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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
History of Allen County, Ohio
And Representative Citizens
Edited and Compiled by
Charles C. Miller, Ph. D.
Assisted by
Dr. Samuel A. Baxter
Lima, Ohio
Published by Richmond & Arnold
George Richmond; G. R. Arnold
Chicago, Ill
1906
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REV. CHRISTIAN BADERTSCHER,
a retired minister of the German Reformed Church, who for more
than 30 years was a successful worker in the Master's vineyard,
has been a resident of Allen County since 1856, and counts among
hsi friends all those who know him. Born in Signau, Canton
Bern, Switzerland, on Apr. 22, 1842, he lived there until his
14th year when his parents, Peter and Annie (Ashlaman)
Badertscher, came with their family to America. Landing in
New York, they at once came to Ohio, and settled in Allen County
where, in less than a year, the mother died. The father
survived her several years. He was engaged in the
manufacture of spinning wheels - a necessity in almost every
family in that time. He was the father of the following
children, viz: Barbara (Bucher), of Richland
township; John U., a retired farmer of Bluffton;
Mathias, deceased; Elizabeth (Amstutz), of
Richland township; Peter, now a retired citizen of Lima,
after working 40 years for the P., Ft. W. & C. Railway Company;
Christian, Frederick, a machinist of Pickaway
County, Ohio; Annie (Bastinger), a widow, of Lima,
and Magdalena (Stager), of Bluffton.
After the death of his mother Christian
Badertscher lived in the family of the Rev. John
Moser until his 21st year. From that time until his
marriage, in 1865, he hired out by the month as a farm hand.
Following this, he rented a farm one year and then purchased his
present farm of 80 acres in section 23, Richland township.
He cleared the greater portion of this land and improved it with
suitable buildings. Mr. Badertscher has been
very successful as a stock raiser, handling horses, cattle and
hogs. In 1871 he gave up farming and entered the Wisconsin
Mission Home, where he fitted himself for the ministry of the
German Reformed Church. He was regularly ordained to the
service in 1875, and was given charge of the field at Clayton,
Iowa. Two years was spent in the work there, when he was
returned to Ohio and stationed at Findlay where he remained 10
years. His next church was at St. Marys, Auglaize County,
and he remained with that congregation about 14 years, his labor
in the various fields being attended with most satisfactory and
beneficial results.
Returning to his farm at the expiration of that time,
he at once began the cultivation of his land, being assisted by
his youngest son, Samuel. Being located in the oil
belt, he leased the oil rights to Michael Simmerman
& Company, who drilled wells and began pumping but later sold
out their interest to our subject. Associated with Teter
Sebert and David Rosebach, Jr., of
St. Marys, the firm of Badertscher & Company was formed
for the production of oil, three new wells being drilled.
Later these partners sold their part of the business to Henry
Schoneberger, of Chicago, a son-in-law of our subject,
and the work was continued under the same name, Mr.
Badertscher being manager. Two more oil wells were
sunk, making seven wells now in operation, which are a source of
considerable revenue to their owners.
In June, 1842, Mary Ann Gratz was born in Putnam
County, Ohio, to Frederick and Annie (Lugibihl) Gratz,
both of whom were natives of Germany. Growing to womanhood
she was married to Christian Badertscher and
became the mother of the following children: Sarah, wife
of John Finke, of St. Marys, Ohio; Noah, a farmer
living near St. Marys, Ohio, who married Matilda
Roerbach; Annie, wife of Henry Schoneberger,
who owns and conducts a large bakery in Chicago; John,
who married Louisa Cock and is a chair maker
residing at St. Marys; Daniel, unmarried, a chair maker
living at Marion, Indiana; Silas, who works in the chair
factory at St. Marys and is a musician and vocalist of ability,
and Samuel, who resides with his parents and con-conducts
the farm. Rev. Christian Badertcher
is frequently called upon to assist the local preacher and is
always found ready to give his aid. His sermons are full
of the force and energy which made his ministerial work
effective and are listened to with pleasure and satisfaction.
He is a Democrat in politics.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 629 |
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JOHN
N. BAILEY
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 832
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LEVI
BALSBAUGH
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 746
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F. J.
BANTA, one of the leading business men of
Lima, a member of the firm of F. J. Banta & Son,
manufacturers of candy, confectionery and chewing gum, was born
at Troy, Miami County, Ohio, in 1857, being a member of one of
the old families of that section.
Mr. Banta was reared and educated in Miami
County, began his business career as a clerk in a grocery store
and for five years was interested in that line of business at
Troy.
In 1881 Mr. Banta came to Lima and here entered
the grocery field, but finding it well occupied, one yea later
became a wholesale candy manufacturer. He has established
an enormous trade based on the superior quality of his goods,
the business expanding from a very small beginning until at the
present time it averages $150,000 annually. The goods
manufactured include choice chocolates and creams - daintily
prepared and of fine, pure flavors - and some eight or ten
brands of chewing gum, the leader being "Banta's Pepsin."
The plant is located at No. 122 West Wayne street, and traveling
salesmen visit the dealers in the territory adjacent to Lima.
In 1902, Roy Banta, a son of our subject, was admitted to
a partnership in the business.
Mr. Banta belongs to the Elks and the Knights of
Pythias. He is ranked with the city's most enterprising
and progressive business men.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 642 |
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M. U. BASINGER. One of the leading business men of Lima is M.
U. Basinger, whose large jewelry establishment is situated
at No. 63 public Square, and who is an experienced manufacturer
in this line as well as a dealer in cut glass and diamonds.
Mr. Basinger is a native of Putnam County, Ohio, born in
1868.
