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URIAH
RENNER, physician, Spencerville. was born in West
Baltimore, Montgomery Co., Ohio, August 30, 1840; son of
Emanuel and Sarah (Cecil) Renner, former a native of Maryland,
latter of Pennsylvania. Our subject was raised on a farm. In 1861
he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
and in August, 1862, was taken prisoner and soon after sent home.
In the fall of 1862 he entered Ottebine University, at Westville,
Ohio, for three terms, then went to Whitley County, Ind., and for
several years followed school teaching. While there he was
arrested as a deserter, and confined in jail two weeks before he
could prove to the contrary. In about 1864 he turned his attention
to the study of medicine, in addition to his duties as teacher.
During the winter of 1868-69 he attended lectures in the medical
schools of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in May of the latter year;
previous to this, however, he had practiced medicine at Botkins
Station, Shelby Co., Ohio, about six months. Since then he has
spent about two years at St. John, two years at Bradford Junction,
five years in Kossuth, Auglaize County, and in the spring of 1879
located in Spencerville, where he has gained a leading place in
the medical profession. Dr. Renner was married, June 13,
1865, to Miss Martha Snorf, who was born in Montgomery
County, Ohio, March 21, 1840, and of whom he speaks as having been
in truth a helpmeet. The doctor is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He is a leader of the Prohibition party in his
vicinity.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
GEORGE M.
RIDENOUR (deceased) was born in Fairfield County, Ohio,
March 6, 1826, son of Michael and Hannah (Shotts)
Ridenour (deceased), natives of Westmoreland County, Penn.,
and who came to this county in a very early day. They were parents
of fourteen children, of whom only Daniel and Isabella
survive. Our subject was reared to farming, an occupation he
followed all through life. He was married, December 31, 1848, to
Miss Eleanor P. Lipsett of Sugar Creek
Township, this county, a native of Burlington County, N. J.,
born August 6, 1828, daughter of Joseph and Sarah
(Peacock) Lipsett, also natives of New Jersey, who
married in Burlington County. N. J., and moved to Warren County,
Ohio, in 1833. Sarah (Peacock) Lipsett was
born November 28, 1792, died in 1834 in Lebanon, Warren County,
Ohio, and Joseph Lipsett married his second wife
(nee Mary Shim), in Warren County, Ohio, and they
afterward came to this county where they passed the remainder of
their days; he was born June 30, 1799, died in 1864. Joseph
and Sarah Lipsett were the parents of five children,
of whom Eleanor P. is the only survivor. Mr.
Lipsett had three children, all now living, by his second
wife. To the union of George M. and Eleanor P. Ridenour,
were born seven children : Eliza J., Martha L., William J.,
Mary L., John E., Joshua A. and Emma, the sons all
deceased. Our subject died December 13, 1873, and since then his
widow has operated the farm which was left her by her father and
husband. She is a member of the United Brethren Church.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
JOHN
G. RIDENOUR, a very prominent and popular farmer of Allen
county, and justice of the peace of Sugar Creek township, is of
Pennsylvania- Dutch origin. There is a tradition in the
family that long ago seven brothers emigrated from Germany, and
landed in the New England states. They later settled in
New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and from them have
descended the numerous families of Ridenours now to be
found in all parts of the United States.
The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was named
John. He was born in Germany, and married Miss
Christine Walters, a native of Germany, and to them were
born John, Henry, Peter, Michael, George, David, William,
Mary, Catherine, Christine, Sarah, Susan, Esther and Elizabeth.
The father these fourteen children was a farmer in
Washington county, Pa., and was a good, industrious citizen.
In religious belief he was a Lutheran, lived to an advanced age,
and died in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he settled in 1809,
becoming a man of considerable wealth.
George Ridenour, his fifth son, and the father
of the subject of this sketch, was born in Washington County,
Pa., Aug. 3, 1794. When he was a child he was taken
by his parents to Westmoreland county, that state, and when
eighteen years of age enlisted in the service of the government
of the United States in the war of 1812-15, serving under
Capt. Spangler and Gen. Hooker, on the lake frontier.
After the war was over he became a farmer, and in November,
1820, he married Miss Conrad, in Fairfield county, Ohio.
She was born July 3, 1802, in Maryland, near Hagerstown, and was
a daughter of John and Catherine (Adams) Conrad. To
George Ridenour and his wife there were born eleven
children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being as
follows: Catherine, Christine, Dorothea, John
G., Sophia, Isaac, Mary, William and Sarah.
Dorothea married and died afterward. Isaac died
a soldier in the Civil war.
GEORGE RIDENOUR settled on land
which he cultivated, and he also owned a saw-mill, which he ran
in Fairfield county, where he lived until 1829. He then
removed to Sugar Creek township, Allen county, and entered
eighty acres of land, then all in the woods. This land he
cleared and improved, and by industry and thrift he added other
acres until he owned 200 acres in all, upon which he made
important improvements, and made of it one of the best improved
farms of those days in the county. He had a good common
education in German and in English, was an unusually intelligent
man, was very handy with tools, understood the carpenter's
trade, and made many useful articles. Wooden mold boards,
plows, coffins, and many other things were the result of his
handiwork. He also had considerable skill as a surgeon,
and was accustomed to lance his patients and bleed them, as was
then the fashion for any ills. He had also a knowledge of
herbs, barks and roots, and administered them according to his
own judgment. He also acted the part of dentist,
extracting teeth with an old fashioned punch, knocking them out.
Afterward he used an instrument called the pelican. He was
well known among the early settlers and was of great use to them
as long as he lived.
