illinois, but 14 months later returned to Pickaway County and engaged in farming in Jackson township, where he continued until 1884. He then located on the Wayne Caldwell. farm of 323 acres in Scioto township, on which he has resided for 21 years. He is one of the most successful farmers of this locality and under his capable management this, farm produces enormously. He runs five teams, has about 200 acres in corn and 100 in wheat, raises a great deal of hay and has fine cattle, horses and hogs. He farms along modern lines and makes use of the machinery which every enterprising farmer now demands.
Mr. Fisher is identified with the Republican party, coming from a family of old-line Whigs. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, a member of Pickaway Lodge at Ashville. He belongs to Groce Post, G. A. R., at Circleville and enjoys meeting old comrades and recalling with them the days of 1861-65 and of the heroic deeds in which they participated. Mr. Fisher is a very pleasant man to meet, sociable and genial, these qualities being natural as he is a total abstainer from all kinds of stimulants. A portrait of Mr. Fisher, executed from a recent photograph, accompanies this sketch.
JOHN GRIESHEIMER, deceased, was a highly respected citizen and excellent farmer of Scioto township, where he owned 90 acres of land which he had developed from a wild condition. Mr. Griesheimer was born May 25, 1856, at Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, and was a son of Martin and Barbara Griesheimer.
Both parents of Mr. Griesheimer were born in Germany. They came to America in 184o and located at Chillicothe, Ohio. The mother died in 1865, but the father still survives, aged 77 years. Martin Griesheimer is survived by a brother, Lewis, who resides at Columbus; a sister, Elizabeth, who is the wife of John Wetzel, of Chillicothe; and by Frank and Christine, a half-brother and half-sister.
The late John Griesheimer was reared and educated at Chillicothe. Soon after his marriage, he located in Scioto township, Pickaway County, where he resided until his death on May 28, 1902. He had improved his farm with a very comfortable and attractive residence and made many substantial improvements which combine to make his one of the most valuable farms in the township.
On March 2, 1881, Mr. Griesheimer was united in marriage with Elizabeth Goebel, a daughter of Philip and Otilda (Griesheimer) Goebel. Philip Goebel, who was a native of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, died in September, 1892, aged 51 years; his wife died in August, 1879, aged 37 years. Their children were the following : Elizabeth, widow of John Griesheimer; Ella, wife of Montgomery Divon, of Springfield, Missouri; Julia, wife of N. A. Brown, of Florence, Alabama, where Mr. Brown is connected with the iron industry; George and Caroline, both deceased ; and Mary, wife of Leonard O'Harra, residing at Commercial Point. The grandfather of Mrs. Griesheimer was Jacob. Goebel, who was at one time a well-known resident of Chillicothe.
Mr. and Mrs. Griesheimer had four children, viz.: Albert, the manager of the home farm; Ella, who lives at home with ter mother; William, also living on the 'home farm, and Karl Emmett, deceased..
In politics Mr. Griesheimer was a Democrat. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and both of his sons belong to the Modern Woodmen of America. They are industrious, manly young Americans and in the management of the farm follow closely the excellent methods in which their, late father found success. Mrs. Griesheimer is a valued member of the Presbyterian Church at Commercial Point.
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EDWARD VALENTINE, one of the best known citizens of Pickaway County, prominently connected with stock interests and known all over as owner of the noted horse, "Maggie V.," resides on what is known as the Maggie V. Stock Farm," which is a tract of 180 acres, situated in section 20, Circleville township. Mr. Valentine belongs to one of the old families of the county and was born at Circleville, Ohio, April 12, 1861, being a son of Israel and Catherine (Stout) Valentine.
The Valentine family is of German extraction and the grandparents of Mr. Valentine were the founders of the family in Ohio, coming here from Baltimore, Maryland. As early as 1800 the grandfather, John Valentine, traveled over a large part of the State on horse-back and finally selected a tract in Circleville township, Pickaway County, which he purchased from his father-in-law, Jacob Zeiger, a still earlier settler.
Israel Valentine, son of John and father of Edward, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 26, 1819. He remained at home with his father until the age of 22 years and then started out for himself, purchasing 83 acres in Circleville township. In 1841 he married Caroline Stout, a daughter of John Stout, of Pennsylvania. Later Mr ' Valentine added 86 acres and still later bought the old Stout farm of 200 acres in Washington town-ship. Other property that he subsequently bought consisted of the Market farm of 105 acres, in Circleville township ; the old Zearing farm of 8o acres, in Fairfield County and the old Tobey farm of 200 acres,. in Washington township. At one time he owned 760 acres of valuable land, the greater part of it being subsequently given to his sons. Israel Valentine died in November, 1903, his wife: having passed away in 1887. They had reared a family of 11 children, viz.: William, Lydia A., Lizzie, John, George, James, Mary, Emanuel, Sarah E., and Edward and Israel S. (twins).
Edward Valentine was reared in Circleville township and attended the local school. He has always made his home in this locality. In addition to his homestead he owns a farm of 103 acres in Washington township, which is occupied by a tenant. The Circleville township farm is owned jointly by himself and wife. In association with his twin brother, Israel S. Valentine, our subject has been identified with the breeding of race horses for some years. At the present time they own a string of 10 head, among them being the beautiful mare, "Maggie V.," which has a record of 2:12 1/2. This valuable mare is well known and appreciated in racing circles and when it took the prize of $2,000 at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, taking the second heat in 2:12 1/2 and also winning the third and fourth heats, beating the great race horse, "Klondike," for the first time in the latter's racing life, immense 'sums were offered the Valentine Brothers for the little beauty. They value it too highly, however, to be induced to part with it and there is every expectation that "Maggie V." will lower her already remarkable record.
On October 28, 1886, Mr. Valentine was married to Maggie D. Walters, who is a daughter of John J. and Mary (Dresbach) Walters. They have one son, John Walters, who was born August 24, 1887.
Mr. Valentine is a member of the township School Board. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
DANIEL W. BALDOSER, an excellent farmer and substantial citizen of Pickaway township, has resided on his present farm in this township since 1901. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, May 10, 1867, and is a son of Daniel and Harriet (North) Baldoser.
The father of Mr. Baldoser was born in Pennsylvania and came to Fairfield County, Ohio, at a very early date. He still survives, in his 83rd year, residing in Clear Creek township; Fairfield County. He married Harriet North, who was a daughter of James North, an early settler of Clear Creek township, Fairfield County, where she was born and reared. She died in 1882. She was the mother of seven children, namely : Theodore, deceased; Albert E., who resides in the State of Wash-
572 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
ington; Effie M. (Lutz), of Fairfield County, Ohio; Daniel W., of this sketch; Austin, of Muskingum County, Ohio; William I., of the State of Washington; and Lucy (Doser), of Muskingum County, Ohio.
Daniel W. Baldoser grew up as other country lads, attending school and assisting at home until he was old enough to learn the bakery business, in which he was engaged for five years at Kingston. For a number of years, however, he has given his entire attention to agriculture.