Mr. Basinger remained on the home farm until he
had reached the age of 19 years, alternately farming and
attending the local schools. He accompanied his mother
when she removed to Ada, and remained there three years, coming
then to Lima. At that time one $5 bill represented his
capital in money, but in addition he possessed youth, health,
ambition and persistent industry, and, in time, this strong
combination of qualities brought about a large degree of
prosperity. For the first six months, after contracting
with D. A. McComb, then a leading jeweler of Lima, the
young man worked for the sum of $4 per week. By the end of
the period, his employer realized that he had secured an honest,
intelligent, capable and industrious assistant, and was willing
to retain him on a living salary. Mr. Basinger
remained until 1893, when Mr. McComb retired and was
succeeded by the firm of Basinger & Company, its
members being M. U. Basinger and William Melville. This
partnership lasted until 1897, when Mr. Basinger sold his
interest to his partner and founded an independent business. He
continued alone for one year and then associated himself with
Mr. Cameron, the firm remaining as Basinger &
Cameron until February, 1903. Then Mr. Basinger sold his interest to
Mr.
Cameron, and in the following May opened his present fine
establishment on the Public Square. He conducts a very large bus iness in the manufacturing line, and carries a valuable stock of
jewelry, cut glass and expensive gems. He is also interested in
other business enterprises, one of these being the Humane
Horse Shoe Company.
On Sept. 25, 1895, Mr. Basinger was married to
Blanche Douglass, who for some five years previously had been a
teacher in the Lima schools, and is a daughter of J. C. Douglass, of Forest, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Basinger have two children - Warren
and Helen. Mr. Basinger is a member of the Market Street
Presbyterian Church. of which he is an elder and the treasurer. His fraternal relations are with the Tribe of Ben Hur,
Modern Woodmen
of America and Knights of Pythias.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 619 |
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R. L.
BATES
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 550
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DAVID
E. BAXTER
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 671
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F. M.
BELL
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 630
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WILLIAM C. BELL,
a member of the well-known business firm of Mosier & Bell,
operators of the Mosier Steam Laundry, at Lima, was born
in this city, Nov. 24, 1870, and is a son of the late W. M.
Bell, who was long one of its active business men.
Mr. Bell attended the public schools of Lima and spent three
yes at the University of Notre Dame, in Indiana. After
completing his education, he was associated for 11 years with
F. E. Harman, following which he spent one year in the
grocery business at Marysville, Ohio, and four and a half years
as fireman on the C., H. & D. Railway. In June, 1903, he
purchased a half interest in the Mosier Steam Laundry, to
which he has since given his undivided business attention,
developing it into one of the successful industries of the city.
The laundry is well equipped with all modern appliances, and its
work is of such a satisfactory character as to necessitate the
employment of a large force. The office of the laundry is
located at No. 121 West North street.
On Mar. 28, 1897, Mr. Bell was married to
Stella Craig Jones, and they have one
daughter, Alice, attending school. The family home
is at No. 211˝ North Main
street, in the Bell Block. The family is connected
with the Market street Presbyterian Church, of Lima.
Mr. Bell is a member of Lima Lodge, No. 162, B. P. O. E.,
and Lodge No. 100, K. P., of Marysville, Ohio.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 604 |
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H. W. BENNETT conducts the principal
undertaking and embalming business at Lima and is a veteran in
this business, although he has been located in Lima and is a
veteran in this business, although he has been located in Lima
only about four years. He is a son of Henry Bennett,
a prosperous farmer of Medina County, Ohio, where our subject
was born in 1869. After finishing his schooling, he became
a teacher in his native county and for five years was a very
successful one; but desiring a more permanent occupation and one
in which he could engage throughout the entire year he went to
Wellington, Lorain County, and opened a furniture store in
connection with which he had an undertaking department. In
order to perfect himself in this work he took lessons in
embalming and received diplomas from Professor Myers,
of Springfield, Ohio, and from Prof. Charles A. Renoaurd,
of New York City. In 1901 he moved his business to Lima
and now has the largest establishment of the kind in this part
of the State. He is a member of the National Funeral
Directors’ Association and president of the Ohio Funeral
Directors’ and Embalmers’ Association, keeping in close touch
with all the latest developments and discoveries in his
particular line of work.
Mr. Bennett was married in 1890 to Ida
Bauer, daughter of Jacob Bauer, of
Liverpool, Medina County, Ohio. Their family consists of
three bright children. They are members of Trinity
Methodist Episcopal Church and are earnest workers in that body.
Fraternally Mr. Bennett is connected with the
Masonic order, Elks, Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America and
Woodmen of the World.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond &
Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 823 |
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HOMER CLARK BENNETT, M. D.,
M. E., Ph. G., D. P., M. Ph., editor and publisher of The
Electro-Therapeutist, a monthly journal of electricity as
applied in medicine and surgery issued at Lima, a member of the
faculty of the National College of Electro-Therapeutists, and an
author of numerous works on electromedical treatment, is one of
the leading physicians in his school of practice. Dr.
Bennett was born in 1865, in Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio,
and is one of a family of three children born to his parents,
the late Rev. Silas Bennett, A. M., D. D., an eminent
divine, and Catherine K. (Clark) Bennett.
Dr. Bennett’s education along literary
lines was liberal, including the common and high school courses,
at Batavia, Woodward High School, at Cincinnati, and Ohio
Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. After leaving
college, he was trained in business methods for two years at
Bellefontaine, Ohio. For four years, 1886-89, Dr.
Bennett was engaged almost continuously in laboratory and
medical study and he received medical degrees and diplomas from
the medical department of the University of Wooster (now
Delaware), Cleveland, Ohio, in 1888; from the medical department
of the University of Cincinnati (the Medical College of Ohio),
in 1889, at the latter institution winning the coveted Dawson
prize, a handsome gold medal for the best surgical dissection.
This was but the first of many honors won.
