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

	W. C. PELTIER, whose farm of 160 acres is sistuated in section 4, Marion township, is now numbered with the retired residents of this locality, who have earned the esteem and confidence of their fellow-citizens, together with a comfortable amount of this world's goods.  Mr. Peltier was born Aug. 16, 1837, in Sugar Creek township, Allen County, Ohio, and is a grandson of Anthony Peltier and a son of James and Jane (Clark) Peltier.      Anthony Peltier was born in Canada, but was of French extraction.  He located at Detroit, Michigan, in early manhood and became a successful Indian trader, continuing his residence there during the War of 1812.  Conditions having changed on the frontier there, he removed to Maumee City, which is now denominated South Toledo, and there he continued trading with the Indians up to the time of his death.  He was treated by them and dealt honestly, being a devoted member of the Catholic Church.      James Peltier, son of Anthony and father of our subject, was born in Detroit, Michigan, in August, 1806, and died at Bluffton, Ohio, at the age of 83 years.  He spoke both the French and English languages, understood two or three of the Indian dialects, and became a trader like his father.  In 1830, at Findlay, Ohio, he married Jane Clark, who was a daughter of John and Sarah Clark.  They had these children: Louisa, wife of S. J. Brand, of Bluffton; William C., of Marion township; John W., of Lima; Enos, of Marion township; Joseph O., deceased; and Charles W., of Michigan.  Four of his sons served in Ohio regiments during the Civil War.   In 1834 James Peltier and wife moved to Lima, and in 1835 settled in Sugar Creek township, one and a quarter miles north of Elida, where he cleared a farm from the forest, on which he resided until 1863.  In that year he removed to Marion township and settled on the farm now owned by his son, William C. Peltier.  James Peltier was reared in the faith of the Catholic Church, but after his marriage he changed his opinions, became identified with the Methodist bodies and for 20 years was a local Methodist preacher.  In political sentiment he was a Republican.      William C. Peltier was reared on his father’s farm and after completing a good, common school education began to teach.  He became well known through Allen County as a teacher, his experience covering 23 winter terms in Sugar Creek and Marion townships.  The opening of the Civil War aroused his patriotic feelings and he began to make preparations to enter the army.  These culminated in his enlistment on Aug. 1, 1862, at Lima, in Company E, 99th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. J. C. Walters.  Three years of the best portion of his life were devoted to the service of his country, his honorable discharge taking place in July, 1865, at Salisbury, North Carolina.  Ohio people do not need to be told of the doings of the gallant 99th Ohio during that period.  Mr. Peltier participated in almost all of the battles, skirmishes and long marches which this body was called upon to endure.  He was one of those who so bravely fought on the bloody field of Chickamauga.  At Lookout Mountain he was wounded in the side by a rifle ball, but took part in the Atlanta campaign from Dalton to Atlanta, participated in the battles of Pumpkinvine Creek, Burnt Hickory, Kenesaw Mountain and the siege of Atlanta.  He was with General Thomas at Nashville and fought through the two days of battle there, Dec. 16-17, 1864.  He was in every battle of his regiment with the exception of Stone River, when he was in a hospital.  Mr. Peltier has every reason to feel proud of such a record.      After his return from the army, he resumed farming and school teaching.  He has always been interested in agricultural pursuits.   His farm is divided into two equal portions, 80 acres being on each side of the road.   The tract on which his residence stands he cleared from the forest, living in the meantime in a log cabin.  Through ditching, draining and tiling he has made his property one of the best in the township.  He has done much in the way of encouraging public improvements and has always supported movements looking to the making of good, substantial, permanent roads.      On Aug. 16, 1866, Mr. Peltier married Leah A. McBride, who was born Sept. 18, 1842, in German township, Allen County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Alexander and Leah (Wolf) McBride.  Alexander McBride was of Scotch-Irish extraction and was a pioneer in Allen County.  