On May 16, 1894, Mr. Baldoser was married to Julia Orr, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 12, 1861, and is a daughter of Simeon and Hannah (Kelly) Orr, both parents being natives of Ross County. The father died in 1894. The mother; who has reached her 68th year, resides with Mr. and Mrs. Baldoser. The Orrs were early settlers in Ross County and were members of the Society of Friends.
Politically Mr. Baldoser is identified with the Republican party but has prohibition proclivities. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Kingston, of which he is a steward. Mrs. Baldoser is a member of the Society of Friends and is connected with the meeting at Londonderry.
JOHN E. WEISER, township clerk of Walnut township, and proprietor of a general merchandise establishment at Walnut, was born at Greencastle, Fairfield County, Ohio, on the 3rd of February, 1866, and is a son of Samuel and Eve Ann (Carris) Weiser.
The great-great-grandfather of our subject, Conrad Weiser, came to America with his father when but an infant, was adopted into a tribe of Pequod Indians and reared by his savage friends from the age of two years to 21. He became a master of the Indian language in all its branches, and accompanied Washington as his interpreter in the French and Indian War. In connection with the genealogy of the Weisers, it should also be stated that the familyis closely connected with the Muhlenbergs, who settled the township by that name and christened it.
Samuel Weiser, the grandfather of our subject, migrated from Pennsylvania to Fairfield County, Ohio, in early manhood and settled on a farm. Later he moved to Greencastle in that county, where he served as postmaster and filled the office of justice of the peace for 40 years.
Samuel Weiser, the father of our subject, was born, reared and educated in Bloom township, Fairfield County, Ohio, and married Eve Ann Carris, daughter of George Carris. His wife was born in France, near the German frontier. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Weiser reside at Greencastle, the former aged 80 years, and the latter, aged 78. Their nine children are as follows : George R., Charles F., Calvin W., Almeda, wife of John Schofner; Mary, unmarried ; John E.; Eveline, married to Henry Brenner; Jesse W. and Thomas H.
John E. Weiser nearly reached his majority as a resident of Fairfield County, coming to Walnut township in 1886 and at once securing a position as a school teacher. He followed this profession with unvarying success for 15 years. In 1899 he founded the general merchandise business which he still conducts, and for three years served as postmaster of Walnut. In politics he is a Democrat, and as representative of that party has served three terms, or a period of seven years, as township clerk. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
On March 3, 1892, Mr. Weiser was married to Lilly B. Noggle, daughter of Isaac Noggle, of Walnut township. They have four children--Rayman, Harold, Frances and Orville.
CHRISTIAN WAIDELICH, a well-known citizen and a representative old settler of Pickaway township, residing on his well-cultivated farm of 88 acres, was born April 13, 1820, in Germany, and is a son of Jacob Waidelich, whose life was passed in his native land. Christian Waidelich, who has been a resi-
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dent of the county for a half century, was educated in the excellent schools for which his native land is celebrated and, as is usual with German youths, he learned a self-supporting trade, that of wagon-making. In the year of his majority he emigrated with his brother John to America, and together they embarked in business at Steinsville, Pennsylvania, where they conducted a wagon-making establishment for some years. After his marriage, Mr. Waidelich came to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he carried on farming operations in Pickaway township during the rest of his active life. His valuable farm is now under the capable management of his son, Charles.
In Berks County, Pennsylvania, Mr. Waidelich was married to Catherine Sittler, born June 8, 1826, and they have had nine children born to them, the survivors of the family being : Jackson, a resident of Champaign County, Illinois; William, of Jackson township; Mary J., who lives at home with her aged parents; Ella, wife of Ferdinand Bowshier, of East Columbus, Ohio; and Charles, who, as stated, manages the home farm.
Mr. Waidelich has always been attached to the Democratic party. Both he and his estimable wife, who is now in her 80th year, belong to the Lutheran Church. Formerly Mr. Waidelich was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Since coming to Pickaway County, Mr. Waidelich has seen remarkable changes. He is an example of a self-made man, having earned all he possesses through his own industry and good management. Scarcely any resident in his locality is better known and both he and his wife are respected and esteemed and are held in much honor at the gatherings of the old settlers.
CHRISTIAN WEFLER, one of the esteemed citizens of Circleville, where he is leading a life of ease and retirement after many years of agricultural endeavor, was born in Switzerland, February 7, 1836.
The parents of Mr. Wefler came to America when he was one year old, locating first at Albany, New York. They resided there for seven years and then moved to Canton, Ohio, and in the fall of 1845 came to Circleville. This place has been Mr. Wefler's home ever since. His business has been that of gardening,
Mr. Wefler has an honorable Civil War record. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, 114th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and went into camp with the regiment at Circleville and then at Marietta. It was soon sent to Memphis and took part in the battle of Chickasaw Bluff, and that of Arkansas Post, going from there to Young's Point and Milligan's Bend and later taking part in the great Vicksburg campaign. Mr. Wefler was a brave soldier and always at his post. He participated in the capture of Vicksburg, and was then sent to New Orleans and the regiment came under the command of General Banks, in the Department of the Gulf. After several months in Louisiana, during which the regiment took part in all the various engagements in that section, it went in December to Texas and retained until April and then took part in the Red River campaign. During the summer of 1864 the regiment served first on detached service, proceeded up the White River and then down again to New Orleans, thence to Pensacola and then on to the capture of Mobile. From there the regiment went to Selma, Alabama, returned then to Mobile and finally was mustered out at Galveston, Texas. Mr. Wefler entered the service as a private and was mustered out as a corporal. He escaped the dangers of a soldier's life and was able to return to his home practically unharmed.
On January 23, 1868, Mr. Wefler was married to Susan Kraft, who is a daughter of Kasper Kraft, one of the old settlers of this section. The sons, William and George F.; are gardeners and carry on the most extensive operations in this line in this locality. The father was associated with them until he 'retired. William married Minnie Helvering and they have two children Frederick and Mary Elizabeth. The daughters are: Katherine; Ida, wife of William F. Heffner; Carrie, wife of D. E. Mason; and Harriette. The family belong to the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Wefler has been one of the city's prom-
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inent public officials, serving on the City Council and for six years was a member of the Board of Equalization. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to Groce Post, No. 156, G. A. R. His residence is located at No. 349 East Watt street, Circleville.
WILLIAM J. M. GRIMES, a substantial citizen and representative farmer of Perry township, whose fine farming lands embrace nearly 400 acres, is a native of this township, where he was born October 11, 1844. He is a son of George and Jane (Bennett) Grimes.
The Grimes family was established in Pickaway County by Benjamin Grimes, the grandfather of our subject. He came from Virginia and located first at Atlanta but subsequently settled in Perry township on the farm now occupied by our subject, on the Circleville road. He married Sarah Anthony and they had two sons--George and William.
