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.BIOGRAPHIES
 Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield County,
Ohio
Illustrated - Published: New York and Chicago:
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company.
1902
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G. W. Halderman |
REV. GEORGE W. HALDERMAN.
The stamp designating true nobility of character must
ever find its ineffable tracery on the brow of one who sets
himself apart from the "madding crowd's ignoble strife" and
dedicates his life to the uplifting of his fellow men. More
than superficial investigation is demanded when one essays
to determine the .mental struggle and the spirit of
unselfish devotion that must animate the man who gives all
that he has and all that he hopes to be to service in the
great vineyard of life, seeking reward only in that realm
"where moth and rust do not corrupt and where thieves do not
break through and steal.'' Preparations for labors in the
priesthood are perforce exacting, demanding an ever ready
sympathy, a broad intellectuality and an unswerving
fidelity. Scoffing synicism and careless irreverance would
often be silenced if only the inner life of those who
ministered in holy places might be laid open for inspection.
Honor is due and honor will be paid when once there comes a
deeper understanding of the truth
We are led to this train of thought through reflecting
upon the life record of the Rev. George W. Halderman,
D. D., who for twenty-two years was pastor of the First
English Lutheran church of Lancaster, and whose influence
was of no restricted order, for he was one of the most
distinguished representatives of his denomination in this
part of the country. His birth occurred in Center county,
Pennsylvania, Mar. 1, 1833, his parents being Samuel
and Margaret (Kollmever) Halderman,
both of whom were natives of Germany. The Doctor acquired
his early education in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, but he had to
depend largely upon his own resources in order to secure
more than a common school training. He taught school in
Germantown, Kentucky for two years, being principal of the
Boys' Preparatory School there. He afterward continued his
studies and was graduated in Wittenberg College of
Springfield, Ohio, as one of the honored men of his class.
He then served for a short time under General J. Warren
Keifer, in the Civil war, and aided in the capture of
the noted rebel leader Morgan. He then again took up his
college work and was graduated in the theological department
of Wittenberg College, after which he was assigned to his
pastorate at Van Wert, Ohio.. Subsequently he went to
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and in the spring of 1870 he came
to Lancaster as pastor of the First English Lutheran church,
remaining in charge for ten years, during which time he also
preached every Sunday afternoon in the Boys' Industrial
School from the time of its establishment. He labored
untiringly and won the respect and esteem of all people of
all denominations as well as those of his own congregation.
Perhaps there has been no more popular minister in this
city than was the Rev. George W. Halderman.
His scholarly attainments, his deep understanding of the
wellsprings of conduct and of human action as well as his
comprehensive knowledge of Christianity and his oratorical
ability made him a most eloquent, pleasant and entertaining
preacher. In 1879, however, he resigned his pastorate at
Lancaster, and accepted a call from the Lutheran church at
Polo, Illinois, wherein he remained for three years. He
afterward spent one year in Europe, and in the Holy Land,
both for the benefit of his health and for the purpose of
further study and research. On his return he accepted a
pastorate in Washington, Illinois, where he remained four
years, but at the end of that period he again accepted a
call from the First English Lutheran church of Lancaster,
continuing as its pastor until up to the time of his death.
Dr. Haldermjan was
married on the 26th of April, 1864, to Miss Mary
Dallas Crothers, who died October 29, 1866,
and on the 16th of July, 1873, he was again united in the
holy bonds of matrimony, the lady of his choice being
Miss Philecta Griswold, daughter of
Sanuuel A. and Ethelyn (Kelley)
Griswold, a sketch of whom appears on another page of
this work. Unto Dr. Halderman and his wife was
born one son, John Crothers Halderman,
who is now a. banker of Pawnee City, Nebraska.
In 1887 our subject purchased a fine country home on
the Cedar Hill Pike, about; two miles west of the city, and
the place is. known as "Hallelujah Heights." The residence
is a most beautiful one, with tasteful surroundings and is
now occupied by Mrs. Halderman. The Doctor was
only ill for a few days, holding communion in the church
just six days before his death. His usefulness therefore
continued until the last, and this was as he would have it.
He passed away July 17, 1899, and his remains were interred
in the Forest Rose cemetery. Nature bestowed upon him many
of her rarest gifts. He possessed a mind of extraordinary
compass, an industry that brought forth every spark of
talent with which nature had endowed him. He was in every
way a most superior man, and moreover he used his ability
for the benefit of his race, for his town, his state and his
nation.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 156 |
| |
G. A.
HAMBERGER
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 394 |
| |
ABRAHAM HANSBERGER.
