*
CASEBEER, James
* CLELAND, William R.
* CLEMMER, Frank J.
* CLINKER, John
* COFFIN, Orlando
* COOMBS, John M., M.D.
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* COULTER, James E.
* COULTER, John Franklin
* COUNTRYMAN, Peter
* COY, Abram
* CROOK, Edward W.
* CULLER, Josiah |
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JAMES CASEBEER.
Mr. Casebeer, who is one of the prosperous agriculturists of Hicksville,
Defiance county, and a gentleman of prominence in the
banking interests of the place, is a native of this State,
born in Franklin township, Tuscarawas county, June 4, 1818.
The Casebeer family were originally from Germany.
Their earliest home in this country was near Little York,
Pennsylvania, where they settled in Colonial days, some time
prior to the Revolutionary war, and there James.
In 1811, John Casebeer, Jr., then well
advanced in manhood, removed from Washington, Pennsylvania,
to Franklin, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and there engaged in
agricultural pursuits, clearing up a farm, also giving
attention to the work of his trade, that of a blacksmith,
which he conducted up to the time of his death. He was
twice married. His first wife was Miss Nancy Bess,
who became the mother of eleven children, and after her
death, which occurred after their removal to Ohio, he for
his second bride, wedded Miss Sarah Smiley, and to
this marriage there were three children - James (of
whom a sketch follows), Sarah and Lovina.
Miss Sarah Smiley's mother, named Boyd, was
captured by the Indians in childhood, in Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, during the Revolutionary war, and held captive
by them for seven years. After he close of the war she
was turned over to her friends, a treaty having been
effected that necessitated the return of all captives, and
she, with others was brought into old Fort Duquesne, where
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, now stands. At the time she
was captured, seven others of the same family were taken,
consisting of the child's mother, and grandmother, and four
other children. Her mother and grandmother were
ruthlessly murdered by the Indians at the time they were
captured, but all the children, except one, passed seven
years in captivity. One of the children, a boy, and
the youngest, became accustomed to his red captors and their
ways, and refused to return to his white friends and
relatives. The eldest son was kept a prisoner three
years, when he was released and assisted back to his friends
by his Indian captors. About twenty-five women and
children were at this time congregated at the Boyd
house when these people were captured, and the old and
infirm and the infants were murdered, the rest taken into
captivity. They were not captured until after a
hard resistance was made, and then only after the cabin was
burned.
The death of John Casebeer and that of his
second wife occurred in August, 1823, within one week, both
deaths resulting from the same cause - chills and fever..
Mr. Casebeer was a man of strong character, very
positive in his views and firm in everything. He was a
very devout member of the Methodist church, in which at the
time of his death, as for a number of years previous, he was
class leader, and, being a man of unswerving devotion to the
support of his theories, ruled his conduct carefully and
strictly in accordance with his standard of the higher life.
He lived in the enjoyment of the universal trust and respect
of the community. He was the first pioneer justice of
the peace in his township of Ohio, and served in that office
continuously from his first election to it, soon after his
removal there, to the time of his death. The sad
bereavement of the family in the loss of both parents
necessitated the breaking up of the home and the separation
of the remaining members of the family circle.
James Casebeer, son of the second marriage of
John Casebeer, was thrown upon the world - as it were -
when a lad of but five years, by the death of his parents,
though his home until he was eight years of age was still at
the homestead with an older brother and sister. At
that tender age he was called to face the stern realities of
life, thenceforth working and earning his own way.
When a youth of fourteen years he went to Ashland county,
Ohio, to learn the blacksmith trade with his brother, with
whom he remained three years. He then followed his
trade for several years in different places; first taking up
work at Sugar Creek, his native country, then at New
Philadelphia, later at Dover, where he assisted in the iron
work for bridges, also on a mill and warehouse in the town
of Zoar. A stay at Bolivar until 1838 followed, where
he was employed to take charge of a shop, and while
fulfilling his business engagement at that place he was
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Lower, this
event occurring in Dover township, July 13, 1837.
The following year marked his establishment in a
business of his own in a shop at Shanesville, Ohio,
and in 1840 he removed to Dover township and purchased a
small farm - the original purchase being forty-seven acres,
to which he afterward added twenty acres, and there combined
farm work with blacksmithing until 1850, when he became the
owner of a farm of one hundred and forty acres of improved
land near Shanesville, in the eastern part of Holmes county,
this State, on which he located and there pursued
agriculture until 1861. He then moved to Defiance
county, and bought a farm of one hundred and ninety acres,
on which he made his home for two years, when he sold his
land there and invested in his present farm of two hundred
and forty acres in this place, purchasing this extensive
tract of well-improved land for seven thousand dollars.
He has conducted general farming here with success, and
during the years that have passed since he received his sole
inheritance - the sum of sixty dollars from his father's
estate - by untiring energy, arduous toil and business
sagacity, he has added to his earnings and gains until he
has accumulated a fortune. At one time he owned four
hundred acres of land, but a part of it he gave to his sons.
He was one of the organizers of the Merchants and Farmers
Bank of Hicksville (the first in the place), organized in
1884, and the first president of the institution, which
office he held for four or five years; and he has been on
the board of directors from its organization, retaining this
position ever since it was merged into the First National
Bank in 1893. He has also served as vice-president at
different times, and has been has been a director
continuously during its existence as a National Bank.
Mr. Casebeer was the principal organizer of the
Hicksville Detective Association, organized in 1863 for the
suppression of horse stealing. The Association was
composed of the best farmers and business men of the section
- men of vigor and energy, in the prime of life.
Mr. Casebeer was the president, J. M. Ainsworth
the secretary, and Dr. Kinmont the treasurer.
Eighty-seven horses had been stolen in the section about
Hicksville - in Defiance. Paulding and Williams
counties, every horse belonging to one farmer had been
taken. the excitement caused by these depredations had
become so intense that stern and strenuous measures were
determined upon by the outraged farmers, they were
constantly on the lookout for suspicious characters or
strangers, compelling them to give an account of themselves
if seen at unreasonable hours. One Sunday evening
Mr. Casebeer heard two horses pass at great speed, and
his son, George T., returning between 11 and 12
o'clock, his father asked him if he had seen them. The
son replied that he had seen two men sitting on a fence, two
horses being tied and feeding in the corn near by.
This was suspicious, and Mr. Casebeer started out
immediately. Soon the men with the horses returned,
going towards Hicksville. Mr. Casebeer followed
them, and seeing that they turned in the direction of
Antwerp, on reaching the forks of the road, hastened across
the field, and coming out in advance of them stopped them
and demanded an explanation. His efforts were
successful to the extent of preventing their escape to the
great Paulding woods as they then turned toward the village.