During these four years of study and close application,
for five months he served as director of the Clinical Medical
Dispensary in Cleveland, and for 10 weeks as chief dispensary
clerk of the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati.
In 1888 Dr. Bennett located for the practice of
medicine at Bellefontaine, Ohio, entering into partnership with
his preceptor, Edwin A. Swan, M. D., M. E., one of the
best diagnosticians in the State. This connection brought
the young physician into a large and varied general practice, an
advantage he duly appreciated. While here he first made a
special study of diseases of the eye and refractive errors and
had already won attention by his careful and thoughtful methods,
when he became still more deeply interested in the then young
science of electro-therapeutics, and soon took up work on that
line, recognizing its great value from the beginning. In
search of a wider field for his operations he removed to Lima in
1889, and this city has been his home ever since (except for an
interval of 10 months in 1896), and here he has won honors and
reaped large financial rewards. During the interval above
mentioned, Dr. Bennett served as superintendent of
a large mineral-water bath and electric cure sanitarium, in
Indiana. Dr. Bennett’s success in his chosen
line, as exhibited in his successful experiments and his useful
inventions of electrodes and apparatus, as well as his numerous
contributions to the medical and electrical press, attracted the
faculty of the National College of Electro-Therapeutics, at
Indianapolis, Indiana, where he went for a course of
instruction, who tendered him a position in that body, in 1896,
and he has been associated with this well-established
institution ever since.
This college, which is now known through out the entire
world, was the first correspondence school of its kind ever
organized. It was founded in January, 1896, and has ever
since been doing an extensive increasing correspondence.
Its teaching has extended to every continent, the records
showing that it has satisfactorily and successfully given
instruction in electro-therapeutics to over 2,000 students at
their homes, many of whom afterward came to the college seeking
personal instruction, a number of whom have become noted
specialists.
When the health of the founder, Dr. William F. Howe,
gave way, and he was compelled on this account to seek a
different climate, the school was removed to Lima, Ohio, and
Dr. Bennett was elected general secretary and
treasurer of the college, and assumed entire charge of the
correspondence and business part of the school work. He
also became the editor and publisher of the college journal,
The Electro-Therapeutist, which has met with much public
favor, and has just closed its ninth year’s volume. Dr.
Bennett gives personal instruction in general
electro-therapeutics, and the demonstration of apparatus, and
technique, to students. He also enjoys an extensive and
lucrative practice in his specialty, while his many inventions
and improvements in electrodes are being sold, and are in use,
all over the world. They are constructed on scientific
principles, and each year finds them more in demand, as the
medical profession, and public becomes more and more convinced
of the great value of electricity as a remedy. Dr.
Bennett’s private offices are equipped with an elaborate
and extensive selection of up-to date electrical apparatus. much
of which is of original design and construction.
Dr. Bennett has been, and still continues
to be, a prolific writer in his special line. He is the
author, editor and publisher of the “Electro-Therapeutic Guide,”
which is recognized as the most condensed, concise and
thoroughly practical book on the subject, which has ever been
issued. It is intended particularly for the use of the
busy physician, and it contains the only complete
electro-medical dictionary. Its popularity may be judged
by the fact that the demand has already exhausted six popular
editions and the seventh is now in use. Dr.
Bennett has also compiled and published the only complete
and scientific resume of the subject of electrocution, to which
he has devoted a great deal of scientific study.
In addition to the medical degrees mentioned, Dr.
Bennett has received the regular degree of Master of
Electro-Therapeutics, from the National College of
Electro-Therapeutics, this honor being given in Indiana, and he
has also been the recipient of the same, as an “honorary
degree,” from the Eastern College of Electro-Therapeutics, at
Philadelphia. He holds diplomas conferring both the
regular and post-graduate title of Ph.G. from the Ohio Institute
of Pharmacy at Columbus, and the degree of D. P., from the
Chicago School of Psychology. He also was given the first
“honorary degree" of Master of-Physiological-Therapeutics, from
the Cincinnati Post-Graduate School of
Physiological-Therapeutics, and is a consultant to that
institution. For several years he served as city physician
and also police surgeon, to the city of Lima, served also as a
member of the Lima Board of Health, and has been examiner for a
number of the leading life insurance companies. He thus
has had a wide and varied experience in treating all kinds and
classes of ailments. and he is often consulted and quoted as an
authority in matters electro-medical.
Dr. Bennett is a valued member of the
National Society of Electro-Therapeutics, the American
Association for the Advancement of Science, the American
Association of Physicians and Surgeons, and is a charter member
of the American Roentgen Ray Society, and of the American
Electro-Medical Society, of which he was vice-president in 1904.
At its convention in 1905, when the name was changed to that of
the American Progressive Therapeutic Society, Dr.
Bennett was honored by election to the presidency. As
is natural, other schools and cities want his services and
influence, and he has received numerous flattering offers, from
prominent metropolitan specialists, schools and electrical
houses, to leave Lima for other points, all of which he has
declined, preferring his present congenial field.
On Jan. 19, 1887, Dr. Bennett married
Carrie Elizabeth Deeds, of Bellefontaine, Ohio.
They have one son—Clark Leroy. The home of
Dr. Bennett and family is located at No. 125 North
Pierce street, Lima. In 1901 the Doctor built a handsome
four-story apartment residence building at Lima, known as the “Elektron,”
which he subsequently sold. Its total cost was $25,282.76,
and the sale was effected at a considerably higher figure and
was consummated June 17, 1905.
In national politics Dr. Bennett is
affiliated with the Republican party, but his busy life gives
him very little opportunity to be an active politician, even if
his tastes led in that direction. However, he finds time
for many social pleasures in his hospitable home, and in
numerous fraternal orders. He is an Odd Fellow, a Modern
Woodman, a Good Templar, an Oriental, a Khorassan, and is a
prominent member of the Senate team of the famous Lima Lodge No.