George Grimes was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and was reared on the farm mentioned above, where he lived a part of his mature life and then moved to Ross County where he died. He married (first) Jane Bennett, who was a daughter of John Bennett, a prominent early resident of Perry township. Their children were : Elizabeth J., wife of Allan L. Hyde; Sarah A., wife of Joseph Kirkpatrick; and William J. M., of this sketch. The second marriage of George Grimes was to Rachel Bowdle, of Ross County, and there are four surviving children of this marriage, viz.: Francis M., a resident of Perry township; John Wesley, a resident of Delaware, Ohio; Louisa, wife of Judge George B. Bitzer, of Chillicothe; and Maria, wife of Edward . Coover, of Ross County. The third marriage of George Grimes was to Ellen Parker and they had two children, viz.: Althea, who died aged 22 years ; and Joseph B., who lives in Ross County. The father died in 1899.
William J. M. Grimes was educated in the district schools of Perry township and prepared for the life of a farmer. He was 20 years of age when he enlisted, in 1864, for the 100-dayservice in the Civil War, entering Company I, 155th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and accompanied the command to Washington, D. C., where it was sent to prevent General Early's contemplated invasion of the National Capital. After some four months' service, he returned home and his life has since been mainly confined to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture.
In 1866 Mr. Grimes was married to Ellen E. Thomas, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John L. and Susan M. (Buckwith) Thomas. Mr. Thomas moved to Illinois and later to Missouri where Mrs. Thomas died and he then brought his children back to Ohio. Mrs. Grimes was reared by her aunt, Eliza Draper, at New Holland. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes have had five children, namely : Myrta Olive, who married John D. Fidler, of St. Louis, and has one daughter--Eleanor; Charles, a resident of Perry township, who married Ollie Hyer and has one child--Marie; Lydia J., who died at the age of 22 years ; Ethel, who resides with her parents ; and Glenn S., farming an adjacent property, who married Verna Taylor.
. Mr. Grimes is a stanch Republican but has never accepted any office except that of township, trustee, in which he proved a very satisfactory official. He belongs to Ferguson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at New Holland, and he is also affiliated with the New Holland Masonic Lodge. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church at New Holland.
JEREMIAH B. HORNBECK, proprietor of the "Yellow Bud Farm," a large estate situated in Jackson township on the Dawson turnpike, three and a half miles northeast of Williamsport, is one of the leading citizens of this section. He was born in Deer Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, June 17, 1850, and is a son of Cyrus and Jane (Baker) Hornbeck.
The Hornbeck family is a very old one in Pickaway County, the grandfather of our subject, Simon Hornbeck, having been born in Deer Creek township, on his father's farm. The latter was of German descent and spoke
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that language. It is likely he was a Pennsylvanian and one of the earliest settlers along Deer Creek. Simon Hornbeck spent his entire life in Deer Creek township, where he owned 100 acres of land. He is represented as having been a man of great physical development, six feet in height and of athletic build. He was well known as a hunter and often went with the Indians of this locality on hunting trips in the forest. He won the esteem of the savages through fair dealings with them, and no record is found that they proved other than trustworthy. He was a great church man and was one of the founders of the Christian Church in Deer Creek township. He lived to the age of 80 years.
Cyrus Hornbeck, son of Simon and father of our subject, was born in Deer Creek township, where his whole busy, useful life was spent and where he died on Christmas Day, 1886, aged 68 years. He was a man of large means and invested much money in land, at one time being the owner of 800 acres. This was the home farm, a fertile tract all in one body, in Deer Creek and Jackson townships. He was a very successful farmer and devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits. A great part of this immense body of land he cleared himself; some of it was originally covered with heavy timber. Mr. Hornbeck voted, in early life, with the Whig party and later with the Republicans, but he would not, under any consideration, accept office. In him the Christian Church found a liberal supporter--he was one of the local preachers in this religious body. When the proposal came to erect the present church edifice, he made a contribution of $1,000.
Cyrus Hornbeck married Jane Baker, who was born near Clarksburg, Deer Creek township, October 8, 1819, and died February 5, 1891, aged 72 years. She was a daughter of James and Mary Baker, and a niece of Mackey Baker, all natives of New England. Mackey Baker was a wealthy stock-raiser of Deer Creek township. Cyrus Hornbeck and wife had nine children, as follows: Ira, deceased; Marvin, who married Mary Keys and is now deceased ; Sarah ; Mary, who married Jarret Rector, of Chillicothe; Jeremiah B., of this sketch; Oliver B., of Williamsport, who married Mary Yates ; Mrs. Henry Galbreth, a widow, residing at Mount Sterling; Edgar C., of Mount Sterling, who married Ella Hunsicker; and Etta, of Mount Sterling.
Jeremiah B. Hornbeck remained on the home farm until his marriage and then settled on loo acres of his present farm, which his father gave him. He has made all the modern improvements which make it one of the township's fine farms, at various times having also added to its extent. He purchased 8o adjoining acres and in the spring of 1905 he bought 75 more and has 255 acres in one body of land, this comprising his home place. He also owns a farm of 118 acres in Perry township and another, of 114 acres, in Monroe township. He rents two of his farms and operates the rest of his land in general farming and stock-raising. The homestead of Mr. Hornbeck is known as the "Yellow Bud Farm," being named for the stream of that name which flows through his land, draining it and making it well adapted to both farming and stock-raising. It borders one of the leading highways of the county--the Dawson turnpike. This farm is within easy distance of two towns, Williamsport being but three and a half miles to the southwest, and Circleville being within eight miles and a half. This farm is widely known for its fine grade of stock.
On January 17, 1884, Mr. Hornbeck was married to Theresa E. Phillips. She was born in Monroe township,. Pickaway County, Ohio, September 7, 1850, and is a daughter of Daniel Ryan and Nancy (Outen) Phillips. The parents of Mrs. Hornbeck were born and married in Delaware. In 1833 they located in Monroe township, Pickaway County, where they' spent the rest of their lives. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were : Maria Elizabeth, who married A. J. Walston--both recently deceased ; Kendall, David I. and Rev. Charles A., all of whom served in the Civil War; Mary A., who married George Betts, of Deer Creek township; Sarah Jane, deceased, who was the wife of Jacob Terflinger, of Monroe township; Amanda, who died in 1902 at the home of our subject; Alice Bell, deceased in infancy; and Theresa E., who is the wife of our subject. The three soldier brothers of Mrs.
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Hornbeck are dead. Kendall enlisted from Pickaway County, in Company E, under Captain Abraham, in the 114th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., as did his brother David I., and both died at Vicksburg. Rev. Charles A. was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He enlisted in the 43rd Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and died soon after returning from his army service. Many years have passed since these loyal hearts have rested under their coverlet of green, their life-work finished, but they are not forgotten.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hornbeck are: Ella N., a talented young lady who is under instruction at the Capital College of Oratory and Music, at Columbus; and Blanche, who attends school at Williamsport.