He boldly moved on to the village, also, keeping abreast of
them, notwithstanding their threats to shoot him, and
rousing Mr. Ainsworth and other members of the
Association, was joined by them in pursuit of the thieves,
who went a mile or so in a northerly direction, and there
concealed themselves in an extensive tract of woods.
The next morning members of the Society found the two
horses tied in these woods, which the citizens surrounded,
searched and guarded for two days. The thieves being
then about starved out, the citizens succeeded in capturing
them, one near Six Corners, and the other near Lost Creek.
when brought together they claimed not to know each other,
but two boys that were fishing having seen them identified
them, as did Mr. Casebeer, also. One of them
was confined in the office of the A. P. Edgerton, and
the other in an upper room of Mr. Ainsworth's store,
for examination. While Mr. Casebeer was on the
street attending to matters and looking up, he saw the
prisoner hanging out of the store window with a rope
attached to his neck, and immediately caused him to be let
loose. The sheriff being powerless to rescue the
prisoner from the enraged crowd, many of them having lost
horses, they hung the other criminal to an apple-tree and
left him there until he was nearly dead. He was,
however, at last released and resuscitated. These
proceedings occurred late in the afternoon. Mr.
Casebeer was not present at the time of his violent act;
he wholly disapproved of such disregard of lawful authority.
So great was the excitement that another society at Lost
Creek had determined to lynch the men; but the sheriff
finally succeeded in getting them to the Bryan jail.
It proved that the horses were stolen in Marshall county,
Indiana, thus necessitating the trial of the criminals in
that county; and Messrs. Casebeer, Miller, Arrowsmith,
George Bacaw, and John Hartle went to the county
eat, a distance of two hundred miles, at their own expense,
as witnesses to the trial, in order to convict them.
The expense thus incurred, amounting to about seventy-five
dollars, was, however, afterward refunded by the county
authorities. The criminals attempted to prove an
alibi, having witnesses from Chicago, who among other
statements testified they were in that city the night of the
theft in Indiana; but acquaintances of Mr. Casebeer's
that he had met while staying over Sunday at Bourbon,
Indiana, had seen both of the prisoners at that place at the
time of the theft, and appeared against them, identifying
them, which testimony resulted in their conviction, and
other arrests made in nearly the same locality put a
complete end to horse stealing in that section of the
country.
Mr. Casebeer has always been
a strong and vigorous man. Throughout early manhood
and middle life he accomplished a great amount of hard
manual labor, and though he has now passed his eighth decade
(he was eighty years of age in June, 1898), is still blessed
with good health, and retains much of his former vigor.
As a hunter he was always very fond of the chase; killed a
black bear, many a deer, wild turkeys, which were very
numerous, and many other kind of game; also trapped foxes
and hunted wolves; and the fondness for this kind of sport
still clings to him. When seventy-six years of age,
while on a trip to Wisconsin, he killed three deer, one of
them being shot when it was on a full run, the dogs being in
full chase and then close upon it.
Mr. and Mrs. Casebeer have had a jolly family of
eleven children, as follows: Martha Jane, Samuel
Jacob, John Edward, William Henry, Catherine, George T.,
Sarah Elizabeth, Susannah, Mary E., Benjamin Franklin,
and Alice Louisa. Martha Jane married Bruce
Miller, and died at her father's house. Samuel
Jacob died when one year old. John Edward
served his country in the One Hundred and Forty-fourth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry; he married Dorotha Miller,
and is now landlord of a hotel in Harper, Kansas.
William Henry, a volunteer in Company D, Forty-fourth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was killed in the battle of
Shiloh. Apr. 6, 1862, and on that battlefield was
buried by his brother John E.; his remains now rest
in the National cemetery adjoining that historic ground.
Catherine has been twice married; first to James
Miller, and after his deceased to George Rings,
of West Unity, Ohio. George T. married
Martha Jackson, and lives on a part of the old
homestead. Sarah Elizabeth married
Christopher Lehman, and resides in Marion, Indiana.
Susannah married Alpheus Baltsley, and died in
Stark County, Ohio, at the age of twenty-seven years.
Mary E., a milliner at Waldron, Michigan, is
unmarried. Benjamin Franklin married Belle
Bunnell, and resides on the old homestead.
Alice Louisa died in infancy.
Politically Mr. Casebeer was originally a Whig,
and has been identified with the Republican party since its
formation; was one of its charter members; voted for
Salmon P. Chase for Governor of Ohio, in 1854; for
John C. Fremont for chief executive, in 1856; for
Abraham Lincoln in 1860; and for every Republican
candidate for the Presidency from that time to the present.
He was a Free Soiler, advocating exemption from slavery, and
free homesteads, being totally opposed to allowing
speculators to own and control large quantities of
government lands. His fellow townsmen have shown their
appreciation of him by electing him to offices of trust,
which he filled with credit to himself and to the
satisfaction of his constituents. He has served as a
justice of the peace six years, as trustee of the township
several terms, and as a member of the Hicksville council
several years. He has taken a prominent part and
interest in public enterprises and improvements, and has
always been a friend and supporter of the cause of
education. He is numbered among the most highly
respected citizens of Hicksville, and, though not a member
of Church, has contributed more or less to every religious
body when called upon. Mr. Casebeer has been a
member of the United Brethren in Christ Church for more than
sixty years, and is an amiable and devoted Christian wife
and mother.
Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of Northwestern Ohio including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton. Published at
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 484 |
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WILLIAM R.
CLELAND. This gentleman, who is proprietor of
Sugar Ridge farm, stands second to none among the
representative and prominent agriculturists of Hicksville
township, Defiance county, his home being in Section 19.
As a judicious tiller of the soil he has met with success,
and as a man and citizen holds a high position among his
neighbors.
Born in Crawford county, Ohio, Oct. 9, 1833, Mr.
Cleland is a son of William and Rachel (Ramsay)
Cleland, both of whom died in that county. He was
fifth in the order of birth in their family of eight
children and upon the home farm he was reared to habits of
industry and thrift. In the county of his nativity he
continued to reside until 1859, when he came to Defiance
county, with whose agricultural interests he has since been
prominently identified. His farm, comprising two
hundred and seventy-seven acres of land, he has placed under
a high state of cultivation, and has erected thereon
excellent buildings, making it one of the most desirable
places of the community.