91, Knights of Pythias.
Dr. Bennett is well and favorably known both at
home and abroad, as a physician, scientist, inventor, author,
poet, and student. In addition to his scientific writings,
he has also written many beautiful poems, which have been
pronounced by able critics to be “literary
gems,” and which have been widely copied, in both literary and
medical publications. If questioned what he considers
three of his greatest blessings, it is probable that he would
reply in his genial way: “to be alive at the beginning of the
20th century; to be young; and to be in the enjoyment of
splendid health.” That he may continue to enjoy these
blessings which promise future usefulness and added honors, and,
as youth necessarily departs, find just as desirable middle and
advanced age, is the united wish of thousands who have come
under his influence either personally or through his writings.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond &
Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 711 |
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NEWTON C. BERRY,
one of the trustees of German township, and one of the county's
substantial farmers and representative men, was born in
Rockingham County, Virginia, Jan. 7, 1854, and is a son of
John H. and Delilah (Niswander) Berry.
The father of Mr. Berry was
born in Virginia, Aug. 20, 1831, came to Allen County and
settled in German township. He died Sept. 11, 1896, and is
buried in Sugar Creek cemetery. He married Delilah
Niswander, who was born near Edom, Rockingham County,
Virginia, May 5, 1830, and died Nov. 23, 1904. She is a
daughter of Christian and Susan Niswander. Her last
years were spent with her son, Newton C. The
children of John H. and Delilah Berry were:
Lydia E., born Mar. 23, 1857; Isaac N., born Aug. 10,
1860, who died Dec. 2, 1863; Benjamin F., born Nov. 2,
1863, who died Jan. 5, 1864; and Newton C.
Newton C. Berry was reared and educated in
Rockingham County, Virginia, where he remained until the spring
of 1875, when he came to his present farm, on which his father
settled. He has continued to reside here ever since and is
considered one of the township’s foremost agriculturists.
On Sept. 5, 1878, Elizabeth Herzog became our
subject’s wife. Mrs. Beery is a native of
Pennsylvania, born Feb. 20, 1858.
To Mr. Beery and wife have been born
these children: George W., born near Lima, Ohio, Sept.
20, 1879. who married Minnie Irvin Dec. 25, 1901
and has two children - Irvin, born Nov. 16, 1902, and
Edith E., born Jan. 18, 1904; Minerva, born July 5,
1881, who died Aug. 23, 1881; Cora E., born July 15,
1885, who is a professional nurse; Isaac, born Mar. 1,
1888; Ephraim, born July 24, 1890; and Lydia E.,
born May 12, 1893.
Mr. Beery is a prominent member of the
Dunkard Church. He is a stanch Democrat, and in 1899 was elected
trustee of German township. The duties of this office were
performed with the integrity which marks the character of Mr.
Berry, and makes him a man honored and esteemed by his
neighbors.
Source: History of Allen County,
Ohio, Publ. by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 726 |
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JOHN H. BERRYMAN,
one of the influential agriculturists of Shawnee township,
residing in section 3, was born Aug. 19, 1843, in that part of
Allen County, which has since been set off to Auglaize County.
His parents were Russell and Margaret (Slain) Berryman
and his grandparents, William and Rachel (Clausen) Berryman.
The grandfather came from England and settled in New Jersey,
from which State he entered the Continental Army. Later he
moved to Virginia and about the year 1800 located in Montgomery
County, Ohio. He and his sons entered a large body of land
which extended along the Auglaize River some two miles and
included what is now the Fort Amanda farm. Here he tilled
the soil and also did considerable work at shoemaking, which
trade he had learned in early life.
Russell Berryman was born in Montgomery
County, Ohio, Jan. 10, 1814, and seven years later accompanied
his parents to Allen County. The two white families who
had already settled here comprised the entire white population
of the county at that time. Their supplies were to be had
only at the expense of a long, tedious journey to Dayton or
Toledo, and most of what we consider necessities were unknown to
the pioneer homes. As Russell Berryman grew older
he helped clear the farm and care for the growing crops and, as
the land was rich and mellow, the wooden mould-board plow
answered very well for breaking up the soil and making it ready
for planting. When the grain had ripened, the sickle and
cradle were used for harvesting it, many of the pioneers
boasting of their skill and the rapidity of their work with
these implements. The Indians were a constant menace to
the quiet of the rapidly growing community and a military
company was formed for defense against them, Mr.
Berryman being the captain. He died on the homestead
in 1877 in the 63rd year of his age. He married
Margaret Slain, who was a native of Virginia, and the
following children were born to them, viz.: Cornelia (Stocken);
Ephraim, deceased; Rosabelle (Blackburn),
deceased; John H.; and James. Mr.
Berryman was a Democrat.
John H. Berryman was reared to manhood on a farm
about one mile south of Fort Amanda, where he remained until
1867. He then rented a farm and began buying and feeding
cattle for the market. This proved profit able and enabled
him to purchase the Dickey farm, and afterwards the
Goodman farm, then known as the Turkey Foot farm.
Following this, he moved to Lima and engaged in the manufacture
and sale of buggies for about one year after which he returned
to the country and located on his present farm. About 1879
Mr. Berryman had purchased this property from the
heirs of his wife’s father. In addition to buying and
shipping stock, he also began butchering, a business which he
conducted for many years. For about seven years he ran a
dairy, keeping 60 cows to supply the milk. His land is
situated in the oil belt, and at the present time eight wells
are being pumped.
On Mar. 12, 1868, Mr. Berryman was
married to Sally Columbia Boyd, who was
born Feb. 3, 1845, on the farm which is still her home.
Her parents were Abraham and Maria (Hover) Boyd.