He had 10 children, Mrs. Peltier being the seventh in order of birth.  Four of her brothers served in the Civil War.  Alexander McBride died on his farm, aged 70 years.  He was a member of the Christian Union Church.  In politics he was a Democrat.  Mrs. Peltier died Nov. 18, 1887.  She was a most worthy member of the United Brethren Church.  The children born to our subject and wife were: A babe which died in infancy; Cora, born June 22, 1868, who married Rev. J. J. Richards, and at her death, Sept. 22, 1897, left a son; H. M., born Sept. 7, 1871 (a well known educator and one of Allen County’s Board of School Examiners), who married Callie Baxter, a daughter of Levi Baxter; Nelson, born Mar. 23, 1876 (formerly a teacher, now a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana), who married Nettie North of Van Wert, and has one daughter, Leah Janette; James, born Dec. 14, 1880 (residing on the home farm and teaching the district school), who married, on Aug. 16, 1905, May Edwards. of Delphos.  Mr. Peltier has given his sons 80 acres of land, which they have divided among themselves.      Politically, Mr. Peltier is identified with the Republican party.  In religious belief he is a Methodist and is a member of Morris Chapel.  During the period of its building he was one of the trustees and is now a steward and class leader.  He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic post, and to Hope Lodge, No. 214, F. & A. M., both of Delphos. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 587
	ADAM V. PFEIFER, deceased, was a successful farmer of German township, and later a highly respected resident of Elida, where his death took place, after a short illness, on Nov. 23, 1903.  He was born at Ash Grove, German township, Allen County, Ohio, Jan. 19, 1853, and was a son of Nicholas and Eva Pfeifer.      Mr. Pfeifer, was reared on his father's farm and during all his active years carried on agricultural operations.  He was married Oct. 31, 1875, to Bertha Crites, a daughter of Daniel L. and Martha (John) Crites, and a granddaughter of Charles and Sophia Crites.  The last named were early settlers in Allen County, coming from Pickaway County, and founded a numerous and prominent family.  Daniel L. Crites was one of the leading Democratic politicians of his day and filled county and township offices.  He served as deputy under Auditor William Dowling, in the old Court House at Lima, and later was deputy and still later county clerk of Allen County.  He died Mar. 30, 1885, leaving a property aggregating 106 acres, 42 acres of which are located in Elida, sough of the railroad, the remainder being just beyond the corporation limits.  This property was left to his widow and his two daughters. - Mrs. Tirzah Sanford, wife of M. J. Sanford, of Lima, and Mrs. A. V. Pfeifer.      Immediately after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pfeifer lived on a farm owned by Mr. Crites, which was situated about a quarter of a mile east of Elida.  Four years later they moved to another tract, just across the street, and then established themselves in the residence still occupied by Mrs. Pfeifer and family.  This is now a home with modern comforts, having undergone much improvement in the past 10 years.  Mr. Pfeifer is survived by his wife and these of his children, namely: Emery Crites, born Oct. 9, 1878, who conducts the home farm; India L., born Apr. 21, 1884; Mildred, born Oct. 20, 1890; and Beulah, born Sept. 15, 1886, who died Aug. 12, 1887.      The family are members of the Lutheran Church at Elida, in which Mr. Pfeifer was a deacon and trustee for many years.  He was a man of upright character, quiet and unostentatious in manner and commanding the respect of all that knew him. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 622
	CHARLES C. POST, of Amanda township, one of the substantial men and representative agriculturists of this locality, resides upon his well-improved farm in sections 9 and 10, a fine location along the Auglaize River.  Mr. Post is a worthy member of a fine old family of this portion of the State and one which has many representatives, and through marriage, is connected with a number of other substantial and prominent families of Allen and adjacent counties.  Charles C. Post was born in 1858, on his father’s farm in section 9.  Amanda township, and is a son of Leonidas and Eliza J. (Stewart) Post, a grandson of Charles Post and a great-grandson of Jeremiah Post.      This great-grandfather was of German parentage and inherited many of the sturdy characteristics of the Fatherland.   