In Hancock county, Ohio, Mr. Cleland was
married, Mar. 11, 1860, to Miss Nancy J. Ramsey, by
whom he had three children, as follows: William S.;
Ella M., now the wife of Alexander Haver; and
Rachel Emma Ann. the mother of these children
departed this life Mar. 11, 1865. Mr. Cleland
was married May 11, 1876, to Mrs. Lydia Ann (Hook) Myers,
who was born in Paulding county, Ohio, Jan. 24, 1852, a
daughter of John and Mary Hook. To this
marriage five children have been born, namely:
Lottie B., who died at the age of two years; John J.;
Clyde L.; Vida P. and Fred. All through
the changes of a busy life, Mr. Cleland, while
laboring for his own interests, has in nowise set aside the
interests and well-being of the community around him, but in
common with other enterprising and progressive citizens has
given his support to all measures calculated to prove of
public benefit. Mrs. Cleland is a member of the
Disciples Church of Hicksville. In politics Mr.
Cleland is a Democrat. In addition to general
farming he deals extensively in Durham cattle, Norman
horses, Delaine sheep, Poland-China hogs, Scotch Collie
dogs, etc.
William Cleland, grandfather of our subject, was
born and reared in County Down, Ireland, where he was
married. Coming to the United States, he made his home
chiefly in New York City, but he died in West Virginia, the
father of seven children, three sons (John, Arthur
and William), and four daughters; all of same,
excepting one daughter, lived to be ninety-six years of age.
Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of Northwestern Ohio including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton. Published at
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 484 |
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FRANK J.
CLEMMER
Mr. Clemmer, who is ex-county
commissioner of Defiance county, is one of the most
prominent and influential citizens of Hicksville township.
On the farm where he still lives, he was born Mar. 27,
1859, and with the agricultural and political interests of
the community his name is inseparably connected.
His father, the late John Clemmer, was born in 1812,
and at an early day removed from Montgomery county, Ohio, to
Paulding county, where he made his home for several years.
He next became a resident of Defiance county, making his
home in Hicksville township until called to his final rest
on June 10, 1882,. He was twice married, his first
wife being Miss Mary Woodcock, who died in Paulding county.
In DeKalb county, Indiana, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth
(Allen) Shew, who was born in St. Lawrence county, New York,
in 1818. By her second marriage she had but one child:
Frank J., the subject of this sketch. After their
marriage, his parents lived for a time on the Maumee river
in Paulding county before coming to Defiance county.
On the old homestead in Hicksville township, Frank J. Clemmer was reared to manhood, early becoming familiar with
farming in its various departments, and acquiring a good
practical education in the common schools of the
neighborhood. He is now the owner of eighty-eight and
one-half acres of good land, which he has placed under a
high state of cultivation and improved with good and
substantial buildings.
In Hicksville, Defiance county, Jan. 23, 1879, Mr. Clemmer was
united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Elliott, who was born
in Ashland county, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1861, a daughter of the
late Hugh Elliott, of Hicksville township, Defiance county.
Four children bless this union, namely: Bertha, Fred
E.,
John J. and Ila M.
Since attaining his majority, Mr. Clemmer has been
identified with the Democratic party, and has taken an
active and prominent part in local political affairs.
He has held the offices of assessor and constable of
Hicksville township for two terms each. In the fall of
1884 he was elected county commissioner on the Democratic
ticket, and so acceptably did he fill the office that in the
fall of 1887 he was re-elected, serving in all six years.
As a public-spirited and progressive citizen, he stands
ready to discharge every duty devolving upon him, and his
public service was most exemplary.
Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of Northwestern Ohio including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton. Published at
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 594 |
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JOHN CLINKER.
This prominent resident of Tiffin township, Defiance county,
has for many years been identified with agricultural
interests, and his homestead is regarded as one of the best
managed farms to be found in that locality.
Mr. Clinker comes of good old Colonial stock,
his grandfather, Christian Clinker, a native
of Germany, having come to this country in time to take an
active part in the struggle for independence. This gallant
soldier lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight years and
six months, his death occurring in 1854, in Tiffin township,
Defiance county, where he settled in 1852. His wife
(Rebecca McCarty) who died in Wayne county, Ohio, was a
first cousin of General Anthony Wayne, of the war of
1812 fame. Our subject's father, Samuel Clinker,
was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and was married
Mar. 27, 1825, in Columbiana county, Ohio, to Miss
Elizabeth Messerly, a native of Maryland.
After their marriage they resided for some time in Stark
county, Ohio, and later in Wayne county, but in 1851 they
settled permanently in Tiffin township, Defiance county,
where the father died Sept. 14, 1854, and the mother
some years later. They had six children, viz.: Mary;
Hannah, who married Isaac Garver, of
Defiance county, and died in Washington township; John,
the subject proper of this sketch; Rachel, who died
Oct. 19, 1839, at an early age; Jane, who died in Medina
county, Ohio; and Levi, now a resident of Tiffin
township, Defiance county.
Mr. Clinker was born in Wayne county, Aug. 1,
1833, and remained there until 1851, when he accompanied his
parents to Defiance county. After his father's death he
continued to reside at the homestead with his mother until
his marriage on Oct. 4, 1858, to Miss Nancy
Gier. He then located upon his present farm, a fine
estate of one hundred and ten acres in Section 31, Tiffin
township, where he has made substantial improvements,
erecting commodious and tasteful buildings. In politics he
is a stanch Republican, but, while he has always taken great
interest in the public questions of the day, he has not
aspired to official position. As a citizen he is held in
high esteem, his influence being none the less potent among
his associates for being exerted in a quiet way. Of the five
children who have blessed his home the first, Alice,
died when two years old; Amy is the wife of Amos
Ewing, of Defiance; Al. Everett and Elmer
Grant are also residents of Defiance; and Mary E.
is the wife of John Meiser, of Williams
county, Ohio.
Mrs. Clinker was born
in Wayne county Apr. 17, 1838, the daughter of Samuel
Gier, formerly a prominent citizen of Delevan
township, Defiance county, where his death occurred in 1876.
He was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and
was married to Miss Sarah Adams in that State. They
afterward came to Ohio and located first in Wayne county,
but in 1851 removed to Delevan township, Defiance county, to
spend their remaining years. They had twelve children:
Jacob, Catherine, Henry, Margaret, Charlotte, Sarah, Mary,
Susanna, Samuel, Nancy, Joseph, and William.
Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of Northwestern Ohio including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton. Published at
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 365 |
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ORLANDO COFFIN.
