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BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX >
ISAAC J. BABER,
farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in German Township, Allen Co.,
Ohio, Oct. 6, 1842; son of James and Susan (McMullen) Baber,
natives of Virginia and early settlers of this county. Our
subject received a limited common school education, and having
been raised on a farm has naturally made farming the principal,
occupation of his life. He was united in marriage, Oct.
27, 1867, with Mary M. Thomas, of German Township, this
county, and by her has eight children: William Brinton, James
W., Franklin Orwood, Albert, Naoma, Margaret, Walter, and
Isaac Jr. Mr. Baber's sole possession when he started
out for himself, at the age of twenty-one years, was a colt
valued at $25. He was fully determined to make the most of
his opportunities, however, and now owns 121 acres of land,
eight-five of which are under cultivation, proving him to have
been an active man. Mr. Baber was formerly a
granger. In his political views he is Democratic. He
is a consistent member of the Christian Union Church.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 561 |
G.
W. BAILEY, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was born in
Rocking-ham County, Va., June 15, 1S84, son of William and
Lydia (Neuschwander) Bailey, also natives of Virginia, of
English and Irish descent, former a farmer. Our subject was reared
on a farm, receiving a common school education. He settled in
Richland Township, this county, and engaged successfully in
farming. He was married, in 1852, to Malinda, daughter of
Dr. Jacob Driver, and to this union were born
twelve children. all of whom are now living: John P.,
an attorney at law in Ottawa, Ohio: P. R., a law student,
now engaged in the insurance and loan business at Lima, Ohio;
Mary, a teacher, wife of John Luke; Jacob W., a
telegraph operator; Daniel M., a school teacher and general
agent; Jennie, wife of A. G. Kenney; and Nancy
E., Alice, Charles, Sadie, Melvin and
Edward at home. Mr. and Mrs.
Bailey take much interest in their children, four of whom
received collegiate education, five teaching school. Mrs.
Bailey is a member of the German Baptist Church. Our
subject is an industrious man and now owns a well-improved farm in
Richland Township, this county.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
JOHN N.
BAILEY, lawyer, Spencerville, was born in Auglaize County,
Ohio, September 3, 1839 ; eldest son of Christopher and Nancy
(Noble) Bailey, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively,
early settlers of Auglaize County, and who are still living on the
old homestead. Our subject was raised on a farm and received a
common school education. He was married, February 11, 1861, to
Minerva Baber, who died in 1876, leaving to his care seven
children: Mary A., Minnie M., Alice M., Emma J., Charles F.,
Lillian and Arthur N. His second marriage, which
occurred November 20, 1879, was with Hannah Caldwell,
of Darke County, Ohio. Early in life Mr. Bailey learned the
carpenter's trade, at which he worked as contractor, building
railroad bridges, etc., till 1880. He read law more or less till
that year, and then entered the law school at Cincinnati, Ohio,
graduating in June, 1882. and immediately commenced practice at
Spencerville. Although young in the profession, his success is
such as usually attends years of hard labor. In addition to his
practice Mr. Bailey owns a farm in Amanda Township, this
county, consisting of 216 acres of land, and also other property
in Spencer Township. His property is the result of his own
efforts, and he is virtually a self-made man. He is master of
Arcadia Lodge, No. 306, F. & A. M. He has been a consistent member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly twenty-three years.
Our subject is a stanch Republican, although not an office seeker.
In the performance of his professional and business transactions
he bears the reputation of being an honorable and upright man.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
JOHN N. BAILEY, one of the
leading representative men of Ohio, is by profession a banker
and an attorney at law. He was born in Maulton township,
Allen county, Ohio, though now a part of Auglaize county,
Sept. 3, 1839, and was the eldest of five sons born to
Christopher and Nancy (Noble) Bailey. His grandparents
were natives of Virginia and of good old Quaker stock, their
family dating back in church relations to the reign of King
Charles II. The father, Christopher Bailey, was
born in Virginia in September, 1807, being the son of Thomas
and Mary (Timberlake) Bailey, who were also natives of
Virginia and of good old English stock. The grandfather,
Thomas Bailey, removed with the small family to Highland
county, Ohio, in 1808,in which county they became pioneers and
were interested in agricultural pursuits during the remainder of
their days. They experienced all the privations of pioneer
life, and here, in the woods, reared their family and became
first among the well-known and highly popular citizens of
the neighborhood.
Christopher Bailey was scarcely a year old when
his parents immigrated to Highland county, Ohio, where he was
reared to manhood upon a farm, and received his education mainly
in the subscription school of that day. He early in life
studied civil engineering, which profession he followed
occasionally at local work, and also taught school during the
winter seasons for several years. He remained in Highland
county, Ohio, until twenty-eight years of age (18350, when he
migrated to Allen county, Ohio, and entered 160 acres of land in
what was then Maulton township, but now belongs to Auglaize
county. Here he forged from the forest a good farm, upon
which he lived and enjoyed many of the comforts and pleasures of
this life, rearing his family to man and womanhood, and upon
which he died. He was one of the prominent men of his
township and served in some of the minor offices, such as
justice of the peace and town treasurer; politically he
affiliated with the whig party. He was reared by Quaker
parents and adhered to their faith until middle age, when he
joined the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was a
prominent worker until his death. He was twice married,
the first time choosing Miss Phebe Baker for his
companion; she died a few years later, leaving two sons, viz.:
Jacob, now a resident of the state of Iowa, and Walter,
deceased. For his second companion he chose Miss Nancy
Noble, who at that time was a resident of Mercer county,
Ohio, having been born in Clinton county in Sept., 1815; by this
marriage they became the parents of five sons, namely:
John N., the immediate subject of this sketch; Girard,
a physician and farmer of Mercer County, and an ex-soldier of
the Civil war, from which he was mustered out as captain;
Joshua, also a soldier in the late year, a member of Company
B, Ninety-ninth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, and was
killed in battle in Saint Paris, Ky.; Greene, a farmer of
Auglaize county, and Elisha, deceased in early manhood.
This old couple went hand in hand down life's journey, living to
see their family all grown to manhood and established in life,
the mother dying in 1888, and the father in the spring of 1891,
having both been highly esteemed citizens wherever known.
John N. Bailey, the subject of this sketch,
remained at home on the farm until seventeen years of age, when
he began working at the carpenter trade, and continued in this
until twenty-four years of age - teaching meanwhile three
winters - and in all doing a large amount of public work as
bridge builder for railroad, etc. About this time he began
reading law, and in the winters of 1880-81-1-82, attended the
Cincinnati School of law, graduating in 1882, in which year he
began the practice of his profession in Spencerville, to which
he has since given his entire attention. He enjoys a large
and lucrative practice - the largest, without doubt, in Allen
county, outside of the city of Lima. In 1891, in company
with his son-in-law, Austin Britton, established the
Farmers' Bank of Spencerville, which is now doing a large
business, with Mr. Bailey as president and Mr. Britton
as cashier.
Mr. Bailey is also an extensive farmer, being
the owner of 440 acres of good farmland in Spencer and Amanda
townships, operated as stock farms. Mr. Bailey, in
1889, made a trip to Europe, and he has otherwise traveled
extensively and is an intelligent and trustworthy observer.
It has been his aim to keep himself in touch with the times and
fully abreast with current events. Politically he is a
republican to the core, and desires nothing better than the
republican party to interpret his political views. He is a
Mason, a member of Acadia lodge, No. 306, and a Knight of
Pythias of Spencerville lodge, No. 251. Mr. Bailey
has been twice married, his first wife having been Miss
Minerva Babber, who died at the age of thirty-six years,
leaving seven children: Mary A., Minnie, Alice (deceased),
Emma, Charles F., Lillian and Arthur H. Mr. Bailey
was married the second time, in 1879, to Mrs. Hannah Caldwell
of Darke county. The family are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church and Mrs. Bailey is
superintendent of a Sunday-school. It would be fulsome to
add more to this sketch. A good wine needs no bush, so
does a good man need no spoken praise. His deeds are his
best friends; his actions his stanchest champions.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen
& Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 ) |
Ottawa Twp. -
OLIVER BAKER, dealer in carpets, etc.,
Lima, was born Apr. 29, 1842, in Massachusetts, of which State
his parents, Sylvester and Sabra (Matthews) Baker, were
also natives, the latter of whom is now a resident of Baltimore,
Md. Of their family only three members are now living:
Martha R., now Mrs. C. Sears, in Baltimore, Md.;
Edwin, in Tiffin, Ohio, and Oliver. Our subject
received his primary education in Massachusetts, and completed
same in Providence, R. I. He came to Ohio in 1864,
settling in Cleveland, where he remained until 1870, when he
went to Akron, Ohio, and there engaged in the carpet trade.
He subsequently returned to Cleveland; in 1874 went to
Cincinnati, where he resided for about one year. In 1879
Mr. Baker moved to Toledo, entering the firm of Baker,
Sterling & Co., in the carpet business. In 1882, he
took charge of one of hte largest carpet departments in
Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1884 came to Lima, where he keeps a
large assortment of carpets, curtains, draperies and paper
hangings. Mr. Baker was married in 1864, to Mary
E. Rice, of Ashby, Mass., and to this union have been born
four children: Edwin R., Alice M., Sarah M. and Edith
H. Mr. BAker is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of
the Legion of Honor.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago:
Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page |
A.
BALMER, farmer and stock-raiser. P. O. Bluffton, is a
native of Richland Township, this county, and was born March 9,
1S43. His parents, Peter and Mary (Stauffer) Balmer,
natives of Switzerland, came to Wayne County, Ohio, and were there
married. In 1849 they came to this county and settled on a farm
here. They were parents of thirteen children, twelve of whom grew
to manhood and womanhood, nine of whom are now living. Our
subject, the fifth born, was reared on the farm, attended the
school in Richland Township, and worked at the carpenter's trade.
He was married, in 1870, to Miss Anna, daughter of David
Beeler, by whom he had three children: Calvin, Amanda and
Andrew. Mrs. Balmer died in 1875, and two years later
our subject married Jennie Beeler. a cousin of his first
wife and a daughter of John Beeler. To this union were born
three children, two now living: Sarah and Ella. Both
wives were of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Balmer are
members of the German Reformed Church, in which he has served as
deacon. Mr. Balmer is one of the trustees of Richland
Township. In politics he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
B.
BALMER, farmer and stock-raiser, Bluffton, was born in
Richland Township, this county, February 15, 1847; son of Peter
and Mary Ann (Stauffer) Balmer, natives of Switzerland, and
who were parents of thirteen children, twelve growing up, nine of
whom are now living. Our subject, the seventh child, was reared on
the farm, acquired a common school education, and learned the
carpenter's trade, at which he worked four years, farming,
however, being the principal business of his life. He is the owner
of eighty acres of land, on which he now resides. He was married
in 1871 to Elizabeth Lugibihl, the fourth born in the
family of nine children of John W. Lugibihl, a farmer, and
an early settler of Allen County. Her parents were
German, and most of their family now reside in this county. To our
subject and wife were born the following children: Emma,
William, Peter and John. Mr. Balmer
is a member of the German Reformed Church, his wife of the
Mennonite Society. He has served as a school director. In politics
he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
REV.
JOHN BARNHARD, retired minister and farmer, P. O. Richland,
was born in Maryland, February 20, 1821, eldest son and second in
the family of David (a farmer) and Margaret (Walker)
Barnhard, who were of English and German descent. They raised
two daughters and two sons. Our subject was reared on the farm,
and, not having ever had the privilege of attending school,
educated himself. He was married when twenty years old to Nancy
Lambert, a native of Germany, where her parents were also born,
and the children by this union were as follows : Melvin Z.,
Virgil F., Leonadas Q., Philena M., Sylvester W. (The
first three named served in the Union Army during the war of the
Rebellion.) They also raised and adopted John T. Huber, who
is now a telegraph operator at Beaver Dam. Mrs. Barnhard
died in i860, and in 1861 our subject married Amanda C.
Jennings, by whom he has one child, John Williams Wesley.
Mr. and Mrs. Barnhard are members of the Methodist Church. He
has been a local preacher, and was engaged in farming for a number
of years. He lived in Knox County, Ohio, from 1829 till he came to
Allen County, in 1856, and has since resided here. He owns a
well-improved farm in Richland Township, which he rents, however,
and is now living a retired life on his property in Beaver Dam. In
politics Mr. Barnhard is a Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
JOHN
A. BARR, a highly respected citizen of Beaver Dam, Allen
county, and one of the veterans of the war of the Rebellion, was
born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, August 14, 1837. He is
descended from Irish ancestry, his grandfather having emigrated
from Ireland, and settled in Tuscarawas county. It is
believed that his father, John Barr, was born in
Tuscarawas county, and served as a soldier of the war of
1812-15, or, as it is sometimes called, the second war for
independence. He was married twice; first, to a Miss
Baker, by whom he had three children: Thomas,
Hughes and Margaret. After the death of his
first wife he was married to a Miss Boone, who was born
in Maryland, of German ancestry, Aug. 17, 1814, and died in
Tuscarawas county, Jan. 9, 1859. After this marriage he
settled down in Tuscarawas county on 100 acres of land, and
cleared it up from the woods, making of it a good farm. To
this second marriage there were born three children, one that
died in infancy, and (Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen
& Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen &
Co., 1896 James and John A., the latter being the
subject of this sketch. Thomas, a son by his first
wife, was in the Nineteenth regiment Michigan volunteer
infantry, and served three years, being in the Atlanta campaign
and being wounded near Marietta, Ga.
John A. Barr, received in his youth the
education common to boys of that day and age of the world.
When he was but two years of age his father died and he was
reared among strangers. He was living in Tuscarawas
county, Ohio, when the war broke out, and was the first man in
his company to enlist in the service of his country, becoming in
private soldier in company B, Fifty-first regiment Ohio
volunteer infantry, under Captain Woods, his term
of enlistment being for three years or during the war. He
served in this company until he veteranized at Shell Mound,
Tenn., Jan. 1, 1864, and continued in the service until
honorably discharged as a corporal, Oct. 3, 1865, at Victoria,
Tex. During his period of service he participated in the
following battles: Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain,
Missionary Ridge, and in most if not all of those of the Atlanta
campaign, including Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Kenesaw Mountain,
Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro and Lovejoy Station, and many
smaller battles and skirmishes too numerous to mention.
Afterward he was in the Fourth corps under Gen. Thomas,
and fought at the battle of Franklin and that of Nashville, and
then went to Texas, where he remained until honorably
discharged. He was always an active soldier, ready to
perform any duty assigned him, was never captured by the enemy,
and was never in the hospital.. He was in all the battles,
skirmishes, marches, and campaigns in which his regiment was
engaged, except the battle of Murfreesboro, when he was sick in
his tent. Always a faithful soldier, his duty was promptly
and cheerfully performed. His left eye was blinded early
in the war, and the sight of this eye was later entirely
destroyed. He was promoted corporal for meritorious
conduct near the close of his term of service. After the
war was over Mr. Barr returned to Tuscarawas county,
Ohio, and not long afterward removed to Williams county, still
later removing to Allen county, and was married at Beaver Dam,
Aprl 26, 1883, to Mrs. Levina (Dilly) Murray, who was
born August 14, 1855, and is a daughter of Jacob and Anna
(Johnson) Dilly.
Jacob Dilly was born in New Jersey July 15, 1809,
of an old American family. On Feb. 13, 1834, he was
married in his native state, and moved to Ohio, settling in
Tuscarawas county in 1837, and in the spring of 1855 he moved to
Allen county. The farm he purchased and cleared lies on
the line of Monroe and Richland townships, and here he labored
for years, making a good and comfortable home for himself and
family. In 1865 he removed to Beaver Dam and died when
eighty-three years of age. He and his wife were the
parents of nine children, beside Mrs. Barr, as follows:
Margaret, Catherine, James, John, Leona A., and
Aaron, and three that died in youth. John and
Aaron were soldiers in the Civil war, serving in an infantry
regiment. Mr. Dilly was a member of the Disciples'
church at Beaver Dam, was a republican in politics, and a highly
honored citizen.
Mr. and Mrs. Barr, soon after their marriage,
settled at Beaver Dam and there he engaged in various kinds of
employment for some years, such as farming, running a stationary
engine, etc. In politics he is a prohibitionist, and both
are members of the Disciples' church. They are the parents
of two children, Sadie and Mary. Mr. Barr
had been married, previous to her marriage with Mr. Barr,
to George Murray, by who she had one child, Wilda.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen
& Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 ) |
Ottawa Twp. -
GEORGE W. BASFORD, baker, Lima, was born
Oct. 29, 1856, in the village of Jeromesville, Ashland Co.,
Ohio; son of George W. Basford and a grandson of
George W. Basford, Sr., a native of Ireland, and who came to
Ohio in a very early day, becoming one of the largest
landholders of the State, and who at hsi death left his children
and grandchildren well provided for. The father of our
subject has a family of five children: Napoleon O., Mary E.,
George W., John F. and Harry E. Our subject was
educated in Ashland County, Ohio. He was united in
marriage, Dec. 25, 1879, with Philira, daughter of
James Leoffer, of that county. To this union were born
two children: Ethel and James Carlos. Mr.
Basford came to Lima in October, 1884, and opened out in the
bakery business.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago:
Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 680 |
REV. DAVID P. BASINGER, minister and farmer, P. O.
Bluffton, was born in Richland Township, this county, August 14,
1841. His parents, Christian, Jr., and Catherine (Lugibihl)
Basinger, were natives of Germany, the father, a farmer by
occupation, being a son of Christian Basinger, Sr., who
came to America in 1824, settling in Virginia, where he lived for
ten years, and then moved to this county, in 1836. Here the father
of our subject lived, from the time he was nineteen years of age
until his death, which occurred April 21, 1876. David P.
was the eldest of twelve children, nine of whom attained maturity.
He was reared on the farm, early attending the common schools but,
later, academies in Findlay and Lima, and then taught school for
six years in Allen and Putman Counties. He also worked at
carpentering for a time. He was married in 1867, to Mrs.
Barbara Amstutz, daughter of Peter Schumaker,
an early settler and prominent farmer of this county (by her first
marriage she had two children: Peter D., a school teacher,
teaching German and English, and Abraham C., a farmer). To
Mr. and Mrs. Basinger were born the following children:
Nahum, Joel, Noah, Lydia, Julia, David and Reuben. Mr.
Basinger was ordained a minister of the Reformed Mennonite
Church, in 1882. He is an earnest and devoted follower of the
Great Master, and allows no personal concern to stand between him
and his duty to God. He has been also engaged in farming, during
his life, and is owner of a well improved farm in Richland
Township.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
JOHN
C. BASINGER, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O Columbus Grove,
Putman County, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, October 5. 1834;
son of Christian and Catherine (Lugibihl)
Basinger, natives of Germany, who came to America when young.
His father, a farmer, who lived to the advanced age of
eighty-five, died in 1882. They raised a family of fifteen
children, of whom John C., the third, was reared on the
farm, receiving his education in the schools of Richland Township,
this county. Our subject has been a farmer all his life, and now
owns a first-class farm in Rich-land Township, consisting of 160
acres, whereon he resides. He was married, in 1859, to
Elizabeth Wixel, a native of Germany. Their children
are Theophilus, Christian, Noah, Leah
(deceased), and Caroline. They have an adopted daughter—Maggie
Flatt. Mr. and Mrs. Basinger
are members of the Mennonite Church.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
NOAH C. BASINGER, farmer and school teacher. P. O.