He was born in New York, but moved to Washington County, Pennsylvania, during the Revolutionary War, and it is quite probable he participated in the struggle for freedom.      Charles Post, son of Jeremiah Post, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1800. In 1822 he came to Ohio, settling first in Knox County and later at Shelby, in Richland County, but removing later to Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County.  There he constructed a grist and sawmill, and also a council house for the Wyandot Indians.  He had much commerce with this tribe, by whom he was held in high regard on account of his just dealings with them.  In March, 1841, he removed to Allen County, settling in Amanda township, and building the old Post mill on the Auglaize River.  This he operated until 1849, when he took possession of his farm of 540 acres, located in sections 8 and 17, and removed about one and a quarter miles from his former location.  Here Mr. Post resided until 1883, and then went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Cyrus Hover, where he died Mar. 27, 1884, when within two months of being 84 years old.  Charles Post was a man well fitted for his times, strong of will and firm of purpose, the soul of old-time integrity.  As such he was selected by his fellow-citizens to represent them in the State Legislature.  He married Elizabeth Bryant, who was born Mar. 13, 1801, and died Feb. 22, 1886, aged 85 years.  Of their nine children, but four survive, namely: Martha, widow of Cyrus Hover, of Lima; Adam Clark, of Carthage, Missouri; Isaac B., and Charles G., of Missouri.      Leonidas H. Post, son of Charles Post and father of Charles C. Post, was one of the representative farmers, esteemed residents and substantial citizens of Amanda township.  He was born at Fredericktown, Ohio, Aug. 9, 1832, and died Oct. 3, 1904, in Amanda township.  His father as a man in easy circumstances, afforded him excellent educational advantages.  He was sent to Oberlin College, while in his home, from childhood to young manhood, he came in contact with gentle influences and with men of intelligence who were his father’s friends.  He also broadened his mind by travel.  In 1852 he removed to New York and there took passage for California, where he remained two years, and then returned by way of New Orleans.  On this and other trips he gained a very fair idea of many sections of the country.      After his return to Ohio, Mr. Post was married, after which, until the close of his quiet, peaceful, busy and useful life, his home continued to be in Amanda township.  Among other agricultural interests he devoted much time and attention to the careful breeding of draft horses and probably to his interest and work in this direction is due the excellence of this stock in Amanda township.  He took an immense pride in his fine Shorthorn cattle, and is credited with introducing this breed into the township.  His farm of 200 acres in section 9, Amanda township, is probably the most fertile as to soil, and certainly one of the best improved and most scientifically cultivated in the township.      On Aug. 2, 1854, Leonidas H. Post was married by Elder. Thomas J. Price to Eliza J. Stewart, the estimable lady who survives him and who still resides on the home farm, a property which her father, Samuel Stewart, had entered from the government in 1824.  Mrs. Post was born Oct. 13, 1830, in Allen County, Ohio, but was reared and married in Champaign County.  Her parents were Samuel and Mary (Thomas) Stewart, and her. grandparents, Matthew and Elizabeth Stewart.  Samuel Stewart was born Jan. 31, 1796, and died Apr. 26, 1873.  Mary Thomas was a daughter of Capt. Arthur Thomas, who was killed by the Indians in Logan County.  They cut his body into pieces, put it in sacks and carried it on horseback to Urbana.  The children of Samuel Stewart were: Thomas, Elizabeth, Eliza J. and Matthew.  Mr. Stewart is recalled as a man of exemplary life and noble character, generous and charitable, and possessed of those admirable attributes which make his name venerated by those who still survive.  In this connection special mention must be made concerning his benefactions to the Amanda Baptist Church.  In 1865 he gave five acres of land for the church, parsonage and cemetery, and in 1870 contributed the sum of $500, to be used in erecting a parsonage.  He was not a member of the church, but believed in its influence and contributed to its work, on account of his wife’s devoted membership and interest in it.      Both Leonidas H. Post and his wife were also very active in all that concerned Amanda Baptist Church.  