When he removed to Allen county in November, 1829, he
made the journey by wagon and a four-horse team. There was
then no settlement at Lima, not a tree was cut, and the Indians
had a council house at Shawneetown. They however were
always friendly to those whom they could trust. The trail
followed bridle-paths through the woods, and i many places the
road had to be cut through the standing timber from Shawneetown
to where Mr. Jacobs now lives, his father being one of
the early settlers in the county. Mr. Ridenour was
also one of the first settlers, nearly the entire county being a
wilderness when he moved into it. At that time deer and
wolves were plentiful; they were visible around the cabin in the
day time, and the wolves could be heard at night, howling all
around. Mr. Ridenour's family then consisted of his
wife and five children, the youngest member of the family having
been born in Allen county. He and his wife were members of
the Lutheran church, he assisting to establish the Lutheran
church in Elida. The first church edifice of this
denomination was a frame structure, the second of brick.
Before the erection of the frame building, services were held in
the homes of the pioneers. Mr. Ridenour was a
popular man, and held the offices of deacon and elder in his
church. Politically he was a democrat, and was widely
known as an honorable man, and his house was headquarters for
the traveler and the prospective settler in search of land.
His hospitality was unbounded, and in the homely phrase, now so
seldom heard, his "latch string was always out." He died
on his homestead Feb. 25, 1879, and his wife died Jan. 11, 1892,
aged nearly ninety years. She was a woman of remarkable
constitution, and of many virtues.
John G. Ridenour, the subject of this sketch,
was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1827, and was about
two years old when he was brought to Allen county by his
parents. He was reared among the pioneers in the old log
cabin, and thus became a pioneer himself. His education
was received in the log schoolhouse at Elida, then the best
school-house anywhere around. The school was supported by
subscription paid in by the patrons of the school.
David Ridenour, a distant relative of the subject, was one
of the early teachers there. John G. Ridenour
however, did not begin to attend this school until he was
fourteen years of age, and then he attended but two months in
the winter season, the rest of the year having to work upon the
farm. Notwithstanding all these disadvantages he himself
began teaching school when nineteen years of age, and received
$5 per month, finding himself, not even "boarding 'round."
He continued teaching for nine terms, one of which terms was in
Putnam County. His uncle, Hiram Stotts, was sheriff
of Allen county, and Mr. Ridenour acted as clerk for a
term of four years, attending school at Lima at the same time,
and it was there he acquired most of his early knowledge.
In politics Mr. Ridenour is a democrat and was
elected recorder of Allen county in 1857, being re-elected in
1861. He was deputy treasurer of the county for two years,
and was also employed in the auditor's office. In 1854 he
was engaged in mercantile business at Elida, and then removed to
the home farm, where he has since remained. In 1881 he was
elected justice of the peace, and has held this office ever
since. On his farm he is engaged in raising small fruits,
in which he is quite successful. In religion he is a
member of the Lutheran church. He stands high among the
people of his township, and is as popular as an official as he
is a man, his official career having made him well known to all
the citizens of the county. His life is co-extensive with
the history of the county, and his is one of the honored pioneer
families of this section of the country. Mr. Ridenour
is really a self educated and a self made man, and one of hte
most popular officials Allen county has ever had, and has a wide
knowledge of affairs.
Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 |
| |
PETER
RIDENOUR, a thrifty and respected farmer of Marion
township, Allen county, Ohio, springs from sturdy
Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, and is a son of Peter and Sarah
Catherine (Conrad) Ridenour. Peter Ridenour, the
subject of this memoir, was born in Elida, Allen county, Ohio,
in 1841, and was but two years of age when his father was taken
from him by death, and this misfortune necessarily resulted in
his receiving but a limited education. In his youthful
days, as he gained strength and experience, he devoted himself
to various kinds of labor, chiefly that of the farmer, and just
before his majority he enlisted, Aug. 8, 1861, at Gomer, Ohio,
in company E, Ninety-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry for three
years, or until the end of the war. He was honorably
discharged at Nashville, Tenn., July 2, 1865, having taken part
in the battle of Perryville, Ky., and in a battle that occurred
between Perryville and Nashville; was also at Stone river, was
at Snow Hill and Tullahoma, and in a dozen or more severe
skirmishes in the surrounding territory. At Chattanooga he
was struck by a piece of shell, which crippled his left him and
caused his confinement at hospital No. 2 for over a year, but
part of this time he was on detailed duty with the invalid corps
at Nashville. He was a good, brave and faithful soldier,
and was never missing from his post of duty, save when disabled
by his wound. July 5, 1865, three days after his discharge
from his military service, Mr. Ridenour married, at
Nashville, Tenn., Catherine Garvin, a native of Ireland,
born about 1844, a daughter of William and Bridget (Gibbons)
Garvin, and the eldest of five children born to her parents,
viz: Catherine, John, Michael, Margaret and Maria.
The father, William Garvin, was an industrious and hard
laborer, and came to America when Mrs. Ridenour was a
little girl, leaving his wife and children in the old country,
and dying in New Orleans, of cholera. Mrs. Garvin
reached America soon after her husband's death, bringing her
young family with her and supporting herself and children by
keeping boarders at Moscow, Tenn., where she died within a few
years after her arrival. On the death of her mother,
Mrs. Ridenour became a nurse in hospital No. 2, was
afterwards transferred to hospital No. 17, and performed her
merciful and tender duties as nurse three years, and while thus
devoting herself to the care of the sick and wounded, formed the
acquaintance of our subject, who in time became her husband.
Of course it would be but an attempt in vain to depict the
sights of horror witnessed in hospitals by Mr. Ridenour
and his wife, resulting from wounds, disease and casualties, but
which they treated with a care and humane tenderness peculiar to
themselves.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ridenour came to
Allen county, Ohio, the birthplace of Mr. Ridenour, and
here the latter engaged in farming, making a good livelihood and
winning for himself and family the respect of all who knew them.