Bluffton, of German descent, was born in Richland Township, this
county, June 15, 1860, youngest son and twelfth in the family of
Christian and Catherine (Lugibihl) Basinger. Our subject was
reared on a farm in his native township and here obtained the
rudiments of his education, subsequently attending the high
schools at Bluffton and Ada, and Hayesville College. He then
taught for several terms, but subsequently engaged in farming,
which has been his principal occupation. Mr. Basinger owns a half
interest in the farm, comprising 140 acres, where he and his
brother Peter P. now reside. He is not a church member. In
politics he usually votes the Democratic ticket.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
PETER P. BASINGER, farmer, P. O. Bluffton, was born on
the farm where he now resides in Richland Township, this county,
June 3, 1857; son of Christian, Jr., and Catherine (Lugibihl)
Basinger, natives of Alsace, Germany (then belonging to
France). Christian Basinger, Jr., a farmer by occupation,
was born in 1817, and when seven years old, his parents came to
America and settled on a farm in Virginia, where they remained for
ten years, thence moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, and after a
few years to this county. The family consisted of twelve children,
nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Our subject, the
eleventh in the family, grew to maturity on the farm where he now
resides, receiving his education in the township schools. He was
married, in 1880. to Miss Mary Alice Lower, a
daughter of Samuel Lower, a farmer, and Catherine
(Baer), who were natives of Wayne County, Ohio. Mr. and
Mrs. Basinger have been blessed with three children:
Catherine Olive. Samuel Alfred and
Isadore. Our subject and wife are members of the Reformed
Mennonite Church.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
SAMUEL
BASSETT, farmer, P. O. Beaver Dam, was born in Allen
County, Ohio, October 23, 1848, son of Lewis and
Sarah (Edgecomb) Bassett, of English descent,
and natives of New York and Ohio, respectively, the former of whom
came to Alien County, Ohio, over half a century ago, and was a
farmer all his life. They reared a family of eight children.
Samuel, the eldest, was reared on the farm, receiving his
education in this county, and early in life commenced to teach
school. During the late civil war he enlisted in 1864, in Company
I, Twenty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was engaged in the
battle of Atlanta, and participated in other battles and
skirmishes. He was discharged at the close of the struggle, and
returning home worked at the carpenter's trade for a time, then
commenced farming. He is now the owner of two farms. Mr.
Bassett was married in 1868, to Mary, a daughter of
D. L. Whip, a retired farmer of Beaver Dam, and to this union
were born six children: Otis, Bossie, Sadie,
Louise, Clarie and Samuel. Mr. Whip
was born in Maryland, December 31, 1822, son of George and
Sarah (Barnett) Whip, who were of German descent; he has been
twice married, Mrs. Bassett being the fourth in a family of six
children by his first wife; Mr. Whip's present
wife's mother, aged eighty-five, and his own mother, aged
eighty-six, are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he is class
leader. In politics he is a Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
J.
T. BATES, proprietor of stone quarry, P. O. Bluffton, was
born in Allen County, Ohio, April 27, 1837, son of Elijah and
Nancy (Chandeler) Bates, natives of Virginia, the former of
English descent, who had been a farmer all his life, and the
latter of Irish descent. Our subject, the sixth in a family of
eleven children, was reared on the farm, receiving his schooling
in the log schoolhouse in Bath Township, this county, and worked
on the farm until he was twenty-seven years old. He then went to
Lima, Ohio, and worked by the day for a time. In 1874 he came to
Bluffton, and opened a stone quarry, which he has conducted
successfully to the present time. Mr. Bates was
united in marriage in 1860,with Miss Susanna Bope,
whose parents were Germans (her father, George Bope,
was a farmer in Allen County). This union has been blessed with
six children: William H. (a telegraph operator in Colorado,
and who learned telegraphy at Blnffton under Myron
Rounsavell, who is the agent here for the Lake Erie & Western
Railroad), Tempa J., Nannie May, Elijah H, Bertha B. and
John Earl. Mr. and Mrs. Bates
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican
in politics; has served as supervisor and township trustee of
Rich-land.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
CURTIS BAXTER, one of the
oldest and best known farmers of Marion township, Allen county,
was born in Ross county, Ohio, Oct. 26, 1822. His
great-grandfather was a native of Ireland and an early settler
of Pennsylvania. SAMUEL BAXTER, the
father of our subject, it is thought, was born in Knox county,
Ohio, where he married Polly Boyd, who became the mother
of three children - Sarah, Polly and John. Polly
(Boyd) Baxter died in Knox county, where he married, for his
second wife, Keziah Cremean, daughter of Curtis
Cremean, and to this union were born nine children, viz:
Jane, James Maria, Samuel, Curtis, Smith, Rachael, David and
Eliza, all of whom were born in Ross county, with the
exception of Eliza, who was born in Allen county, Ohio,
Samuel Baxter, in October, 1828, came to Allen county,
and settled on the Auglaize river, in Amanda township, about
seven miles south of the farm now occupied by our subject,
Curtis Baxter. The county was at that time an utter
wilderness, and Mr. Baxter's life here was but brief, as
he died two years after his arrival, leaving his widow with her
large family to struggle with the adversities of life in the
dense forest. James, the eldest son, was at that
time but fourteen years of age, and two years later the family
moved to Huwey Run.
Curtis Baxter came to Allen county with his
parents, reaching Amanda township Oct. 29, 1828, and still has a
vivid recollection of the wolves and other beasts of prey, as
well as the abounding deer and other game that roamed the
forests through which his elders had to cut their way to reach a
site for the erection of a cabin, and he also has pleasant
memories of the superabundance of fish that made their home in
the waters of the Auglaize river. The grist-mill was fifty
miles away, and for daily use the pioneers ground their corn in
household hand-mills. An old fashioned log school-house,
with split logs for seats and desks, and floors of clay or
puncheons, was the temple of learning, and here Curtis
received his limited education.
Amid such scenes Mr. Baxter grew to
manhood, but married early. Jan. 8, 1843, he took to wife
Miss Emily Johns, daughter of
Griffith and Rachael Johns, who were the parents of thirteen
children, viz: Sarah, Emily, Ethan, Vienia, Jesse, Biah,
Martha, Louisa, Palina, Meliss, Tamsa, Eliza, and one
deceased. The father lived to be over sixty years of age,
and he and wife were members of the Methodist church.
After marriage Mr. Baster settled on a farm of
seventy-five acres in teh woods, which farm he later increased
to 202 acres, but of this he disposed of thirty-five acres
subsequently, retaining for his own use 167 acres. On this
homestead have been born in Mr. and Mrs. Baxter eleven
children, viz: Samuel M., Eliza J., John, William A.
B., David E., Curtis T., Clarissa A., Elizabeth, Emily
M., Charles and one child that died in infancy.
Curtis Baxter was a soldier in the late Civil war, serving
in company A, Thirty-third Ohio volunteer infantry, for eight
months; his son, Samuel M., was also a soldier and served
for two years in McLaughton's squadron. Curtis
was enrolled September 22, 1864, at Lima, fought at Averysboro
and Bentonville, N. C., having accompanied Sherman on his march
to the sea, and was present at the grand review in Washington,
D. C., in which city he was honorably discharged June 5, 1865.
November 14, 1888, Mr. Baxter was united in
marriage with his second wife, Cynthia E. Hawkins.
of his children by his first wife, Samuel M., deputy
sheriff of Van Wert county, and also city marshal of Van Wert
city, married Mary J. Miller, who became the mother of
four children, and then died; for his second wife he married
Ellen Cahill, but to this union no children have been born;
Eliza J., is the wife of William J. Judkins and
has six children; John married Jennie Hayden, of
Iowa, and has two children; William A. B.
married Sarah Dennis, and has three children; David
E., mayor of Delphos, married Vida Morgan, and has
one child; Curtis T. married Osie Westerfield, and
has four child; Clarissa A. married James E.
Wickham and has three children; Elizabeth married
Charles Mollenhour and has five children; Emily M.,
married David Rosell, and has six children; Charles M.,
married Estella Brickstell, and has three children.
Curtis Baxter is a highly respected citizen and
has the full confidence of the people of his township, who he
has served as trustee, constable, as a member of the board of
infirmary directors, and as a member of the school board.
He is an ardent member of the Methodist church, in which he has
filled the office of steward for many years, and his social
standing is with the best families of Allen county, who have an
enduring respect for him on account of his christian virtues and
usefulness as a citizen, not to mentioned the esteem in which he
is held as an ex-soldier.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen
& Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 ) |
DAVID BAXTER, SR., a
prominent farmer of Marion township, Allen county, Ohio, is a
son of Samuel and Keziah (Cremean) Baxter, was born in
Ross county April 28, 1828, and was about six months old when
brought by his parents to Allen county. By reference to
the sketch of Curtis Baxter, which sketch precedes this
biographical notice, the reader will find further details
relating to the history of the Baxter family. The
opportunities afforded for an education in the pioneer days were
somewhat meager and our subject was compelled to rest satisfied
with the knowledge to be obtained in the old log school-house,
but even that was sufficient for the requirements of frontier
life. The services of our subject were in demand as a
woodsman and farmer and he was, at a very early day, given full
employment in clearing away the forest and in bringing the soil
into a state of productiveness, and he manfully devoted himself
to the performance of these duties on the homestead until he was
twenty-two years of age, when he married Miss Elizabeth Shock,
daughter of Peter and Mary (Boyd) Shock.
Peter Shock was born in Allegheny county, Pa., in
Feb., 1799, was married in his native state, and came to Allen
county, Ohio, in 1846, settling in Amanda township on eighty
acres of woodland. He and wife are still living at the
ages respectively of ninety-six and eighty-nine year, and are
the parents of eleven children, viz: Levi, Elizabeth, Huldy,
Carlisle, Mary A., George, Catherine, Sarah, Alvina, William and
Peter. The parents are members of the United Brethren
church and are greatly venerated by their neighbors.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Baxter
settled on thirty-seven acres of woodland, which Mr. Baxter
cleared up and brought to a fine state of cultivation, and added
thereto until he became possessed of 213 acres, all of which he
cleared from the timber as rapidly as he acquired it. He
has now a most beautiful residence, and his farm buildings are
models of convenience and neatness. To the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Baxter have been born ten children, viz: Lewis,
Simon P., William, Mary, James, Nelson, Franklin, Ulysses
(who died at the age of ten years), Lester
and Samuel, twins; Samuel died when six months
old. Mr. and Mrs. Baxter are consistent members of
the Methodist church, in which Mr. Baxter has been a
class leader for twelve or fifteen years; as to a member of the
church he can count the years back to the number of forty-six;
but he does not confine his pecuniary aide to the Methodist
congregation alone, for he has contributed to the building fund
of every church edifice within a radius of ten miles from his
home. In politics Mr. Baxter is a republican and
has served as a member of the township school board; he takes
great interest, indeed, in educational matters, and is equally
ardent in his advocacy of good roads. He is a most
excellent farmer, is straightforward in all his dealings, and
has the esteem of all the community in which he lives.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen
& Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 ) |
DAVID E. BAXTER, Jr., mayor
of the city of Delphos, Ohio, and one of the representative men
of that city, is a native of Allen county, Ohio, having been
born in Marion township, within five miles of Delphos, on the
29th day of April 1858, a son of Curtis and Emily (Johns)
Baxter, of whom a full biography is given above. While
prominent in his neighborhood Curtis never south public
office, the only position he ever held being that one of the
first infirmary directors of Allen county. He and his
three brothers - James, David E., Sr., and Smith
are the oldest living settlers of Allen county in point of time.
Emily Johns was also born in 1822 in Ross county, Ohio.
Her death occurred on March 4, 1887. There were born to
Curtis Baxter and wife seven sons and four daughters, one
now deceased.
David E. Baxter, the eighth child born to his
parents, was reared on the farm in Marion township, and while a
boy attended the common schools. When about eighteen years
of age he began teaching, which he continued for a period of
twelve years, and during that time, in the intervals between the
terms of his schools, Mr. Baxter himself attended school
at Elida, Ohio, and at Valparaiso, Ind. He began his
political career in 1887, when he was nominated by the
democratic party of Allen county for the state legislature, but
was defeated at the election, his party being generally
disrupted that year. In 1888 he was elected as a democrat
to the office of justice of the peace of Marion township, which
office he holds at the present time, having been re-elected at
the present time, having been re-elected twice in succession.
On June 30, 1888, he was appointed by President Cleveland
post master at Delphos, and held that office nearly through
President Harrison's administration. His term of
office as postmaster expiring on August 15, 1891, he accepted
the position of assistant postmaster under C. P. Washburn,
and held that position for three months. In the spring of
1892, he was elected mayor of Delphos, and in 1894 was
re-elected to that honorable position. During Mayor
Baxter's administration some of Delphos' most extensive
street improvements have been made - the Minute Fire department
inaugurated, water works system constructed and the telephone
exchange established. His administration has been
singularly clean, energetic and satisfactory, winning for the
mayor the high encomiums of his fellow-citizens. Mayor
Baxter has three times been a delegate from Allen county to
the Ohio state conventions, taking a prominent part in all.
Mayor Baxter is one of a company of citizens who
are engaged in the development of oil and gas wells in the
neighborhood of Delphos, the company having under lease 2,000
acres of lands. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
in which he has attained the degree of knight templar, being a
member of Shawnee commandery, No. 14, at Lima. He is also
a member of the I. O. O. F., of which he has filled all the
chairs. He is at present the worshipful master of Hope
lodge, No. 214, F. & A. M., of Delphos. He is also a
member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Knights of
Pythias. In November of 1895 he was elected as
representative to the grand lodge of I. O. O. F., from the
twenty-sixth district. Prior to Mayor Baxter's
appointment as postmaster, he was a county school examiner for
three months, which office he was compelled to resign upon
entering upon the discharge of the duties of postmaster, but is
at the present time examiner for the Delphos union schools.
Mayor Baxter was married on December 23, 1884,
to Miss Vida B. Morgan, who was born near Gomer, Allen
county, and is the daughter of Thomas B. and Margaret Morgan.
To their union one son - Richard A. - has been born.
Mr. Baxter is now reading law, with the expectation of
making it his future profession.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen
& Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 ) |
Ottawa Twp. -
GEORGE M. BAXTER (deceased) was born Dec.
3, 1834, in Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio; son of Samuel
A. and Nancy M. (Mason) Baxter. Samuel A. Baxter, a
hatter and furrier by trade, came to Lancaster in an early day
to take charge of a hat and fur store there, which he conducted
for many years. White thus employed he took up the study
of law, under the preceptorship of ex-Gov. William Allen,
and finished his studies at the Cincinnati Law School,
subsequently becoming a prominent lawyer of Lima. Our
subject, also a graduate of the Cincinnati Law School, was
admitted to the bar. He was married in June, 1855, to
Margaret C., daughter of William Chaney of Lima, and
to this union were born four children (one now living):
Fannie M., married to J. K. Brice, Aug. 30, 1880,
died July 12, 1882; Alfred C. secretary Lima Gaslight
Company, was married Jan. 7, 1885, to Carrie, daughter of
B. C. Faurot, a banker and proprietor of the opera house;
Medora and George. Capt. George M. Baxter
raised the first company of Zouaves of Lima, and, in 1862, went
into the field where he served until 1864, then resigned on
account of the death of his mother, and returned to Lima.
He died May 16, 1865.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 681) |
Jackson Twp. -
JAMES BAXTER, farmer, P. O. Allentown, was
born Sept. 9, 1817, in Ross County, Ohio, son of Samuel and
Keziah (Cremean) Baxter, former born in Knox County, Ohio,
son of John and Sarah Baxter, both foreigners. Samuel
Baxter had eleven children, those living are James;
Curtis, in Marion Township, this county; Smith in
German Township, this county; David, in Marion Township,
this county; Eliza, wife of William Cochran, of
Marion Township, this county. The family came to Amanda
Township, this county, in 1827, where they endured all the
trials and hardships of pioneer life. The father died
about four years after his removal to this county. Our
subject being the eldest, manfully assumed the responsibility
left by his father in providing for the family and clearing the
farm, and for this reason he received but little education.
AT eighteen years of age he started out for himself, engaging in
daily labors. He was married, Apr. 20, 1837, to Melissa
John who was born Jan. 10, 1820, in Ross County, Ohio,
daughter of Griffith and Rachel (Miller) John, former a
son of Abia and Martha John, born Sept. 6, 1795, died
Feb. 20, 1856; latter a daughter of George and Sarah Miller,
born Sept. 13, 1802, died June 23, 1862. They were married
Feb. 20, 1817. To our subject and wife were born eleven
children, four of whom died without issue. Samuel,
the second child, was born Apr. 16, 1839 (he was a corporal in
Company I, Thirty-fourth Regiment, killed at Winchester, Va., in
the battle between Gens. Sheridan and Early; he
was married to Rachel Cremean, by whom he had three
children). Those living are Griffith J., in Coffey
County, Kans.; Keziah, wife of William D. Poling,
county auditor; David E., in Amanda Township, this
county; Levi, in Amanda Township, this county; Eliza
(wife of Otis Fraunfelter), of Bath Township, this
county, and Rachel, at home, unmarried. Mr.
Baxter has held the office of township trustee for sixteen
years and was for six years county infirmary director, arriving
to these positions of honor by energy and close application to
business. The family are members of the Christian Church,
in which our subject was elder. He takes an active
interest in the improvement of stock and farm products, and in
the advancement of education and religion. He has lived to
see a beautiful and productive country developed from the once
dense forest, and to see thirty-two grandchildren and four
great-grandchildren around him.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 618) |
JOHN F. BAXTER, member of the
Delphos city council from the Fourth ward, was born in Marion
township, Allen county, Ohio, Dec. 14, 1857. He is the son
of Samuel and Mary (Robbins) Baxter, both natives of Ohio
and both deceased. Our subject was reared on the farm in
Allen county, and attended the district schools, securing a fair
English education. He remained on the farm until 1880 and
then came to Delphos, and has resided here ever since. His
occupation has been chiefly that of a salesman in the dry goods
business, having held positions with S. F. Shenk, H.
J. Wolfhorst & Co., and other well-known firms. He has
always been a stanch republican in politics and has taken an
active interest in public affairs. He was the nominee of
his party in the Fourth war for city councilman in the spring of
1895, and was elected by a majority of twenty-seven votes, which
was an increase over the party's last majority, and the largest
republican majority ever given for councilman by the ward.
In the council Mr. Baxter is one of the leading members.
he is chairman of the claims committee, and is also on the
committee on street light and police, and on the buildings and
grounds.
Mr. Baxter resides on the corner of West Third
and Bredick streets, in the Fourth ward, Delphos, Van Wert
county. Mr. Baxter was married on Dec. 25, 1887, to
Cora A. Smith, daughter of Casper Smith, of
Delphos. Mr. Baxter is a member of the I. O. O. F.,
fraternally, and the National Union Insurance company.
Mrs. Baxter is a member of the Presbyterian church and of
the Daughters of Rebecca. For twelve years she has
held a position as teacher in the Delphos public schools.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen
& Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 ) |
Ottawa Twp. -
SAMUEL A. BAXTER (deceased), was born in
Washington County, Md., Sept. 26, 1807; son of Samuel A.
Baxter, of English descent, his ancestry being among the
early settlers of Maryland and Virginia. Our subject, a
hatter and furrier by trade, was offered an opportunity to take
charge of a hat store in Lancaster, Ohio, by a gentleman who met
him while East guying goods. He accepted this offer and
immediately, in company with another young man, set out, having
one horse which they rode alternately. On arriving at his
destination Mr. Baxter took charge of the business which
he conducted many years, and eventually bought out. During
his residence in Lancaster, and while working at his trade, he
commenced to study law under ex-Gov. William Medill.