Until 1902 Abraham Hansberger was proprietor of the
largest general store in this part of Ohio, conducting
business in Baltimore for a long period. He now has
extensive landed interests and his property has all been
acquired since he entered upon his business career and has
come to him as a direct result of capable management, keen
discrimination and unflagging industry. He was born in
Amanda township, this county, on the 4th of December, 1848,
and is a son of Joel and Elizabeth (Loose) Hansberger.
His parents were both natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania,
and about 1845 came to Fairfield county, Ohio, the father
purchasing a farm in Amanda township, upon which he lived
until 1850, when he removed with his family to a farm about
four and one-half miles west of Baltimore. There they
remained until a few yeas prior to the death of Joel
Hansberger, when they took up their abode in the village
of Baltimore. He had purchased one hundred and twelve
acres of land, which was largely covered with timber.
Soon the woodman's ax awakened the echoes of the forest and
tree after tree fell before his sturdy strokes. As the
land was cleared he plowed and planted it, placing it under
a high state of cultivation as the years passed. He
was quite successful in his farming operations and thus
gained a comfortable living for himself and family.
Both he and his wife were members of the Evangelical church,
and in his political views he was a pronounced Republican.
In the family were eleven children: Daniel, who
is living in Columbus, Ohio; John, a resident
of Worthington, Minnesota; Joel, who makes his home
in Baltimore, Ohio; Eli, of Michigan; Jacob,
who was a soldier of the Civil war and died in the hospital
in Washington D. C.; Abraham, of this review;
Thomas, of Michigan; Henry who is living in
Millersport, Fairfield county; Charles, of Columbus,
Ohio; Mrs. Lanah Ault of Tiffin, Ohio; and Mrs.
Alice Johnson, of Baltimore. The mother of these
children passed away, and the father afterward married
Elizabeth Miller, by whom he had one child, who is now
Mrs. Anna Kisler, a resident of Columbus, Ohio.
Joel Hansberger died Jan. 20, 1886, at Baltimore, and
was laid to rest in the Basil cemetery. He was an
earnest, upright man, well liked by all who knew him.
Abraham Hansberger spent his life upon the old
family homestead, and in the district schools of Liberty
township acquired his education, although his privileges in
that direction where somewhat meager, for his services were
needed in the work of the home farm. He assisted his
father until he went to the northern part of the state of
Ohio, locating in Fremont. In that locality he worked
as a farm hand for a number of years and through industry
and economy accumulated sufficient capital so that on his
return to Baltimore in 1880 he was able to enter into
business as a general merchant in partnership with his
brother Charles. They began operations on a
small scale, but gradually increased their stock in order to
meet the growing demands of their trade, and after eight
years Abraham Hansberger purchased his brother's
interest, continuing in the business until 1902, when he
sold out. He had a large department store, in which he
carried a very complete stock, being one of the largest
general stores of hits section of the state. His
patronage came from far and near and his careful control of
his business and his reliable methods brought to him very
gratifying prosperity. As the years passed he made
extensive and judicious investments in real estate. He
now owns considerable amount of property, including three
hundred and twenty-six acres of land in South Dakota, a fine
farm of three hundred acres near Columbus, several lots and
houses in the capital city and also residence property and
vacant lots in Baltimore.
Mr. Hansberger has been twice married. He
first wedded Nettie Krine, a native of Michigan, who
died a short time afterwards and was laid to rest in
the family lot in the Basil cemetery. On the 5th of
January, 1888, he wedded Miss Ida Bright, a daughter
of Enoch Bright, of Baltimore, and unto them were
born two children: Beulah and Dolly.
Mr. and Mrs. Hansberger are members of the United
Evangelical church of Baltimore, in which he has served as
steward for the past twenty-years. In his political
views he endorses Republican principles, but has never
sought or desired office. Quiet and unassuming in
manner, he is nevertheless held in the highest regard by all
who know him, the esteem being probably all the great by
reason of the fact that he makes no demands for public
regard.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 251 |
| |
JOHN P. HARMON is a
representative of one of the oldest families of Fairfield
county and the farm upon which he lives on section 27,
Pleasant township, has been in possession of the family for
more than a century. In the house, which is still his
home, three generations of the family have been born.
His grandfather, John P. Harmon, came to this county
from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1800,
settling in Pleasant township about the same time as the
Macklins, the Buchanans and the Bonseys.
He purchased a large tract of land and latter erected a
house which is still standing upon the farm and is now owned
by John P. Harmon of this review. For about a
century it has looked forth upon the conditions which have
made the history of this portion of the state. It is
one of the old landmarks of the county and is of peculiar
interest to the family on account of the ancestral
connections with the place.