Mr. Hornbeck has always been a Republican, imbibing the principles of this party in his youth. He has been a very prominent factor of the party in his locality for many years, and has served on numerous occasions as a delegate to county, district, State and congressional conventions. He possesses every qualification for holding high position, but has worked harder for others than he has for himself. He is at present committeeman for the south precinct, which carries with it a large degree of influence..
Fraternally Mr. Hornbeck is a Mason, one of the leaders in the lodge at Williamsport. He is a member of the Christian Church at that place also and lives up to what have been the convictions of his family for generations, both in political and religious life. In every, way he stands as one of the representative citizens of Jackson township, one who for years has forwarded all laudable public movements and with purse and influence has assisted in the development of this part of the county along agricultural and educational lines.
DANIEL PRUSHING, whose beautiful farm of 500 acres stretches through the most fertile portion of Scioto township, is one of the leading citizens as well as most prosperous agriculturists of this section. Mr. Prushing is a native of Germany, having been born in Hessen-Cassel, on March 18, 1838. His parents were Nicholas and Elizabeth (Roese) Prushing.
The life story of Daniel Prushing is an interesting one and it is also an inspiring one, reaching from the landing of a young man on a foreign shore, dependent entirely upon his own resources, ignorant of the customs and language of a strange country, to a time when, through his own industry, thrift and good management, he has become possessed of ample means, large resources and the universal regard of his fellow-citizens.
In his own country, Mr. Prushing was well schooled. When he came to America in 1856, he decided to seek an old schoolmate, Dill Wiegand, who had already established himself in Pickaway County, Ohio. Landing at Baltimore, Mr. Prushing crossed the country to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and from there made his way to the farm of Mr. Wiegand, in Harrison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, from whom he received a warm German welcome. Mr. Prushing made himself useful to Mr. Wiegand until the following spring, when he went to Columbus and worked for a time at shoemaking, but subsequently accepted Mr . Wiegand's invitation and returned to the latter's farm, where he remained for the following 11 years. At the end of this period Mr. Prushing was married and for the next four years rented farming land in Scioto township and then purchased the farm on which he has lived for the past 36 years. At the date of purchase. it contained 105 acres, to which Mr. Prushing has continued to add, until he now has 50o acres of as good land as may be found in Pickaway County. It is not necessary to say that the acquisition of this large property has not come without strenuous effort, but it has all been honestly earned and can be enjoyed without scruples concerning the methods of its acquisition. Resolution, industry, economy and integrity have been the main factors.
On February 7, 1866, Mr. Prushing was united in marriage with Wilhelmina Spindler, who was born in Germany in 1845, and who accompanied her father and one brother to America, in 1859. Her parents were William and Annie Elizabeth (Schneider) Spindler. Mr.
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Spindler located at Baltimore, Maryland, where he died soon after and his daughter later became a member of the household of Dill Wiegand, in Pickaway County, Ohio, where she was married to Mr. Prushing, as mentioned above. Her one brother is a resident of Cumberland, Maryland.
Mr. and Mrs. Prushing have reared one of the finest families in Scioto township, consisting of seven sons and four daughters, as follows : Susan, John H., William, Valentine H., Harry, Frederick Daniel, David T., Edward L., Elizabeth, Wilamina and Gladys.
The eldest daughter of Mr. Prushing, Susan, married David Kurtzhalz;. they reside at Lockbourne, Franklin County, Ohio, and have these children--Clarence, Gladys, Howard and David Daniel.
John H. Prushing, the eldest son, is prominent in township politics and has served as assessor. He is a member of the Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America at Commercial Point. He married Anna Dechert, a daughter of Peter Dechert and has five children, three sons and two daughters, viz.: Roy, Claude, Rebba, Frederick and Mildred. They reside at Commercial Point.
William Prushing is a farmer in Scioto township. He married Mary Wiegand, a daughter of Henry Wiegand and has one: daughter--Minnie Elizabeth.
Valentine H. Prushing, who is engaged in farming in Scioto township, has served as township assessor. He married Adda Brown, a daughter of Harley Brown.
Dr. Harry Prushing is a successful practitioner of medicine at Columbus and resides on Parsons avenue in that city. He graduated at the Commercial Point High School and later at the Ohio Medical University of Columbus. He married Anna Bauer, a daughter of F. J. Bauer, of Columbus, and has one son--Harry Bauer.
Frederick Daniel and Edward L. Prushing are engaged in farming on the home estate, both being representative young agriculturists of this section.
David T. Prushing is a fine business man. He resides in Cleveland, where he is connected with a mortgage and trust company. He completed his education at Ohio University at Athens. He is a Knight of Pythias, being a member of the lodge at Columbus.
The three young daughters of Mr. Prushing who reside at home are among the most attractive, educated and accomplished young ladies of Scioto township and are leaders in the pleasant social life of the neighborhood. They are high school graduates and the youngest carried off the Boxwell prize at graduation.
Mr. Prushing has afforded his children fine educational advantages and has been rewarded by seeing them develop into representative men and women, capable of filling any position to which the exigencies of life may call them.
Although our subject has never taken a very active part in. politics, he has always been stanch in his support of the Democratic party and several of his sons have been elected to local offices. For a great many years Mr. Prushing has been prominently identified with the Presbyterian Church at Commercial Point, in which he is an elder, and to which he has always given liberal support.
GEORGE C. GERHARDT, one of the substantial and representative men of Jackson township, proprietor of "Pleasant View Farm," which is located four miles from Circleville, on the Florence Chapel turnpike, and consists of 274 acres of well-improved land, was born near Kingston, Ross County, Ohio, July 13, 1862. His parents were George and Caroline (Blum) Gerhardt.
Both parents of Mr. Gerhardt were born in Germany, the father on the banks of the storied Rhine,. on March 28, 1832, and the mother in Hessen-Darmstadt, in December, 1833. The latter, prior to her marriage, came to America alone and made her own living, working in New York and Pennsylvania, where she made friends who continued as such up to the time of her death, which took place in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in May, 1901. The father of our subject came to America when 26 years of age, with no capital but his physical health and strength. For a number:
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by his surviving family, situated in section 11, Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio,
LEWIS MOWERY, deceased, was one of the representative citizens of Salt Creek township, where his long and useful life was spent. Mr. Mowery was born on the farm still occupied of years he worked for farmers in Ross County, Ohio, and in the course of time acquired a farm of his own in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, where he died on December 26, 1890. Politically he was a Democrat. In religious faith he was a Lutheran. In 186o he married Caroline Blum and they had the following children : Charles, who is prosecuting attorney of Pickaway County; Katherine, deceased at 14 years of age; and Caroline, wife of Ludwig Oesterle, residing on the old homestead in Walnut township.