In 1838 he removed to Lima, and opened a hat store, which he
carried on most of the time till 1846, when he spent a winter
attending the law school at Cincinnati, and was admitted to the
bar in 1847. Returning to Lima, he then commenced to
practice his profession and soon became a prominent member of
the bar. He dealt largely in real estate, was
enterprising, persevering, generously giving of his means to the
poor and every good cause, and was foremost in every enterprise
conducive to the improvement of Lima. Mr. Baxter
was married in 1833, to Miss Nancy, daughter of Henry
Mason, by whom he has three children, two now living:
Alfred C. and Samuel A. Mrs. Baxter died in
1862, and our subject subsequently married Annie M.,
daughter of John Mason by which union there was one child
- Nancy M. S. A. Baxter, the third son, began the
study of medicine under Dr. William H. Harper, of Lima,
which he completed with Dr. J. Dawson of Columbus, Ohio.
He graduated at Cincinnati College, and began the practice of
his profession in the army, in 1863, in the Eighteenth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, where he remained until the close of the
war. He then returned to Lima and after practicing for
five years, retired from the profession to become the president
of the First National Bank, a position he still fills. He
was married, in 1866, to Deborah, daughter of W. P.
Ellison of Chicago, by whom he has three sons: Frank, Don
and Clem.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 680 |
| SAMUEL BAXTER (Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen
& Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 ) |
German Twp. -
SMITH BAXTER, farmer; P. O. Elida, is a
native of Ross County, Ohio, born Oct. 10, 1824; son of
Samuel and Keziah (Cremean) Baxter, who were of English and
Scotch descent, and who came from Ross County, Ohio, to this
county in 1828, where the father soon afterward died, and where
the mother died in 1853. Of their family of nine children
only five survive: James, Curtis, Smith, David E.
and Eliza. Our subject was married, Mar. 29, 1845,
to Miss Mary Cremean, of German Township, this county, a
native of Ross County, Ohio, and daughter of William and
Margaret (Miller) Cremean (both deceased) who came from Ross
County, Ohio, to this county in 1839, and reared a family of
eight children, all now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Baxter
were born the following children: Sarah E., James J.,
Elizabeth J., Rachel A., Samuel B., Mary M., Freemont W., Roxana
M. and Flora T., all now living but Samuel and
Roxana. Mr. Baxter entered land in German Township
in 1847, which he cleared and improved, and about ten years
later went into general trading, continuing in same until about
1867, after which he confined himself to the lumber trade for
several years, then operated his farm for a few years again, and
in 1881 engaged in mercantile trade in Elida, Ohio, disposing of
his business, there in 1883. Since that date Mr. Baxter
has been somewhat retired. He has served in some of the
township offices. He and his wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Baxter was a
Democrat until 1852, since which time he has been a stanch
Republican.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 590) |
JOHN M.
BEARD, druggist, Spencerville, was born in Mahoning County,
Ohio, February 3, 1848; son of Milo and Mary (Osburn) Beard,
natives of Mahoning County, Ohio, latter of whom died in 1851;
former still resides in Fort Wayne, Ind. Our subject's early life
was spent on a farm. In 1865 he went with his parents to Allen
County, Ind., and during 1866-67 he attended the school at
Roanoke, Ind.. and the three following years at Fort Wayne, and
Cleveland. Ohio. During twenty-four months of this time he engaged
in teaching. He entered upon his business career as drug clerk, in
the employ of T. M. Biddle, druggist, of Fort Wayne, with
whom he remained seven years. He then engaged about four months
with J. A. Tyler & Co., at the end of which time he
purchased an interest in a drug store at Delphos. Van Wert Co.,
Ohio, in partnership with H. P. Eysenbach, and carried with
him to his new place of business the best wishes of the community
he had served so long as prescription clerk, and where he had
gained the reputation of being a careful and efficient pharmacist.
Remaining in Delphos over a year, he then removed to Spencerville
and formed a partnership with Theo. Eysenbach, in
the drug and hardware business; two years later the firm dissolved
and divided the business, Mr. Baird retaining the
drug department. On December 14, 1881, he was married to Miss
Eva Brown, who was born in Delphos, Ohio, January,
18, I860, by whom he has one child, Lois, born February 28,
1883. At present Mr. Beard is township and
corporation treasurer. He is a member of Summit City Lodge, No.
170, F. & A. M., of Fort Wayne; politically he is identified with
the Democratic party.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
German Twp. -
BENJAMIN BECHTOL, farmer, P. O. Lima, was
born in Center County, Penn., June 21, 1821, son of Samuel
and Mary (Ebler) Bechtol, natives of Pennsylvania, of German
descent, and who moved in an early day to Delaware County, Ohio,
where Mrs. Bechtol died in 1845. Samuel Bechtol
then went to Seneca County, Ohio, and came to this county in
1854. He had a family of fourteen children, all now
living, excepting one. Our subject was married, Sept. 12,
1847, to Miss Mary A. Waters, of Delaware County, Ohio, a
native of Northampton County, Penn., born Apr. 8, 1818, daughter
of John and Barbara (Elamire) Waters, natives of
Pennsylvania, of German and French-English descent,
respectively. Both died in Northampton County, Penn., aged
seventy-nine and forty-nine, respectively. Mr. and Mrs.
Bechtol are the parents of six children, of whom three are
now living: Martha M., Alice V., and Caroline
C. Our subject has devoted most of his time to the
carpenter's trade, at the same time operating a small farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Bechtol are members of the Presbyterian
Church at Lima, Ohio. In politics he is a Republican.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago:
Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - 591 |
JAMES H. BEDFORD,
farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Sept. 26,
1846; son of Samuel and Mary (Murray) Bedford, who
settled in Bath Township, this county, in 1849. He was
married Dec. 19, 1876, to Catherine, daughter of Samuel and
Susan (Rogers) Ditzler, of Perry Township, this county, in
issue of this union is one child - Charles A. Mr. and
Mrs. Bedford are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject has filled several of the minor offices of Perry
Township where he located in 1881. In politics he is a
Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
SAMUEL BEDFORD,
farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., Oct. 28,
1808, and is a son of Thomas and Jane Bedford. He
was reared in his native city, and came to Ohio in 1830,
locating in Warren County, where he resided up to 1849, when he
came to Bath Township, Allen County, settling on the farm where
he now resides, all of which he cleared and improved himself.
He was a blacksmith by trade, which, in connection with his
farm, he carried on up to 1884. He was married Oct. 9,
1838, to Mary A., daughter of John and Sarah (Stewart)
Murray of Warren County, Ohio. The issue of this union
was nine children: John (deceased), Sarah (wife of
Milton Patrick), Mary E. (deceased), Milton D.,
James M., Margaret E. (wife of Lewis Brentlinger),
William A., Samuel S. (deceased), and Isaac N.
In politics Mr. Bedford is a Republican. He is a
member of the Society of Friends, and his wife is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
JOSEPH P. BENERDOM,
farmer, P. O. Allentown, was born in Leesville, Va., Nov. 27,
1826, son of John and Mary (Carr) Benerdom, who were
married in Virginia, moved to Ohio in 1834, settling in Carroll
County, where they died a few years since. Our subject
came to this county in 1864, and settled in German Township,
where he still resides. He was married in Tuscarawas
County, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William
and Margaret (Junkins) Holms, who now reside in Hardin
County, Ohio. To this union have been born nine children:
William, Mary, John, Charles, Margaret, Oby, Bertha, Thirsey
and Ida, all now living but Mararet. Mr. and
Mrs. Benerdom are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
at Allentown, Ohio.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
GEORGE BENROTH, proprietor of saloon, Bluffton, was born in
Germany, September 1, 1844; son of Charles and Anna (Scheller)
Benroth, former by trade a cooper. Our subject received a good
education in the common schools of Germany, and there learned the
cabinet-making trade, at which he worked till he came to America,
in 1865, settling at Bluffton. After engaging at his trade here
for two years, he opened a furniture store which he carried on
till 1881, when he sold out and commenced a saloon and lunch room
business; he also sells tobacco, and has a good trade. Mr.
Benroth was united in marriage, in 1867, with Miss
Anna, daughter of Rev. Ulrich Steiner,
a Mennonite minister; she is a native of Allen County,
Ohio. This union has been blessed with eight children: Edward,
Ferdinand, Rosa, Mary A., Pauline, Albert, Emma and
Minnie. Mr. Benroth is a Democrat in politics.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
EDWARD R.
BENTLEY, formerly and for some years the leading
blacksmith and mechanic of Kalida, but since the fall of 1895 a
resident of Bluffton, Ohio, was born May 8, 1866, in the last
named place. His parents were JAMES D.
and Elizabeth (Fenton) Bentley, the former of whom was born
in Youngstown, Mahoning county, Ohio, July 27, 1826.
James D. Bentley was one of five children born to John
Bentley, of Irish parentage, and his wife, Margaret
(Patent) Bentley. He was educated in the common
schools near his home, and early learned the trade of
blacksmith. When a young man he came with his parents in a
wagon drawn by oxen to Bluffton, where they were among the early
pioneers of that part of Allen county. For some time he
engaged in farming near Bluffton and afterward engaged in the
huckster and trading business, spending several years of his
life upon the road, employed by Abram Long. After
settling in Bluffton he engaged in smithing with Robert Cox,
and was one of the first blacksmiths in the eastern part of
Allen county. For twenty years he successfully pursued his
trade until failing eyesight compelled him to give it up.
He then again took to the road and sold one of the first sewing
machines put upon the market. He afterward engaged in
contracting and building roads. Having recovered his
eyesight, he returned to the forge and opened a shop on the
present site of the city building in Bluffton. From that
time he continued blacksmithing until old age compelled him to
give up active work. Along with his smithing he had
engaged in farming to a limited extent.
Jan. 1, 1830, he was married to Elizabeth,
daughter of Robert and Mary (McRea) Fenton, who was born
in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1831, of Irish parentage. She
was one of seven children, being the twin sister of John
Fenton, of Bluffton. She was also educated in the
common schools of her native county, and when a child she came
with her parents to Bluffton, where they were among the early
pioneers of that part of Allen county, Ohio. Eight
children blessed this union, viz: William P.,
ex-postmaster of Bluffton and now a successful livery man there;
John M., ex-postmaster of Ada, Ohio, where he is now a
grocer and farmer; Jeanie, the wife of Albert L. Clark,
of Bluffton; Charles F., a painter of the same place;
Minerva I., married to H. S. Martin, of lima, Ohio;
Della, who resides in Bluffton; Frank, deceased;
Edward R., the subject of our sketch. Mr. and Mrs.
Bentley were prominent members of the Methodist church, in
the faith of which the wife died on Sept. 22, 1890. The
husband was a deacon in the church, and was also a charter
member of the Bluffton lodge, No. 371, I. O. O. F., and member
of the Rebecca Lodge No. 263, and was held in high esteem by its
members. Politically he was a stanch supporter of
the principles of the republican party, and was frequently
elected by that party to local offices of the community.
He was charitable and benevolent, honored and respected by all.
His death occurred July 16, 1892.
Edward R. Bentley was educated in the Bluffton
union schools, and learned the blacksmithing trade of his
father, with whom he worked for a number of years, and worked in
various places in order to perfect himself in his chosen
profession. In 1891 he opened his shop in Kalida, where he
enjoyed a large and profitable business. On September 12,
1894, he married Lillian M. Bowman, who was born in
Columbus Grove, Apr. 5, 1871, a daughter of Daniel B. and
Martha J. (Galbreth) Bowman, and a member of the Methodist
church. Her father is a native of this county, and was
born in 1853 of good old Irish ancestry; he was one of the twins
born to Joseph and Clarissa (Bigum) Bowman, of Putnam
county. Her mother was born in Allen county, in 1854, her
parents being William and Christina (Ahlefield) Galbreth,
formerly of Allen county, but now living in Kalida. To
Mr. and Mrs. Bentley one child has been born, Leon D.,
born Aug. 6, 1895. In the fall of 1895, as stated, Mr.
Bentley found it to his advantage to remove to Bluffton,
where he enjoys the respect of all who knew him.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896
) |
| |
THOMAS
J. BENTLEY, farmer and stock-raiser. Bluffton, was born in
the eastern part of Ohio, July 14, 1822; son of John and Nancy
(Patten) Bentley, of English descent. John Bentley,
a native of Massachusetts and a farmer by occupation, died at the
advanced age of ninety-two years. Mrs. Nancy Bentley, born
in Maryland, died aged seventy-six years. During the last ten
years of their lives they made their home with our subject.
Thomas J., the fifth in a family of six children, was reared
on the farm, receiving a limited education in the common schools
of Ohio, and early in life learned wagon making at Youngstown,
Ohio. In 1852 he came to Hancock County, subsequently returned to
Allen County, and settled in Bluffton, where for four years he
carried on a wagon shop. He then purchased a farm, and has since
engaged successfully in agricultural pursuits, owning now 160
acres where he resides, in Rich land Township. In politics he is a
Republican. Mr. Bentley has been twice married, first in
1845, to Miss Barbara Fusselman, by whom he
had the following children: W. S., a farmer; Edward;
Ella, wife of N. Carney: Rozelia: Agnes and H. G.
Mrs. Bentley died in 1863, and in 1865 our subject was married
to Mrs. Rachel M. Ault, of English descent,
widow of Philip Ault, who was a member of the
Fifty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and lost his life
in defense of his country. They were parents of seven children,
all married: Nancy E., Rosanna, Matilda, Theodocia and
R. S.; Elijah and "Wellington are deceased. Mrs.
Bentley's grandfather served in the Revolutionary war. Her
father, Elijah Perkins, a wealthy farmer, whose
parents died when be was a child, has been very successful in
business, possessing at one time 800 acres, and is at present
owner of 600 acres of well-improved land in Richland Township; he
is ninety-eight years old, and his wife ninety-two years.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
JOHN H. BERRYMAN.
- In the case of the family whose history is here to be briefly
traced, there were seven brothers, who came together from
England to America. These seven brothers were named, so
far as their names can now be recalled, John, James, George,
WILLIAM and Thomas - the names of two being lost.
Their emigration was made prior to the Revolutionary war, their
settlement in this country was made in New Jersey. From
these seven brothers have sprung all the Berrymans in the
United States, and they are now fond in all parts of the
country. From William have descended the
Berrymans of Ohio. William Berryman served in
the Revolutionary war against the mother country, having felt
her oppression before his abandonment of her some years before.
He reared his family in New Jersey, and it is presumed, though
it is not known, that he died in that state. He had one
son, William, that emigrated to Virginia after the lose
of the Revolutionary war, and settled near Wheeling. Some
time later he removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, and
located near Dayton, on a farm, upon which he lived some years,
and then he removed to what is now Auglaize county, but before
that county was organized. In Logan township he entered
200 acres of land, upon which he lived the remainder of his
days, dying in 1830, and being buried in the Amanda grave yard.
He was a soldier in the of 1812-15 from Virginia, in which state
he married Miss Rachael Clauson, of New Jersey, shoe
parents emigrated to Virginia when she was small, and by whom he
had the following children: Thomas, who died in Allen
county, Ohio; William, of Spencerville, Ohio; Russell,
Ephraim, and John, deceased; Eliza, who
married, for her first husband, Abraham Whetstone,
and for her second, Henry Noble; Mattie,
deceased wife of Samuel Whetstone; Mercy,
deceased wife of Dye Sunderland, who settled in
Amanda township in 1820, and Annie M., who married a
Mr. Gregory.
RUSSELL BERRYMAN was born in
Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1815, and when seven years of age
removed with his parents to Allen county. during his
boyhood days he spent much time with the Indians, making them
his daily companions. Under these circumstances it was
perfectly natural for him to learn their language, and the
Shawnee language became almost as familiar to him as his native
tongue. He was reared on the family homestead, and there
spent the most of his life. So far as politics was
concerned he was a democrat, and took great interest in
political and public affairs; but office was distasteful to him,
and the only office he could ever be prevailed upon to accept
was that of director of the infirmary. He married
Margaret Slain, of Virginia (now West Va.), she dying in
1846, the mother of the following children: Cornelia,
wife of Dr. E. A. Stockton, who died in Mexico;
Ephraim, who died in Spencer township; Rosabel, wife
of A. F. Blackburn, of Kansas; John H., of Lima,
and James of Saint Mary's, Ohio. For his second
wife Russell Berryman married Elizabeth Whetstone,
by whom he had the following children: Flora, wife of
J. G. Miller; Mercy, deceased; Abraham, of Paulding
county; Margaret, wife of Benjamin Shoppel, and
Warren, of Saint Mary's Ohio. the father of these
children died Jan. 9, 1878, his widow surviving him.
John H. Berryman, the immediate subject of this
sketch, was born Aug. 19, 1843, on the old homestead, upon which
he remained until he was twenty years of age, receiving in the
meantime a good education in the common schools, which has been
greatly extended and perfected by contract with the world.
From the age last mentioned for about three years he was engaged
in various occupations, testing himself and testing the world,
and in 1867 he settled down upon a farm in Shawnee township,
upon which he lived some twelve or fourteen years. In 1880
he purchased his present farm of 120 acres to which he has since
added forty-two acres, so that at the present time his farm is
comprised of 162 acres. In 1891 he established his present
dairy business, and in the winter of 1891-92 he established his
dairy store in Lima.
Politically Mr. Berryman is a democrat and he
takes great interest in the success of his party. He has
served two terms as township trustee and has been several times
a delegate to county and state conventions. In 1896 he was
a prominent candidate for nomination to congress at the hands of
his party, showing the prominence of the position he holds in
the estimation of his party friends. In religious belief
he is a Methodist, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church of Shawnee township. Mr. Berryman was
married March 12, 1868, to Miss Sallie Boyd, daughter of
Abraham Boyd of Trumbull county, who emigrated from that
county to Allen county in 1830. to this marriage there
have been born the following children: Myrtle, Margaret, John
Russell, Mabel, deceased; Harriet, Robert and
Waldo. From the foregoing sketch it is manifest
that John H. Berryman is a man of more than ordinary
ability and enterprise, and he is in point of fact one of the
most progressive and extensive farmers and dairymen in the
northwestern part of the state, if not in the entire state.
To what extent his example has been contagious can not be fully
stated, though it is doubtless true that his life has had a
far-reaching influence upon young men who have had before them
in his career a demonstration that independence and influence
may be obtained, without going into any co-operative plans and
schemes, in which the individuality of each member must
necessarily be absorbed by and swallowed up in the community to
which he may happen to belong.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896
- Page 197 ) |
Shawnee Twp. -
JOHN H. BERRYMAN, farmer, P. O. Lima, was
born in Logan Township, now a part of Auglaize County, Ohio,
Aug. 19, 1843; son of Russell and MArgaret (Slain) Berryman.
His paternal grandfather was William Berryman a native of
Ireland, who settled in Logan Township (then a part of this
county) in 1823, where he died soon after. His children
were ten in number: Anna M., William, Ephraim, John, Russell,
Thoams, Eliza, Martha, Emeline and Mercy; all now
deceased except Eliza (Mrs. Henry Noble). After the
father's death the boys took hold of and cleared the farm, and
the homestead afterward came into possession of Russell,
the father of our subject, who resided there until his death; he
died in 1879, at the age of sixty-three years; he was twice
married, his first wife being Margaret Slain, a
native of Virginia, by whom he had five children: Cornelia
(Mrs. E. A. Stocking), Ephraim, Rosabel (Mrs. A. F.