John P. Harmon, the father of our subject, was
born in November, 1804, in this house and loved the spot so
well that he was never far away from the farm throughout his
entire life. His final resting place is in sight of
the old home, for his remains were interred on the farm.
He was united in marriage to Eliza Hudelle, who was
born in Frederick county, Virginia, her father, Andrew
Hudelle, having been a planter of that state. They
became the parents of eleven children, of whom six are yet
living: B. F., a farmer of Stark county, Ohio;
C. B., who is in the teaming business in Lancaster;
John P. who resides on the home farm; Victoria,
the wife of David Ruffner, a farmer of Mercer County,
Ohio; Medora, the wife of J. D. Spitler, also
an agriculturist of Mercer county; and Ella, the wife
of Jesse Rose, a farmer of the same county.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the
routine of farm life for John P. Harmon during his
boyhood and youth. He early became familiar with the
work of the home farm and assisted in the cultivation of the
fields from the time of spring planting until crops were
garnered in the autumn. During the winter months he
attended the district schools. After arriving at years
of maturity he wedded Rebecca Ruffner and unto them
have been born seven children: Ora, Ethel, Mabel, Fannie,
Martha, Mary and Frederick. Mary and
Martha are twins. All are still under the parental
roof and are being provided with good educational privileges
to fit them for the practical and responsible duties of
life.
Mr. Harmon comes of a long lived family, of
quiet industrious tillers of the soil, and many of them have
lived to be over ninety years of age. The old
homestead is improved with many modern equipments to
facilitate the farm work. Upon the place is a pear
tree which was planted by his father when a boy of about ten
years. This would make the three over eighty years of
age and the remarkable fact is that each year it bears fruit
and appears still to be in a healthy condition. Our
subject and his wife hold membership in the United Brethren
church and earnestly endeavor to follow the teachings of the
Master, rearing their children in the fear and admonition of
the Lord. Their genuine worth and fidelity to the
principles in which they believe have won for him many
friends.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page337 |
John C. Hartman |
JOHN CHRISTOPHER HARTMANN,
a retired carpenter and builder, of Lancaster, Ohio, was
born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, May 31, 1834.
His parents were William and Wilhelmina (Harding)
Hartmann, who were also natives of the same locality and
there resided upon a farm until July, 1847, when they
crossed the broad Atlantic to the new world, landing at
Quebec, Canada. From that city they made their
way to Buffalo, New York, thence by boat to Cleveland, Ohio,
and up the canal to Lancaster, Captain Reel
being in command of the packet in which they completed their
journey. They landed at Kenney's warehouse at the end
of Maine street. The family consisted of father,
mother and ten children - eight sons and two daughters.
In the following spring the father purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Berne township and with his family
took up his abode thereon, devoting his energies to farming
and stock raising. With the family came two young men
by the name of John Rosemeyer and William Bush
and an adopted daughter, Saphronia Burgess, who is
now the wife of Valentine Myers. In the party
were also Henry Senna, his wife and a son, who
settled in Lancaster. William Hartmann, the
father of our subject, continued to reside upon the farm for
a number to reside upon the farm for a number of years,
becoming one of the successful agriculturists of the
community. In 1857 his wife died and in 1862 he sold
his farm and removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Two years
later he returned on a visit to Lancaster, and while here
was taken ill and died in October of the same year. Of
their ten children, five brothers and two sisters are yet
living, namely: Henry, of Fort Wayne, Indiana;
John C., of this review; Charles, a farmer;
August; John; Wilhelmina; and Sophia. Those
who have passed away are William Conrad and
Frederick.
In accordance with the laws of his native land Mr.
Hartmann attended school between the ages of six and
fourteen years. He accompanied his parents on their
emigration to the new world and remained upon his father's
farm in Fairfield county until eighteen years of age, when
he began earning his own living by working as a farm hand
for James McKinley. After a year had passed he
commenced learning the cabinet maker's trade in the shop of
Charles Wagenhals, of Lancaster, but this work proved
too confining and he turned his attention to carpentering,
which would allow him to be out in the open air to the
greater extent. For many years he was associated with
the work of contracting and building, although at times he
was identified with agricultural interests.
After his marriage Mr. Hartmann removed to the
old homestead, which had belonged to his father, in Berne
township, and there engaged in tilling the soil until 1861,
when he removed to the farm belonging to his mother-in-law
in Hocking township. In 1863 he went to Fort Wayne,
Indiana, where he built a large banked barn for his brother.