George C. Gerhardt was two years old when his parents located in Pickaway County and he remained at home, assisting on the farm, until he was 25 years of age. Then his parents moved to a place of their own and our subject remained on the former farm of 380 acres, which belonged to the Kellenberger estate, his residence on this farm covering a period of almost 40 years. In 1900 he purchased his present farm, known as "Pleasant View Farm," through which runs Darby Creek. It is a tract finely adapted to grain growing and stock-raising. Mr. Gerhardt makes a specialty of the latter, paying special attention to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and devoting all his time. to the improvement of his property and the development of all its resources. In 1904 he erected the beautiful residence, which in its appearance, appointments and comfort is certainly the finest in the township and probably m the county. It is constructed of brick, has to rooms, is heated with hot air and lighted with gas, has a perfect system of hot and cold water and is situated on an elevation which commands a lovely view down the Scioto River. Mr. Gerhardt has every reason to take pride in this substantially constructed home, which is an ornament to the locality, a credit to the builder and must be a comfort to its owner.
February 13, 1889, Mr. Gerhardt was married to Carrie Kramer, who was born at Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, August 15, 1863, and is a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Smith) Kramer, the former a native of Germany, and the latter, of Ross County, Ohio. The father of Mrs. Gerhardt served in the Civil War and died from its hardships when his daughter was two years old. The mother survives and lives in Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Gerhardt have had three children, viz. : Harry Smith, Hazel Katherine and Margaret Elizabeth. Harry Smith Gerhardt, the only son of our subject, was born February 28, 1890, and died May 12, 1905. He was an unusually bright, promising and handsome lad, just the kind of a son to engage the pride and affection of loving parents and to encourage hopes of great future usefulness. Fond of outdoor life and rural sports, he was accustomed to fishing on Darby Creek, on his father's land, and there it was that the sad accident occurred which caused his death by the capsizing of his boat. This blow to his parents is too recent to have lost any of its bitterness. Great sympathy is felt all through the neighborhood.
Mr. Gerhardt has been a stanch supporter of the Democratic party all his life. For five years he served as, trustee of Walnut township and for a number of years he has been on the School Board. He is one of the leading members of the Lutheran Church at Circleville. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Foresters and also the Grange. He is a self-made man and is justifiably proud of the fact that he has made every dollar he owns, honestly and fairly. A view of his home is shown on a nearby page. July 29, 1847, and died there October 20, 1899. He was a son of Peter and Leah (Dunkle) Mowery.
The Mowery family was founded in Pickaway County by the grandparents of Lewis Mowery, who came at an early day from Pennsylvania. The Mowery family is now one of
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the numerous, prosperous and best known families of Salt Creek township, many of its members having held official position and almost all being large landowners.
Lewis Mowery attended the district schools near his father's farm, on which he grew to manhood. He remained at home engaged in tilling the home farm until he was 16 years of age, when the family was broken up by the death of the mother, the father having died when our subject was 11 years old. Lewis was thus early thrown more or less upon his own resources. Through good management and continued industry he acquired land and at the time of his death left a well-improved farm of 155 acres--the old family homestead --on which he was born, as stated above.
On March 22, 1868, Mr. Mowery was married to Orpha Hedges, who was born in Fair-field County, Ohio, August 30, 1847, and is a daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth (Pickle) Hedges, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Fairfield County, where both died. The children of Hiram Hedges were : Elmira, wife of William E. McClelland, of Fairfield County, Ohio; Warren, deceased; Howard, of Hocking County; Orpha, widow of Lewis Mowery; Missouri, wife of Judson Wise, of Lancaster, Ohio; and Eli, of Tarlton, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Mowery had nine children born to them, namely : William E.; Effie May,. wife of Elias Spangler, of Salt Creek township ; Chester W., of Columbus ; Ollie M., deceased; Josie Irene, wife of Pearl Karshner, of Kansas City, Missouri; Glendora E., wife of Charles Boyer, of Laurelville, Ohio; Edith E., deceased ; and Guy C. and Ottie R., who live at home with their mother. Mrs. Mowery, with the assistance of her sons, continues the operation of the farm.
Lewis Mowery was a member of the Democratic party. He was a good, fair-minded citizen and on all occasions performed his full public duty. He was a kind husband, a careful father and a helpful neighbor. His memory is held in esteem by those who had known him for so- many years. At the time of his death he was a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Union, Ohio.
WILLIAM AND GEORGE WEFLER, who are engaged in the gardening. business in Circleville township where they have a plot of 27 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation except two acres, are the sons of Christian and Susan (Kraft) Wefler, both of whom are still living. Christian Wefler was born in Switzerland. A full sketch of his life will be found elsewhere in this work.
William Wefler was born December 5. 1869, and was reared and educated in Circleville. In 1902 he was married to Minnie Helvering, a daughter of Frank Helvering. They have two children--Frederick, who was born December 8, 1902; and Mary Elizabeth, born May 8, 1906.
George Wefler was born February 28, 1872, and is still single. The Wefler brothers carry on an extensive business, and dispose of their goods both wholesale and retail, shipping to a great many towns outside the county.
ELMER HELWAGEN, one of the very efficient members of the Board of County Commissioners of Pickaway County, was born at Williamsport, in Deer Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, October 11, 1864, and is a son of Bernhart and Sidney (Walston) Helwagen.
The father of Mr. Helwagen was born in Germany and came many years ago to Pickaway County, Ohio. He followed the carpenter's trade for some years and then went into a mercantile business at Williamsport, finally settling on a farm. He married a daughter of James Walston, who was one of the earliest settlers in this county.
Elmer Helwagen has always resided in his native county except during .1888 and 1889, which period he spent in California. He is one of the leading farmers of Deer . Creek township, in which he has served in the office of trustee. In November, 1904, he was elected a member of the Board of County Commissioners, this office bringing with it many duties of the utmost importance to the county, the performance of which are never entrusted to men who do not stand very high in public es-
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teem. The present board is particularly efficient.
In 1887 Mr. Helwagen was married to Marietta Adkins, a daughter of David Adkins, one of the prosperous farmers of Jackson township, who served as county commissioner for six years. Mr. and Mrs. Helwagen have six children : Roy E., Maud M., Henry E., Ruth, Gertrude and Paul. Mr. Helwagen is a member of the German Lutheran Church at Lick Run. He belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men.
SAMUEL RICHARD SMITH, a life-long resident of Pickaway County, owns a beautiful farm of 255 acres which is located partly in Darby and partly in Monroe townships. He was born in Darby township, Pickaway County, Ohio, October 25, 1839, and is a son of Sampson B. and Margaret (Hale) Smith.
The parents of Mr. Smith were born in Maryland but they were married in Pickaway County, Ohio, and reared a family of to children, the names of whom were : Rebecca, Martha, Mary and Edith, all deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Martin Bailey, of Derby; John, Isaac, William and George, deceased; and Samuel Richard, who is the only surviving son.
Mr. Smith was reared to farm pursuits and has given his attention to the same all his life. His valuable farm is situated on the Circleville, Darbyville and London turnpike, some two miles southeast of Derby.