Mrs. Post was baptized Nov. 15, 1849, at King’s Creek.  Mr. Post was converted and was baptized Nov. 21, 1869, by Rev. D. D. Spencer, and united with the Amanda Baptist Church, but before becoming a member. was one of the prime movers in erecting the building, not only contributing very largely, but superintending the erection of the structure.  Mrs. Post has been a trustee of this church since its organization.  Through his whole life Mr. Post kept the needs of this church in timely remembrance.  In his political opinions, he was a Republican, and, on account of the known integrity of his character, was chosen on many occasions to assume the duties of office.   As long as his health permitted he took an active interest in both local and outside affairs.  He was the father of seven children, namely: William Stewart, Samuel A., Charles C., Edward G., Mary and Jennie (both deceased), and Leonidas H., Jr.  Samuel A., deceased, left five children.  Edward G. is a farmer in Champaign County, Ohio.  He was married in 1886 to Jennie Florence Whetstone, and their surviving children are: Edna, Ada, Ruth and Naomi.  Leonidas H. Post, Jr., farms with his brother, Charles C.  He married Altha Moorman, and they have two children - Martha and an infant.      Charles C. Post, our immediate subject, was educated in the public schools of Amanda township, which has always been his home.  He carries on extensive farming and stock-raising, follows modern methods of agriculture, and believes and proves that no man is so independent and well-placed as the prosperous agriculturist.  His herds dot many meadows, his grain ripens in many fields, and his barns and other buildings provide storage for his abundant crops and shelter stock worth many thousands of dollars.  His home is one of modern luxury.      Mr. Post was married (first) to Ida Crites, who was a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Crites.  She was born Feb. 22, 1862, and died Mar. 24, 1889, leaving two children: Clarence B., who is now in California; and Ida G., who is attending Lima College.      In the spring of 1905, Mr. Post married (second) Martha Post.  She was born in Pennsylvania and possibly belonged to the Post family established by Jeremiah Post, which had many branches.  Mr. Post takes only a moderate interest in politics, voting independently.      There is an old landmark on Mr. Post’s farm that has an interesting history.   It is an old buckeye tree, under which our subject’s maternal grandfather, Samuel Stewart, trapped a ribbit which provided the first meal the pioneer family enjoyed when they settled, forlorn and hungry, on the banks of the Auglaize River, in 1824. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 431
	ISAAC B. POST, president of the Citizens' Banking Company, of Spencerville, and long a resident of Allen County, was born at Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, June 21, 1837, and is a son of Hon. Charles C. and Elizabeth (Bryant) Post.      The branch of the Post family to which our subject belongs was domiciled in Pennsylvania during the active business life of his grandfather, Jeremiah Post, who was, however, a native of New York.      Hon. Charles C. Post, son of Jeremiah Post and father of our subject, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1800, and came to Ohio in 1822.  He settled for a time at Shelby, Richland County, and then moved to Wyandotte County, where he built a grist and sawmill, and a council house for the Wyandot Indians under contract with the general government.  He became friendly with the Indians and was respected by them on account of the justness with which he dealt with them.  In March, 1841, he removed to Allen County, settling in Amanda township, where he built the old Post mill on the Auglaize River, which he operated until 1849.  He then settled on an estate of 485 acres in sections 8 and 17, about one mile and a quarter from his previous home.  His residence continued here until 1883, when he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Cyrus H. Hover, where he died when almost 84 years of age.  Charles C. Post was a man of sterling integrity, one who enjoyed in the highest degree the esteem of all who knew him.  He took a prominent part in all that materially affected the good government of his community, and was elected by his fellow citizens to represent them in the State Legislature.  His honorable life closed Mar. 27, 1884.  He married Elizabeth Bryant, who was born Mar. 13, 1801, and died Feb. 22, 1886, aged 85 years.  