When this work was completed - and the barn was one of the
finest in the entire country - he entered the employ of the
Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railroad, with which he remained
until October, when he returned to Lancaster and entered the
employ of the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad in the
carpenter department of the car shops, where he continued
until 1866, and the following year he began contracting and
building on his own account and also acted as manager in the
erecting of buildings for other parties. He had at
times from twelve to twenty-five men under his direction,
and many of the substantial structures of this city and the
surrounding country stand as monuments to his thrift, skill
and enterprise. In 1873 he was elected policeman under
Mayor Saul Schlow, under whom he served for two
years, while for one year he continued under Mayor
Bendeum. He afterward turned his attention to
farming, owning a valuable tract of sixty acres just outside
the corporate limits of Lancaster, and to its development
and improvement he gave his attention in connection with
contracting and building.
Mr. Hartmann has always been a stanch advocate
of good roads and his efforts in this direction have been if
great value and benefit to the county. He brought the
subject up before the board of county commissioners and
impressed upon them the importance of having a good road or
pike leading from Lancaster to the State Farm, a distance of
six miles. This suggestion was adopted by the county
commissioners and work was begun upon the pike and Mr.
Hartmann was made its superintendent and not only
directed the labors of the men thus engaged but also took an
active part in the building of the pike and is still serving
as its superintendent The city of Lancaster and
Fairfield county appropriated the funds necessary for the
construction of four miles of this pike, while the state was
to appropriate the means for the construction of the
remaining two miles. The building of this road has
been of great practical benefit to the citizens of this
portion of the state and Mr. Hartmann deserves great
credit for what he accomplished. In 1863, on his
return from the west, Mr. Hartmann joined the
volunteer fire department, becoming a member of the "Old
Reliance," a hand engine company. Later, when the city
purchased a steamer, Mr. Hartmann became its first
foreman.
In 1858 was celebrated the marriage of our subject and
Miss Caroline Boden, of Lancaster, a daughter of
Charles and Francis Boden. They became the parents
of three children: Charles E.; Sophia, the wife of
E. Wagenhals; and Theodore. The mother died
in 1892 and Mr. Hartmann was again married, his
second union being with Amelia, a daughter of
Emanuel Wagenhals. This marriage has been blessed
with one son, Walter Charles, who is now six years of
age. The family have a pleasant home at No. 1270 South
Broad street. Mr. Hartmann is a Democrat in his
political affiliations, endorsing the principles of the
party as set forth by Andrew Jackson, and religiously
is a member of the German Lutheran church. This church
was established in 1847 and Mr. Hartmann's father
took an active part in its organization. The church on
Chestnut street was erected by the members, the work being
done free of charge, while Mr. Hartmann was the one
who circulated the paper asking for assistance. He
lived to see it completed, and when his spirit had left its
earthly tenement the funeral sermon was preached from its
alter.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 218 |
| |
JABEZ HEDGES was formerly
connected with agricultural interests in Fairfield county,
but is now identified with building and real estate business
in Lancaster. He possesses the enterprising spirit so
typical of America, has keen insight into business affairs,
is progressive and energetic, and these qualities always
form the foundation of success along such lines.
Mr. Hedges has won a place among the substantial
residents of Fairfield county.
He is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth
having occurred in Pickaway county, upon his father's farm
near Nashville, Sept. 4, 1846. His parents were
Samuel and Lucinda (Hutton) Hedges. The former was
born in Pickaway county in 1822, and there was reared to
manhood and spent the greater part of his life, becoming a
prosperous farmer, who carefully tilled his fields, and as
the result of his labors won prosperity. He died in
Fairfield county in 1888, having removed to this portion of
the state a few years prior to his death. His wife was
a native of Greenfield township, Fairfield county, born in
1824. The Hutton family was for many years
connected with Virginia, but her father, John Hutton,
removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, becoming one of the
pioneer settlers here. Until Samuel and Lucinda
Hedges were born five children, namely: Jabez, of
this review; Evylin; Cynthia; Charles, residing in
Jasper county, Iowa; and Edson.
A retrospective view of the early life of Jabez
Hedges presents him as a student in the village schools
of Baltimore. He enjoyed the pleasures of the play
ground in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period, and
after completing his education he engaged in stock business
in Perry and Fairfield counties. Subsequently he spent
same time in Iowa, where he invested in real estate, and
upon his return to Ohio, he settled in Violet township,
Fairfield county, where he purchased two hundred acres of
land, which he still owns. This land is now rented and
the rental materially increases his income. In 1889
Mr. Hedges took up his abode in Lancaster, where he is
engaged in real estate dealing. He has also erected a
number of houses, some of which he has sold, while others he
rents. He has a broad and accurate knowledge of realty
values, and keen discrimination and judgment enables him to
make judicious investments, whereby his financial resources
have been materially increased.