This worthy representative of the agricultural interests of
Defiance county is the owner of one of the best farms in
Delaware township. It comprises four hundred and
twenty acres under excellent cultivation, on which he has
erected an elegant residence and good outbuildings. He
has made his special field of industry a success, and the
neat and thrifty appearance of his place testifies to his
great energy and perseverance, as well as ability and skill
in his chosen calling.
On the farm where he is still living Mr. Coffin
was born, Mar. 12, 1848. His father, Gilbert
Coffin, was born in Otsego county, New York, about 1809,
and in early life emigrated to Defiance county, becoming one
of its honored pioneers. Here he was united in
marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth (Gordon) Platter, also a
native of New York State. Upon the old homestead in
Delaware township they continued to reside until called from
this life, the mother dying Oct. 23, 1874, the father on
Feb. 2, 1875. To them were born four children -
three sons and one daughter - of whom Orlando is the
eldest son and second child.
Under the able direction of his father the subject of
this sketch early became a systematic and successful farmer,
and was of great assistance to him in the operation of the
home farm even during his boyhood and youth. Sine
attaining to man's estate he has given his entire time and
attention to the management of the place.
On Nov. 2, 1875, in Defiance, Mr. Coffin
married Miss Minerva Musselman, who was born in
Paulding county, Ohio, Apr. 14, 1851. Her parents,
John and Eliza (Clemmer) Musselman, were natives of
Virginia, and Montgomery county, Ohio, respectively, and
died in Paulding county, this State, the former on Jan. 10, 1893, the latter on
Sept. 18, 1880. All of
their twelve children reached manhood and womanhood, Mrs.
Coffin being the ninth in order of birth. To our
subject and his wife have been born four children, namely:
Minnie; George J.; Charles L.; and John M.
Although Mr. Coffin is a Republican, as was
his father before him, he has never cared for the honors or
emoluments of political office. He has taken
considerable interest in the public affairs of his
community, and never withholds his support from any
enterprise which he believes will advance the public
welfare. Having been a resident of Defiance county for
fifty years, he has witnessed almost its entire growth and
development, and in its progress he has manifested a deep
interest. For some eight years he has been engaged in
buying and shipping live-stock. His strict integrity
and honorable dealing in business commend him to the
confidence of all; his pleasant manner wins him friends; and
he is one of the honored citizens of Delaware township.
Socially he belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and
the I. O. O. F., being one of the oldest members of the
latter organization in Delaware township. Mrs.
Coffin is a member of the Disciple Church of Sherwood.
Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of Northwestern Ohio including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton. Published at
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 446 |
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JOHN M. COOMBS, M.
D. Among the brave and hardy pioneers who came
to the Northwest Territory in the early days, advancing far
beyond the then frontier line and establishing homes in the
unbroken wilderness, were William Coombs and his wife,
Rachel (Bowers), the grandparents of the gentleman whose
name opens this sketch.
Previous generations of the Coombs family
had come from New England to settle in Pennsylvania on the
banks of the Monongahela river when that region was regarded
as the "far West," but the taste for true pioneer life was
too strong in William Coombs for him to remain
content in the partially settled country which his ancestors
had helped to subdue. Between 1800 and 1805 he and his wife
located in Clark county, Indiana, fifteen miles from
Louisville, Kentucky, in the woods, although the Indians
were numerous and at times hostile and troublesome. They
lived only fifteen miles from the scene of the Pigeon Roost
massacre, and about that time another settler, Mathias
Hester, was attacked by the savages and scalped.
Feigning death, he thus escaped that fate; but he was so
severely injured that it was a year before he recovered his
health.
William and Rachel Coombs reared a family of
children, among whom was a son John, our subject's
father, born in 1809. He was married in 1830 to Sarah
Hester, who was born in 1807, daughter of Mathias
Hester, above mentioned, who had settled with his
wife, Susan Huckelberrv, at the "Old Fort" at
Charlestown, Indiana. This was a hewed-log house of two
stories, with portholes in the upper story, and was built
very substantially. Until 1876 it stood on the old site, but
it was then torn down. John Coombs lived to a
good old age, his death occurring in 1883, and his wife
passed away in 1876.
Doctor J. M. Coombs, the subject proper of this
sketch,, was born on the old homestead near Charlestown,
Indiana, Jan. 30, 1843, and was the seventh in a family
of nine children. He attended the common schools of the
locality, and spent two years in the high school at
Charlestown. At sixteen he entered the University at
Bloomington, Indiana, and after three years of study there
he began to read medicine with Doctor D. H. Coombs,
of Charlestown, a cousin. In 1863-64 he attended the
Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and at the close
of his first course of lectures was appointed a medical
cadet at the United States General Military Hospital at
Jeffersonville, Indiana. He returned to the college to
complete his studies, however, and was graduated in March,
1865, receiving an appointment as acting assistant surgeon
in the United States army, and being assigned to duty as
surgeon to the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. He reported for
service at Eastport, Mississippi, and held the position
until Aug. 16, 1865, when he resigned, on account of
sickness, at Montgomery, Alabama. Returning home, he began
to consider the important question of his future location,
and without much delay he decided upon Newville, DeKalb
county, Indiana, where he practiced successfully until 1876.
He then entered the Manhattan Eye and Ear Infirmary at New
York for a special course in that branch of his profession,
and afterward took a course in Will's Eye and Ear Hospital
at Philadelphia, under the tutelage of Doctor
Strawbridge, a specialist of world-wide fame. On
resuming his practice he came to Ohio and located at
Hicksville, Defiance county, where his abilities, experience
and skill won for him quick recognition as a leader in his
profession.
Popular as a physician, he is no less so as a man, his
affable and courteous manner setting all at ease, while his
upright character and fine mental qualities gain the lasting
friendship of his acquaintances. No better proof of the high
esteem in which he is held could be asked than was afforded
in 1894, when he was a candidate for the office of county
auditor on the Republican ticket. Although Defiance county
is normally Democratic by about thirteen hundred majority,
the Doctor was elected, showing that his popularity is not
limited to any one class or party despite his steadfast
advocacy of Republican principles. In the responsible
position of auditor the Doctor's abilities have been shown
in a new and wholly satisfactory light, and his widened
circle of acquaintances means an addition to his already
large circle of friends. At present he is residing in
Defiance, but at the expiration of his term will again
follow his profession at Hicksville. He is a most active,
energetic and capable physician, and as the leading
representative of his profession in Hicksville enjoyed an
excellent practice. His cheerful, hopeful and pleasant
manner makes him very popular in the sick room.