The family that have blessed Mr. and Mrs. Ridenour
consists of nine children, who are named in order of birth as
follows: William, Maria, Edward, Daniel, Matilda, Emma,
Hermie, Harry and Pearl, the last named of whom died
in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Ridenour are both members
of the United Brethren church and fully live up to the teachings
of the denomination in which they have placed their faith, and
never fail to aid it in a pecuniary point of view, when its
material necessities demand such aid. In politics, Mr.
Ridenour is a democrat; he votes as his conscience tells him
and fought as his conscience told him to fight. Of the
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ridenour, William married
Anna Laman, is a farmer of Sugar Creek township and is
the father of two children; Maria is married to Oscar
Ludwig, a farmer of Marion township, and the mother of one
child, Edward is a farmer of Marion township, is married
to Matilda Cramer, and the whole family is well
circumstanced throughout the county, as they well deserved to
be.
Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 |
Perry Twp. -
PETER RIDENOUR, farmer, P. O. Lima, was
born in Perry County, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1817, son of Isaac and
Lydia (Cotterman) Ridenour, natives of Pennsylvania, who
came to Allen County, Ohio, in 1834, locating on Section 8, in
Perry Township, clearing and improving the farm now owned by
Samuel Collins, and there they lived and died. They had
thirteen children, of whom ten are now living: Peter, Samuel,
Catherine (wife of N. J. Locke), Anna (wife of
Peter Verbrecht), Eliza (wife of John Wesby),
Mary (wife of H. J. Apple), James, Lovey
(wife of Peter Imler), Sarah (wife of George
Blubaker), and Henry. The subject of this
sketch was married in March, 1854, to Mrs. Lydia Bowell,
daughter of John and Eve Losh, of Perry Township, by whom
he has four children living: William, Lucy (wife of
Douglass Coats), Delilah (wife of Frank Satters),
and Alfretta. Mr. Ridenour cleared a farm in Perry
Township, on Section 21, comprising forty-six acres, which he
still owns, and on which he settled in 1855. Here he lived
until 1872, when, on account of the death of his wife, he went
to reside with William Ebling, Jr. Our subject is
one of the oldest settlers now living in Perry Township, this
county. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
SAMUEL
O. RIDENOUR, one of the most experienced and skillful
farmers of Perry township, Allen County, Ohio, is a son of
Jacob and Catherine (Oats) Ridenour, was born in Allen
County, Sept. 11, 1832, and is remotely of German descent.
LEWIS RIDENOUR, great grandfather
of the subject of this biography, came from his native Germany
to America prior to the Revolutionary war, and during that
gallant struggle was a teamster in the patriot army. His
first settlement was a Virginia, but he later moved to
Westmoreland county, Pa., where he followed farming until 1803,
when he came to Ohio and settled in Perry county, bringing his
wife and children, the latter numbering ten, and comprising
seven sons and three daughters. The sons were named
Matthias, David, John, Jacob, Lewis, Isaac and Martin,
all of whom served in the war of 1812, entering the army as
volunteers from Perry county, Ohio. David, John and
Isaac subsequently came to Allen county and settled in
Perry township, but the other four brothers passed the remainder
of their lives in Perry county. Of the three brothers whom
came to Allen county, David never married, while the
other two were wedded and reared families; but this sketch will
be confined to John and his descendants.
JOHN RIDENOUR, the grandfather of
our subject, was born in Virginia in 1785, accompanied his
father to Pennsylvania and came with him to Ohio. In
March, 1831, having come to Allen county, he entered a half
section of and in section No. 5, Perry township, where he
cleared up a farm of considerable dimensions. He married
Miss Hannah Spahn, who was born in Hagerstown, Md., and
who came with her parents to Perry county, Ohio. To the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Ridenour were born the following
children: Jacob; John, who died in Perry township,
Allen county; Matthias, resides in Paulding county;
George, who also passed away in Perry township, Allen
county; Rebecca, deceased wife of Solomon
Wollet, and Amelia, also deceased. The death of
John Ridenour, the father of this family, occurred on his
farm in Perry township in 1874, and that of his wife took place
in July, 1879.
JACOB RIDENOUR, the eldest
son of John Ridenour, and the father of our
subject, was born in Perry county, Ohio, Jan. 14, 1809, learned
blacksmithing, and in 1831 came to Allen county and settled on
eighty acres of the land his father had entered in Perry
township and on which his son, Samuel O., our subject,
now lives. Here, in the latter part of 1832, he
established his blacksmith shop, and for many years carried on
the trade in connection with farming. He was a stanch
democrat in his politics and took a lively interest in public
affairs. He filled a number of township offices, including
that of trustee, and was an active, useful and public-spirited
citizen. He was a good Christian and was one of the
original members of Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran
congregation, aided liberally with his means toward the erection
of its church edifice, and was one of its early trustees.
The first wife of Jacob Ridenour was a daughter
of William Oats, of Perry county, Ohio; she died in 1836,
leaving three children, viz: Samuel O., the subject of
this sketch; Jacob, who was a member of company K, One
Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, and who died
from exposure while in the service; and Catherine, who
became the wife of Daniel Losh and died in August, 1860.
The second marriage of Mr. Ridenour was with Mrs.
Lovis Boyer, who bore the maiden name of Mechling,
and to this union six children have been born, named, in order
of birth, as follows: Rebecca, married in
William Verbryke; Phebe, wife of James K. Spear; Emma,
wife of J. G. Barr; Lovis, widow of Isaac Lehman
of Indiana; Knox P., of Dayton, Ohio; and John W.,
deceased. Jacob Ridenour, the honored father of
this family, was called from earth Nov. 9, 1879, and the mother
in 1872.