Her maternal grandfather, Ezekiel Hover, came from
New Jersey about 1832 and settled in Trumbull County, Ohio,
removing in 1833 to Allen County as one of the first pioneers.
Mr. and Mrs. Berryman have been blessed with a
family of seven children, viz.: Myrtle, wife of
William Minton; Margaret, who married John
R. Bristow and has one child, John R. Jr.; Russell,
who was a naval cadet four years and died in his 26th year;
Mabel, who died when four years of age; Harriet, who
married J. M. Davis and died leaving two children—
Calvin Russell and Harriet Berryman;
Robert Fulton, a graduate of Oberlin College, who is
now a teacher in the Philippines; and Waldo, a member of
Company C. Second Regiment, Ohio National Guard, who lives at
home. Mrs. Berryman is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, while Mr. Berryman holds a
membership in the Methodist Episcopal denomination. He is
a member of the I. O. O. F. Like his father, he is a Democrat,
and has served as school director, justice of the peace,
trustee, assessor and supervisor. He was the party
candidate for nomination for Congress, but withdrew his name,
much to the disappointment of his many friends who would have
strongly supported his candidacy.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond &
Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 520 |
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FREDERICK PHILIP BEUTNER,
one of Allen County's prominent farmers and good citizens, who
resides on his well-improved farm of 169 acres, located in
section 27, Marion township, belongs to one of the pioneer
families of this locality. He was born at Delphos, Allen
County, Ohio, Apr. 7, 1862, and is a son of Frederick and
Johanna (Frombach) Beutner.
Frederick Beutner was born in the same year that
witnessed the birth of Queen Victoria, of England.
His parents were honest, industrious Germans and he was born in
Germany, Feb. 25, 1819, and learned the trade of shoemaker when
he was still a very young man. As a journeyman he traveler
over a large part of Europe. After working for some years
in that way, he decided to try his fortune in America. He
landed from a sailing vessel at New York, with but 50 cents in
his pocket. From this small capital Mr. Beutner, by
industry and frugality, built up a comfortable competency and
now, in the evening of life, living as a beloved member of the
families of hsi sons, as best pleases him, he is able to command
a capital of no mean size. From New York he went to
Buffalo and thence in 1854 to Delphos, where he opened a shop;
he also bought a farm of 120 acres in section 22, Marion
township. He now owns 130 acres in Allen County and a
tract of 80 acres in Van Wert County.
Frederick Beutner was united in marriage,
in 1854, at Buffalo, New York, to Johanna Frombach,
who was born in Germany, Sept. 4, 1827, died in Ohio, Dec. 15,
1904, and was laid to rest Dec. 18, 1904. They had four
sons: Frederick, Carl, John Ludwig
and Frederick Philip. The two older children
died in infancy. John Ludwig Beutner
is a prominent farmer of Marion township, residing in section
23.
Frederick P. Beutner attended school at Delphos
until he was 14 years old. He then became a cash boy in a
grocery store and subsequently worked under his father for a
year at the shoemaking trade. Later he engaged in a
harness business and worked for five years with Longsworth
at Delphos. An accident by which he suffered the loss of
several of his fingers compelled him to abandon work at this
trade and he then went to farming, his father giving him a fine
property of more than 169 acres in section 27, Marion township.
Our subject has reditched the farm, has built a number of
substantial buildings upon it and remodeled others, each
improvement adding to the value of the property. It was
formerly known as the “Beutner Picnic Grounds.”
On Dec. 24, 1887, Mr. Beutner was married
to Delma A. Patton, who was born Mar. 9, 1868, in Marion
township, Allen County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Andrew
Jackson and Mary Jane (Moyer) Patton. The four
children of this marriage are: Carl Fredrick, born Jan.
2, 1889, Robin Adair, born Jan. 1, 1891; Donald
Clair, born Aug. 4, 1894; and Helen, born Aug. 26,
1899.
In his religious views Mr. Beutner is
liberal. He is an independent voter. casting his ballot
for the candidate he judges to be most efficient.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 652 |
| |
JOHN LUDWIG BEUTNER,
a leading agriculturist of Marion township, who carries on
general farming and stock-raising on his valuable farm of 110
acres in section 23, was born at Delphos, Allen County, Ohio,
Feb. 26, 1860, and is a son of Frederick and Johanna (Frombach)
Beautner.
Frederick Beutner was born near Sonneberg, in
Saxe-Meininger, Germany, Feb. 25, 1819, and agent the usual time
at school required of German children. He learned to be a
shoemaker, and after deciding to seek his fortune in America,
took passage in 1851 in a sailing vessel, which, after a voyage
of three months, landed him in the city of New York, with 50
cents in his pocket. Fortunately for him, the individual
to whom he entrusted his money, as pay for securing him
employment as a shoemaker, was honest and he worked for a time
in New York and then went to Buffalo, where he continued to work
at shoemaking for a year. About 1853, after his marriage.
Mr. Beutner and wife came to Delphos, Ohio, by way
of the Lakes and the Miami and Erie Canal, and opened a shop
opposite the parochial house, later removing to Main street.
He also bought land. A few years ago he bought his present
farm of 120 acres in section 22, Marion township, which he still
owns. He lives with his two sons, dividing his time
between their homes. Haing a good knowledge of land
values, he has accumulated considerable property and now enjoys
a comfortable competency. At Buffalo he married Johanna
Frombach, who was born in Germany, Sept. 4, 1827, came to
America in young womanhood and died Dec. 15, 1904. They
have four sons, namely: Frederick and Carl, who
died in infancy; and John Ludwig and Frederick
Philip.