Blackburn), John H. and James W.; his second wife was
Elizaeth Whetstone, by whom he had twelve children, nine
of whom grew to maturity: Flora (Mrs. John G. Miller),
Abraham, Margaret (Mrs. L. Cochron), William, Russell, Rosetta
(Mrs. William Mires), Mattie, Warren and Cora.
Our subject was reared on the old homestead in Logan Township,
and received a common school education. After he became of
age he engaged in farming, and buying selling stock, and in
1867, he located in Shawnee Township, this county, purchasing
the farm he now occupies in 1880. Mr. Berryman was
married, Mar. 12, 1868, to Sally C., daughter of
Abraham and Maria B. (Hover) Boyd, who settled in Shawnee
Township, this county, in 1837, locating on the farm now
occupied by our subject, which they cleared and improved.
Mr. and Mrs. Boyd reared a family of four children: Henry
E., Sally C., Margaret Ann (deceased, and Mary B. (Mrs.
John W. Black). Mrs. Berryman's maternal grandfather
was Ezekiel Hover, a native of New Jersey, a commissary
in the war of 1812. He was a pioneer of Shawnee Township,
this county, where he settled in 1832, having purchased a tract
of land in the Shawnee reservation at the government sale.
To our subject and wife have been born five children:
Myrtle, Maggie, J. Russell, Hattie and Robert F.
Mr. and Mrs. Berryman are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He has filled several offices in the township.
In politics he is a Democrat.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 784) |
Spencer Twp. -
EPHRAIM
BERYMAN, farmer, P. O.
Spencerville, was born in Allen County, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1840, the
eldest of six children born to Russel and Margaret (Slawer)
Beryman. Russel Beryman, a native of Montgomery
County, Ohio, was but six years of age when brought to Shelby
County, Ohio. He was an influential farmer and stock dealer,
and died July 9, 1879, his wife having preceded him May 9, 1848.
Our subject was reared on a farm; and his Educational advantages
were limited to a few weeks each year in the common schools. He
entered upon his career in life as a farmer, which he has made the
principle occupation of his life, in connection with which he has
done more or less trading in and handling of live stock. He was
married December 5, 1861, to Deborah B. Blackburn, who was
born in Columbiana County, Ohio, May 28, 1842, daughter of
George
and Charlotte (Weber) Blackburn, early settlers of
Columbiana County. To this union eight children were born:
Harley A., John G., Elbert S., George W., Alma M., David
E., Ira P., and Flora E. Mr. Beryman purchased his farm
in Spencer Township, in 1875, and removed to same three years
later, since when he has added to his original purchase and now
owns 120 acres of land situated on the Lima and Spencerville Pike,
and which is considered one of the best farms in this locality. He
has placed the same under a high state of cultivation, the result
of many days of hard labor. His aim is to excel in the production
and quality of his crops. Mr. Beryman was formerly a member
of the Grange. He is a consistent adherent of the Baptist Church.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 800) |
Marion Twp. -
FREDERICK BEYER, merchant tailor, Delphos,
represents the business established here in 1857 by his father,
Frank Beyer who was born in Rockenberg, Hesse Darmstadt,
Germany, Jan. 21, 1816, where he learned his trade. In
1852 th latter came to America, and settled in Delphos, where he
carried on an active business in his line till turning it over
to his son. He married, in 1854 in Delphos, Mary
Geiser, who was born in Mehlstadt, Germany, in 1818. Their
only child, Frederick, was born here July 9, 1855, and
after receiving a good school education, embarked in merchant
tailoring business, which he successfully carries on in an
artistic style. He was married May 20, 1880, to Louisa,
daughter of the late Edward Koenig, of Delphos, a native
of Saalfield, Saxony, and educated in pottery work there, but
identified with hotel business here. Mr. and Mrs. Beyer
have a son and daughter, William and an infant not named.
Our subject and wife are among the leaders in musical circles of
Delphos, and he is director of the musical society. Our
subject has been a cordial supporter of public and social
matters, attending to the city's growth, and has served with
ability in its councils.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 619 |
Bath Twp. -
HARRISON BIBLE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was
born in Rockingham County, Va., July 5, 1835, and is a son of
Christian and Mary Bible. He was reared in his native
county, where he resided until twenty-two years of age, when he
located in Coshocton County, Ohio, and worked at clearing land
until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. He
enlisted in April, 1861, in Company G, sixteenth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, and was honorably discharged after three-months
service. He re-enlisted in September of the same year in
Company I, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was in the
battles of Stone River, Murfreesboro (where he was wounded in
the right arm), Spring Hill, Fort Donelson, and many minor
engagements, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, Ind.,
in the fall of 1864. He then located in Perry Township,
this county, remaining about a year, during which time he
married Sarah Good, of that township, with whom he lived
until her death. In 1866 he came to Bath Township, and
worked at chopping wood or in a stone quarry or in a lime kiln,
according to the season, for three yeas; since which time he has
been engaged in farming. He has lived on his present farm
since 1881. Mr. Bible's present wife is Sarah J.,
daughter of Joshua Greer, a pioneer of Bath Township, and
by his marriage there were born six children: Moses, Joshua,
Allen, Frank, Harvey and John (twins). Mr.
Bible and wife are members of the Protestant Methodist
Church. in politics he is a Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 571 |
Perry Twp. -
JAMES BIDDINGER, farmer, P. O. South
Warsaw, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 7, 1831; son
of Samuel and Rebecca (Boyd) Biddinger, natives of Ohio,
who settled in Auglaize Township, this county, in 1837, where
they cleared and improved a farm, former of whom died in 1883,
at the age of seventy-six years. They had eleven children:
James, Mary J. (deceased), Henry W., Edward
(deceased), Sarah A. (wife of W. W. Creps),
Bridget (wife of I. N. Smith), Armstrong E.,
Catherine (wife of O. H. Wiswell), Ellen (wife of
John Schooler), Hugh N. and Samuel T. (deceased).
Our subject's paternal grandfather, Henry Biddinger, was
a native of Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Tuscarawas County,
Ohio, and his maternal grandfather was James Boyd, a
native of Ireland, and a pioneer of Auglaize Township, this
county, Our subject was reared in Auglaize Township, this
county, where he received a limited education in the common
schools. He resided in that township up to 1875, when he
located in Perry Township on the farm he now occupies. He
was in the late war of the Rebellion, having enlisted Oct. 15,
1861, in Company H, Eight-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving
three years. He re-enlisted in February, 1865, in Company
H One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was
honorably discharged at the close of the war. He was in
the battles of Shiloh and Florence, and went through the Atlanta
Campaign under Sherman. Mr. Biddinger was
married May 9, 1875, to Mrs. Sarah E. Franklin, widow of
J. H. Franklin and daughter of George and Elizabeth (Fassett)
Schooler, of Perry Township, Ohio. By this union there
are three children: William A., Orrin L. and
Rebecca E. Mrs. Biddinger's paternal grandfather,
John Schooler, was a pioneer of Knox County, Ohio, and
has maternal grandfather, Arthur Fassett, was a native of
Ireland, also a pioneer of Knox County, Ohio. Mr.
Biddinger has served one term as township trustee. In
politics he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio - Publ.
Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 734 |
Richland Twp. -
T.
H. BIERY, butcher, Bluffton, was born August 16,1844, in
Lehigh County, Penn.; son of John (a farmer) and May (Kimerer)
Biery, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German
descent. Their family consisted of ten children, of whom T. H.
is the youngest. Our subject received a common school
education, and early learned butchering, in which business he has
continued all his life. He came to Bluffton, this county, in 1875,
and opened a butcher shop and meat market, and has continued here
ever since, meeting with more than average success. He was
married, in 186/, to Miss Sarah Wasser, a
native of Hancock County, Ohio, and to this union were born eight
children: William, Lew, Felix, James, John, Milton,
Charles and Stillman. Mr. Biery is a member of the
German Reformed Church, his wife of the Lutheran Church. In
politics he is a Democrat.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 757) |
Auglaize Twp. -
A.
C. BITLER, firm of Marriott & Bitler, merchants,
Harrod. This house established business at Harrod, in
1883. They carry a general stock of about $3,500, and
conduct a large and lucrative trade. The subject of this
sketch, junior member of the firm, was born in Schuylkill
County, Penn., June 21, 1857, son of Samuel and Sarah Bitler,
pioneers and residents of Auglaize County, Ohio. Our
subject came to this place ostensibly to enter mercantile trade,
in which he has been very successful. He was appointed
postmaster at Harrod, April 1, 1884, succeeding G. W.
Campbell, which position he has acceptably filled, and
during his short residence in the place he has won many friends.
Mr. Bitler was married in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 188,
to Miss Clara, daughter of William and Lydia Frasier.
Two children were born to this union, both now living: Isa M.
and Elmira G.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 570) |
Richland Twp. -
PETER
BIXEL, P. O. Bluffton, is a representative farmer, and was
prominent among the early settlers of Allen County. He was born in
Holmes County, Ohio, April 28, 1833; son of Peter and Fannie (Diller)
Bixel, natives of France and Switzerland, respectively, and
who came to America when young. They were married in Holmes
County, and had a family of twelve children, of whom Peter is the
fourth; they came to Allen County in 1845, and settled on a farm.
Our subject received his education in the common schools of Putnam
and Allen Counties, and wisely chose farming as his life
occupation, as his father and grandfather had done before him. He
has been very successful, and now owns 200 acres of well improved
land. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Fannie Suter, a
native of Putnam County, Ohio, and of French descent, and this
union has been blessed with thirteen children, eleven of whom are
now living: Christian, David, Maggie, Peter, Anna, Fannie,
John, Mary, Elias, Samuel and Elizabeth. Mr. and
Mrs. Bixel are members of the Mennonite Church, of Richland
Township. Our subject takes a just pride in his children, and has
carefully educated them. He has served ten years as school
director of his township. In politics he is a Democrat.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 758) |
WILLIAM F.
BLAIR, superintendent of the Orphan Home of Allen county,
is a son of Dr. Brice and Rebecca (Perdue)
Blair, the former of whom was a son of Brice
Blair, the former of whom was a son of Brice Blair,
of Bedford county, Pa. The family belong to that famous
race, Scotch-Irish, which has given to this country so many of its
sturdy sons, among them the eighth president of the United States,
Andrew Jackson, whose personality produced such a
permanent effect upon the destiny of the Union. The
ancestors of Mr. Blair originally came from Ireland,
and settled in Cumberland valley in Pennsylvania.
Brice Blair, the grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was one of the early settlers of Bedford county, that
state. He married Agnes McCauley, who was born in
Baltimore, Md., and to this union were born the following
children: John, Archibald, Edmund, James, Brice, Rebecca,
Rachel, Mary, Susanna, Sarah, Elizabeth, Nancy. Mr.
McCauley, father of Mrs. Brice Blair, passed his life
as a farmer in Bedford county, where he died in the present
century.
Dr. Blair, father of the subject, was born
January 22, 1813, in Bedford county, Pa. He read medicine
with Dr. McPherson, of Tuscarawas county, coming to Ohio in
1835, and settling near New Albany, Tuscarawas county, practicing
there until the fall of 1854, when he removed to Allen county,
settling in Jackson township, where he purchased a farm of sixty
acres of land. Beside this small piece of land in Jackson
township he also owned 240 acres in Auglaize township, and also
160 acres in Stark county, Ind., which he, however, purchased some
time later, so that he was somewhat of a landed proprietor at one
time.
The farm in Jackson township he cleared up of its
timber and improved as well as the one of Auglaize township, so
that he found but little time to devote to his profession.
He died in Jackson township on his farm, March 10, 1876, widely
known as a wide-awake, active, industrious and enterprising man.
Politically he was a democrat, and religiously a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, was a trustee of his church and took
unusual interest in the work and success of the Sunday-school.
Dr. Blair was married in 1843. His wife, born January
19, 1814, is a daughter of William Perdew, of Bedford
county, Pa., and is still residing on the home farm in Jackson
township, the father of the following children: Nancy,
Sarah, Mary, William and Rebecca. By her marriage
to Dr. Blair Rebecca became the mother of the following
children: John, of Auglaize township; Edward,
of the same township; Martin, who died in 1876; Nathan
P., of Auglaize township; Brice, of the same township;
William F.; James H. (deceased), of Auglaize township;
Nancy, widow of Isaac Heffner; Clara, wife of
Harrison Heffner; Jennie (deceased), wife of John
McCullough; Elizabeth, wife of Madill Fisher; and
Mary, wife of David Applas, and Jessie Allen
(deceased).
William F. Blair was born October 23, 1849, in
Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and was reared in Jackson township, Allen
county. His education was superior to that generally
received by the young men of that time, as in addition to a good
common-school training, he attended the high school at Lima, and
Delaware college, and also the Western Normal university at Ada.
Besides all this he read medicine was his father; but
nothwithstanding this preparation for the practice of one of the
most useful of the professions, he preferred teaching school, for
which he was eminently prepared. He therefore taught in the
public schools of Allen county for twenty years - in Jackson
township, in Bath, in Auglaize and in Perry township, in all of
which has he scholars who still pleasantly remember his work among
them and for them. In 1879, tired of the life of a
pedagogue, he settled down upon his father's farm in Auglaize
township, and became a general farmer he purchased a farm in
Jackson township, supplying ample room for the exercise of any
ability he might possess. Upon this fine farm he was
occupied in the way just mentioned for twelve years, and then he
accepted a position with the Ohio Oil company, being engaged with
them leasing land, etc., until 1893, when he was appointed to his
present honorable position, that of superintendent of the Orphan's
Home, Allen county, which he fills to the acceptance of all.
While he was a resident of Jackson township he was made a trustee
thereof. Politically Mr. Blair is a democrat, and he
is a member of the county central committee. Fraternally he
is a member of Lima lodge, No. 91, K. of P.
Mr. Blair was married in 1879, to Miss
Rosetta E., daughter of W. H. Craig, of Jackson
township, and has a family of children as follows: Luther C.,
Cliff, Harry, Ethel and Leah. W. H.
Craig, father of Mrs. Blair, is one of the progressive
and substantial farmers of Jackson township. He is of
English decent on both sides of his family. His great
grandfather, George Craig, came from England and settled in
Washington county, Pa., and it is believed he was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war. He died in Washington county in which
county the grandfather of the subject's wife was born, was reared
to manhood and was married to a Miss Pittinger. After
the death of his wife he moved westward, to Highland county, Ohio,
in 1833, and was there among the pioneers. He was always a
farmer, did not remarry, and died in the last named county, being
instantly killed while cutting down a wild cherry three, when
working on the public road.
Joseph Craig, his son, and the father of W.
H. Craig, was born in Washington County, Pa. He was
about twenty years of age when his father came to Ohio, where
Joseph married a Miss Charlotte Rains, daughter of
George and Nancy Rains. Joseph Craig and his wife
Charlotte, were the parents of the following children:
George T.; William H.; Louisa, who died at the age of
eighteen; Martha, wife of W. F. Straw; Nancy, wife
of Frederick Bashore; Angeline, wife of Thomas Bashore;
and John. After their marriage the parents of
these children lived for a number of years in Highland county,
engaged in farming but in 1852 he removed to Jackson township,
Allen county. Upon his 160 acre farm he engaged in general
farming and in raising stock. He was an old-line whig, later
a republican was township trustee, township treasurer, and a
school teacher, besides being one of the early pioneers. He
died in 1872, his widow dying in February, 1881.
William H. Craig, was born May 3, 1835, in
Highland county, and was seventeen years of age when his parents
removed into Allen county. While he received a good
education in his youth, yet he always preferred farming to any
other calling, thereby showing excellent judgment. Mr. Craig
was married June 2, 1858, to Susan Hulliber, daughter of
John and Mary (Keith) Hulliber, of Licking county, and has
children as follows: Rosetta E., wife of Mr. Blair;
Mary C.; Iva C., deceased; Araminta L.; Nora O.; Walter
W. Mary C. is the wife of N. M. Boyd; Araminta L.
is the wife of Clement Patterson; Nora O., is the wife of
Percy A. Kershaw, a successful teacher of Jackson township,
and a printer by trade. Mr. Craig enlisted in April,
1862, in company d., One hundred and Sixty-first Ohio volunteer
infantry, and campaigned in Maryland, the District of Columbia and
Virginia doing considerable skirmishing near the capital, and was
honorably discharged in September, 1862. Immediately upon
his marriage he settled on a farm of fertile land, well situated
and well improved, which he has still more improved. He is a
strong republican, but has never cared for office, preferring to
devote his time to his legitimate calling. He is widely
known and a highly respected citizen.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co.,
1896) |
Marion Twp. -
DAVID M. BLISS, one of the most prominent
agriculturists of Marion township, Allen county, Ohio, is a son
of a pioneer, and was born in Lima, the county seat of Allen
county, July 17, 1845, of good old English Puritan descent
paternally.
Col. Lester Bliss, father of our subject is a
punitive son of Knox (now Morrow) county, Ohio, and was born
August 10, 1847, although is claimed by an elder sister that the
place of his nativity was Cooperstown, N. Y. Dr. David
Bliss, father of Col. Bliss, was a practitioner at
Cooperstown, N. Y., but was born in Connecticut of English
Puritan ancestry. He married Mary VanTress, of New
York, of Holland descent. Samuel Bliss, great
grandfather of our subject and father of Dr. David Bliss,
was a patriot in the war of the Revolution. Dr. David
Bliss was the pioneer physician of Sparta, Morrow county,
Ohio, where he practiced until his death, which occurred in
1846, at the age of about sixty years, and where he also served
as a justice of the peace. He was the father of seven
children, viz: Dr. Morgan L., Maria, Mason, Mahala,
Porter, Lester, and Mary A., all now deceased with
the exception of the two last named.
Col. Lester Bliss received a liberal education
at Gambier (Knox county) and Granville (Licking county), Ohio
and studied law in Mount Vernon, Ohio, under the Hon. Henry
B. Curtis, a leading lawyer and a man of wealth - practiced
his profession at Lima, Allen county, Ohio, until 1850, then
removed to Delphos, where he continued in practice until the
breaking out of the Civil war, in the meantime having been
elected, by the democratic party, twice as prosecuting attorney
of Allen county; also, in 1850, as the first mayor of Delphos,
and in 1853 as a member of the state legislature; the same year
he was also nominated for the office of lieutenant-governor of
the state of Ohio, but withdrew his name from the ticket in
order to accept the position of superintendent of the Ohio &
Indiana railroad - an office he filled for several years.
August 1, 1862, Lester Bliss enlisted at
Delphos, in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio volunteer
infantry, and was at once appointed quartermaster, with the rank
of major; one year latter was commissioned lieutenant-colonel
and served with Burnside in the east, and was also at the siege
of Knoxville, and in many minor engagements, and served until
ill-health compelled him to resign his commission in 1865.
In 1863 he purchased his present farm, comprising 312 acres, on
which he has resided since the close of the war, when he
discontinued the practice of his profession, ill-health
precluding its further continuance. The first marriage of
Col. Bliss took place, in 1844, to Miss Belinda hover,
daughter of Emanuel and Carline (Adgate) Hover, and this
union was blessed with two children - David M. and
Lester L., of whom the latter was a soldier in the Civil war
and died at Fort Scott, Kans. the domestic happiness
resulting from the first matrimonial alliance of Col. Bliss
was of short duration only, as Mrs. Bliss was called away
in 1848, and the second marriage of the colonel was with Miss
Aldulia, daughter of William Curtis, the result of
this union being one child only - Dr. Charles C. Bliss,
of Delphos. For thirty years Col. Bliss has
been a member of the Methodist church, in which he has filled
all the major offices. At the outset of his political
career Mr. Bliss was a democrat, and at the outbreak of
the war became a war democrat, and later on joined the
republican party; he is a member of the G. A. R. post at
Delphos, and has ever been an active factor in the affairs of
the county, which he has guarded with the utmost care.