Samuel O. Ridenour, the gentlemen whose name
opens this biography, was reared from infancy to manhood on the
old family homestead in Perry township, Allen county, which has
never lost its charms for him and of which he has
purchased ninety acres, which, beside being arable land, contain
within their bounds several flowing oil wells. He has this
farm under a rare state of cultivation and keeps it in such a
condition that it is justly called a model farm.
Mr. Ridenour was a patriot in the days when
patriots were most in demand, and in 1864 enlisted in company A,
One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio volunteer infantry, was assigned
to the Twenty-third army corps, under Gen. Schofield, and
was present at the battle of Kingston, N. C., which was one of
the terminally deciding fights of the Civil war, and also took
part in numerous minor engagements or skirmishes, receiving an
honorable discharge at the end of nine months, on account of the
close of the war.
Samuel O. Ridenour has been twice married.
In 1870 he was united in matrimony with Miss Mary C. Sellers,
daughter of John Sellers. This lady died in 1875,
leaving two children - John F. and Hattie (wife of
Morgan L. Harrod). The second marriage of Mr.
Ridenour was with Miss Elizabeth Swinehart,
daughter of Samuel Swinehart, of Perry county, Ohio, and
this union has been crowned by the birth of two children -
Grover DeWitt and Samuel O., Jr. In politics Mr.
Ridenour is a reliable democrat, having always been
faithful to his party, under whose auspices he has served as
township trustee, clerk and treasurer. In religion he is a
Lutheran and a member of Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran
congregation, whose house of worship, it will be remembered, was
erected in the days of Jacob Ridenour, the father of our
subject, who contributed so freely toward its construction.
Samuel O. Ridenour is now recognized as one of the most
skillful agriculturists of Perry township, and socially he and
family are respected and welcomed to the homes of not only their
immediate neighbors, but to those of their neighbors living
miles away.
Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 |
| |
SIMON
ROBBINS, hardware merchant, Spencerville, was born in
Mercer County, Ohio, July 7, 1841; son of James and Celia
(Brewer) Bobbins, natives of Clinton County, Ohio, and
early settlers of Auglaize County; they were the parents of eleven
children, of whom Simon is the fourth. Our subject was raised on a
farm, his education being limited to the common schools. He
entered upon his career in life as a farmer. In 1861 he enlisted
in Company E, One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
with Capt. Kennedy, served three years and received his
discharge as orderly sergeant. He was in several engagements in
which his regiment took part, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin,
Nashville, and others. He is an active member of Kishler Post, G.
A. R., at St. Mary's, and is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and
Methodist Episcopal Church. After he returned from the war he
engaged in mercantile business at Spencerville for five years,
then moved back to his farm in Auglaize County, and turned his
attention to agricultural pursuits and raising short-horn cattle,
of which he has the tiniest herd in that vicinity. In December,
1883, he retired from farm labor, but still owns his farm.
Returning to Spencerville Mr. Robbins purchased a stock of
hardware, in which business he still remains. He was married
December 13, 1866, to Orphelina Lawrence, who was
born in Auglaize County, Ohio. June 20, 1845, and to this union
were born eight children: O. Roscoe I., Cora A.,
Nora B., Jennie M., Mary C., Ida B.,
Albert R. and Zoa G. Mr. Robbins has
served the people in several township offices. He is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church; has always been identified with
the Democratic party.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
VALENTINE
ROSE was born in 1820 in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, son
of Henry and Catherine (Ault) Rose, natives of Pennsylvania,
where they died. They were parents of ten children, six
now living: Jacob, Henry, Valentine, Elizabeth, Mary A.
and Susan. Our subject, who is the only one living
in Ohio, was married in 1843 to Caroline C. Carlin, and
to this union were born four children, of whom two are living:
Anthony J., married to Miss Mary J. Plummer (have
one child - Lula M.) and Margaret Jane, married to
David N. Moyer (have one child - Robert Franklin).
Mr. Rose came to Ohio in 1864, and settled where he now
lives. Beginning life with but little, he now owns a well
cultivated farm, which he purchased of Abraham Shockey,
and on which he has made all the improvements. Mr. Rose
has followed agricultural pursuits the great part of his life.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 |
Bath Twp.
FRANKLIN ROUSH, farmer and wood stirrup manufacturer, P. O.
Lima, was born in Juniata County, Penn., Oct. 1, 1838, son of
Henry and Elizabeth (Morehead) Roush. Henry Roush came
to Allen County in 1852, and located in Bath Township on the
farm now occupied by his widow, a part of which he cleared and
improved. He was twice married, his first wife being
Elizabeth Morehead, by whom he had nine children:
George, John, Joseph, William, Catherine (wife of Willis
Copeland), Henry, Franklin, Philip and Jacob.
His second wife was Susannah Winegardner, by whom he had
four children: Theodore, Jane (wife of Samuel
Boose), Emma (wife of F. M. Roberts) and
Ephraim. Henry Roush died in 1882 at the age of
seventy-nine years. Our subject was reared in Bath
Township, this county, from fourteen years of age, and was
educated in the common schools. He was in the late war of
the Rebellion, enlisting in 1861 in Company D, Eleventh Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, and was honorable discharged after four
months' service. He enlisted again, Feb. 28, 1864, in
Company D, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, serving seven months, when he was honorably
discharged. He was married, Mar. 6, 1862, to Mahala,
daughter of George N. and Nancy (Sly) Harvey of Bath
Township, by whom he has eleven children: Willis, Bertha
(wife of Charles Mumbaugh), John, Araminta, William,
Mary, Alanson. Ollie, James D., Iona and Grace May.