Prior to coming to the United States, Frederick
Beutner traveled to many points of interest in his own
and other European countries, crossing the Alps and working at
his trade through Switzerland and Italy. Although now
bearing the weight of 87 years, he still enjoys walking and
frequently passes other pedestrians on the road when walking to
Delphos, a distance of four miles. He frequently walks as
much as 15 miles a day, and in summer often goes afoot to his
farm in Van Wert County, west of Delphos. He is a
well-known citizen and enjoys a very large measure of public
esteem. He was reared a Lutheran but is a man of liberal
mind, ready to see good in every religious organization.
In his political views he is a Republican. He helped to
develop the town of Delphos, always supporting the measures
which, in his judgment, were for the welfare of the place.
John L. Beutner attended public school at
Delphos and learned the shoemaker’s trade with his excellent
father. He is entitled to the name of self-made man, for
from the age of 14 years he has depended for a livelihood
entirely upon his own exertions. When he was still a boy
at school he always found some profitable way in which to spend
his holidays and vacations. He remembers when he was
willing to work in the elevators for 20 cents a day and board
himself rather than to be without work. He continued to
work at shoemaking until failing health warned him to give it up
and his physician recommended the open air and farm work.
Hence, in 1883 he came to his present farm, on which at that
time there were only a log-hut and log stable. Now all of
his 110 acres, with the exception of 15, are under cultivation
and he has spent a large amount of money in making improvements.
The comfortable residence and substantial farm buildings give a
pleasant air of thrift and prosperity, and all the surroundings
give evidence of the owner’s care and attention. Mr.
Beutner has made a specialty of raising driving and draft
horses. He feeds a great deal of stock on the farm,
deeming this a more profitable plan than to haul his grain and
hay away. Mr. Beutner has put down two
drains of 16-inch tile on the farm, draining each side
separately.
In 1898 Mr. Beutner, who is serving his
third term, was elected by the Democratic party a justice of the
peace, and is probably one of the most popular officials in his
section of the county. He has his office in his home, and
gives a great deal of his time to performing his important
duties. During all the time of his incumbency he has never
had a decision re versed and some of his cases have gone to the
Supreme Court. He is a friend of arbitration and his
efforts at settling disputes, without invoking the machinery of
the law beyond his own office, have been remarkably successful.
Mr. Beutner was married first, on Mar. 1,
1882, to Rose Poe, of Attica, Indiana, who died
March, 1900, leaving four children, viz: Poe, Lilian,
Frederick and Harold. His second marriage
was to Katie Huijsman, of Putnam County, on Nov. 2
5, 1900, and they have two bright little daughters, -
Marcella and Cornelia.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond &
Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 607 |
| |
WILLIAM BICE, father of Mrs.
Kay, was born at Salem, Columbiana County, Ohio, Mar. 18,
1824, and died on his homestead, in Allen County, just out of
Spencerville, on Feb. 8, 1900. He was first married on
Jan. 20, 1847, to Anna Sunderland, and there were two
children born to them, vi.: Francis and Orlando.
The latter married Lucretia Courtshire, who reared by
Leonidas Post, another of the old settlers of the western
section of Allen County. On Dec. 11, 1856, William
Bice was married to his second wife, Tabitha
Sunderland, who was born Sept. 1, 1836, and is a daughter of
Dye and Mary (Berryman) Sunderland. The
Sunderlands were the fourth white family to settle in Allen
County. They had 12 children, of whom one died in infancy,
and another at the age of three years; the remaining 10 all
reached maturity and reared families of their own. Mrs.
Bice and her sister, Mrs. Mary Jane Mars,
now past 88 years of age, a resident of Decatur, Illinois, are
the only survivors.
The children of William Bice born to his
second union were nine in number, the survivors being as
follows: Amarilla, who is the wife of R. T. Sutton;
Anna M., who is the wife of S. W. Kemp, of
Spencerville; William Adolph, who married Effa
Gallant; Mercy Naomi, who is the wife of B. G.
Hover, of Lima; Andrew W., M. D., who was coroner of
Allen County from 1902 to 1905; and Bessie, who is the
wife of Howard L. Kay.
The late William Bice was reared among
the Quakers at Salem, Columbiana County, and all his life lived
according to their upright teachings. After his second
marriage, he settled on the homestead now occupied by his widow,
which is situated just south of Spencerville. At present
Mrs. Bice’s son-in-law, Mr. Kay, has
the historic old farm under lease. An old Indian burying
ground once occupied a part of it, and Dr. Andrew W. Bice
has taken a great interest in making a collection of relics of
the days of the aborigines found here. Mr. Kay
has recently stocked the old farm with a fine assortment of
sheep and hogs, and the management has been entrusted to an
experienced farmer and stock-raiser.
Mrs. Bice belongs to one of the oldest
families in the county, as mentioned above, and her
recollections of the days of her girlhood and early married
years are most entertaining and instructive. It scarcely
seems possible, in conversing with this animated, intelligent
and well-perserved lady, to believe that she lived in the days
when the Indians still wandered in numbers over all this country
and sat at her father’s hearthstone, receiving his bounty.
She recalls only their friendliness and their willingness to
barter fur for. food. In the days of which Mrs. Bice
tells, it was not considered a very great hardship to live in a
log cabin with earthen floor and with home-made quilts hung at
the open door for protection.
Mr. Bice kept on accumulating land until he
owned 530 acres. Subsequently he gave his children all but
225 acres, retaining this in the home stead farm, which is now a
property of large value. Mrs. Bice recalls
well the old walnut canoe which was used in early days to cross
the Auglaize River. She was care fully reared by an
excellent mother who taught her all the housewifely arts of
those days. Her mother was a famous weaver and she taught
her daughter to spin and weave and also to dye the coverlets,
such as are now occasionally found in the possession of old
families and are preserved as treasures. The old Bice
homestead has many of these wonderful examples of
industry and taste.