David M. Bliss, the subject of this sketch
received his preliminary education in the common schools of
Delphos, and this was supplemented by an attendance for two
years at the Wesleyan college of Delaware, Ohio; he then read
law with his father, but never engaged in practice. For
two years he was in mercantile business at Delphos, and also
conducted a newspaper at Sidney, Ohio, two years, and later a
paper at Lima. His first marriage was with Miss Mary A.
Lytle, who died of consumption nine months after the
wedding, and Mr. Bliss, in 1870, was joined in wedlock
with Alice J. Neel, of Lima, Ohio - this union being
blessed with three children, viz: Lester L., Neel V.
and Mary A. In religion Mr. Bliss is a
Methodist; in politics he is independent but has filled the
office of justice of the peace and township trustee, and has
been a member of the board of education for fifteen years.
He is a member of the K. of P. at Delphos and is well known
throughout Allen county for his integrity and unswerving
devotion to his word. His skill as a farmer is universally
recognized, and his social standing, with that of his family, is
with the best circles in the township and county.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 620) |
Marion Twp. -
COL. LESTER BLISS, breeder of fine cattle
and hogs, P. O. Delphos, was born in Cooperstown, N. Y., Aug.
17, 1817. His father, Dr. David Bliss, a native of
Vermont, removed from Cooperstown in 1818, and settled in what
is now Morrow County, Ohio, where he was well and favorably
known as a pioneer and a physician of repute. Col.
Bliss obtained a liberal education at Fredericktown high
school, and completed a good classical and literary education at
Granville College. At twenty-one years of age he engaged
in the study of law at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, under the tuition of
Henry B. Curtis, Esq., and was admitted to the bar of Ohio
at Marion in June, 1841. In August of the following year
he located in Lima, where he carried on an active practice of
law for several years. He served as prosecuting attorney
for the county one term during this time, and subsequently
declined a nomination for that office. One subject married
in Lima, in 1844, Miss Belinda Ann, daughter of the late
Manuel Hover of Shawnee Township, this county, who
departed this life in 1847, leaving two sons, David M.,
now a farmer and stock raiser of Marion Township, this county,
and Lester Le Grand, who, after completing a fine
commercial education, died at the age of twenty-one years in
Fort Scott, Kan. Our subject, on second occasion, married
Mrs. Aldulia Kennedy, daughter of the late William
Curtis, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, by whom he had one son -
Charles C., now a merchant druggist of Delphos. Again
Col. Bliss was compelled to lay to rest his
companion in life, and he subsequently married Harriet N.,
(sister of his first wife), with whom we find him happily
associated. He removed to Delphos in 1850, and engaged
extensively in manufacturing. While residing on the
Van Wert side of the Miami & Erie Canal, which divides Delphos
in halves, he was elected and served one term as county
commissioner, of Van Wert County, and served as township trustee
for a long series of years. In 1852 he was elected to
represent Allen County in the Legislature, it being the first
representation of the county under the new constitution.
He was engaged actively in railway building, and during this
time declined the nomination for lieut. governor of Ohio, but
had the satisfaction of seeing his party coming through by an
immense majority. In August, 1862, he volunteered his
services in defense of the Union, and was commissioned first
lieutenant and assigned to quartermaster's duty with the One
Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In the
early part of the following year he received honorable promotion
as a field officer with the rank of major. In the spring
of 1864 he was commissioned a lieutenant-colonel, and did active
and honorable service until his resignation. After
retiring from war service he engaged at farming and stock
breeding, and has given his exclusive attention to it since.
During his residence in Delphos he was active in the promotion
and development of its interests, with which he still continues
prominent. The Colonel is a stockholder and director of
the Commercial Bank, and is interested in other industries.
He served as the first mayor of the city and filled many other
local official positions. Col. Bliss still retains
the vigor and ambition of his youthful days, and will long be
remembered in the history of this locality as one of its most
reputable and persevering pioneers.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 619 |
Spencer Twp. -
JACOB BOOK,
farmer, P. O. Spencerville, was born in Marion County, Ohio, July
24, 1844; son of John and Catherine (Epley) Book, natives
of Germany, who were the parents of nine children of whom Jacob
is sixth. John Book came to America in 1821, and located in
Marion County, Ohio; he is now retired from active life, a
resident of Van Wert County, Ohio; his wife died in 1878. Our
subject was married, March 28, 1871, to Isabel Masters, who
was born in Clermont County, Ohio, July 22, 1850, daughter of
William and Malinda (Ross) Masters, of VanWert
County. She has borne him six children: John F.,
Nancy C. (deceased), William H., deceased), James A.,
Joseph A. and Rosa E. (twins). Mr. Book
is one of of the most influential men of the township, and, as the
appearance of his farm denotes, is a practical farmer. He aims to
excel, and to produce and to have the best to sell. Having been
reared on a farm, his educational advantages were necessarily
limited to the common schools. Although not an office seeker he is
a leader of the Democratic party in this vicinity; is an active
member of Jennings Grange, No. 1320. He came to Spencer Township,
with his parents in 1863, and in 1871 purchased the homestead
where he still lives.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 801) |
Bath Twp. -
HENRY BOOSE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born
in Somerset County, Penn., Jan. 31, 1832, and is a son of
Rudolph and Susannah (Walker) Boose. He was reared in
his native county, and educated in the common schools. In
the fall of 1854, when in his twenty-second year, he came to
Allen County, and located in Bath Township on the farm where he
now resides, all of which he has cleared and improved from what
was then an unbroken wilderness. He has been twice
married. His first wife, to whom he was married Dec. 6,
1855, was Mary S., daughter of Daniel and Phebe (Shunk)
Coleman, of Somerset County, Penn., and by her he had four
children: Eliza J. (wife of Joseph Neishwitz),
Cyrus D., Charles R. and Henry F. On June 27,
1870, he married his present wife - Catherine Westbay,
widow of Isaiah Westbay, and daughter of Charles and
Sophia (Ludwig) Crites, of German township, this county.
By this union there were four children: Ellen, Clara R.,
Harry T., and an infant daughter (deceased). Mr.
Boose is one of the representative and leading farmers of
Bath Township. The farm he now occupies comprises 160
acres. He has two eighty-acre tracts on Section 8, a part
of which he has cleared. He and his wife are members of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has filled the office
of treasurer of Bath Township upward of twelve years, and has
held other minor offices; in politics he is a stanch Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 576 |
Bath Twp. -
SAMUEL BOOSE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born
in Somerset County, Penn., Nov. 27, 1842; son of Rudolph and
Susannah (Walker) Boose, natives of Pennsylvania. His
paternal grandfather, Jacob Boose, was a native of
Switzerland, and his maternal grandfather, Philip Walker,
was a native of Germany. Our subject was reared on a farm
in his native county, and resided with his parents until
twenty-four years of age. He served in the late war of the
Rebellion, enlisting in July, 1862, and was in the battles of
Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Antietam, as well as several minor
engagements, and received a flesh wound in the leg at
Gettysburg. After thirteen months' service he was
honorably discharged on account of disability, at Mt. Pleasant
Hospital, Washington, D. C. Mr. Boose has been
twice married, his first wife, to whom he was married Mar. 19,
1865, being Civilla, daughter of William and Susan
(Walker) Hay, of Somerset County, Penn., by which union
there was one child - Civilla. Mar. 7, 1867, our
subject married his present wife, Jane, daughter of
Henry and Susanah (Wingardner) Roush, early settlers of Bath
Township. The issue of this union was nine children:
Mary S., Emma J., Henry R., Sarah R., Katie A., Maggie B.,
Martha A., Cora M., and Gracie I. Mr. Boose
located in Bath Township in 1865, on the farm he now occupies,
comprising 200 acres, most of which he has cleared himself,
making nearly all the improvements. He and his wife are
members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has served
the township as treasurer and trustee, and was infirmary
director of the county six years. He is one of the
substantial farmers of Bath Township. In politics he is a
Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 576 |
Ottawa Twp. -
JOHN P. BOURQUIN, hotel keeper,
Lima, was born July 9, 1845, in Loraine, France, son of
Joseph Bourquin, who was the parent of three
children: Julia, Joseph F. and John P. Joseph
Bourquin died in France, and in 1856, his widow and family
came to America, locating at New York, being among the
passengers on the last sailing vessel which sailed previous to
the introduction of ocean steamers. Our subject was
educated in Wayne County, Ohio, and came to Lima, in 1865,
working for R. Hughes, tinner and stove dealer.
Being of a speculative turn of mind. Mr. Bourquin
began trading in real estate and also opened a restaurant, which
he now rents. May 28, 1882, he bought the Bennett House
of S. V. Bronnell, which he has rebuilt, remodeled, and
refurnished, so that it is now one of the leading hotels of
Lima. He is an enterprising young man and a popular
landlord. Mr. Bourquin was united in marriage, Aug.
27, 1879, and has one child named Bonnie.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 681 |
Ottawa Twp. -
BYRON BOWERS, house painter, Lima, was
born Dec. 16, 1841, in Lima, son of Abraham and Phebe (Neel)
Bowers, natives of Pennsylvania, and who came to Ohio,
settling in Wayne County. Here they lived until 1834, when
they moved to this county. Abraham Bowers was a
cabinet-maker and carpenter. Of their family of twelve
children, five are now living: Andrew, James, Susan
(Mrs. Morris), Lizzie (Mrs. Nye), and Byron.
Our subject was educated in Lima. During the late war of
the Rebellion, he enlisted, in 1861, in the three months'
service, and the following year, 1862, re-enlisted and served
three years in the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment, Ohio
Volunteer Infantry. After his discharge he returned to
Lima and resumed his trade, that of house painting. Mr.
Bowers was married, in 1868, to Nancy E., daughter of
James W. Shockey, and by this union there is one child -
Iva. Mr. Bowers is a member of the I. O. O. F.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 681 |
Shawnee Twp. -
JOHN BOYD, farmer, P. O. Cridersville,
Auglaize County, was born in Allegheny County, Penn., Nov. 4,
1807, son of Henry and Margaret (Beer) Boyd both natives
of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Trumbull County, Ohio. Our
subject was reared in Trumbull County, Ohio, where he was
educated in the common schools. After he was eighteen
years of age he began working on a farm by the month, and also
engaged in teaming and teaching school until he was twenty-four
years of age. He was twice married, his first wife, to
whom he was married Feb. 21, 1833, being Mary C.,
daughter of John and Rebecca (McKinney) Johnson, of
Canfield, Ohio. The issue of this union was two children,
Rebecca J. (Mrs. James Robison, deceased), and John
(deceased). His present wife is Anna, daughter if
Frederick and Christena (Hartzel) Lazarus, of
Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, to whom he was married, Mar. 16,
1837, and by whom he has had four children: Frederick who
died in the army during the late wary, at Bowling Green, Ky. a
member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Susan
(Mrs. David E. Hover), Maria (Mrs. W. A. Wolf
and Christiana (Mrs. George Tamplin). After his
first marriage Mr. Boyd settled in Berlin Township,
Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he resided fourteen years; from there
he went to Deerfield, Portage Co., Ohio, where he lived until
1854, when he came to this county, settling in Shawnee Township,
on the farm he now owns and occupies, which he cleared and
improved. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are members of the
Presbyterian Church of Lima, He has filled several of the
minor offices of the township. In politics he is a
Republican.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 785) |
Shawnee Twp. -
DAVID M. BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Butler County,
Ohio, Feb. 27, 1825, son of Griffith and Mary (Mowen) Breese,
who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1832, former a
native of Wales, latter of Pennsylvania. They were parents
of six children: Nancy, George, John (killed while moving
a house.), William D., David M. and Griffith.
Our subject was seven years of age when he came with his parents
to this county, and was reared on the old homestead, a part of
which he now owns and occupies, receiving a limited education in
the country schools. He was married Jan. 1, 1849, to
Mary, daughter of Crane and Mary (Harper) Valentine,
of Berrien County, Mich. The issue of this union was three
children: Mary E. (Mrs. Columbus Maltbie), George L. and
Emmett (deceased). Mr. Breese after his
marriage located on Section 3, Shawnee Township, this county, on
what is now known as the Shaffer farm, which he cleared
and improved, and where he lived fourteen years. In 1863
he moved to his present farm, a part of the old homestead
originally entered by his father, where he has resided ever
since. He was in the 100 day's service during the late war
of the Rebellion, enlisting in Company B. One Hundred and
Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was at Washington, D. C.,
at the time of Gen. Early's raid, and was honorably
discharged at the expiration of his term of service.
Mr. and Mrs. Breese are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He has been a F. & A. M. since 1862. In
politics he is a Republican.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 787) |
|
NOTE: The
following biography is very very hard to read.
Upon request, I will get a good copy to transcribe. Sharon
Wick)
G. ALVA BREESE, of Shawnee township, Allen
county, Ohio is a great-grandson of John Breese, who was
born probably about 1780? John Breese had a son,
Griffith, and Griffith Breese had a son,
WILLIAM D., who was the father of G.
Alva Breese, the subject of this sketch who was born
December 26, 1859?
Most of the incidents of the life of William
D. Breese are well remembered by his child. He was
reared on the old Griffith Breese homestead, and there
received his education in the schools of his day, which were ___
so well supplied with teachers and apparatus as those of the
present day. Upon this old homestead he lived the greater
part if not the whole of his life, which extended much beyond
the ordinary ____ he dying in 189_? William D. Breese
was a ______ man in many ways and was _____ by his ____ friends
with the offices of justice of the peace and treasurer of his
township, holding the former for many years. In politics
he was a republican and labored earnestly and successfully for
his party's prosperity. He was a man of ideas, was a great
reader, and was ______ well versed in law, his ______ as justice
of the peace requiring him to read both general and ____ law.
In his religious convictions he was a Methodist and he was a
member of the Shawnee Methodist Episcopal church, always living
consistently with his ____ as a religious man. William
D. Breese married Miss Ellen Yoakam, daughter of
Solomon and Ruth Yoakam, who were among the early settlers
of Shawnee township. Together marriage was born one son,
G. Alva, the subject and they are both now deceased,
lying in the cemetery at Shawnee.
G. Alva Breese, the date of which birth has
already been stated, was like his three distant ancestors whose
names have been given, brought up in a farmers life. His
education was received in the common schools of the township in
which he lived. He has always followed the time-honored
pursuit of his ancestors, that of agriculture, and to that
industry as carried on by his father. Mr. Breese
has added the department of dairying, keeping at the present
time nineteen cows. In all he cultivates ___ acres of
land. In this calling he has met with abundant success,
and by keeping for himself fully informed as to the improvements
that are constantly being made, even in agriculture, he is
enabled to keep abreast of the times and to make farming ____
profitable, but at the same time somewhat ____ve, a _____ which
some people think it ____ ___sess.
In politics Mr. Breese is a republican but is
not ____ it his party ____ by any _____ of office. His
_____ does not ____ in that ____, although as for __
qualification is concerned of that there is no doubt.
But he believes the post of honor is the private
station. Mr. Breese was married to Miss Iva John,
daughter of Jehu John, of German township, who is a
descendant from Welsh Quaker ancestry, and who was among the
early settlers of Northumberland county, Pa. To this
marriage there have been born six children, four of whom are
still living, viz: Clifford E., Vida M.,
Don C. and Villa I. Mr. Breese is descended
from a long line of honorable ancestry, and is himself no
discredit to their record. He is upright and square in his
dealings with men, and desires to see all men prosper.
Nothing in the shape of underhanded tricks or schemes find any
countenance with him, felling convinced, as he does, that what
is done is done forever, and can not be recalled.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896
- Page 211) |
GEORGE BREESE,
of Shawnee township, Allen county, Ohio, the eldest son of
Griffith Breese, was born Oct. 1, 1817, in Franklin county,
Pa. Griffith Breese was among the earliest settlers
of Shawnee township, Allen county, Ohio, and was a son of
John Breese, a native of Montgomeryshire, an inland county
of Wales. From Wales he came to the United States in 1800,
his wife having previously died. His children he brought
with him. So far as is known to his descendants his first
permanent location was near Chambersburg, Pa., in Franklin
county. A few years later he came to Ohio, settling near
Bellefontaine, in Logan county, where he lived until his death,
in 1815. His children were as follows: Susan,
who married Humphrey Evans, and who died in Cincinnati;
Griffith; Mary, who married Evan Evans, and
who died in Franklin county, Ky.; Robert, who married
Lydia Henry, and lived and died in Logan county, Ohio, and
John, who died in Pennsylvania.
Griffith Breese was born in Wales in 1790, and
coming, as has been intimated, to the United States in 1800, was
reared in Pennsylvania. He early learned the trades of
mason and of weaver, working at the former in summer and at the
latter in winter. In company with Humphrey Evans
and Evan Evans, his two brothers-in-law, he removed, in
1819, by way of the Ohio river, on flatboats, which they had
purchased, to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence he went to Butler
county, Ohio, where he purchased eighty acres of land, upon
which he carried on farming and also his trades of mason and
weaver. Here he remained until 1832, when he removed to
Allen county, and lived in the Shawnee council house until
January, 1833, at which time the sale of the reservation lands
took place. Of these reservation lands Griffith Breese
purchased eighty acres in section No. 10, and an equal amount in
each of sections Nos. 6 and 21, and kept on purchasing other
tracts and parcels of land until before his death he owned 1,100
acres at once, all in Shawnee township, which he ultimately
divided up among his children. On the eighty acres in
section No. 10 he settled, cleared it of its timber in part,
erected a brick residence thereon, and lived upon it the
remainder of his days, dying Nov. 2, 1848.
Griffith Breese married Miss Mary L. Mowen,
daughter of Lewis Mowen, of Franklin county, Pa.
She died in 1852. The children born to this marriage were
as follows: Nancy, who resides on the old homestead;
George, of Shawnee township; John (deceased);
William D.; David M., of Shawnee township, and Griffith,
who is was a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry,
and died from exposure while in the service of his country.
Mr. Breese was one of the most prominent men of his day
in his township, and he took great interest in all matters
pertaining to the development of his county's prosperity.
In the early days he was a democrat, and in later life a whig.
While not a member of any church, yet he favored the doctrines
of the Baptist denomination, and was always upright and true in
his conduct. Public office he never sought nor desired,
but he was always alive to the interests of the political party
with which he indentified himself, and also was ready to further
any movement promising to promote the public good.
George Beese came with his
parents to Ohio, and remained upon the homestead until after the
death of his mother. His education was such as the schools
of that day afforded, which, supplemented by intercourse with
the world, has always been sufficient for his necessities.
In 1856 he settled upon a portion of his father's land, in
section No. 9, containing 160 acres, and in 1862 he removed to
section No. 21, on 240 acres. This latter farm he cleared
and improved, making of it an excellent piece of property.
In 1865 he removed his house to section No. 16, on the same
240-acre tract, and he there engaged in farming until 1882, when
he purchased his present farm in sections Nos. 6, and 16, where
he is living, retired from active business. At the time of
his retirement from the active control of his property and
busines he owned 320 acres of land, which he has divided up
among his children.
In 1855 Mr. Breese was married to Miss Sarah
Yoakam, daughter of Solomon and Ruth
Yoakam, of Shawnee township, and to this marriage have been
born four children, viz: Charles L., deceased;
Mary E., wife of C. D. Strawbridge; Ina
and John O. Politically Mr. Breese is a
republican, but cares not for office, the performance of his
private duties having always been uppermost in his ambition.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a
trustee of the church of which he is a member. Mr.