Nancy (Sly) Harvey, Mahala (our subject's wife) and Grace
May (daughter of our subject), are each youngest in families
of eleven children. After his marriage Mr. Roush
engaged in farming in Bath Township. In 1865 he removed to
Lima, this county, residing there until 1877. In 1867 he
embarked in the manufacture of wood stirrups in Lima, in which
he has done quite an extensive trade, and is still carrying on
this business in connection with his farming interests. In
1877 Mr. Roush returned to Bath Township, living on the
old homestead for three and one-half years, when he purchased
the farm he now occupies. He and his wife are members of
the Disciples Church, as are also their two eldest children.
He is serving his third term as township trustee of Bath.
In politics he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 585 |
Bath Twp. -
HIRAM ROUSH, contractor, P. O. Lima, was
born in Juniata County, Pen., Oct. 25, 1850, and is a son of
Joseph and Jane (Kanawel) Roush, who settled in Bath
Township, this county, in 1852, where they cleared and improved
a farm. They were parents of six children: Cornelius,
Solomon, Hiram, John, Edward and Isaac, all members
of the Lutheran Church. Our subject's paternal
grandparents, George and Mary (Mick) Roush, were natives
of Pennsylvania, of German and English descent, respectively.
His maternal grandparents, John and Margaret Kanawel,
were of Juniata County, Penn. Our subject was reared in
Bath Township from two years of age, and was educated in the
common schools. At the age of twenty-one years he entered
the Dayton & Michigan Railroad Shops at Lima, where he worked at
boiler-making for three years and eight months, and was engaged
at that kind of work for five years. Since 1876 he has
been contractor in different lines of business. Mr.
Roush has been married twice; on first occasion, Aug. 15,
1871, to Sarah E., daughter of Frederick and Sarah
(Stepleton) Bechtel, of Jackson Township, this county, and
by her he had one child - Edith G. His present wife
was Ella Whitmer of Bath Township, a native of Virginia,
to whom he was married Mar. 22, 1874. Mr. and Mrs.
Roush 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 585 |
PHILIP
ROUSH, a well-known farmer of
Bath township, Allen county, Ohio, is a native of the Keystone
state and was born in Juniata county in 1840 - a son of
HENRY and Elizabeth (Mohart) Roush.
Henry Roush, the father, was born in Dauphin county,
Pa., in 1803, on his father's farm, on which he remained until
his marriage, the union resulting in the birth of nine children,
as follows: George, John, Joseph, William, Henry,
Catherine (wife of Willis Copeland), Franklin, Philip
and Jacob. The mother of this family died in 1843,
and in 1844 Mr. Roush married Susan Winegardner,
of Juniata county, in the same state, who bore four children, as
follows: Theodore, Jane, Emma, and Ephraim.
About the year 1851, Henry Roush came to
Ohio and purchased a farm of 100 acres in Bath township, just
east of the land on which the county infirmary now stands.
This farm he cleared from the woods and improved in every
respect; and, although a practical blacksmith, gave but little
attention to his trade, preferring the life of a farmer, and so
closed it in 1881 on this Bath township farm, in the faith of
the Lutheran church, and in politics a democrat. He was a
man of much energy of character, was industrious and frugal, and
was held in high esteem by the community in which he had passed
the closing years of his useful life. Here, also, his wife
died in 1887.
Philip Roush the subject of this sketch, was but
eleven years of age when he came to Allen county with his
parents. Here he was reared until eighteen years old on
the home farm, learning in the meantime much of the carpenter's
trade. At the age named he went to Orion, Richland
county, Wis., where, for a short period, he clerked in the
brother's store; but he soon tired of western life and returned
to the home place in Bath township, Allen county, Ohio, where he
remained until the outbreak of the late rebellion, when he took
u0 arms in defense of the flag of the Union by enlisting in
company A, Twentieth Ohio volunteer infantry. On the
organization of his company he was elected corporal and later
on, for meritorious conduct in the field, was promoted sergeant.
He was in nearly all the battles fought in Virginia, in which
his regiment had any part, including Fair Oaks, Chapin's Farm,
Petersburg, Drury's Bluff, etc. and in all took a noble and
valiant part, reaping a reward through promotion, as has been
indicated a few lines above.
Mr. Roush was united in wedlock Jan. 1, 1866,
and Miss Nancy A. Mason, daughter of Jarvis and
Elizabeth (Hall) Mason, of Bath township, and the four
children born to the union all died in infancy, only one,
Jessie, the youngest, receiving a name. For a few
years Mr. Roush followed his trade of carpenter, but
preferred farm life and purchased forty-three acres in Bath
township, to which he has added twenty acres, on which he now
lives and which he has improved and cultivated until it is
readily recognized as a model. In politics Mr. Roush
is a republican, but seeks no office. He is a strictly
moral man, and has long been a member of the United Brethren
church, in which he has held the offices of trustee, treasurer
and Sunday-school superintendent. He is a public-spirited
citizen, and never is backward in his aid to matters that are
designed for the public good, and he enjoys the esteem of all
about him.
(
Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 ) |
DR. WILLIAM
ROUSH - Among the best known and most highly respected
citizens of Spencerville, Ohio, is Dr. William Roush, who
may be conspicuously mentioned. He has been a resident of
this place since October, 1893, and although his stay has been
comparatively short, has been sufficiently long to establish him
in his profession as a physician and surgeon, as well as to make
him many warm and ardent friends and admirers. He is a
native of Amanda township, Allen county, was born December 6,
1864, and is a son of Jacob M. and Elizabeth (Holtzapple)
Roush. The father died in April, 1894; the mother
still survives and resides in Amanda township. The doctor
was a farmer born and reared, and received his education in the
public schools and at Elida, with two terms at the Ada (Ohio)
normal. He lived on the farm until twenty-one years of
age, giving all possible time to his literary education.