On July 30, 1863, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Martha A. Dick, who was born September 26, 1845, in Darby township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Johnson and Susan (Green) Dick, who reared seven children. These were : Mary and Georgiana, both now deceased; Nicholas W., a practicing attorney at Columbus; Samuel M., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Worcester, Massachusetts ; William L., a practicing physician at Columbus; Jennie, who married Jesse Yoakum ; and Martha A.. (Mrs. Smith).
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children,Charles J. and M. Jennie. The former, after completing the common school course, studied medicine, entered Starling Medical College, at Columbus, where he was subsequently graduated and then entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, at New York and, still later, Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia. Thus thoroughly equipped in his profession, he entered upon its practice at London, Ohio, shortly afterward removing to Derby. One year later he established his home at Walla VValla, Washington, removing later to his present home, at Pendleton, Oregon, where he is in the enjoyment of a good practice. He married Lillian Gulliford, of Pendleton, Oregon, and they have one daughter-Gwendoline. The only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Smith married Albert R. White, of Franklin County, Ohio, and they have two children--Roy S. and Charles E. Mr. and Mrs. White reside in Darby township, Pickaway County.
ROBERT A. VANDERVORT owns and operates a valuable farm of 62 1/2acres which is ,very favorably situated in Pickaway township, and on which he settled in 1881. He was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, July 17, 1851, and is a son of James and Eleanor (Glisten) Vandervort.
The Vandervort family came to America from Holland, and the Glisten family from Ireland. The father of our subject was born in Allegheny County and the mother in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. They died in Liberty township, Jackson County, Ohio, and were both buried in the McCune cemetery in that township..
Robert A. Vandervort was reared to the age of 15 years in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and was educated there in the public schools. He then accompanied his parents to Jackson County, Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits and for some three years was engaged in the lumber industry.
On September 28, 1881, Mr. Vandervort was united in marriage with Rachel L. Peters, who was born. April 9, 1852, in Pickaway County, Ohio. Mrs. Vandervort is a daugh-
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ter of Gershom M. and Ann (Walcutt) Peters, both of whom are natives of Ohio. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Vandervort was Mahlon Peters,. who was born in Virginia, settled early in Ohio and died in Darke County. The Peters family is of German extraction. Gershom M. Peters died some 25 years since, and Mrs. Vandervort lost her mother when she was 17 years old. Both parents of Mrs. Vandervort were buried in Reber Hill Cemetery in Walnut township. The Walcutt family is of English ancestry.
The five children of Gershom M. Peters and wife were all born in Ohio and the three survivors are: Robert W., a well-known farmer and a lay preacher of the Baptist Church, residing in Walnut township; Susanna H., wife of Edwin Newton, a farmer of Walnut township; and Rachel L., wife of our. subject. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Vandervort, but two survive, viz. : Harry A., of Pickaway township, and Ena A., wife of Pearl Allen, also of Pickaway township.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Vandervort settled on their present farm in Pickaway township. Here Mr. Vandervort carries oil mixed farming and raises considerable stock. There are many evidences of thrift and good management in the farm and surroundings and the home is all that could be desired in the way of comfort.
In polities, Mr. Vandervort is a Democrat. He has been elected three years as a member of the township Board of Education and for several years has been one of the careful and conscientious school directors of District No. 1, Pickaway township. Both he and his wife attend the Turkey Run Baptist Church. They are well known all through this neighborhood and have many warm friends.
N. C. BOHNERT, who is serving his second term as auditor of Pickaway County, was born near Commercial Point, Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, March 17, 1869, and is a son of Conrad and Martha (Trimmer) Bohnert. The father of our subject was born in Germany and came to America and settled in Pickaway County in 1856. His whole life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. In Pickaway County he married Martha Trimmer, a daughter of Jonathan E. Trimmer, who was born in New Jersey and settled in Pickaway County in 1840.
N. C. Bohnert was reared on the home farm in Scioto township, where he still owns 190 acres of fine land. He attended school until 1887 in his native township, after which he entered the Columbus Business College, where he was graduated in 1888. Then he returned to the farm until the spring of 1889, when he embarked in a mercantile business at South Bloomfield, where he continued until 1897, when he again returned to the homestead farm. In 1902 he was elected auditor of Pickaway County and in the fall of 1905 he was reelected without opposition, on the Democratic ticket. At this time the Republicans put no opponent in the field, knowing that the personal popularity of Mr. Bohnert would make such a move useless. Formerly he served as assessor of Scioto township.
On March 21, 1889, Mr. Bohnert was married to Maud Thomas, who is a daughter of Edward and Melissa (Walker) Thomas. Mrs. Thomas was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, and is the youngest member of a family of 16 children. Our subject and wife have three children living, viz.: Eldridge, Blandys Christina and Katheryn Ruth. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bohnert are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of South Bloomfield. He belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees.
GEORGE LEONARD KUHLWEIN, one of the most progressive and successful farmers of Harrison township, was born October 27, 1863, in this township on a farm adjoining the one which he now owns. He is a son of George and Mary (Acker) Kuhlwein, who were natives of Germany.
George Kuhlwein and his wife came to America in 1853 and first located in Columbus, Ohio, and later moved to Pickaway Coun-
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ty, where they lived the remainder of their lives, engaged in farming, the former dying at the age of 74 in 1895 and the latter in 1896, aged 69. Mr. Kuhlwein was the father of nine children, namely : Barbara, who married Andrew Barch and resides in Harrison township; Mary, deceased; Frederick, residing on the Ashville turnpike in Harrison township, who is engaged in farming; a son that died in infancy; Matilda, deceased; William, who is engaged in farming the did homestead; George Leonard, subject of this sketch; Katie; and Edward, who also lives on the old homestead, engaged in farming. George Kuhlwein came to this country without any means, but by thrift and industry acquired by the time of his death a valuable farm of 210 acres. He and his family were members of the Lutheran Church.
George Leonard Kuhlwein was educated in the Harrison township schools, after which he engaged in farming. He has resided where he now lives for a period of nearly 18 years, and owns a very valuable farm of 82 1/2 acres, but operates in all about 185 acres. He raises some stock, but is principally interested in raising corn and wheat. He was married to Etta May Muselman, a daughter of Cyrus and Clarissa (Foor) Muselman, and they have four children: Clara, Herman, Paul, and Carl, all living, three of them attending school.
Mr. Kuhlwein has always been a Democrat and takes an active interest in the politics of the county. He has served as township supervisor and has been a delegate to the party conventions at Circleville a number of times. Mr. Kuhlwein has a comfortable home, an interesting family and is numbered among the substantial citizens of the county.
NATHAN COLE GANTZ, a representative citizen and substantial farmer of Darby township, who resides on his well-improved farm of 263 acres located on the Harrisburg and Darbyville. road, also owns an adjoining farm of127 3/4 acres. Mr. Gantz was born October 25, 1843, and is a son of Adam and Catherine (Penick) Gantz.