On Dec. 26, 1867, Doctor Coombs was
united in marriage with Miss Cornelia E. Allen, of
Newville, Indiana, daughter of Aaron and Eliza Allen,
who were formerly from New York. Mrs. Coombs
attends the Christian Church, and has always been
prominently identified with its activities. Their only son,
Roy R. Coombs, is now a member of the senior class in
the law department of the University of Michigan.
Fraternally the Doctor is a Knight Templar.
Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of Northwestern Ohio including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton. Published at
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 180 |
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JAMES E.
COULTER. Mr. Coulter, who is a member of the law firm of
Coulter
& Kerr, and the editor and proprietor of the "Hicksville
Independent," is descended from a family of remote Scottish
birth, the early ancestors having been natives of the rugged
Highlands of Scotland.
The first ancestor of the family name who came to
America was William Coulter, the great-great-grandfather of
the subject of this sketch, who emigrated here between 1730
and 1740, and settled in New Jersey.
Samuel Coulter, his son, was well advanced in manhood
when he came to this country. He first located in the
western part of New York, but afterward moved to
Pennsylvania and made his home near Washington in that
State. He was a connection of Colonel Washington
Coulter, a Revolutionary fame.
William Coulter, son of Samuel, was a resident of
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, for a long time, but passed
his later years in Armstrong county, that State, residing
near Elderton, where he closed his earthly pilgrimage.
Interested in and active for the public good during his
residence there, he became a prominent citizen, and was held
in appreciation and esteem. He served as sheriff of
the county, and was elevated to other prominent positions.
John Coulter, his son, was born in Armstrong county,
and grew to manhood there. In 1843 he came to Ohio,
locating at New Rumley, Harrison county, where he married
Miss Mary Tomlinson, who bore him six children all of whom
are living. William, one of the sons, served his
country in the war of the Rebellion. John Coulter was
a carpenter by trade. In the spring of 1854 the family
removed to this county, and located on a farm just north of
the present village of Hicksville. Here Mr. Coulter
became a prominent and influential farmer, and in connection
with his agricultural interests gave continuous attention to
his business as house builder and contractor.
Politically, he was an advocate of the principles of the
Republican party, and he served his township in the office
of trustee and in other incumbencies. Socially, he was
a member of the Masonic fraternity. He passed from
earth in 1889 at the age of seventy-one years. Mrs.
Coulter preceded him several years, her death occurring in
1867. She was a member of the United Brethren Church.
James E. Coulter, son of John and Mary (Tomlinson)
Coulter, and who is the subject proper of this sketch, was
born Aug. 15, 1846, at New Rumley, where the earliest
years of his childhood were passed. When a lad of
eight years he accompanied his parents to their new home in
Hicksville, and he thinks it would require but little
reflection to enable him to name every family residing there
at that time. He remained with his parents until he
was twenty-one years of age. Some part of his time he
attended the district school, and at the age of nineteen he
became a pupil of Newville Academy, where he studied two
terms. After continuing his studies five terms at
Maumee Academy, which was under the auspices of the
Methodists, and called Central Ohio Conference Seminary, he
entered Baldwin University, where he remained three years at
the expiration of which time he was compelled to abandon
university life on account of ill health, and his condition
being such as to cause his disease to be pronounced
consumption, he returned home with no hope of recovery.
While an invalid there, his literary tastes led him to turn
his attention to reading law, which he took up in December,
1872, and his health enabling him to complete a course of
study in it, he was admitted to the Bar in 1876, and
immediately began the practice of his profession at
Hicksville. He has achieved a reputation as a lawyer,
which has secured for him a merited place in the confidence
of the community, and has enabled him to hold a large part
of the legal practice of the village known as West End, of
Defiance county. His law partner, Joseph Kerr, is an
old schoolmate.
In connection with his professional labors, Mr.
Coulter
for the past six years has been editor and proprietor of
"The Hicksville Independent," conducting the paper on avowed
Republican lines; and under his able management it has been
increased in size and circulation more than one-third.
He has always been a firm Republican, and was almost a
pioneer in advocating an absolute gold standard. He
has made his paper a strong and forcible exponent of his
sound logic on this leading issue. In county and State
politics, also, he has been an active worker; was a member
of the Republican Central Committee eight years, and has
frequently served as delegate to State, Congressional and
Judicial conventions. He has been honored with the
office of mayor twelve years, receiving the election ten
consecutive years, and the appreciation of his worth in
education matters has been attested by his election to the
school board six years, all of which time he has served as
chairman of the board. Socially, he is a member of the
Masonic fraternity.
In 1875 Mr. Coulter formed a matrimonial alliance with
Miss Viola Johnson, and their family consists of the
following children: Mary M., M. Ethel, Stella J.,
Washburn, John R., James Earl, Audrey B., and Mina.
Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of Northwestern Ohio including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton. Published at
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 196 |
|
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JOHN FRANKLIN COULTER.
Mr. Coulter, who is manager and editor of "The
Hicksville Independent," is an enterprising young man, whose
ability and energy are certain to gain for him a high rank
in his chosen profession.
Born June 7, 1873, at Bryan, Ohio, Mr. Coulter belongs
to a family which was identified with that locality in the
early days. His father, Rev. William Coulter, a
well known minister of the Presbyterian Church, was reared
in Defiance county, and as a young man spent over two years
in the service of the government during the Civil war.
At the close of the struggle he entered upon his theological
studies, and he has preached the Gospel acceptably in
various places, being now the pastor of the Church at
Sanilac Center, Michigan. His wife, whose maiden name
was Kate Rosensteel, is a native of Indiana county,
Pennsylvania.
Our subject resided at home during his boyhood, and
about en years of his life have been spent in Michigan.
He was educated mainly in the schools of Hesperia, in that
State, and Waterman, Illinois, where he graduated from high
school. On completing his course there, he taught for
one year, and he has ever sine been connected with the
newspaper business, in which he has shown marked ability.
While in Hesperia he began to learn the details of the
printer's art, and for one year he was in partnership with
his father as publisher of "The Hesperia Herald." In
1892 he located at Hicksville, and in company with his
father took a half interest in "The Independent." On
this father's removal from the place in 1895, Mr. Coulter
became a half owner in the enterprise, with his uncle,
James E. Coulter, Esq., as his partner. The paper
is an eight-column folio, published weekly, and has a
circulation of nine hundred. It supports the
principles and policy of the Republican party, and its
columns are always open to the discussion and promotion of
any progressive movement.
Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records of Northwestern Ohio
including the counties of Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton.
Published at Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 524 |
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PETER
COUNTRYMAN. Mr. Countryman, who owns one
hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Section 31,
Milford township, Defiance county, and has distinguished
himself as one of its most active and enterprising citizens,
located here in 1855. Sine that time he has given his
close attention to the improvement of his land, upon which
he has erected good buildings, and the soil of which he has
brought to a high state of cultivation.