He then taught school for four years, reading medicine, the last
year, with Dr. S. A. Hitchcock of Elida for preceptor,
afterward matriculating at the Cincinnati college of Medicine
and Surgery, graduating from there in March, 1891. He
first located in Elida, where he remained two years, when he
removed to Spencerville. His professional education has
fitted him for the general practitioner, being well equipped in
the various department of the healing art, and he has
established for himself a large and lucrative practice. He
is a valuable member of the Allen county Medical society, which
finds him a thoroughly live up-to-date doctor. In June of
1894 he was married to Miss Vada Wright, the accomplished
daughter of W. G. and Louisa Wright. Her birthplace
was Highland county, Ohio. Politically Dr. Roush is
a democrat and has unbounded faith in the future of the party.
In 1893 he was appointed to the pension board of examiners.
He is a member of the Odd Fellows' order of Spencerville, No.
311; also of the Daughters of Rebecca and Spencerville
encampment, No. 279, and is vice-grand subordinate. It is
superfluous to say that the doctor is an altogether very able
young man - just such as the world is depending upon for its
best future.
(
Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896 - Pg. 452) |
Jackson Twp. -
A. S. RUDY, physician and surgeon,
Lafayette, was born in Auglaize Township, this county, Dec. 5,
1855; son of Frederick and Mary (Staley) Rudy, natives of
Miami County, Ohio, and who were among the early settlers of
Allen County, former born Dec. 4, 1809, still living in Auglaize
Township; latter died in 1859, leaving seven children who grew
to maturity: Jacob, Shepherd, Caroline (now deceased),
Sylvester, Anna ( now deceased), Albert and Alice.
Our subject up to the age of nineteen years, was employed
upon a farm and in attending the common schools of the
neighborhood. During the fall of 1874 he attended the
normal school at Ada, and taught school during the winter, his
time being thus employed for several years, and about 1877 he
became superintendent of the public schools at Westminster,
Ohio, which position he held for a period of nine successive
terms. He completed the scientific course at Ada,
graduating in May 1881. Our subject had previously given
his attention to the reading of medicine, and continuing the
same he attended his first course of lectures in the medical
department of Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio.
He entered the medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati, in
September, 1883, graduating Mar. 7, 1884. Having passed a
very creditable examination he immediately entered on the
practice of his profession at Lafayette, Ohio, where, through
his thorough knowledge of and close attention to business, he
has secured a practice justly due to years of labor, showing
that much confidence is placed in his skill as a physician and
surgeon. During his practice the Doctor has not lost a
patient, and has successfully treated severe cases of typhoid
fever, congestion of the brain, etc. He became a member of
Sager Ldoge, No. 513, F. & A. M. in April 1880; was formerly
member of an order of Sons of Temperance. Politically he
is identified with the Republican party.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 572 |
Auglaize Twp. -
SHEPHERD
RUDY, farmer, P. O. Westminster, was born Feb. 16, 1823,
in Miami County, Ohio; son of Jacob and Fannie (Neff) Rudy,
the grandson of Frederick Rudy, who was a native of
Pennsylvania. Jacob Rudy came to Ohio in 1798, and
settled near Dayton, in Miami County, as one of the pioneers of
that county, before the county seat, Troy, was thought of.
He entered 172 acres of land, which he cleared entire, and there
raised a family of eleven children, seven of whom are now
living: Frederick, Shepherd, Aaron, Nancy (now Mrs.
Studebaker), Elizabeth (now Mrs. Lancis),
Fannie (now Mrs. Sproul), and Sarah (now
Mrs. Shellabarger). Our subject received his early
education in Miami County, Ohio. He was married June 22,
1847, to Ann Stonburgur, by whom he has ten children,
eight now living: Almeda (now Mrs. E., Bowdle), Eliza
(now Mrs. J. Place), Cordelia (now Mrs. R.
Hutchinson) Mary F., Adam F., Jacob M., William E. and
Ollie M. Our subject came to this county in 1849, and
settled on his present farm of 160 acres, with good
improvements, now owned by him, formerly by David Gilmer.
Mr. Rudy has been active in school matters, having been
director for many years. He is a member of, and
leader, in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 572 |
Bath Twp. -
BENJAMIN RUMBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Lima, was
born in Greene County, Ohio, Apr. 21, 1825, son of William
and Anna (Aldridge) Rumbaugh, the former born in Virginia,
Aug. 6, 1782, the latter in Maryland, Dec. 11, 1799. They
came to Allen County in 1830, locating in Bath Township, on a
farm now owned by David Hefner, which they cleared and
improved, and where they lived until the death of Mr.
Rumbaugh, Jan. 8, 1868. The widow, now aged
eighty-five years, resides with our subject. They had a
family of thirteen children: Jacob (deceased), Samuel
A. (deceased), Mary A. (wife of Dan France),
Benjamin, Elizabeth M. (wife of Lewis Roberts),
Uriah F. (deceased), Lucinda (wife of James McCluer),
George, William, John B., Anna (deceased), Irena
(wife of Alex. McClure), and an infant daughter
(deceased). Our subject was reared in Bath Township, this
county, from seven years old, and made his home with his parents
until twenty-six years of age. After reaching his majority
he worked by the month for several years, and in 1853 settled on
the farm he now occupies, all of which he cleared and improved
himself. He was married, Jan. 27, 1851, to Mary Jane,
daughter of Sylvester and Charity (Lewis) Roberts, of
Bath Township, by whom he had six children: Uriah, Martha M.