Of their nine children, but four survive, namely: Martha, widow of Cyrus H. Hover, now of Lima; Adam Clark, of Carthage, Missouri; Isaac B. and Charles G., of Parma, Missouri.      Isaac B. Post was reared from the age of four in Amanda township, and was educated in the local schools in which he later taught during several winter seasons.  In April, 1861, he enlisted for the 90 days’ service in Company E, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and marched away with his comrades to serve in the mountains of West Virginia, under Gen. George B. McClellan, then the hero of the hour.  On July 27, 1861, he reenlisted for three years in Company C, 32nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under General Milroy.  The command returned to West Virginia, and he served under Generals Sigel and Fremont in the Shenandoah Valley until the battle of Harper’s Ferry, Sept. 15, 1862, when he, with his regiment, was captured by the enemy and paroled.  Subsequently he was exchanged, and returned to the field in command of his company, of which he had been commissioned 2nd lieutenant in February, 1862.  He served in the Army of the Tennessee, and was with General Grant at Vicksburg.  In 1863, for meritorious services, he was promoted to a captaincy and served as such in the Atlanta campaign in 1864.  After this he was again promoted, being commissioned major, and as such served until the close of the Civil War, also filling the position of division inspector.      At the close of the war, Mr. Post returned to Allen County and for some two years dealt in hardwood lumber, and then turned his attetion to farming and stock-raising.  He became much interested in agricultural pursuits, to which he devoted his time almost exclusively until Aug. 4, 1883, when he formed a partnership with Henry Wasson and opened a private bank at Spencerville, from which Mr. Wasson retired a few years later.  The bank has greatly prospered and was reorganized in 1905 as the Citizens’ Banking Company with these officers: President, Isaac B. Post; 1st vice-president, Dr. Jacob R. Welch; cashier, Ira B. Post.  For a number of years before the reorganization of the bank our subject served as its head and also as its cashier, an office now capably filled by his only son, Ira B. Post.  Mr. Post owns valuable farming lands, located mainly in Amanda township.      In October, 1873, Isaac B. Post was married to Emma E. Berry, who was born in 1851, in Van Wert County, Ohio, and is the only daughter of John and Eunice A. (Griffin) Berry, early pioneers of that county.  Mrs. Berry is still living at the age of 82 years; she is one of three survivors of a family of l0 children, the others being a brother, aged 92 years, living in Mercer County, and a sister, Mrs. Parrott, aged 85 years, who lives in Van Wert County.  The only son of our subject’s marriage, Ira B., above mentioned is one of the town’s popular citizens a graduate of the Spencerville High School and prominent in social life.  On July 23, 1899, he was united in marriage with Ida M. Robbins, and has one son, Stanley Bryant.  Our subject and wife have in their home a daughter by adoption, Gladys M., who was born in October, 1899.      In political sentiment, Mr. Post has always been a supporter of the Republican party.  He is public-spirited to an unusual degree and has taken a great deal of interest in improving Spencerville.  All of his own property is kept in good condition and presents a more than creditable appearance.  Some years ago he purchased considerable property in the city which he improved.  He built the two-story brick block used by the Gamble Grocery Company.  He took much interest in building the new Spencerville Methodist Church, being a member of the building committee.  Since 1879 he has been an active worker in this religious body.  He was a charter member of Fair Post, No. 322, G. A. R., and its first commander, serving for some time in that position. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 464