In Ashland county, Ohio, Mr. Countryman was born
July 1, 1833, a son of Jacob and Lydia Friedline
Countryman, who were born, reared and married in
Somerset county, Pennsylvania. Subsequently they lived
in different counties in Ohio and Indiana, making their home
for a time in Ashland and Wyandot counties, Ohio, and
spending their last days in DeKalb county, Indiana. In
their family were eight children, five sons and three
daughters, of whom are subject is the second in order of
birth.
In 1853 Peter Countryman removed with his
parents to DeKalb county, Indiana, remaining with them until
his marriage. On July 12, 1855, in Auburn, that
county, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Hart, who was born
in Ashland county, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1835, and was one of
a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters.
Her parents were Frederick and Susan (Buffenmier) Hart,
both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Somerset
county, the latter in Lancaster county. From Ashland
county, Ohio, they removed to DeKalb county, Indiana, at an
early day, and there the mother died; the father passed away
at the home of our subject in Milford township, Defiance
county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Countryman have
eight children living, namely: Frederick; Austin B.; Emma,
wife of William Barron (they have two children -
Clarence and Mabel); Willis; Allen; Lillie, wife
of Francis Cover (they have one son - Lloyd); Alta,
wife of Samuel Moore (they have two children -
Forest and Geneva); and Ora. They
had another son, Clarence, who died in infancy.
Of this family Frederick married Martha J. Greist, of
Newville, Indiana, and they reside at Haviland, Paulding
county, Ohio. Austin B. married Mary
Gunsenhouser, of Newville, Indiana, and they had one son
- Irving, now deceased; they reside in Milford
township, Defiance county. Allen married
Minnie Christoffel, of Butler, Indiana, and they have
three children - Glenn, Kenneth and Lavera;
they also make their home in Butler, Indiana.
Willis, in 1897 - 98, made a trip round the globe,
visiting all the leading countries of the world.
Having purchased his present farm, Mr. Countryman
located thereon after his marriage, devoting his time and
attention to its cultivation until after the outbreak of the
Civil war. In the fall of 1861 he responded to the
President's call for troops, enlisting in Company F,
Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years.
He met the enemy in various engagements, including the
battles of Fort Donelson, Sihloh, Stone River and
Chickamauga, and signalized himself by his bravery and
fidelity to duty, receiving the approval of his officers and
warm friendship of his comrades. At Shiloh he was
wounded in the left hand. When his term of service had
expired he was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, in
November, 1864, and returned to his home in Milford
township, Defiance county, to resume the peaceful duties of
farm life. Both he and his wife are earnest and
consistent members of the Disciples' Church, and are held in
high regard by all who known them.
Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of Northwestern Ohio including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton. Published at
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 368 |
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ABRAM COY.
This enterprising and successful business man of Evansport,
Defiance county, is a representative of one of the oldest
and most highly esteemed families of that locality, and was
among the first white children born there.
Jacob Coy, Esq., father of our subject, settled
in the fall of 1831 upon a tract of government land at
the present site of Evansport, and built the first sawmill
and gristmill erected there, his brother and brother-in-law
being his partners in the enterprise. He also served
for thirteen years as justice of the peace for that
township, and during that time he officiated at many
marriages. He and his wife, whose maiden name was
Mary Ann Shank, were among the early workers in the
Methodist Episcopal Church in that vicinity, and their
influence was a potent factor in religious progress in the
community. Jacob Coy was born in Green county,
Ohio, Feb. 20, 1807, and about three years after his
marriage, which occurred in the same county, he decided to
seek a home in this section, then newly opened for
settlement. From 1831 to 1859 he resided in Tiffin
township, Defiance county, in the latter year removing to
Springfield township, Williams county, where his wife, who
was born in Maryland in 1811, died in March, 1887. Our
subject was the second in a family of thirteen children -
two daughters and eleven sons. The father died in
December, 1897, at the advanced age of ninety years, seven
months.
The subject of this sketch was born Jan. 18, 1832,
at the old homestead in Evansport, and on attaining manhood
he engaged in business there as a farmer and miller.
He has assisted in building three mills, and is one of the
stockholders in the Northwestern Milling Co. at Stryker,
Ohio. In August, 1893, he met with a severe loss, his
flourmill at Evansport being destroyed by fire. His
enterprises have been uniformly successful, and he is the
owner of valuable property, including one hundred acres of
land in Williams county. While he takes much interest
in local affairs, he has never been an office seeker,
preferring to devote his time and attention to his business.
He is active in religious work as a member of the Methodist
Church, and he is also identified with the Masonic
fraternity.
On Feb. 14, 1857, Mr. Coy was married
in Tiffin township, Defiance county, to Miss
Margaret Donaldson, who was born Aug. 30, 1830,
in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. Her parents, John
and Margaret Donaldson, came from Pennsylvania to Ohio
in 1836, and their remaining years were spent in Tiffin
township, Defiance county. Mrs. Coy died
at Evansport Dec. 2, 1888, leaving no children. An
adopted daughter, Ida Coy, died in September, 1853,
when nearly seven years, old, and an adopted son, Jacob
E. Mercer, is now a resident of Defiance.
Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of Northwestern Ohio including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton. Published at
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 475 |
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EDWARD
W. CROOK. This gentleman is half owner of the
extensive business and manufacturing plant of Kerr
Brothers, at Hicksville. The origin and ancestry
of Mr. Crook is briefly given in the following
account, written by his father, Thomas Crook, the
founder of the family in the United States. The full
account was not completed by him, owing to his death, but is
supplemented by matter written from data in the hands of his
descendants.
A short autobiography of Thomas Crook, written
by himself Jan. 18, 1888, for the benefit of his children
and by their request: "My father, Thomas Crook, born
in Bradford (on Avon), County of Wilts, England, A. D. 1784,
was a clothier by trade; died in the same place in December,
A.D. 1868, aged eighty-four. My mother had died a year
previous. He left a family of eight children, five of
whom are yet living, namely: Two residing in England, and
three in the United States of America - one in New York
State and the other two in the State of Ohio - myself and my
brother, John Crook.
"I, Thomas Crook, the
third child of my parents, was born in Chippenham, County,
of Wilts, England, Jan. 11, A. D. 1817. When about
eighteen years of age I moved with my parents from
Chippenham to Bradford (on Avon). My education was
very limited, there being no public schools at that day.