(deceased), Ann E. (wife of Bruce Whites),
Scott, Lake and Jason. Mr. Rumbaugh served
in the late war of the Rebellion, and was honorably discharged
after 120 days' service. He and his 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 586 |
MORRIS
RUMBAUGH, who was one of the oldest and most experienced
farmers of Bath township, Allen county, Ohio, was a native of
the Buckeye state and was born in Green county, county in 1817,
a son of GEORGE and Elizabeth (Briton) Rumbaugh.
WILLIAM RUMBAUGH,
great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Germany, came to
America when a young man, located in New Jersey, and was there
married. He served in the Revolutionary war, also had many
exciting adventures with the Indians, and died in Greene county,
Ohio, at an advanced age. His son, Jacob Rumbaugh,
was born in New Jersey, moved thence to Virginia, thence to
Greene county, Ohio, and in1835, came to Allen county and
settled on 200 acres of land in Bath township. His
marriage took place, in Virginia, to Barbara Wikel, who
bore nine children, viz.: George, William, David, Philip,
James, Daniel, and three girls who died in infancy unnamed.
Jacob Rumbaugh was a whig in politics. In his later
years he removed to Missouri, where his death took place, in the
faith of the Methodist church.
GEORGE RUMBAUGH, eldest son of
Jacob and Barbara (Wikel) Rumbaugh the father of our
subject, was born in Virginia, on the homestead, in 1790,
married Miss Elizabeth Biton, and came to Ohio when
twenty-five years of age, and for fifteen or sixteen years
engaged in farming in Greene county. In 1817 he came to
Allen county, and settled on 160 acres, the land now occupied by
the county infirmary. Here he resided for nearly twenty
years, when he removed to Iowa, where he ended his days a member
of the Methodist church.
Morris Rumbaugh, the subject proper of this
biographical notice came to Allen county with his parents and
rendered his father valuable service in clearing up the new
homestead in Bath township, and with him made his home until
nearly thirty-six years of age, when he purchased a farm of 100
acres in Bath township, much of which he cleared up and moved to
Wisconsin, but in the fall of the same year returned to Allen
county, Ohio, and purchased the farm of eighty acres in Bath
township, on which he resided until his death, July 18, 1895.
Mr. Rumbaugh was united in matrimony, in 1835,
with Miss Mary Hanson, a daughter of Benjamin Hanson
of Bath township, the union resulting in the birth of seven
children, in the following order: Lydia, wife of
William McClellan; Milton, deceased; Eliza
J., deceased wife of George Fungate; Henderson and
Holllis, deceased; Lambert, and Cyrus,
(deceased). In politics Mr. Rumbaugh was a
republican, but never sought public office, yet, as a matter of
duty, he felt it incumbent upon himself to fill the office of
constable in Bath township, for two years. A strict ember
of the Methodist church, his life had been such as to show his
fellow-en that he was sincere in his faith in its teachings.
A man of unimpeached honor and a man of generous impulses and
broad-minded views, he had few peers in the regard of his
fellow-citizens.
(
Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1896
- Pg. 453) |
Bath Twp. -
SAMUEL A. RUMBAUGH (deceased), was born in
Greene County, Ohio, May 7, 1821, son of William and Anna
(Aldridge) Rumbaugh, who settled in Bath Township, this
county, in 1830. Our subject wsa reared in Bath Township
from ten years of age, and received a limited education in the
common schools. He was twice married, first on Feb. 16,
1843, to Rosana Whitehouse, of Greene County, Ohio, by
whom he had two children: Anna (wife of Robert McKee),
and Barton, who died of disease contracted in the army
during the late war of the Rebellion. His second marriage,
Jan. 5, 1854, was with Susan, daughter of
Samuel and Sarah (Wormsley) Channell, of Randolph
County, W. Va., and the issue of this union was six children:
Hannah (wife of Garrett Dudgeon), Cornelia
(wife of Thomas Wetherill), Josephine (deceased),
Grant, Calahan and Icy. In 1854 Mr. Rumbaugh
located in Bath Township, this county, clearing and improving a
farm on which he resided up to 1867, when he removed to the farm
now occupied by his widow, on which he erected all the present
buildings and made many other improvements. He was a
thrifty farmer. In politics he was a Republican. For
eight years prior to his death he was a member of the Christian
Church. He died Feb. 15, 1884, at the age of sixty-three
years.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 586 |
Jackson Twp. -
WILLIAM RUMBAUGH, farmer, P. O. Herring,
was born in Bath Township, this county, July 9, 1834; son of
William and Anna (Aldridge) Rumbaugh, of German and Scotch
descent, respectively. William Rumbaugh, Sr., was
born in Virginia, Aug. 6, 1792, and moved to Greene County,
Ohio, at an early date with his parents, and came to Allen
County in Ohio, at an early date with his parents, and came to
Allen County in 1828, moving his family three years later.
During the war of 1812 he was in camp twelve days, but was not
mustered in. He was an enterprising, kind-hearted,
benevolent man. He lived to see his twelve children
married, dying Jan. 8, 1868. His widow, who was born in
Pennsylvania, Dec. 11, 1799, is still living. Their
children were Jacob (deceased), Samuel (deceased),
Mary, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Uriah (deceased), Lucinda,
George, William, John, Anna (deceased), and Irena.