	SAMUEL A. POST, deceased, was a leading citizen of German township for many years, a substantial farmer and a representative man.  Mr. Post was born Nov. 22, 1856, and died Mar. 24, 1899.  His parents were L. H. and Elizabeth J. (Stewart) Post.      Mr. Post was reared on his father's farm and attended the local schools where he prepared for college, subsequently entering the Ohio Normal University at Ada.  He spent but one term here on account of delicate health, returning to farm work, and out-door life suiting him better than the confinement of the school room.      In 1880 Mr. Post was married to Sarah A. Crites, who is a daughter of *Jacob and Emily Crites.  Mrs. Post was born in German township and has passed her life in Allen County.  Five children were born to this marriage, as follows:  William Stewart, born Oct. 19, 1881, who was married Jan. 23, 1901, to Clara Carey, of Shawnee township, and has one child, Helen, born Jan. 1902; Cora Ethel, born Nov. 22, 1882, who was married to Alva Benedum, of German township, Aug. 8, 1902, and has one child, Ruth Evelyn, born Dec. 2, 1903; Louis Crites, born Nov. 10, 1884; Charles B., born Dec. 8, 1888, and Clarence B., born Dec. 7, 1892.  The last three are at home and take all the responsibility of farm work.  They are capable young men, worthy representatives of their excellent father.      The death of Mr. Post occurred very suddenly.  He was stricken with spinal meningitis and survived the attack but four days.  He as laid to rest in the Allentown cemetery.  He was the kind of man to be much missed, both in his household and in his neighborhood.  Honest and upright in all his dealings with others, he secured friendship and esteem.  He was intelligently interested in all public matters in his township and served for a long time as school director.  In politics he was a Republican and at the time of his death was his party's candidate for township treasurer. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 569 * Sharon Wick's Note:   Jacob Crites can be found in 1875, 1896 and 1885 Volumes.  Sarah is Mentioned in the 1875 & 1896 Volumes.
William Pugh	CHARLES PUGH, manager of the Pugh Stone Company, conducting of Lima, was born in Oneida County one of the most important industries New York, Nov. 23, 1858, and is a son of the late William Pugh, was portrait is shown on the opposite page.  Our subject's father located in Allen County, Ohio, in the early '60s, and was among the first to engage in the construction of pike roads here.  The headquarters of the company have been located in Lima for almost 30 years.      William Pugh, born in Wales, Nov. 26, 1832, was a shoemaker by trade, and followed that calling for a few years at Gomer, in this county, after which he engaged in a special line of contracting.  He furnished crushed stone for road-ways, and built pike roads for a great many years, later furnishing stone for concrete and cement work.  For about 15 years he was also engaged in the ice business.  All in all, William Pugh was an influential citizen of the county.  He served as a member of the Lima Water Works Board and was holding that position at the time of his death, Feb. 28, 1900.      William Pugh was married about 1852 to Mary Evans, a native of Wales, and they had nine children, as follows: William, deceased; Annie, who married Joseph Jones, of Lima, and has two children - Mary M. and Richard W.; William C., deceased; Charles; Mary; Lisabeth, deceased; George, who married Lucile Mumaugh, and has one child, William; John, deceased, and Elizabeth.  William Pugh and wife came to America from Wales, in 1857, after their two oldest children were born.  Their third child was born en route to this country.  The parents landed in New York City and went directly to Waterville, New York, where they resided about eight years before coming to Allen County, Ohio. Mrs. William Pugh died Mar. 4. 1896, aged 65 years.      Charles Pugh was reared and educated at Gomer, and, upon leaving school, was put to work in his father’s stone quarry.  He soon be came the latter’s able assistant, and in 1877 located at Lima, where he has since resided and superintended the interests of the company.  Since the death of his father, Mr. Pugh has had the sole management of the business.  During recent years the company has done a large amount of cement construction, being especially busy in getting out crushed stone for cement and concrete work and for repairing pike roads.  The quarries and crusher of the Pugh Stone Company are located on East North street, within nine blocks of the heart of the city.      In 1890, Charles Pugh was married to Clara Miller, who is a daughter of one of Allen County’s oldest and most esteemed citizens - Uriah Miller, of Elida.  This union has resulted in the birth of four children, namely: Beulah June and Charles Victor, both deceased; Virgil N. and Gladys E.  Mr. Pugh is one of the substantial, reputable business men of Lima, and has a pleasant home at No. 925 East High street.  He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Source:  History of Allen County, Ohio, Publ. by Richmond & Arnold, Chicago, IL - 1906 - Page 601

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