Breese is one of the original settlers of Shawnee township,
and assisted in its organization. He well remembers the
Shawnee Indians, who were still living on their reservation when
he came from the ____. That they were dissatisfied with
its sale is also one of the things he distingtly remembers and
also that they spent considerable time in trying to re-organize
it, which of course they ___ not do. He has pleasant
recollections of this tribe of red men, and says that they were
honorable to a high degree, which is in accordance with when
many early travelers among them and ____about them also ___.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896
- Page 209)
(SHARON WICK'S NOTE: The last paragraph of this biography
was not copied correctly and was very very hard to read.) |
Shawnee Twp. -
GEORGE BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was
born in Franklin County, Penn., Oct. 1, 1817, son of Griffith
and Mary (Mowen) Breese, who settled on Section 10, Shawnee
Township, this county, in 1832, where they lived one winter in
the Indian Council House, afterward entering the land now owned
by their sons, William D. and David M., which they
cleared and improved, and where they lived and died. The
father was a native of Wales, the mother of Pennsylvania.
They reared a family of six children: Nancy, George, John
(who was killed while moving a house by a hook flying and
striking him on the head), William D., David M., and
Griffith (who was a member of the Ninety-ninth Regiment Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, during the late war, and died of disease
contracted in the service before the expiration of his term).
Our subject, who was fifteen years of age when his parents
settled in Shawnee Township, this county, received a limited
education in the schools of his day, and resided with his
parents until their death. He was married Sept. 6, 1855,
to Sarah, daughter of Solomon and Ruth (Carter)
Yoakum, who settled in Shawnee township, this county, in
1842. The issue of this union is four children: Charles
L., Mary E. (Mrs. C. D. Strawbridge - have one child.
Cloyd E.), Ina and John O. After
his marriage Mr. Breese settled on Sections 9
and 16, Shawnee Township, this county, a part of which he
drained and improved. He afterward moved to Section 21,
same township, on a farm of 160 acres, which he also cleared and
improved and afterward brought an addition of 160 acres
adjoining, on Section 16, and this he also cleared, and where he
now resides in the fine residence built by him in 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. Breese and three children are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he served as trustee for
several years. In politics he is a Republican.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 785) |
Marion Twp. -
THOMAS BREESE, farmer and stock-breeder,
Delphos, Allen County, was born in North Wales, Mar. 15, 1835;
son of Richard and Elizabeth (Rollands) Breese, former of
whom died Nov. 20, 1875, aged seventy-three; latter Sept. 28,
1852, aged forty-eight years. They came to America,
landing at Philadelphia, and settled the same year on the farm,
where the subject of this sketch now lives, there being only
four acres, cleared out of the 160,, and for which Richard
Breese paid $100 cash. Here, before the father's
death, they cleared about seventy acres, and endured the trials
and hardships of pioneer life. Richard Breese was a
man of prominence in his township, a deacon in the
Congregational Church many years. He and his wife, were
parents of seven children: Mary (wife of Joseph
Watkins, in Sugar Creek Township, this county), Thomas,
Ann (wife of John Morris, of Lima), Jane (wife
of Evan Morgan, in Benton County, Ark.), Alice
(single), Richard (deceased, leaving a family of three
children in Delphos), Samuel R. (who enlisted in May
1861, in Company H, Thirty-second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, going out as the first lieutenant, he was killed in
the Battle of Harper's Ferry, in August, 1862, and had his death
not occurred, he would have been promoted to lieutenant colonel
in a few days). Thomas Breese, the subject of this
sketch, received a meager education; being the eldest son, his
services were required in clearing up the farm. He was
married Sept. 6, 1861, to Martha Davis, a native of
Montgomeryshire, Wales, born Sept. 10, 1842, daughter of Rev.
James and Mary (Davis) Davis, who came to America in August,
1849, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where the former preached
for three years, in the Lawrence Street Congregational Church.
They then came to Gomer, this county, in 1853, where Mr.
Davis preached eight years, thence moved to New York State,
remaining two years, thence to Radnor, Ohio, where he preached
eight years. Rev. James Davis, was a son of
Isaac and Sarah Davis he died in April, 1873. His
widow who is still living with Mr. Breeze, is a daughter
of Richard and Margaret (Davis) Davis. Rev. James Davis
was the father of seven children, of whom three died without
issue. Those who had families were Sarah (deceased
wife of John Thomas, leaving family in Van Wert
County, Ohio), Bejamin (deceased, leaving family in
Crawford County, Kans.), James (a business man in
Sandusky City, has a family of three children), William
(a merchant in Keokuk, Iowa, has a family of three children),
and Martha (Mrs. Breese). To our subject and
wife, have been born six children: Emma born July 10,
1862; Samuel, born July 23, 1864; Mary (deceased
at five years of age); James D., born January 31, 1874;
Richard, born May 1, 1878, and Mary, born May 29,
1881. The life of Mr. Breese has been spent chiefly
on the farm which he now occupies. He takes an active
interest in all educational and religious matters. The
family are members of the Congregational Church. In
politics he is a Republican.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 620) |
Shawnee Twp. -
WILLIAM D. BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was
born in Butler County, Ohio, Apr. 30, 1822; son of Griffith
and Mary (Mowen) Breese, former a native of Wales, latter of
Franklin County, Penn. His paternal grandfather was
John Breese, a native of Wales, who came to America in 1798,
settling in Champaign County, Ohio, in an early day, and whose
children were Susan, Griffith, Robert, Mary and John
(all new deceased). Our subject's maternal grandfather was
Lewis Mowen, a native of Pennsylvania.
William D. Breese came with his parents in 1832, to this
county, where the latter entered land in Shawnee Township, a
part of which is now occupied by our subject, and which, with
the assistance of their sons, they cleared and improved.
Here the father died in 1848, at the age of fifty-eight, and the
mother in March,,, 1853, at the age of sixty-two. They had
a family of six children: Nancy, George, John
(killed while moving a house), William D., David M., and
Griffith (who died in the army October, 1862). Our
subject was reared in Shawnee Township, this county, from ten
years of age, and has always resided on the old homestead.
He was married Mar. 15, 1859, to Ellen, daughter of
Solomon and Ruth (Carter) Yoakum, who settled in Shawnee
Township, this county, in 1842, and to this union was born one
son, G. Alva (who was married Jan. 20, 1881, to
Iva, daughter of Jehu and Mary (Clark) John, of Elida,
Ohio, by whom he has three children: Clifford E., Julius C.
and Vida M. Mrs. Breese died in February, 1861, at
the age of twenty-eight years; at the time of her death she was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Breese
has served the township as justice of the peace one term, was
township treasurer for several years and also township clerk.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In
politics he is a Republican.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 786) |
Shawnee Twp. -
WILLIAM H. BREESE, farmer, P. O. Lima, was
born Sept. 12, 1848, in Shawnee Township, this county, on what
is known as the old "Turkey Foot farm", and is a son of
John and Emily (Valentine) Breese, the former a native of Butler
County, Ohio, born Apr. 18, 1820; the latter a native of
Champaign County, Ohio, Apr. 21, 1820. His paternal
grandparents were Griffith and Mary (Mowen) Breese, the
former a native of Wales, and a son of John Breese, who
immigrated to America in 1798; the latter a native of
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Lewis Mowen. Our
subject's maternal grandparents were Crane and Mary (Harper)
Valentine, who settled in Lima, Ohio, in 1832, when there
were but ten houses in the place. His maternal
great-grandparents were William and Johanna (Crane) Valentine,
natives of New Jersey and pioneers of Champaign County, Ohio.
Mrs. Mary (Harper) Valentine was a native of Virginia, a
daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Cunningham) Harper.
John Breese, father of our subject, who was twelve years
of age when his parents settled in Shawnee Township, this
county, received a limited education in the schools of that
time, and commenced the world for himself on what is known as
the "Turkey Foot farm," this county, where he resided three
years; in 1851, he removed to the farm now owned and occupied by
Samuel Zurmehly, a part of which he cleared and improved,
where he lived until 1863, when he located on the farm
now occupied by our subject, and here he resided until his
death, which was caused by being struck on the head with an iron
hook while engaged in moving a building, Nov. 16, 1865, his
death ensuing the day following; he was in the days' service in
the One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during
the late war of the Rebellion; he held several minor offices in
Shawnee Township; in politics, he was a Republican; he was an
active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our
subject is the only child of his parents, and was reared and
educated in Shawnee Township, this county, where he has always
resided. He was marred Nov. 10, 1874, to Ida A.,
daughter of James A. and Isabel K. (Ferguson) Hower, of
Shawnee Township, this county, and by her he has two children:
Naamah B. and John E. Mr. Breese is serving his
first term as trustee of the township. He and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is
steward. In politics, he is a Republican.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 787) |
Sugar Creek Twp. -
ABRAHAM
BRENNEMAN, farmer, P. O. Lima, is a native of Rockingham
County. Va.. born February 21. 1831; son of David and Catharine
(Mover) Brenneman. who came from Virginia to Fairfield County,
Ohio, and then, in 1847, to Allen County, where the latter died
and the former still resides; they were the parents of twelve
children, eleven of whom are now living. Our subject, who is the
eldest, was married, August 21, 1856, to Miss Eliza Ward,
of Monroe Township, this county, a native of German Township, this
county, and daughter of William and Elizabeth (Ridenour) Ward,
who were married in this county, and where Mrs. Ward died.
Mr. Ward now resides in Perry Township, this county. To our
subject and wife have been born eight children: Henrietta E.,
William C., Mary C, David W., Sarah A., Abraham P., Jacob B.
and Frank H., all living except David W. and Abraham P. Mr.
Brenneman followed carpentering for five or six years, and
in 1856 purchased land in Monroe Township, this county, which he
improved, and to which by industry and economy he added many
acres, owning now 249 acres in Monroe Township, 320 in Sugar Creek
Township, and 93 in Bath Township, all this county; also 160 acres
in Paulding County, Ohio; in all 822. He came to Sugar Creek
Township in 1877. Mrs. Brenneman is a member of the
Christian Church. In politics he is a stanch Democrat.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 817) (See Next Biography below here) |
ABRAHAM BRENNEMAN,
one of the oldest settlers of Sugar Creek township, and one of
the most successful and wealthy farmers in Allen county, comes
from sturdy German ancestry. His grandfather,
MALACHI BRENNEMAN, was a farmer of
the state of Virginia, and David Brenneman, son of
Malachi, was the father of the subject of this sketch, was
born in Rockingham county, Va., May 14, 1805, 2as a farmer by
occupation, was a well educated man, and was a member of the
Christian church. He married Miss Catherine Myers,
who was born Jan. 15, 1809, in Shenandoah county, Va., she being
the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Crumpacker) Myers.
Mr. Brenneman moved to Fairfield county, Ohio, Oct. 1, 1842,
and there rented land, and resided upon two different places for
three ad a half years. He then moved to Franklin county,
where he remained one and a half years, and in 1847 finally
removed to Allen county (then Putnam county), and settled in
Monroe township. His wife had some money and they together
bought 110 acres of land, a little of which had been cleared by
some former owner, or possibly, squatter. With the
assistance of his sons he cleared the rest of this land, and
afterward bought eighty acres more, becoming one of the
substantial and prosperous farmers of his day. David
Brenneman and his wife were the parents of twelve children,
viz: Daniel F., Abraham, Elizabeth A., Samuel C., Rebecca J.,
Mary A., Sarah E., Lydia F., David D., John H., Jacob P. and
Martha A. Mr. Brenneman was a deacon in his church
for many years, and Mrs. Brenneman was a member of the
same church, and he assisted in building the first Christian
church in Monroe township. He was a democrat, and was
honored by his fellow-citizens by being elected to the office of
township trustee, but cared less for political affairs than for
general matters of interest to all, such as religion, education
and social progress. He was a hard-working man, and reared
his family to habits of industry, economy and honesty.
Sept. 4, 1892, he died at the age of eighty-seven years and four
months.
Abraham Brenneman, the subject of this sketch,
was born Feb. 21, 1831, in Rockingham county, Va., was reared a
farmer, and has followed that occupation with more than ordinary
success all his life. When he was about eleven years old
his parents removed from Virginia to Fairfield county, Ohio,
making the journey was wagon and horses. This journey is
still fresh in his memory. Coming with his father in 1847
to Allen county, he here assisted in clearing the farm, and was
educated, as were other boys of that day, in the common school.
On Aug. 21, 1856, he was married to Eliza Ward, born July
18, 1835, a daughter of WILLIAM and
Elizabeth (Ridenour) WARD.
WILLIAM WARD was the grandson
of an Englishman who came to America before the Revolutionary
war, and fought in that war as an American soldier. His
name was William, and his son's name was William,
bringing the name down to the father of Mrs. Brenneman,
so that there were three generations of William Wards.
William Ward, father of Mrs. Brenneman, was born in
Fairfield County, Ohio, July 1, 1810. He and his wife were
the parents of four children, viz: Sarah, Eliza, Mary A.,
and John H. Their marriage occurred in 1833, and
Mr. Ward died Oct. 12, 1894. He was a member of the
United Brethren church. The first wife of Mr. Ward
died when Mrs. Brenneman was six years old, that is, in
1841, and he was then married to Sarah Faustnaught, a
widow, ńee Sarah Wright.
To this marriage there were born four children, viz:
George H., Marion, William and David.
After the death of his second wife he married Hanna Angus,
by whom he had two children - Elizabeth and Leslie.
Mr. and Mrs. Brenneman, after their marriage,
settled on 150 acres of land near Cairo, in Allen county, a
portion of which belonged to his wife before her marriage.
Part of the town of Cairo is laid out on this land. When
he settled thereon but eight acres were cleared, but the
remainder was cleared by him and was made into a good farm.
A good and pleasant house was erected by him, and also other
buildings, and many other improvements were made. In 1877
Mr. Brenneman bought his present farm, then containing
250 acres. This farm was cleared and improved, and cost
him $80 per acre, the total cost being $20,000. This is
one of the best farms in Allen county, together with its
improvements. Previously he had purchased, in Monroe
township, 177½ acres, and in Monroe
and Sugar Creek townships, 160 acres. He had also 166
acres in Bath township, 185 acres in German township, and eighty
acres in Paulding county; making in all 972 acres, all fine
farming land. This property, which is a good fortune in
itself, he has acquired and accumulated by his own industry and
good management, generally making sure of his investments
beforehand, but notwithstanding all the care he has taken, he
lost, by misfortune, some $15,000.
Mr. Brenneman and his wife are
the parents of eight children, viz: Henrietta,
born Oct. 24, 1858 - died Oct. 20, 1887; William C., born
Nov. 20, 1860; Mary C., born Feb. 2, 1863; David W.,
born Mar. 31, 1865 - and died Oct. 15, 1868;
Sarah A., born Jul. 20, 1867; Abraham P., born Mar.
7, 1870 - died Oct. 12, 1871; Jacob B., born Aug. 19,
1872, and Frank H., born Dec. 23, 1874. Mr. and
Mrs. Brenneman are members of the Christian church, and
Mr. Brenneman has served his church as trustee. In
politics he is a democrat, but as the above brief sketch
indicates, he has always cared less for politics than success in
life as an agriculturists and as an accumulator of property.
His career and example forcibly illustrate the possibilities of
American citizenship, teaching what may be accomplished by
industry, economy, hard work and good judgment.
((Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of
Allen & Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen &
Co., 1896 - Page 214) (See also, Biography above this one) |
Marion Twp. -
DAVID BRENNEMAN, farmer and stock-breeder,
P. O. Elida, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Nov. 28, 1840,
son of Jacob and Caroline (Ogden) Brenneman lattter of
whom was born in Hardy County, Va., July 12, 1819,
Jacob Brenneman was a native of Rockingham County, Va., son
of Abraham and Magdalena (Shank) Brenneman natives of
Pennsylvania, former born 1745, and died aged seventy years. Was
twice married, and had in all sixteen children, the youngest of
whom is the only survivor. Jacob was also twice
married to Mary Beery, who was born Nov. 20, 1802, and
moved with her husband from Virginia to Fairfield County, Ohio,
in 1828, where she died four years later. Her children
were John L., born Oct. 24, 1821, in Marion Township,
this county; Abraham, born June 21, 1823, in Lancaster
County, Ohio; Barbara, born June 7, 1824, wife of John
Keller, in Branch County, Mich.; Isaac, born Sept.
25, 1825, in Adair County, Mo.; Elizabeth and Joseph.
Annie and Mary died young. Jacob Brenneman,
by his second wife, Caroline (Ogden) Brenneman, had the
following named children: Catharine, born Mar. 8, 1838,
widow of Abraham Friesuer (deceased), now wife of
George Keckler, in Branch County, Mich.; David, born
Nov. 28, 1840, in Fairfield County, Ohio; Jacob R., born
May 18, 1843, a druggist in Elida; Rebecca, born Jan. 2,
1847, wife of Daniel F. Berry, in Branch, Mich.; Sarah
A., born Nov. 10, 1849, wife of Thomas Wisher, in Van
Wert County; William F., born Apr. 30, 1852, in Elida;
Noah E., born Nov. 8, 1855, in Marion Township; Charles
B., born July 12, 1862, in Blanchard, Isabelle Co., Mich.
Jacob Brenneman died Jan. 1, 1865, aged sixty-eight
years, two months and twenty-five days. David Brenneman
received very limited educational advantages, remaining with his
father upon the farm until Aug. 10, 1862, when he enlisted in
Company A., One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, in which he did valiant duty, participating in the
siege of Knoxville, the battle of Resaca and Buzzard's Roost;
under fire from Dalton to Atlanta, Ga.; at Salisbury, N. C., and
in Sherman's march to the sea. He was discharged June 20,
1865, never having been off duty a single day, was neither sick
nor wounded during the whole time, but always in the front rank.
He was married, Sept. 27, 1866, to Phebe A. Lultz, who
was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1846, daughter of
John and Sarah (Griffith) Lutz, former a native of
Maryland, latter of Fairfield County. By her he had four
children; Laura A., born Oct. 10, 1867; Irwin E.,
born Aug. 28, 1869; Sarah E., born July 19, 1871;
Stephen A., born Nov. 8, 1873. David Brenneman
has a valuable farm of 165 acres, secured principally by his own
efforts. He takes an active interest in the improvement of
farm products, the advancement of education and religion.
He is a member of Mart Armstrong Post 202, G. A. R., at Lima.
The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 621) |
DAVID BRENNEMAN,
of Marion township, Allen county, Ohio, is a son of Jacob and
Caroline (Ogden) Brenneman, and was born in Fairfield
county, Ohio, Nov. 28, 1840. He was brought to Allen
county in September, 1853, by his parents, and was here reared
to manhood. Aug. 12, 1862, he enlisted in company A, One
Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, to serve three
years or during the war, and was honorably discharged at
Knoxville, Tenn., June 20, 1865. His regiment left Lima
Sept. 12, 1862, and in Oct. of same year was engaged in guard
duty on the Kentucky Central railroad; later, he was at the
siege of Knoxville, and was twenty-one days and nights under
fire; next had a hard fight at Mossy Creek, in Tennessee; then
returned to Knoxville and was engaged in building pontoon boats
until the spring of 1864, when he went on the Atlanta campaign,
fighting at Resaca, Buzzard's Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, Snake
Creek Gap, Peach Tree Creek, and at Atlanta. After the
fall of that city Mr. Brenneman was with Gen. Thomas
in Tennessee, was at Strawberry Plains, Jonesboro, Morristown,
and on to Salisbury, N. C.; was also at Lynchburg, Va., and
several other points, doing good work in the engineer branch of
the service until his final discharge.