Our subject remained upon the home farm until he was
twenty-three years of age. Soon after his marriage he
turned his attention to learning the cooper trade, which for
twenty years was his chief occupation. Three years he
engaged in mercantile business, and four years owned and
operated a grist-mill at Lafayette. Owing to ill-health he
eventually returned to agricultural pursuits, and in March,
1878, moved on his present highly cultivated farm of 187 acres,
where he makes buying and selling stock a specialty. Feb.
22, 1857, Mr. Rumbaugh married Miss Anner O.
Bryte, a native of Ashland, Ohio, born Oct. 22, 1836,
daughter of David Bryte, who was born in Fayette County,
Penn., in December, 1806, and whose parents a year later moved
to Jefferson County, Ohio. He, David Bryte,
followed teaching several years, and was twice sheriff of
Richland County, Ohio. He was one of the first infirmary
directors of Allen County, where he lived a few years. He
was a zealous Christian and an ardent Democrat; at his death his
loss was universally mourned. His first wife, nee
Mary Van Ostrain, lived but a short time; his second
wife, nee Wealthy Slocum, was a descendant of
Anthony Slocum, one of the forty-six original purchasers of
the territory of Cohasset, now in Massachusetts. Mrs.
Bryte was born in New York, Jan. 16, 1816, and is still
living, the mother of seven children: Anna O., Eliza
(deceased), Harriet, Hannah (deceased), Amanda, John
(deceased), and Alice A. To the union of our
subject and wife were born two children: Charles V. (a
reporter for the Daily Republican of Lima), and Tully
A. Mrs. Rumbaugh taught twenty-five terms in the
common school and seven terms in the high school after her
marriage. While in town our subject was for several years
a member of the council and school board, and held other offices
of trust. He enlisted in the 100 days' service in Company
G, Fifty-first Ohio National Guards, and served for a term of
his enlistment; he was at Fort Reno in defense of Washington.
For many years he has been a zealous Christian and
Sabbath-school worker. In politics he is a Republican.
Source: History of Allen
County, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: Warner i.e. Warner, Beers & Co.,
1885 - Page 612 |
DANIEL
RUSSELL, a well-known banker of Bluffton, and a gentleman
who has been largely interested in the other business interests
of the town, descends from an old Puritan family of New
Hampshire, of English extraction, and was born in Licking
County, Ohio, Nov. 24, 1821.
ELIJAH RUSSELL, father of our
subject, was born in New Hampshire, a son of a Revolutionary
patriot who also bore the name of Daniel. Elijah
was but seven years of age when he lost his father, and ever
afterward cared for himself. He learned cabinet-making at
Norfolk, Va., whither he had gone on a sailing vessel.
While yet a single man he came to Ohio, and in Granville,
Licking county, married Miss Elizabeth Wright, a native
of Shenandoah county, Va., and daughter of Alexander Wright,
who was a blacksmith by trade and who died in Illinois, the
father of nine children, viz: Alexander, John, Burgess,
Alvin, Elizabeth, Catherine, Thomas, Susan and Nancy.
After his marriage, Elijah Russell worked at his
trade in Granville for some years and then bought and cultivated
a farm near that town for some time, thence moved to Hebron,
Licking county, and in later life went to Ligonier, Ind., where
he died at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, in the faith
of the Baptist church, of which he had for a long time been a
deacon, leaving behind him, to mourn his loss, five children,
viz: Daniel, Mary S., Rachael, Burgess and John.
Daniel Russell passed his boyhood on his father's
farm in Licking county, about eight miles out of Newark, the
county-seat, and, besides farming, learned cabinet-making and
also gained a general knowledge of several other trades.
Feb. 11, 1844, he married Miss Fannie Townsend, who was
born in western New York, Jan. 23, 1822, was of Puritan stock,
and a daughter of Appleton and Roxey (Field) Townsend.
After marriage, Mr. Russell lived on the homestead until
November, 1851, when he brought his wife and two children to
Allen county, making the journey in a wagon, his wife, being
sick, lying on a bed. He purchased seventy acres of
woodland in Jackson township, on which was a log cabin, and this
land he cleared up and converted into a fine farm, and when he
moved from it, eighteen years later, he left behind, instead of
a rude log house in a wooded swamp, a fine frame dwelling in the
midst of fields of nodding grain and fruit bearing orchards.
In 1867, Mr. Russell engaged, in Bluffton, in the general
mercantile trade, in partnership with his brother-in-law, I.
M. Townsend, and this connection lasted six years, and for
the twenty years following Mr. Russell carried on a
prosperous trade on his sole account. In 1880, before
relinquishing his mercantile interests entirely, he and Mr.
Townsend being for three years in the lumber trade, Mr.
Russell embarked in banking, in which he has also prospered,
and now, besides other valuable real estate, owns the Commercial
block in Bluffton, a livery barn and three residence properties.
Mrs. FANNY RUSSELL departed this
life, Bluffton, Dec. 12, 1888, a member of the Disciples'
church, and the mother of two child - Mary A. and Orin
J. - and sincerely mourned by her family and a large circle
of friends. In 1889 Mr. Russell chose, for his
second helpmate, Mrs. Martha Cunningham, who had borne
the maiden name of Church.
In politics Mr. Russell has been a life long
republican and voted for John C. Fremont, the first
republican candidate for the presidency of the United States.
Although one of the founders of the republican party in Allen
county, Mr. Russell has taken no real or personal
interest in office holding, yet has been a member of the town
council of Bluffton. He is widely known throughout the
county, is still an active business man, and has always taken a
lively interest in the weal of the public. His integrity
stands unimpeached, and, a well preserved gentleman and an
honored citizen, he is a credit to the business and society
circles of Bluffton and Allen county.
(
Source#1: A Portrait and biographical record of Allen &
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co.,
1896) |
|