The parents of Mr. Gantz were born in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Two years after marriage they came to Ohio and settled in Franklin County, where all their family of 14 children were born, with the exception of the eldest, Elizabeth, who married William White. The other members of the family were : Jeremiah, who married Maria Beale and is deceased; Mary, who married William Innis--both now deceased; Andrew J., who married Sarah Olney and is now deceased : John and William Milton, both of whom died young; Catherine, who married Daywalt Machlin; Theodore G., who married (first) Elizabeth Dalby, (second) Hannah, widow of Asbury Pritchard, and later contracted a third marriage; Lydia married (first) Benton White and (second) James Welsh; Nancy, who married William Watts; Adeline, who married Thomas Barbee ; Albert L., who married Hannah Brown; George H., who married Mary Chambers; and Nathan C., of this sketch.
Nathan Cole Gantz was reared on the home farm and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. He is considered one of the representative farmers of Darby township, and is esteemed as a good manager, always having his various lines of farmwork up to the season and prosperous accordingly. Mr. Gantz and family live in great comfort.
On October 25, 1866, Mr. Gantz was married to Sarah Jane Chenoweth, who was born January 7, 1843, and is a daughter of Elijah and Nancy Chenoweth. The parents of Elijah Chenoweth were Elijah and Rachel (Foster) Chenoweth. The former moved to Franklin County, Ohio, prior to the birth of his son Elijah and settled right among the Indians. For years thereafter little settlement was made in that region and little Elijah grew to boyhood before he had ever seen a white man other than his father, and, with his Indian playmates, was afraid when they began to come into the neighborhood. The children of Elijah and .Rachel (Foster) Chenoweth were: Joseph, Elizabeth, Lewis, John F., Sarah, Cas-
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sandra, Rachel and Elijah. Elijah Chenoweth married Nancy Chenoweth, on March 26, 1827. They had these children : Elijah, Rachel, Cassandra, John Graham, Thomas, Joseph H., Elizabeth, Sarah Jane, and Rebecca. The father of this family lived to the age of 91 years. The mother died aged 66 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Gantz have had eight children, namely : Albert and Robert, who died young; Erwin, who married (first) Rena Leiter and (second) Anna Sidener--they have three children, Neil, Elmer and a babe unnamed; Ella, who married Arthur Miller and has one child--Robert; and Ira, Lewis, Russell and Merick, all of whom are at home. Daniel N. Gantz, a son of Erwin Gantz first marriage, has always made his home with his grandparents.
Mr. and Mrs. Gantz are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gantz has served as a member of the School Board and has always taken a good citizen's interest in local affairs.
WILLIAM F. ANDERSON, a representative farmer and reliable, well-informed citizen of Pickaway township, owns an excellent farm of 143 acres here, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Anderson was born in Wayne township, Pickaway County, Ohio, April 22, 1866, and is a son of James H. and Sarah (Fleming) Anderson.
The Anderson family lived in Maryland prior to coming to Ohio at an early day. The grandfather, Thomas Anderson, was one of the pioneers of Wayne township, Pickaway County. James H. Anderson, his son, was reared in Wayne township, followed farming . as his chief, occupation through life, and died . there in 1897. His widow still survives, residing in a pleasant home on Fourth avenue, Columbus, Ohio.
William F. Anderson was reared in Wayne township and was educated in the public schools of that township and Circleville, completing his education in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio. His life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he has taken great interest in the development of the resources and the improvement of his land.
On February 24, 1891, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage with Mary Holderman, who was born in Pickaway township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Lewis and Mary Holderman, the former of whom is deceased. The latter resides with her daughter, Mrs. Anderson. The Holderman family settled at a very early day in Pickaway County and has always been held in high regard. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have one son, Bernard.
For a time following his marriage, Mr. Anderson and wife resided in Jackson township, but later removed to Pickaway township, where they have lived ever since. Politically Mr. Anderson is a Republican. He has served four years or two terms as treasurer of Pickaway township and has performed the dirties of this responsible office to the full satisfaction of all concerned. He is a supporter of the Presbyterian Church at Kingston, of which his wife is a member.
GEORGE CLINTON EVERSOLE, who for more than 30 years has resided on his beautiful homestead known as the "Bloomfield Lake Park Farm," near South Bloomfield in Harrison township, was for 21 years one of the most successful educators in this section of the State. He is a son of Henry and Sophronia (Heise) Eversole, and was born in Walnut township, Fairfield County, Ohio, on the 5th of November, 1843. After mastering the elementary branches in the district school's of that county, he took a course at the Fairfield Union Academy, Pleasantville, and completed his education at Denison University, Granville, Ohio, in 1870.
The succeeding 21 years were faithfully devoted by Mr. Eversole to teaching in Fairfield and Pickaway counties, and during nine years of this period he was a superintendent of
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schools. He ably served in that capacity at Millersport, Ashville (two years), Commercial Point (three years) and South Bloomfield (three years).
In 1874 Mr. Eversole moved from Fairfield to Pickaway County, purchasing at that time his present residence property, which derives its name from the fact that it embraces a beautiful park, which is a favorite resort of picnicker's, and much used for general assemblies. The farm itself is an 84-acre tract, devoted to cattle raising, grain growing and the cultivation of melons. Mr. Eversole has been engaged in the specialty last named for 15 years and has earned in it more than a local reputation. The 20 acres devoted to the cultivation of melons yields a product valued at about $3,000, and his "Tip Top" variety is widely known in the markets of Columbus, much of the crop being now sold before grown. In the fall and winter, when the care of the farm is light, Mr. Eversole conducts a commission business in that city. At the expiration of his present term he will have completed a service of 24 years as justice of the peace. As a life-long Democrat he has also served as delegate to various judicial and senatorial conventions of his county. Combining the above facts it must be evident that Mr. Eversole has led, and is still leading, a remarkably broad and active life of great practical value to all the communities of his residence. It may also be added that he is a member of Lodge No. 487, F. & A. M., at Commercial Point, and is identified with the best work of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Neither of Mr. Eversole's parents are now living; his father died in 1851, at the age of 40 years, and his mother in 1873; aged 69. The marriage of our subject to Doris Mithoff, daughter of Frederick E. and Wilhelmina (Hose) Mithoff, occurred October 1, 1872. Both of his wife's parents were natives of Germany, and her father's four brothers were all prominent in the business world, as will be seen from the following brief facts regarding them : William was an extensive cotton planter of New Orleans; Augustus and Theodore were presidents of banks in Lancaster, Ohio, and Henry was president of the South End Bank of Columbus. Edward T., who recently died, was a large real estate owner in Columbus and left property valued at $2,000,000. William, the oldest, was at one time prominent in the building of the Mississippi River levees. Frederick E. Mithoff, the father of Mrs. Eversole, is dead, as is her mother; their home farm was a fine tract of land near South Bloomfield.
Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. George C. Eversole, as follows : Lillian, Edna and Flora--all teachers, who were educated at the Ohio Normal University at Ada--the last named being now married to Ollie McKinley, a farmer living near Harrisburg; and Henry G. and Mithoff, who are attending school.