Returning from the war, Mr. Brenneman engaged in
the saw mill business for four years, but in the meantime, Sept.
27, 1866, married Phebe A. Lutz, who was born Dec. 13,
1846, a daughter of John and Sarah A. (Griffith) Lutz.
John Lutz was of German descent and his wife of Welsh
extraction. The former was born in Perry county, Ohio,
Jan. 13, 1820, a son of John Lutz, who was born in
Maryland in 1787 and married Louise Leese, who was born
Oct. 14, 1794. To John and Louisa Lutz, the father
of Mrs. Brenneman, was thrice married - first to Sarah
A. Griffith, who was born Mar. 19, 1837, a daughter of
David Griffith, who bore him four children; his second wife
Elizabeth Miller, who also became the mother of
four children, and his third wife was Sarah Doner, who
bore him four children, likewise.
After his marriage, Mr. Brenneman located in
Amanda township, Allen county, lived there four years, and then
came to his present farm of 160 acres in Marion township.
There have been born to him four children, named Laura A.,
Irvin E., Sarah E. and Stephen A. Mr. and Mrs.
Brenneman are members of the Methodist church, and for nine
years Mr. Benneman has been trustee in that body.
In politics he is independent, and has served as trustee of his
township four years. He is a member of the Grand Army of
the Republic, belonging to Armstrong post, at Lima. Of the
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brenneman, Laura married
David Williams, a farmer of Van Wert county, and is the
mother of three children, named Groen Lenora, William David
and Anna; Irvin married Ollie Kircofe, and is
working on the home farm; Sarah E. is married to
Albert Morris, a blacksmith in the Lake Erie & Western
Railroad shops, at Lima.
The Brenneman homestead was first settled by
Christian Stukey, the deed having been signed by President
Andrew Jackson, May 2, 1833. The next owner was Daniel
Conrad, and by him it was transferred to Jacob Brenneman
in March, 1853. It is now one of the finest farms in the
township, is one of the oldest settled in the neighborhood, and
Mr. Brenneman has cleared up the greater pat of it.
Mr. Brenneman relates many reminiscences of the Civil
war, which are too voluminous for repetition in the sketch of
this character. He was a brave and faithful soldier, and
his conduct in civil life ahs been such as to win the esteem and
heartfelt regard of all who know him. He is upright,
public spirited, and generous in his impulses, and few citizens
of Marion township stand in a better light before the public
than he.
The family originally were German Mennonites, who fled
from persecution in Germany and sought shelter in the country
where all religions and sects are given freedom to worship in
their own way. They were faithful followers of Menno
Symons, and the founder of the branch of the family to
which John L. Brenneman belongs was Abraham, his
grandfather, who was born about 1745, so that it was probable
that the family first settled in southeastern Pennsylvania, some
time prior to the Revolutionary war. Abraham Brenneman
first married a young lady named Maria, who was born
about 1747, and died March 29, 1788, the mother of seven
children, viz: Magdalene, born Dec. 6, 1770;
Elizabeth, born Feb. 10, 1773; Malachi, born May 11,
1775; Francis, born Oct. 18, 1777; Barbara, born
Jan. 13, 1780; Daniel, born Mar. 24, 1782, and Abraham,
after the death of his first wife, married Magdalena Schenk,
who was the mother of seven children, viz: Henry, John,
Jacob, Catherine, Mary, David and Abraham.
Abraham Brenneman, when grown to manhood, left the
home in Pennsylvania, and settled on a farm in Rockingham
county, Va., where he prospered and reared his family, and there
died Mar. 8, 1815, in his seventy-first year. He was well
remembered by many people of his latter day, as he was noted for
his hospitality and liberality to all poor people; he always
kept a large store of wheat on hands to give to the poor and
needy, and many were those who could look to him as their
benefactor. He was honored and respected by all, and from
him fourteen children have descended, of whom all grew to
manhood and womanhood and raised families, excepting
Catherine, who had no children. All the Brenneman
family who are settled in Allen county, except Christian
Brenneman, who lives in Sugar Creek township, trace their
descent back to this Abraham Brenneman, while
Christian Brenneman traces his descent to a brother of
Abraham.
Jacob Brenneman, the third son of Abraham,
by his second wife, was the father of the subject of this
sketch, and was born on the old homestead in Rockingham county,
Va., Oct. 7, 1796, and married Mary, the daughter of
John Berry. After marriage he settled on the old
homestead in Rockingham county and eight children were born to
them, the four oldest of whom, John L. Abraham, Barbara
and Isaac, grew up the reared families; the four youngest
died while quite young after moving to Ohio. About 1828
Mr. Brenneman moved his family from the old home in Virginia
to Fairfield county, Ohio, where he bought a farm of 120
acres of partly cleared land; this he improved and was
prospering when his wife died, about October, 1832. In the fall
of 1836 he married Caroline, the daughter of David and
Rebecca (Frey) Ogden, who were natives of Virginia and of
English descent. By this marriage Mr. Brenneman had
eight children, viz: Catherine, David, Jacob, Rebecca, Noah,
William F. (deceased), Sarah A. and Charles B.
About September, 1853, Mr. Brenneman moved
his family to Marion township, Allen county, and settled on a
farm of 160 acres, a small part of which had been cleared.
He improved this land and made it his home the remainder of his
life, dying Jan. 1, 1865, being in his sixty-ninth year.
He was a prosperous and very successful farmer, and a
hard-working and honest man, and taught his children that hard
work was honorable, and that they should be honest and upright
in all things. It may be well said that his word was as
good as his bond. He was a democrat in politics, and a
faithful member of the Mennonite church, and was honored and
respected by all who knew him. (Source #1 - Page 212) |
HON. CALVIN
S. BRICE, one of Ohio's favorite and most distinguished
sons, was born in Denmark, Marion (now Morrow) county, of the
Buckeye state, Sept. 17, 1845, and is a son of William
Kirkpatrick and Elizabeth (Stewart) Brice. The father
was descended from an old Maryland and Pennsylvania family, was a
graduate of Hanover college and the Princeton Theological
seminary, and was a clergyman of much note, while the mother, a
lady of fine education and exemplary traits of character, was a
native of Carrollton, Ohio.
Calvin S. Brice, now United States senator from
the great commonwealth of Ohio, obtained his early education in
the common schools of his district, and this was supplemented by
attendance at schools of a higher grade at Lima, and such was his
native ability and industry that, at the early age of thirteen
years, he was so far advanced that he was able to enter the
preparatory department of Miami university, at Oxford, in his
native state, where he studied one year, and then entered the
freshman class. To those who knew the man, when a young,
red-haired boy, endeavoring to get an education at Miami
university, his after life has always been a story of exceeding
interest. What wealth he may have has been earned through
his own efforts, supplemented by a judgment and; business capacity
rarely equaled. He inherited none of it. The only heritage that
came to young Brice was a sound constitution, an active mind, a
thorough brand of American pluck and grit, and an intelligent
comprehension of the way in which to put these to the best use.
While at school his progress was marked, and he was looking
forward to graduation, when there came a call that his patriotic
impulses and the ardor of a true-hearted American boy would not
permit him to ignore. When the call of the president came, young
Brice, although but fifteen years of age, relinquished his
studies, enlisted as a member of Capt. Dodd's University
company, and in April, 1861, took his first lesson in military
discipline at Camp Jackson, Columbus. In April, 1862, he was
enrolled a member of company A, Eighty-sixth Ohio volunteer
infantry, of which Prof. R. W. McFarland was captain, and
served with the regiment during the summer of that year in West
Virginia. Returning to the university, he resumed his studies,
completed the regular course, and graduated in June, 1863.
Mr. Brice then took charge of one of the public
schools of Lima, and while so engaged acted for some time as
deputy county auditor. He had already formed the purpose of
devoting himself to the profession of law, and made use of such
spare time as he could command in study until the spring of 1864,
when the old impulse to make his power effective for the good of
the Union cause led him to again return to the field. He recruited
company E, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio volunteer infantry, and
as captain served in the First division of the Twenty-third corps
in Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas, until July, 1865. While
still in the field he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel for
meritorious services, but owing to the return of peace he was
never mustered in under this commission. With the return of peace,
Mr. Brice again devoted himself to what he felt was the
real work of his life. He applied himself, with renewed activity
and interest, to the study of law, subsequently entering the law
department of the university of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and was
admitted to practice by the state and the United States district
and circuit courts at Cincinnati, in the spring of 1866.
Associating himself with Mr. Irvine, he formed
the law firm of Irvine & Brice, and began the practice of his
chosen profession in Lima, where he remained more than ten years.
As a member of this law firm Mr. Brice became connected
with the legal department of the old Lake Erie & Louisville
railroad. This was the beginning of the career of Mr. Brice
as a railroad magnate. As one of the counsel for this road, he
obtained an insight into the actual work of railroading and saw
spread before him the opportunities which he subsequently grasped.
He became interested in the road financially, modestly it is true,
but his holdings gradually increased. His mind, capable of looking
into the future, foreseeing what should be done and doing it at
the right time, I saw where the money was being lost in the
railroad business and where it should be made. Quick of conception
and equally quick in execution, Mr. Brice recognized that
the extension of systems and the opening up of new territory would
enhance the property.
This idea developed and resulted in the construction of
the "Nickel Plate" railroad, a name given to the road in jest by
Mr. Brice, and which he and his associates constructed
parallel to the Lake Shore road. The Lake Shore had refused to
make a satisfactory arrangement for taking care of the traffic
turned over to it by the Lake Erie & Western, and its refusal led
to the building of this new line from Chicago to Buffalo, which it
was compelled to buy to get rid of the dangerous opposition that
it gave promise of being. This operation opened the eyes of the
eastern railroad world to this rising genius of the west. His
subsequent career as the moving spirit of large railroad interests
and corporate investments is thoroughly familiar to the public.
In politics, Mr. Brice has likewise been
singularly fortunate. He stands today the leading politician in a
great state, and one of the men of national prominence as a
democrat, with courage to do what he believes to be right, and
what the best interests of the whole people demand. He first came
before the people in politics when he was named for the Tilden
electoral ticket in 1876. He was also on the Cleveland electoral
ticket in 1884, and was a delegate to the Saint Louis convention
in 1888, where he was elected to represent Ohio on the national
democratic committee, and he was made chairman of the campaign
committee in the ensuing national campaign. At the death of M.
William H. Barnum, in 1889, Mr. Brice was made chairman
of the national committee, making a vigorous, but unsuccessful
fight for the re-election of Mr. Cleveland. No man ever
spent more of his time for the advancement of his party than did
Mr. Brice in that campaign, and it is notorious that no man
ever spent more of his private means for the advancement of the
cause of the ticket which he was championing.
In January, 1890, Mr. Brice was elected by the
legislature as a United States senator to succeed Hon. Henry B.
Payne. In the senate Mr. Brice has not been compelled
to serve the probationary period that usual falls to the lot of
young members. He forged at once to the front and became an active
and important figure in the councils of his party. On the
troublesome questions growing out of the railroad system and
transportation problems, his advice has been eagerly sought by
statesmen of both parties. He devoted much time to the tariff
question, and it was largely through his work that the party was
able, so far as the senate was concerned, to agree upon a bill
that consolidated the party vote in that body, and made it
possible for the bill to become a law and tariff reform to be an
assured fact. Mr. Brice will never be counted an orator. He
is not gifted with rhetorical speech, but his short pithy
five-minute speeches have condensed within them the essence of the
subject upon which he speaks and drives a point home to his
hearers in a way that impresses itself upon the understanding. He
has been a hard-working member and has reflected credit upon the
state, which has honored him with a seat in the senate of the
United States. The vast railroad interests with which Mr. Brice
has been and is connected, have not prevented his active labor in
other fields of investment or development. He organized and
became president of the gaslight company at Lima; assumed a
controlling interest in the First National Bank of Lima upon its
incorporation, and has been the promoter of, or a large
stockholder in, many of the manufacturing interests in that
thriving place. He is also identified with the Chase National Bank
of New York, and a leading spirit and director of the Southern
Trust company. Contrary to an opinion expressed, Mr. Brice
does not speculate in stocks. Purely speculative profits appear to
have little charm for Mr. Brice, he rather preferring the
fruits of a bold enterprise in his particular field wherein his
many friends can share; and such is his prestige that the
subscribers to such as are brought out by him are only limited by
the amount of the subscription. As a trustee of the Miami
university in Ohio, vice-president of the Ohio society in New
York, vice-president of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity of New
York, a member of the Manhattan, the Lotos, the Athletic, and
other leading clubs, and in like position of a public or social
character, Mr. Brice has proven himself a useful and
campanionable man.
Calvin S. Brice was most happily united in
marriage September 9, 1869, at Lima, Ohio, with Miss C. Olivia
Meily, and this union is blessed by the birth of three sons
and two daughters. Although engrossed in business and social
affairs he never carries them into the quiet atmosphere of home.
As soon as he turns from his office in the afternoon, by a
wonderful power of self-control, he shakes off all business care,
and goes happily to a home that is palatial in its appointments
and restful in its luxury. There, environed by the tenderness of
family ties, and delighted by the grace of culture and the beauty
of art, Mr. Brice welcomes his friends to royal hospitality
and most enjoyable entertainment.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co.,
1896) |
REV. WM.
KIRKPATRICK BRICE, deceased, was born in Adams county,
Pa., near Gettysburg, November 12, 1812.
Alexander and Margaret (Kearsley) Brice, his
parents, moved to Springboro, Warren county, Ohio, in 1815.
In 1830 he became a member of the Washington church,
and having the ministry in view, soon began his studies at Walnut
Hills at the opening of Lane seminary, which was then a classical
as well as a theological school. In 1836 he graduated at Hanover
college and at once went to the Princeton seminary, where he
finished his course in 1841. He was licensed to preach, by the
Second presbytery of New York, March 17, 1841, and began his
ministry in the churches of Washington and Muddy Run, in Miami
presbytery, serving them six months and then took charge of Canaan
church in Marion presbytery, and in 1843 he was ordained and
installed as pastor of Canaan church, also preaching as stated
supply of Mount Gilead one-third of his time. In the beginning of
the year 1849 he took charge of the Truro, Kalida and Ottawa
churches in Putnam county, Ohio, and was installed as pastor of
Truro in 1850. His labors at Truro were blessed, the church
becoming self-supporting and growing to be one of the largest in
the synod. Here he remained about twenty years, up to the time of
his death. In 1869 he had an attack of pneumonia which left him
with impaired lungs, from the effect of which he died July 19,
1870. In 1845 he married Elizabeth Stewart, of
Carlton, Ohio, who died April 16,1852, leaving three children—Calvin
S., William and James, the last named died in
infancy. William died in the spring of 1890. In 1854
Rev. Brice married Clementine Cunningham,
of Lima, Ohio, who is still living, by whom he had four children—
John K., Anna E. (Mrs. O. B. Selfridge, Jr.), Herbert L.
and Mary, wife of Edward Ritchie, of
Cincinnati, Ohio. By the first marriage of the Rev. William
Kirkpatrick Brice, it will be perceived that he became the
father of Ohio's eminent statesman and business prodigy, Calvin S.
Brice, whose biography and portrait precede this sketch.
|
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen
& Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co.,
1896) |
HERBERT L.
BRICE.—Among the most active and prominent young attorneys
of Lima, Ohio, is Herbert L. Brice, a son of Rev.
William K. and Clementine Brice. Mrs. Brice is a
daughter of William Cunningham, a leading citizen of
the same place. Herbert L. Brice, the subject of this
sketch, was born near Columbus Grove, Ohio, April 9, 1865, and at
the death of his father, which occurred when young Herbert
was about five years of age; his mother settled in Lima, her
present home. Here Mr. Brice obtained his early
education in the public schools, remaining in these schools until
he was fifteen years old, and in 1880 entered Oxford academy,
where he prepared for Wooster university. Entering Princeton
college in 1883, he pursued his studies there three years, and was
graduated from that institution in 1886. Having already chosen his
profession he at once entered Columbia Law school in New York
city, and was admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio, in 1888. So
careful and thorough had he always been in his school and college
courses that he found himself prepared to immediately engage in
the practice of his profession, and at once formed a partnership
with S. S. Wheeler at Lima, Ohio, which partnership
continues to the present time. Politically Mr. Brice
is a republican and has always taken great interest in the success
of his party. He is also to some extent engaged in business, being
at the present writing. president of the Lima Natural Gas company,
and he is also a member of the B. P. O. E., No. 9, of Lima, Ohio.
Few men in this part of Ohio have a brighter prospect before them
than has Mr. Brice, who is thoroughly well qualified for
any practice that may fall to his share. His social standing, it
is needless to say, is co-equal with that of the most prominent
citizens of the county, his ancestors, as. well as himself, having
been quite eminent.
(Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen
& Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co.,
1896) |
Ottawa Twp. -
P. H. BROOKS, physician, Lima, was born
near Oxford, Butler County, Ohio, Feb. 7, 1845. His
father, Kennedy Brooks, a native of Ireland, acquired a
thorough education, and in early manhood left the land of his
nativity to found a home among the liberty-loving people of
America. He was without means, and made his way to the
wilds of Butler County, where he met and wedded Elizabeth H.
Butler a native of Vermont, who proved a willing helpmeet
and the foundation of his success. She taught school with
her first born in her arms, while he struggled manfully in
clearing the forest land, and securing support. In time he
was enabled to purchase a small piece of land, and at the close
of his life, in 1878, he left over 300 acres to his children,
his companion having preceded him to the better world in 1865.
Kennedy Brooks was a man of strict religious principles
and an expert mathematician. His death was mourned by a
large concourse of friends, especially the poor, to whom he had
always extended aid aid and assistance. He and his wife
were parents of ten children, eight of whom were classical
graduates. The eldest, Andrew, is a teacher at
Springfield, Ill.; Arpasia is teaching near Joplin, Mo.;
Elizabeth S. is the head of private academy at Carthage,
Mo.; Emily died at the age of seventeen just prior to
graduating; Anthony, entered the naval service and died
of heart disease at the siege of Vicksburg, in 1863; Robert,
a physician at Carthage, Mo., served as a surgeon in the navy
during the war of the Rebellion; Lucretia and Annie
residing on the homestead; John, who was also a soldier
during the civil war; and Peter H. Our subject
received his primary education in the district schools, and a
collegiate classical course at the Miami University, graduating
in the class of 1868. His brother, Robert, was his
preceptor in the study of medicine, and after two courses of
lectures at the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, began the
practice of his profession at Paddy's Run, Butler County, Ohio,
in 1872. In 1877, he moved to this city where he has
established a successful practice, and is one of the leading
physicians. The doctor joined the ranks of the Union Army
in 1864, and served to the close of the war of the Rebellion.