Private or select schools existed, but their terms for
tuition were higher than my parents could afford to pay.
Sunday-schools existed, and were held twice on each Sabbath,
in Nearly all the churches of the land, and in these schools
thousands of children were religiously instructed, and
taught to read and spell. My parents sent me regularly
to the Sunday-school, where I soon learned to read, and also
to commit many portions of the Holy Scripture to memory,
which has proved a great source of comfort and consolation
to my mind when oppressed or troubled. At the age of
ten I was engaged to work in a woolen factory located in
Staverton, three and one-half miles distant from home, at
which place I worked daily for ten years, walking five miles
a day to and from the factory, thirty miles per week, or one
thousand five hundred and sixty miles a year, working twelve
hours per day. Another important event of my life took
place A. d. 1833; through the religious instructions
received from faithful teachers at the Sabbath-schools, I
became convinced that it was my duty to take upon me the
profession of Religion, to renounce the world and become a
follower of Christ. I had been a regular attendant at
the services of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for sometime,
and felt a desire to become a member; application was made,
and I was accepted into the society, and soon after
experienced a change of heart under the preaching of the
world of God by Rev. John W. Button. I have
retained, through the Grace of God, my integrity to His
cause and His church, with a firm hope of eternal life.
In June, 1836, another great and important event of my life
took place, one which I have many times since had cause to
be thankful for.
"On June 26, 1836, I was united in marriage to Jane
Batchelor, a member of the same church, a noble, pious
and good woman, who loved the church, and served God with
all her heart, and became a great helpmate to me
religiously, and a true helpmate in all our financial and
household affairs. In a very short time after our
marriage we were called to pass through a severe trial.
Business became due times rather hard, manufacturers became
discouraged, and workmen were put on short time; many people
were out of employment, and wanted for bread. Our
income was small, and we often conversed together about what
we could or should do in order to better our prospects, and
conditions of life, financially. Wife would often
remark that the Lord would provide, let us put our trust in
Him, and if we do, God has promised that no good thing shall
be withheld from us. Yet times did not improve, and
our troubles grew worse. Sometimes I worked only two
days per week, and not more than three or nearly a year;
wages were low, only shillings per day (about forty-six
cents), and there were scores of men offering to work for
less, and had we not lived economically, previous to the
panic, saving some money, we would have suffered want.
"About this time, my mother's brother, John Mead,
who eight or ten years previous left England for America,
and commenced business in New York, where he followed the
tailor's trade successfully , came again to England to see
his relatives and friends, calling often to see my mother
and the family, and by his frequent visits I met him often.
On one occasion we had a lengthy conversation in regard to
America, and what prospects there were for a poor man to do
in America than there were people to do it, and as trade was
bad in England, and times hard, with no definite assurance
of its improvement for some time, he advised me to leave
England and go to America, where work was plenty and wages
double to what they were in England, continuing to say, that
by the change, in a short time, we could better our
conditions in life. I immediately began to consider
the matter, thought it over in my mind, consulting with my
wife almost daily in regard to the subject. She wanted
to please me, but could not endure to think or talk of the
idea of leaving her mother (who was a widow), brothers,
sisters and relatives, and going to a strange land, among
strange people. It seemed to be too great a sacrifice
for her to make. Her mother, brothers, and sisters
trying all they could to prevent her from giving her
consent, my own parents being also opposed to the change,
would no doubt have succeeded in their attempt to induce us
to abandon the plan, had it not been that, six years
previous to this time, my wife had two brothers who left
home for America, one of whom died soon after their arrival,
the other settling in Ohio, and to this brother, James
Batchelor, we all agreed to write for his opinion and
advice, as to whether he would deem it best for us to remain
in England, or emigrate to America, and then would be
governed by his advice. He answered that he never
regretted his leaving home, but had reason to be glad he
did, and recommended us to leave England and come over to
America; yet this letter was not satisfactory to my wife,
nor her relatives, in regard to our leaving our friends,
home and country, for a new country we knew so little of.
This was the talk and influence that was brought to bear
against our leaving; the plan was readily agreed upon;
circumstances were against us at the time, and Martha,
our eldest daughter, was only a few weeks old, and we could
not receive an answer for three or four months.
"As I returned from work one evening my wife met me
with a smile. I have today been thinking over the
subject of our leaving home for America, and have concluded
that we ought not to go, and I hope you will not think any
ore about it yourself.' It took me by surprise, and
after a few minutes of thought, I said to her: 'I have
made up my mind to go this spring, with you (or without you)
to America. I am determined I won't walk five miles
and work twelve hours a day any longer.' To this she
made no answer. I saw she was troubled, and we
both were silent for some time; the tears came to her eyes,
and her heart seemed broken; we both felt very sad.
After some time she said to me, 'If you go, I will go with
you;' and it was settled at once. We began to make
preparations by disposing of household goods, as rapidly as
possible, drew the money we had saved from the bank, and
found it sufficient to take us to America and back again,
provided we did not like the country. In a few days I
went to Bristol and secured our passage in the ship 'Cosma,'
bound for New York. After this our relatives and
friends did all they could for us, in helping to provide for
our leaving; they also bestowed on us many gifts that proved
to be of great service to us.
"We sailed on the 28th day of March, 1838, and arrived
in New York on the 12th day of May. After a tedious
voyage of forty-five days we went ashore, wife and Martha,
our six-months-old babe, and stayed in New York with my
uncle a few days; then left there for Pittsburg on the 23d
day of May, 1838. Went by railroad and steamboat to
Philadelphia; staied one day; thence to Pittsburg by the
Pennsylvania canal, and after nine days' traveling arrived
at Pittsburg on the 3d day of June; staid over one day; then
went by steamboat on the Ohio river to Wellsville, in Ohio,
remaining one night, from there going to New Lisbon, and
next day to Moore's factory, five miles west of Lisbon on
the west fork of the Beaver creek. On our way to
Moore's we became fearful we were not on the direct road.
We met a person on horseback and asked him if we were on the
road to Moore's factory, and he answered, 'Yes.' I
asked him if he knew a man there by the name of James
Batchelor; he said, 'Yes,' he knew him, and then began
to smile (wife looked up in his face, and discovered that
his face had taken a serious turn; he then spoke and said:
'Is that Jane?') and dismounted from his horse and
made himself known to her, by saying: 'I am James
Batchelor, your brother,' and taking her by the hand
asked 'How is mother?' and then turning to me and taking my
hand asked after my health and how we stood our journey,
and many other questions, mounted his horse, returned and
took us to his home, where we rested after nearly four
months' journeying, and scarcely knew whither we were
going, but were fully satisfied that a kind Providence was
watching over us, and leading us to safely day by day.