FREDERICK SCHLEYER, the junior member of the large dry goods and carpet house of Moeller & Schleyer, at Circleville, was born at Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1855, and he has been identified with the dry goods business for 36 years. He is a son of the late John F. Schleyer.
In February, 1863, Mr. Schleyer accompanied his parents to Circleville, where he attended school until 1870, and then became an employe of Adam McCrea, in the mercantile business. He remained with this employer for 17 months and in the same room with the latter's successor for about a year and then became a clerk for Wallace Brothers, who conducted a large dry goods business here. From 1872 until 1875 he remained with this firm and then, with his brother, William Schleyer, he embarked in a shoe business in Illinois, which was conducted for two years. Later he accepted a clerical position in a Columbus dry goods house, and in 1879, with William Wallace, he established the dry goods house of Wallace & Schleyer. In 1885 he went to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he engaged in a shoe business for two and a half years, and then returned to Circleville and became again connected with a dry goods firm. In 1894 the
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PAGE 588 - PICTURE OF CHESTER R. ASHBROOK, GEORGE W. ASHBROOK AND RAY W. ASHBROOK.
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 589
dry goods firm of Schleyer & Henderson was established and continued until 1900, when the firm style became Finkel, Schleyer & Henderson. In 1903 Mr. Schleyer entered into partnership with C. Edmund Moeller, under the firm style of Moeller & Schleyer. On account of his long experience in the trade, Mr. Schleyer is particularly well equipped for the management of so large an enterprise as is the present firm's business. The house has a wide popularity and both members of the firm are recognized men of ability and integrity.
Mr. Schleyer was married to Kate Hutchinson, of Hannibal, Missouri, who was a niece of Mrs. T. C. Wallace, of Circleville. Mrs. Schleyer died in September, 1904, leaving one daughter, Mary, a very talented young lady who is now abroad, completing her musical education. She is under the best instructors at Berlin and Prague.
Mr. Schleyer is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the National Union.
GEORGE W. ASHBROOK, a prominent farmer and valued citizen of Walnut township, who owns a fine farm of 200 acres, situated in section 20, was born in this township, May 29, 1841, and is a son of Absalom M. and Phebe (Dunnick) Ashbrook.
Absalom Ashbrook was born in Virginia and made his entrance into Ohio as a babe in his mother's arms. His parents made the journey from Virginia on horseback and settled in Amanda township, Fairfield County. There the father of our subject was reared, there obtained his district school education and there was subsequently married to Phebe Dunnick. To this marriage eight children were born. After his marriage, Absalom Ashbrook moved to Walnut township, Pickaway County, and in 1847 bought of William Stage the latter's distillery, with several hundred acres of land. Later he moved back to Amanda township, Fairfield County, where he died.
George W. Ashbrook lost his mother when he was seven years of age, but his father married again and the family was kept together. He. was reared in Walnut township, which has always been his home, with the exception of six years--from March 22, 1860, to March 22, 1866--which he spent in Amanda township, Fairfield County. His education was obtained in the district schools and in the National Normal College at Lebanon, Ohio. His business through life has been continuously of an agricultural nature, except two terms when he was engaged in teaching. His fine farm is a very valuable property both as to location and cultivation. In 1883 he built the present substantial and commodious family home.
In 1864 Mr. Ashbrook enlisted for the 100-day service in the Civil War, joining Company I, 159th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and serving as orderly sergeant. He received his discharge on August 27, 1864.
On December 29, 1865, Mr. Ashbrook was married to Jane Reber, a daughter of Charles and Belinda Reber, of Amanda township, Fairfield County. They have one son, Chester R., who is a well-known, enterprising farmer of Walnut township. The latter married Mattie Weaver, a daughter of Philip Weaver, and they have one son--Ray Weaver Ashbrook.
George W. Ashbrook is one of the leading Republicans of his section of the county and has frequently served in official life in the township, having been both trustee and treasurer. He is one of the directors of the Reber Hill Cemetery. Mr. Ashbrook does not seek political office and when elected a justice of the peace declined the honor. Both he and his son, Chester R. Ashbrook, belong to the Masonic fraternity, both being Knights Templar. Portraits of Gorge W. Ashbrook, his son, Chester R. Ashbrook, and his grandson, Ray W. Ashbrook--three generations--accompany this sketch.
GEORGE BETTS, who resides on the old Betts homestead hi Deer Creek township, was born on this place March 16, 1875, and is a son of George and Mary (Phillips) Betts, George Betts, the father, was a very prominent business men of Pickaway County for
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many years and left an impress on his immediate community which time cannot efface. He was born near Clarksburg, Ross County, Ohio, and was a son of John W. and Harriet (Gordy) Betts. He was the only one of his family to come to Pickaway County except one sister, who, after a short residence at Dublin Hill, was married and moved West. George came just after his marriage in 1863, his worldly wealth at that time being one horse and a mule. He engaged in farming and stock-raising, and subsequently, for a period of 35 years, was acknowledged to be the most extensive stock dealer on the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad. He had a number of men out buying stock for him all the time, and shipped extensively to distant points. He purchased an elevator at Woodlyn and became senior partner of the firm of Betts & Hunsicker, doing a general grain, coal and implement business. He became a man of affluence, owning about 1,800 acres of land in addition to his other interests. He was ever the friend of the needy, and gave many a deserving man his start, but his generosity came near being his undoing. He was, the victim of many of his friends, for whom he went security, and upon his death a large part of his estate went toward the payment of the obligations of others. He was a man of great popularity, having hundreds of acquaintances throughout the county. He died December 2, 1895, of pneumonia, and was buried at Spring Lawn Cemetery.
In 1863 George Betts, Sr., was married to Mary Phillips, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of John Phillips, who came to Pickaway County from the Old Dominion. Mr. and Mrs. Betts had 11 children, namely : John W., who is engaged in farming in Deer Creek township; Charles A., who lives near Clarksburg in Pickaway County; Hattie, deceased at the age of 25 years, who was the wife of Clarence Coon ; Thomas B., who is farming in Deer Creek township; Carrie, who lives at home; George; Fred C., who lives on a part of the home place in Deer Creek township, en-gaged in farming; William Pearl, who lives on the home place; Roy, living at home, who is in the insurance business; and Corrilla Belle and Meeker, who live on the home place. Mrs. Betts died in 1902. Mr. Betts was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he joined in 1869, thereafter being an enthusiastic church supporter and contributing liberally of his means. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and was frequently called upon to serve in offices of public trust. He was a member of the Board of County Commissioners two terms, was president of the Deer Creek township Board of Education, was township trustee and filled numerous other township offices. He was also one of the organizers of the Farmers' Bank of Williamsport, and served as its first president. In his death the poor lost a friend, the community a prominent and worthy citizen and the church a liberal supporter.
George Betts, the subject of this sketch, attended the schools of his home district, and the Williamsport High School. He has followed farming successfully and has had the management of the home place since his father's demise. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a Democrat.