At school Mrs. Bice stood as one of the best
spellers, that being quite a distinction in her day. She
was also an expert horsewoman and relates that upon one
occasion, being invited to attend the wedding of Lenora
Pupinore with Thomas Leach, she started on horse
back, with a party consisting of six couples. Upon
reaching the home of the bride there being no gates, she jumped
the bars and as she was the first on the scene had the honor of
receiving the first taste of the “wedding bottle," a feature of
these occasions. General Black burn was present at
this wedding.
Looking at the life lived in the early days of Mrs.
Bice, it seems to modern views to have been one filled with
toil, hardship and privation; but it was not so regarded by many
of those who still survive; for they undoubtedly possessed a
will and courage equal to the emergencies they met and
successfully over came, and a practical habit of thought that
converted their necessary industry and frugality into pleasure.
The old orchard standing on the homestead was partly set out by
Indians who thus assisted Mr. Bice, with whom they were
always on friendly terms. Under on old locust tree still
standing in the orchard is the old horse mill where Mr. Bice
converted bushels of apples into sweet, wholesome cider.
It gave the family refreshments during the long winter evenings;
Mrs. Bice also boiled it down for cooking purposes,
making in one year 60 gallons of the real old-fashioned apple
butter, which she disposed of in Delphos, realizing the sum of
$300 for her work.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond &
Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 746-747 |
| |
CAPT.
JOHN M. BINGHAM, auditor of the National
Roofing Tile Company, of Lima, with offices in the Masonic
Building, is one of the city's well-known and representative
men. He was born in 1865 at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and
is a son of the late John M. Bingham and a member of one
of the oldest families of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
Captain Bingham was reared in Warren County, in
his native State, attending school until the age of 12 years.
After working there on a farm for several years, he became a
clerk in a general mercantile store at West Newton. He
clerked also at Jamestown, New York, and in 1882 was engaged for
some months in the same line at Cherry Grove, during the period
of the oil excitement at that point. From there he went to
Bradford and again was connected with a mercantile
establishment. Coming to Lima in 1887, he was for one year
in a shoe business and for three years was interested in a
grocery. In 1892 he entered the employ of the C., H.
&D. Railway Company. He filled various positions with
this corporation, finally becoming chief clerk to C. H. Cory,
who is chief of the department of motive power of this line.
In April, 1905, he accepted the position of auditor with the
National Roofing Tile Company and has a number of other
interests.
Captain Bingham has been more or less
prominent in military affairs ever since Mar. 29, 1888, when he
enlisted as a private in Company C, Second Regiment, Ohio
National Guard, of which he was made corporal in 1891, sergeant
in 1892, 2nd lieutenant, June 15, 1892, being re-commissioned as
lieutenant on June 15, 1897. On Apr. 1, 1899, he was
commissioned captain and adjutant on Dec. 12, 1899. In
June, 1903, he resigned, but was reappointed on June 20th.
During the Spanish-American War he served as 2nd lieutenant of
Company C, Second Ohio Infantry. U. S. Volunteers, from May 10,
1898, until Feb. 10, 1899. During his term of service in
the United States army his regiment was in camp at Knoxville,
Chickamauga and Macon. He is one of the best-known
military men, in connection with the State organization, in
Northwestern Ohio.
On Oct. 3, 1899, Captain Bingham was
married to Catherine Lawlor, who is a daughter of
P. H. Lawlor, of Lima. One son, Charles, has
been born to this union.
Captain Bingham was a charter member of
Lodge No. 436, Knights of Columbus, at Lima, and was its
financial treasurer. He be longs also to the United
Spanish War Veterans, and to the Knights of St. John. For
many years he has been a member of St. Rose Catholic Church, and
for an extended period was leader of its noted choir.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 799 |
Mr. & Mrs.
Solomon Binkley
and Family.
(Four generations) |
SOLOMON BINKLEY
resides on a farm of 117 acres in section 35, Jackson township,
in one of the most attractive and desirable country homes in
Allen County. Through his labors his farm was converted
from a wilderness of trees and underbrush to its present highly
cultivated state. Mr. Binkley was born Oct. 10,
1829, near Thornville, Perry County, Ohio, and is a son of
Emanuel and Elizabeth (Snyder) Binkley.
His great-grandfather, Christian Binkley, who
was a native of Maryland, was among the pioneers of Perry
County, Ohio. He was German ancestry and from the German
inscription on his monument in Reading township, Perry County,
it is learned that he died in 1832, at the age of 91 years.
Henry Binkley, the grandfather of our subject,
was also born in Maryland, and came with his father to Ohio in
1801. He died in 1825.
Emanuel Binkley was born in Reading township,
Perry County, Ohio, Dec. 27, 1806, and there reached manhood and
married. He came to Allen County in October, 1841, and
remained here until his death on Feb. 17, 1891, aged 84 years,
four months and 20 days. He was a member of the Reformed
Church. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife,
Elizabeth Snyder, was born in Thorn township, Perry
County, Ohio, June 28, 1808, and died in Allen County, Mar. 9,
1894, aged 85 years, 8 months and 11 days. Her father was
Daniel Snyder, an extensive land-owner and the
father of a large family. Our subject is the eldest of 12
children, namely: Solomon; Katharine (Hulinger),
who died in 1904; Samuel, who died in 1892; Simon,
who died in May, 1904; Mary, who died in childhood;
Millie C., who died in 1898; Daniel, who resides in
Lafayette; Henry, of Richland township; Emeline (Mowery),
of Henry County; Matilda (Sherman), who died in
1902; Saloma (Friedly), of Dunkirk, Hardin County;
and Elizabeth (Shaw), of Hancock County.