In Him we trusted, feeling assured that He who had brought
us thus far would still be with us, even in a strange
country and among a strange people; and we desire here to
acknowledge that we found those strangers living on and
along the banks and hills of the West Fork of Beaver creek a
kind-hearted people, who showed us no little kindness, but
became very much interested in our welfares, and well doings;
a more social and clever people I think I can say I have not
found excelled. I obtained work in the woolen factory
owned by Abner Moore, and staid in his employ about
one year. After the lapse of a week or from where we
resided. Here we found a Christian and religious home,
kind people, who took great interest in our Spiritual
welfare. We staid here a little over a year, then
moved to Hanover, where we staid until May, A. D. 1840, then
moved to Elkrun township, Columbiana county, where we are
still living. Here I went into partnership with
James Batchelor and purchased a small woolen factory,
which proved a profitable investment, made some money, , and
for twenty-two years conducted the mill. Those years
were the happiest yeas of my life, it was here where all but
two of our children were born and raised. We had
excellent church privileges and enjoyment."
The following is supplemental to the account written by
Thomas Crook: After Thomas Crook's
twenty-two years as a woolen manufacturer, he operated two
farms, up to 1866, near the village of Elkton, and
subsequently entered into the mercantile business at Elkton
in partnership with his brother John, the business
continuing for three years, when he retired, and lived a
quiet life on his place of some six or eight acres in teh
same village. The brave and true-hearted wife and
mother with whom he left England, died in January, 1864, at
the age of forty-eight years, leaving seven children (six of
whom were born in Ohio), named as follows: Martha,
born in England, married George Jeffries, of New
Waterford, Columbiana county, Ohio; Sarah married
A. R. Martin, also of Elkton; Edward W. is our
subject; Emma married John Y. Williams, of
Alliance, Ohio; John Frank was twice married , first
to Jennie Fisher (deceased), and second to Dora
Williams (also deceased), and now resides in East
Liverpool, Ohio; and Ida, who married Cyrus
DeRhodes of near Columbiana village, Ohio.
The father of this family, for his second wife,
Married Dorcas Burford, a native of England, who died
leaving no children. For his third wife he married
Mary Ann Eaton, by which union there was one child,
Homer Crook, who now lives with his widowed mother at
Niles, Ohio. Thomas Crook, the father of the
children named, died in the fullness of his years, at his
home in Elkton, and his remains lie buried beside those of
his wife Jane (Batchelor) Crook, in the cemetery at
Kimball.
Edward W. Crook, whose name introduces this
sketch, was born near Elkton, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1847, and up to
the age of thirteen years assisted in his father's woolen
factory, there learning habits of industry that stood him in
good stead in after years. He received such advantages
of an education as the common schools of the vicinity
afforded, and which were supplemented by one term at the New
Lisbon high school, to and from which he walked, four and
one-half miles, each morning and night. In 1866, when
nineteen years of age, he began learning the carriage-making
business, serving at his trade two and one-half years at
Elkton, and six months at New Lisbon, Ohio. During the
following six years he conducted that business at East
Fairfield, Columbiana county, Ohio. In November, 1876,
he removed to Defiance, Ohio, and purchased a one-third
interest in the Kerr Brother's manufacturing
business, which was then in its infancy, employing only one
hand outside of the proprietors. Ten years afterward,
about 1887, Mr. Crook bought sufficient stock to make
a one-half interest in the business, which has continued to
the present time. The business has vastly grown since
1876, and from the small space it then occupied it has so
increased as to require many large buildings. The firm
employs over one hundred men, giving support to many people,
and the plant is an industry that adds immensely to the
prosperity of Hicksville.
Mr. Crook was married at Hicksville, July 14,
1875, to Alice M. Kerr, a daughter of Joseph Kerr
(mentioned elsewhere), and to them have been born to
children: Thomas Leonard, Oct. 25, 1884; and
Edard Leonard, July 14, 1888, who died in infancy.
Mr. Crook is a thorough and capable business man with
large interests to look after, yet is most genial and
courteous, popular among all classes of citizens; is a man
of unquestionable integrity, of pure morals, and temperate
habits, and since baptism as a child in the M. E. Church,
has been one of its consistent members. He has served
many years, as an officer of the church, either as trustee
or steward. His train of thought and mind have caused
him to affiliate with the Republican party, and he has
served his fellow townsmen in minor offices, such as member
of the village council, etc. As a business man Mr.
Crook occupies a high position and as a citizen and
Christian gentleman his record is clear, honorable and
upright.
Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of Northwestern Ohio including the
counties of Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton.
Published at Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page
106 |
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JOSIAH
CULLER. One of the most prosperous and
reliable citizens of Hicksville township, Defiance county,
is the gentleman whose name here appears. He owns and
operates an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres,
which he has placed under a high state of cultivation.
His home, with its surroundings, denotes the supervision of
an intelligent farmer and capable business man, who at the
same time has proved a useful member of society, and one
deserving the esteem and confidence which is so freely
accorded by the entire community.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Culler was born in Stark county,
July 10, 1821, a son of Joseph Culler, a farmer by
occupation, who died when our subject was quite young.
In the county of his nativity he was reared and continued to
make his home until the spring of 1849, when he came to
Defiance county, locating on the farm in Section 5,
Hicksville township, where he still resides. He has
erected good and substantial buildings upon the place, and
made many other useful improvements which add to its value
and attractive appearance.
In Stark county, Mr. Culler was united in marriage with
Miss Eliza J. Ritter, by whom he had three children:
Malinda A., deceased; Barbara A., widow of Henry Thornburg;
and William A. The wife and mother departed this life
in Hicksville township, Aug. 26, 1876, and in that
township Mr. Culler was again married, his second union
being Dec. 13, 1879, with Mrs. Mary A. Bailey, widow of
Robert Bailey, by whom she had two children:
Mary E.
and Dora. Mrs. Culler was born in Wayne county, Ohio,
Jan. 29, 1829, and is a daughter of John Bungard.
Mr. Culler has capably served his fellow citizens as
township trustee, and was assessor of Hicksville township
for five years. He has taken a good degree of interest
in all local affairs, is a man of recognized ability, and
with his amiable wife stands high in the community where
they have so long made their home. In the United
Brethren Church they hold membership. Politically Mr.
Culler is a Republican.
Source: Commemorative Biographical
Records of Northwestern Ohio including the counties of
Defiance, Henry, Williams & Fulton. Published at
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1899. ~ Page 266 |
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