He is a member of the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, is
widely known and highly respected.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 682 |
Marion Twp. -
B. J. BROTHERTON, mayor of Delphos, was
born in Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, June 24, 1850, son of Jasper
Brotherton (carpenter), a native of Hamilton County, Ohio,
his father, Abel Brotherton (father), having
settled there from Pennsylvania at an early date, prior to the
history of the State. The subject of our sketch, after
receiving a good literary education in the Piqua High School,
from which he graduated when nineteen years of age, entered the
Denison University, of Granville, Ohio, pursuing a classical
course of study, subsequently taking up law under the able
tuition of the Hon. J. F. McKinney, of McKinney Bros.,
attorneys, of Piqua. He was admitted to the bar of the
State, August 29, 1872, and soon after came to Marion Township
and engaged in the practice of his profession, with which he has
been creditably connected since. He has taken an active
interest in the development of the many industries of Delphos;
is present member of the board of directors of Delphos Gas
Company; a stockholder of the Delphos National Bank, as well as
an active member of the other interests. During the war he
did honorable service as bugler of Company I, First Ohio
Volunteer Cavalry. He married, in Warsaw, Ind., Oct. 17,
1877, Miss Hattie L., daughter of James M. Laemon,
a prominent pioneer merchant of that city, originally from
Virginia. They have two daughters: Jennie W.
and Mary Margaret. Mr. Brotherton is a member of
the Baptist Church, Mrs. Brotherton of the Christian
denomination.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 622 |
Ottawa Twp. -
JOHN F. BROTHERTON, attorney at law, Lima,
was born in July 1844, in Piqua, Ohio, son of Jasper and Jane
(Widney) Brotherton, came to Lima in October, 1865; was a
graduate in the class of 1864, of the Weslyan University of
Delaware, Ohio; was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of
Ohio in March, 1865; came to Lima in October of the same year
(1865), and is now one of the leading members of the Lima bar.
He served as prosecuting attorney of Allen County from 1867 to
1871, and as city solicitor of Lima from 1881 to 1883, filling
both of these offices with credit to himself and to the
satisfaction of the people. He was united in marriage, in
June, 1868, with Clara, daughter of the late T. K.
Jacobs, and by this union five children were born, one son
and four daughters, Cloyd, Mary, Bessie, Robert A. and
Clara L. Mr. Brotherton was at one time editor of the
Miami County Democrat, and has engaged in other literary
pursuits.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 682 |
JOSEPH
BROWER, farmer. P. O. Elida, was born in Rockingham County,
Va., February 16, 1827; son of John and Hannah (Miller) Brower,
and brother of Daniel Brower, of German Township,
this county. Our subject came to this county in 1844. He was
married. August 9, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Stephens, of
this county, a native of Pittsburgh, Penn., born October 19, 1823.
daughter of John and Rachel (Davis) Stephens, natives of
Wales, and who came to America in 1820. settling in Pittsburgh,
Penn., where they remained until 1835, then moved to this county,
where they died. They were parents of five children, of whom two
are now living: David and Elizabeth. To the union of
our subject and wife have been born the following children:
Rachel (deceased), Alonzo S., John S. (deceased), and
Abraham L. Mr. Brower purchased property in Sugar Creek
Township in 1848, and has improved many acres of land in the
county. He has served his township in many of its offices
—assessor, land appraiser, and justice of the peace. He and his
wife are members of the U. B. Church. In politics he is a stanch
Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
A. BRYAN, M.
D. and druggist, Spencerville, was born in Franklin County,
Penn., April 21, 1828; son of John and Elizabeth (Kraig) Bryan,
natives of Pennsylvania, and parents of eleven children. Our
subject, the fourth in the family, received a common school and
academic education, and after five years spent in reading
medicine, he entered the medical schools of Philadelphia, Penn.,
graduating in 1867. He entered upon the practice of his chosen
profession in Clermont, Penn.; soon after went to Elk County,
remaining there till 1875, when he removed to Buffalo, N. Y. and
graduated at the Medical University. He then spent about three
years in practice in the oil regions. In 1879 he moved to
Colorado, where he was interested in mining, at same time
following his profession till 1883, when he went to Bloomfield,
Ind., and engaged in the drug business a few months, but losing
his stock by fire, and not being able to procure a suitable room
in which to continue business, he came to Spencerville, purchasing
a stock of drugs, which he has recently moved into a commodious
room near the Keeth House, and here he carries on the drug
business in connection with his duties as a physician. The doctor
was married, in 1865, to Clara Holden, a native of
Pennsylvania, who has borne him one son—Charles, born November 4,
1866. Politically Dr. Bryan is a Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
Ottawa Twp. -
CASPER F. BRYAN,
attorney at law, Lima, was born Sept. 17, 1848, in Granville,
Ohio, a town noted for its educational facilities, possessing a
fine union school, two female colleges, and the Denison
University (two of these schools are under the auspices of the
Baptist, and the other under the Presbyterian Church).
Granville has a population of 1,000 or 1,200 souls, mostly of
New England origin, who pride themselves on their neat and
well-regulated town, where a pumpkin is said to have grown to
its full size, undisturbed, on one of its side streets.
Our subject's father, Dr. E. F. Bryan, moved to Granville
in 1830, and is one of its oldest physicians. He was a
student at Yale College, and studied medicine under the old
school system. After following his profession successfully
for sixty years, he is now living a retired life. The
doctor was twice married, on the first occasion to Miss Julia
Peck, who bore him four children: two sons, Charles
Marshall and Casper F., and two daughters, Mary P.,
and Georgiana, of whom Casper F., is the only
child living, the others having died in childhood.
Caspar F. received the benefit of the good schools and
colleges of his native place, and in 1873 commenced the study of
law with J. J. Bell, of London, Ohio, and was admitted to
the bar at the district court of Greene County, Ohio, in March
1876. He was married to same year (1876) to Miss Ella,
daughter of Lynn and Margaret Crabb, of London, Ohio, and
by this union there is one child, Grace W. Mr. Bryan
began the practice of law in Lima, in the fall of 1883, opening
a law office in partnership with Albert G. Stewart; they
are both members of the Presbyterian Church, at Lima.
Mr. Bryanis a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
MADISON BRYAN,
city marshal of Delphos, and one of the well known citizens, is
a native of Marion township, Allen county, Ohio, where he was
born on August 26, 1852, is the son of Morgan and Sarah (Seatehrs)
Bryan, deceased, both natives of Fairfield county, Ohio.
They were among the early settlers of Allen county, at the time
of their coming Delphos being known as section No. 10.
They lived and died in Allen county, and of their twelve
children ten are now living.
Madison Bryan was reared on his father's farm in
Allen county, and attended the country schools. He left
the farm in 1872, was elected city marshal of Delphos, for a
term of two years; in 1895 he was re-elected for another term of
two years, and is filling the office at the present time in a
most efficient and satisfactory manner. In politics,
Mr. Bryan is a democrat, and is quite prominent in the
councils of his party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
fraternity, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Bryan was married July 1, 1873, to Allie Lewis
who was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, the daughter of Morgan
Lewis, deceased. To this union two children have been
born, as follows: Arminta Gertrude and Nellie.
(Source#1:
A Portrait and biographical record of Allen & Van Wert Counties,
Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 - Page 217) |
CHARLES F.
BUEHLER, stoves and tinware, Spencerville. was born in
Baden, Germany, November 4, 1853, youngest child of George and
Anna Maria (Floesch) Buehler, and was brought to
America by his parents when an infant. They located at New Bremen,
Auglaize County, Ohio. Early in life our subject learned the trade
of tinner, and since the age of fourteen has depended upon his own
efforts. He came to Spencerville, January 14, 1875, and opened a
tin store with a limited capital, but by industry and economy his
trade steadily increased, and he was able to add continually to
his stock, which is now complete. In addition to stoves and
tinware he deals quite extensively in all kinds of hard and soft
coal. Mr. Buehler was married, November 18, 1879, to Miss
Katherine Schoenthaler, who was born in
Philadelphia, Penn., March 22, 1855. She has borne him one son and
one daughter—Frederick and Lillie. Mr. Buehler is a
consistent member of the German Lutheran Church. He was formerly a
member of the town council. Socially, he ranks high in the
estimation of the community for his many good qualities.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
GEORGE BURKHART.
- The Burkhart family had its origin in Germany, as its
name implies. It belongs therefore to that strong race of
people, usually industrious, usually honest, usually able.
The influx of German blood into this country is exceedingly
valuable to Americans, whose habits of life tend too much toward
the production of a weakly and nervous race. The eldest
one of the family to whom it is deemed necessary in this
biography to refer, was George Burkhart, a native of
Wurtemberg, Germany, who died in his native land, aged sixty
years. He was married twice, and by his first marriage had
one son, Michael, who emigrated to the United States and
settled in Jackson county, Ohio. By his second marriage he
had two sons, George And Jacob, who came to this country
and joined Michael in Jackson county in 1843. Upon
the arrival of the latter two brothers they found Michael
engaged in the manufacture of matches, and not long after their
arrival in this country all three brothers moved to Columbus,
Ohio, where they all continued in the same industry for some six
years. Then, owing to the introduction of machinery into
the manufacture of these useful little articles, they found
themselves unable to compete with the more modern methods, and
in 1847 they abandoned the field, permitted machinery to have
its way, and purchased three eighty-acre tracts of land, all
adjoining, each having the same quantity of land, and settled
down as it seemed for life to the occupation of farming.
This land was in Noble township, Auglaize county, Ohio.
The trees they cut down mostly for the sake of clearing the
land, but not feeling willing to sacrifice so much excellent
timber, as many others did and still do, they engaged here again
on the farms in making matches, thus converting at least a
portion of their trees into value instead of into ashes.
Michael and his family still live in Auglaize county.
Jacob Burkhart with his family removed from Auglaize
county and are scattered around the country, while George
remained upon his farm, where he still resides. He was
married the first time in Germany, and his wife died in 1843.
For a second wife he married Catherine Miller, of
Lancaster county, Ohio. By his first wife he had two
children: Henry, who died on the way to America; and
George, who resides in Shawnee township, Allen county.
By his second marriage he had the following children:
Frederick, Henry, William, Jacob, Caroline, wife of Lewis
Bowsher, and Maggie, wife of John Fisher.
George Burkhart, the subject of this sketch, is the
second son of George and Elizabeth (Treerginger) Burkhart,
and was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Mar. 20, 1843.
With his father he came to the United States, and was reared
upon the farm, with but little or no educational facilities,
except such as he found at home around the family fireside, his
father serving as his teacher as well as circumstances would
permit; but with all that could be done he was compelled to rely
mainly on his own efforts for such learning as he acquired, as
he has since done for the wealth that he has acquired. He
is therefore a self-educated and a self-made man in every
respect. At an early age he began working away form home,
in order that he might make a little money for himself.
Brought up in the woods as he was, it was but natural that he
should be a skillful wood-chopper, for there is, or at least
used to be, such a thing as skill in chopping wood, especially
in cutting down a tree so as to have it fall precisely where it
was desired to lie, and then also in chopping off a log, all of
which is Greek to the modern farmer's boy. When he was
twenty-two years of age he purchased forty acres of land in
section Nov. 22, which is a portion of his present farm, and
upon this forty acres he settled down. Here he erected a
sorghum mill and engaged in making sorghum syrup, in which
industry he has been engaged ever since. His farm contains
121 acres of well-improved land, and the improvements thereon
are among the best. He has a fine residence and other good
buildings, upon the former putting the first slate roof in the
township. MR. Burkhart's specialty is potatoes, of
which tuber he raises on an average 3,000 bushels a year.
He is also engaged in breeding and raising stock, feeding all
the produce of his fields, which he finds much more profitable
than to sell grain, hay, etc., from his farm, for by this
process he retains the fertilizers. Besides these branches
of industry Mr. Burkhart is also engaged in the
production of oil.
Mr. Burkhart, politically, is a democrat, and is
always interested in his party's success, whether prospects are
bright or gloomy. He has served twice as township trustee.
At the first election there was but one scratched ticket against
him, and at the second election, in 1892, there was none.
He is interested in educational matters, equally with politics,
and has served as school director in his district. At the
present time he is a trustee of Lima college, and he was on the
executive committee on organization. He was also one of
the building committee, and one of the first board of trustees.
Religiously Mr. Burkhart is a member of the
Lutheran church, and has served as elder thereof and also as
treasurer. Mr. Burkhart has been married twice, his
first wife having been Miss Mary Bowsher, daughter of
Benjamin Bowsher, who died in 1876, leaving the following
children: Charles, Ida, Frank, William and Mary.
His second wife was Miss Emma Bowsher, daughter of
Samuel Bowsher, by whom he has one child, viz: Francis,
who was born in 1869, was educated first in the common schools,
and afterward at the Western Normal university at Ada, and is a
graduate therefrom. He has taught school in county
districts and in Lima college, and is at the present time
secretary of the Lima College association. Politically he is a
democrat, and in 1895 was elected justice of the peace of
Shawnee township. Mr. Burkhart is a strong believer
in the education of the young, and has given his children the
best education possible to him. In every other way he is
an enterprising, intelligent and progressive citizen.
(Source#1:
A Portrait and biographical record of Allen & Van Wert Counties,
Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 - Page 217) |
Shawnee Twp. -
GEORGE BURKHART, farmer, P. O.
Cridersville, Auglaize County, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany,
Mar. 20, 1845, son of George and Elizabeth (Friesinger)
Burkhart, who came to America in 1847, the former of whom
settled in Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1850, and cleared and
improved a farm in Noble Township, where he still resides; the
latter died the year they came to America. Our subject was
reared in Noble Township, Auglaize County, from five years of
age. He never attended school, but his father taught him
sufficient to enable him to read German. He lived with his
father until twenty-one years of age, when he started out for
himself, and engaged in chopping for several years, until he had
saved enough to purchase the farm he now occupies in Shawnee
Township, this county, all of which he cleared and improved
himself, and on which he built a fine residence in 1882.
Mr. Burkhart was married twice, his first wife being
Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Delong) Bowsher,
who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in 1836, and by
this union have been born five children: Charlie, Ida, Frank,
William and Mary. The present wife of our
subject is Emma, daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Wagner)
Bowsher, who settled in Shawnee Township, this county, in
1851, and the issue of this union is one child - Francis.
Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart are members of the Lutheran Church.
In politics, he is a Democrat.
(
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio -
Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co., 1885 - Page 788) |
THOMAS C.
BURNS, dry goods merchant, Spencerville, was born in
Ashland County, Ohio, May 17, 1843; son of John H. and Margaret
(McClure) Burns, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of
Pennsylvania. They had nine children, of whom Thomas C. is
fourth. Our subject was raised on a farm, and received a common
school education. He entered upon his career in life as a harness
maker, an occupation he followed about two years. He then
engaged as clerk in a dry goods store at Perrysville, Ohio, where
he remained about eleven years. In 1879 he removed to
Spencerville, opened a dry goods store, in partnership with E.
F. Veach, and has since continued in this line. From the
commencement of his business career his trade has gradually
increased, and his kind and obliging manners in attending to the
wants of his many customers, as well as by his close attention to
business, have gained for him hosts of friends. In order to better
accommodate this trade the firm removed, in September, 1834, to
their present commodious room, and their stock is as complete as
any in the town. Mr. Burns was married, February 23, 1870, to
Kate Castor, who was born in Vermont, July 25, 1850, by
whom he has two children: Wade A. and John H. Mr. Burns is
one of the present councilmen; was formerly a member of the I. O.
O. F.: religiously he is a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Politically he is a stanch Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
ENOS G. BURTON, M.
D., of Lima, Allen county, Ohio, with his office in
Kendall block, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, April 14,
1846, and is of English-Scotch descent paternally, and
maternally of German extraction.
Thomas Burton, grandfather of the doctor, was an
early pioneer of Pickaway county, was a substantial farmer, and
married a Miss Cutler, of Scotch descent. Their
son, Luke D. Burton, father of the doctor, was born in
Pickaway county in 1818 and was also a farmer. He married
Cynthia A. Hoffhines, who was born in Pickaway county
Jan. 10, 1819, this union resulting in the birth of the
following children in the order named: William V., John
H. and Sarah A., deceased; George W., Enos G.,
Edward T., Nelson J.; Luke, deceased. In 1860 Luke
D. Burton brought his family to Auglaize count and bought a
farm in Douchequet township, which he cultivated until his
death, which occurred in June, 1876. He was a sincere
member of the Lutheran church and in politics was a democrat,
while as a citizen he was public spirited, generous and useful.
His widow is now a resident of Wapakoneta, Auglaize county,
where she is passing the declining years of her life in peace
and comfort.
Dr. Enos G. Burton was reared on the farm until
seventeen years of age, received a good academical education,
and for six years followed the vocation of school-teaching.
He then read medicine under Dr. C. Berlin, of Wapakoneta,
and then attended the Medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio, from
which he graduated in September, 1871. He immediately
began the practice of his chosen profession at Westminster,
where his skill and ability were quickly recognized and where he
has met with success in his practice and a remunerative
patronage seldom equaled in rural towns. He is still an
ardent student of the science and practice of medicine, and
beside his well-assorted and well-stocked library of choice
standard medical works, he subscribes for the best periodical
literature devoted to the science of medicine and surgery,
published either in America or Europe, and is thus enabled to
keep abreast of the progress made in his profession from day to
day and keep himself fully posted in its technology.
The marriage of Dr. Burton took place May 18,
1875, to Miss Emma J. Brown, and to this felicitous union
have been born the following children: Greg E.,
deceased; Edna O., Elma V., Don M. and Helen H.
Of these Miss Edna O. has been, for the past six years,
under the instruction of a noted local teacher of music in Lima
and is already quite proficient in the art. Fraternally
Dr. Burton is a master Mason of lodge No. 205, at Lima, and
is also chief ranger of tent No. 650, Independent Order of
Foresters, of the same city. In politics he is active as a
democrat.
MRS. EMMA J. (BROWN) BURTON was
born in Logan county, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1856, graduated from the
high school at Rushsylvania, and for two years was engaged in
teaching. The father of this accomplished lady was born in
Petersburg, Va., Apr. 7, 1824, and a minister of the Methodist
Protestant church all his useful life, and never attended a
conference to which he did not devote all his salary. He
married Dec. 24, 1846, in Rushsylvania, Logan county, Ohio, Miss
Martha J. Blair, a native of Nicholas county, Ky., born June
19, 1825, the union resulting in the following children:
William U. (deceased), Henry M., John F.
(deceased), Margaret A. (wife of Samuel McCoy),
Emma J. (Mrs. Dr. Burton), and Marshall
(deceased). In 1860, Rev. Mr. Brown left Logan
county and brought his family to Allen county and located in
Westminster. The reverend gentleman was a true patriot and
entered the Union army as a private in company A, One Hundred
and Eighty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, but was speedily
promoted from the ranks to the chaplaincy of his regiment.
This service, however, ruined his health, producing an incipient
consumption that culminated in his death some six or seven years
later. For eight years after locating in Westminster, the
Rev. Mr. Brown filled a number of circuits in his
ministerial capacity, and was called - the pious , good and
faithful steward that he was - to meet the Master, August 25,
1873. His venerated widow is still a resident of
Westminster and is beloved by all who knew her or who remember
her lamented husband - and none who knew him can ever forget
him.
(Source#1:
A Portrait and biographical record of Allen & Van Wert Counties,
Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 - Page 218) |
GEORGE S. BYERLY,
farmer, P. O. Lima, was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Mar. 4,
1847, and is a son of David and Phebe Byerly. From
five years of age he was reared in Washington County, Tenn.,
where he received a common school education, and lived until
1861, when he came to Allen County and located in Bath Township.
In 1864 he settled on the farm he now occupies, on which he has
made all the improvements in erecting buildings, etc. He
was married Nov. 4, 1862, to Sarah, daughter of Daniel
and Polly (Leedy) Miller of Bath Twp., by whom he has had
twelve children, ten now living: David, Mary, Daniel, Lalura,
Jesse, Ellen, Oscar, William, Frederick and Chester.
Mr. and Mrs. Byerly are members of the German Baptist
Church. He has been a school director of Beth Township for
twelve years; in politics he is a Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
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