Solomon Binkley was 12 years old when the
family located in Jackson township, on the Marion road, where he
lived for several years. In November, 1851, he purchased
40 acres of land adjoining his father’s farm, for which he was
to pay $5 per acre. He had worked three months for Dr.
Newton Sager for $11 per month, and out of his
earnings he had saved $30, which he applied on his purchase.
By 1853 he had built a log cabin and began clearing the land,
continuing its cultivation until the fall of 1862, when he sold
the property for $1,200. He immediately purchased 120
acres of unimproved woodland, for which he paid $1,500.
Here, after building a cabin, he began clearing his land as
before, and in 1869 purchased an adjoining 40 acres, which gave
him a quarter section of land. He cleared and cultivated
about 120 acres, and in 1875 erected a magnificent brick
residence. Four years later he erected his barns, and
other outbuildings to correspond, and now enjoys the comforts of
a model home. He has allowed his son a portion of the
farm, and retains only 117 acres.
Mr. Binkley was married Apr. 29, 1852, to
Anna Holman, who was born in Ross County, Ohio,
November 27, 1834, and lived in Delaware County until 1848, when
she located in Allen County with her parents, William and
Sarah (Frederick) Holman. To this union have been born
five children, namely: Cloyd, born Aug. 2, 1853, who
lives at home; Sarah, born July 24, 1855, wife of Mark
Guyton, of Auglaize township; John H., born May
21, 1860, who is a resident of Hardin County; Amos, born
Oct. 5, 1862, who lives on an adjoining farm; and Ida B.,
born Mar. 29, 1869, who lives at home. Mr.
Binkley is a Democrat and has served as trustee of Jackson
township for two terms. He united with the Christian
Church at LaFayette in 1855, and has served as a deacon of that
body for more than 40 years. He takes a lively interest in
all that pertains to agriculture, and is one of the most
prominent members of Jackson Grange.
On a preceding page, in connection with this sketch,
appears a family group, in which four generations of the
Binkley family are represented.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ.
by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 585 |
| |
DAVID C. BIXEL, jeweler and
optician, one of the leading business men of Bluffton, was born
on a farm one mile north of the town, May 26, 1866, and is a son
of Abraham and Magdalena (Shumaker) Bixel.
The father of Mr. Bixel now lives retired at
Pandora, Putnam County, having been a farmer all his life.
He was born May 18, 1843, and came to Allen County when a child
of three years. He married Magdalena Schumaker, who
was born Mar. 31, 1842, in Richland township, and is a daughter
of Rev. Peter and Elizabeth (Sutter) Schumaker, the
former of whom was pastor of a Mennonite Church. They were
natives of Germany, where the father of Mrs. Schumaker,
Peter Sutter, spent his whole life. The
children born to Abraham and Magdalena Bixel were 11 in
number, seven sons and four daughters, our subject being the
second in order of birth.
Mr. Bixel remained on the farm until he was 13
years old and then spent several years at La Porte, Indiana,
where he learned the watchmaking and optical business in
Hutchinson’s Optical and Watchmaking School. For the past
12 years he has been established at Bluffton, where he not only
has one of the largest and most complete jewelry and optical
stores, but also deals in pianos and other musical instruments.
On Dec. 3, 1892, Mr. Bixel was married to
Delilah Baumgartner, who was born in Wayne County,
Ohio, near Mount Eaton, Jan. 1, 1867, and is a daughter of
Peter and Barbara (Lehman) Baumgartner. The four
children of this union are: Dora, Mildred,
Gordon and Fern.
In political sentiment, Mr. Bixel is a Democrat
and he has more than once been elected to responsible township
offices. In the conduct of his business and in his
intercourse with his fellow-citizens socially, he has
established a reputation which insures him the respect and
esteem of the community.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond &
Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 836 |
| |
JOHN BIXEL,
cashier of the First National Bank of Bluffton, has been a
lifelong resident of the town, having been born here June 11,
1869. His father is Peter Bixel, Sr., a farmer
residing near Bluffton. Mr. Bixel acquired a good,
practical business education, attending the Bluffton High
School, from which he was graduated in the class of 1889.
The following eight years were spent in teaching in district
schools, during which time he took the work of the Ohio Normal
University at Ada, Ohio. His first venture in the
commercial world was in the grocery business with his brother
David. Bixel Brothers conducted their
store for three years, and then our subject disposed of his
interest in the concern to his brother and became a partner of
B. C. Mann, who was engaged in the shoe and clothing
business. Two years later the firm of Bixel &
Mann was dissolved by Mr. Bixel’s withdrawal
from the company.
About this time the First National Bank was organized,
Mr. Bixel being one of the promoters of the
enterprise, and he was chosen as cashier, a position which he
has since retained to the perfect satisfaction of all concerned.
The first officers of the bank were: Simon Herr,
president; Lewis S. Duper, vice president; John Bixel,
cashier, the foregoing with Amas A. Geiger and A. J.
Solomon constituting the board of directors. The only
change made since in this list of officers was occasioned by the
withdrawal of Mr. Solomon, who sold his stock to Henry
Gratz, who was later elected a director. Mr.
Bixel was one of the chief promoters of the Beaver Dam
Bank, which was organized in 1902. This is a private bank,
of which Mr. Herr is president and our subject,
one of the directors.
Mr. Bixel married Halla Russell, who is a
native of Bluffton and a daughter of Orin and Ella (Halla)
Russell. Her grandfather was Daniel Russell,
one of the first residents here. He was president of the
first bank established, the People’s Bank, and also conducted a
general merchandise store and grain depot, his son Orin
being a partner under the firm name of Russell & Son.
Both are deceased. Mr. Bixel has one child,
a son, Russell L., born Apr. 19, 1899. Our subject
is a member of the Mennonite Church and one of Bluffton’s most
forceful and enterprising men.
Source: History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond &
Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 720 |
NOTES:
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