In 1878 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hedges
and Miss Lydia L. Shaffer, of Fairfield County, Ohio, a
daughter of Harrison Shaffer, who belonged to an old
and well known family of this county. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Hedges are acceptable members of the First
Presbyterian church of Lancaster and the hospitality of many
of the best homes is freely extended to them. They
reside at No. 1011 North Columbus street, where they have a
fine residence. In his political views Mr. Hedges
is a Democrat and while he has never sought or desired
office, he is deeply interested in the success of his party
and keeping well informed on the issues of the day, is able
to support his position by intelligent arguments. All
enterprises which have for their object the general good of
the community receive his endorsement and many have
benefited by his co-operation. His business career has
at all times been commendable. He has placed his
dependence upon the substantial qualities of diligence,
perseverance and honesty, and steadily has he worked his way
upward until to-day he is the possessor of a handsome
competence and also enjoys the merited respect of his fellow
men.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 101 |
| |
WILLIAM HEGE. Every
civilized country on the face of the globe has sent its
representatives to America to aid in formulating the
citizenship of the new world, but the United States claims
no more loyal, patriotic and valued sons than those who came
from Switzerland. The Hege family, of whom our
subject is a representative, had its origin in Switzerland
and some of the sterling traits of character of that race
are manifest in the life of him whose name introduces this
review. The first of the name to come to America was
Hans Hege, who arrived Sept. 27, 1727, landing at
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He settled in Germantown,
where the family resided for a time and then located in
Lancaster county, and since that time their descendants have
been active factors in promoting public progress and
improvement in every locality in which they have resided.
William Hege, now a resident of Fairfield
county, was born in Amanda township on the 25th of
September, 1843, his parents being Peter and Mary (Updegraff)
Hege. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, his
birth having occurred in Chambersburg, Franklin county,
Sept. 11, 1801, whence he came to Ohio in the year 1825,
being about twenty-four years of age. He settled in
Amanda township, where he purchased a tract of land of one
hundred and sixty acres, and built thereon a hewed log
house, which was erected in 1826 and is still standing, a
mute reminder of pioneer days and indicates, by contrast,
the progress and improvement made in this fair commonwealth.
It is still used as a dwelling by some of his children.
The land was all covered with timber when it came into the
possession of the father of our subject, but with
characteristic energy he began clearing and cultivating it
and made a good home for himself and family. Thereon
he resided until his death, which occurred in 1885, when he
was eighty-four years of age. For a number of years he
had held the office of township trustee and was often called
upon to fill other positions of public trust, to which he
was most faithful meeting every obligation that devolved
upon him with the faithful exactitude. His political
support was given the Democracy until 1856, when he joined
the ranks of the Republican party formed to prevent the
further extension of slavery. He took a deep interest
in politics and was unwavering in his alllegiance to
the cause which he espoused, but did not care for office.
He was ever a public-spirited man and an advocate of all
that tended to improve the county along material, social,
intellectual and moral lines. A gentleman of good
education he kept well informed, not only on political
questions but upon the current events of the day, and his
opinions carried weight and influence. He held
membership with the Evangelical Association for a long
period, although in his younger days he was a member of the
Lutheran church. In his business affairs he met with a
fair degree of success and was held in the highest esteem by
his fellow men because of his genuine worth and his fidelity
to manly principles. His wife survived him until 1899,
passing away at the extreme old age of ninety-six years.
She too was a member of the Evangelical Association and
lived an earnest Christian life, which had marked influence
in molding the destinies of her children.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hege were born eleven
children: Samuel is a bridge builder of Columbus,
Indiana; Louisa is the widow of Washington Burgett,
and now resides in Indianapolis; Catherine is the
widow of John Middlesworth, who was a prominent
farmer and cattle raiser of Shelby county, Illinois; Mary
is the wife of Jedediah Allen, of Shelby county,
Illinois; Belinda is the widow of James McBride;
Levi is a civil engineer and resides in Columbus,
Indiana; Enos was a contractor and carpenter of
Indianapolis, but is now deceased; Christian resides
on the old home place; William is next in order of
birth; David died in infancy; and Martha Jane
completes the family.
At the usual age William Hege entered the common
schools near his home and mastered the branches of English
learning usually taught in such institutions. He
acquired a fair education, fitting him for life's practical
and responsible duties. Through the months of summer
he assisted his father in the work of the fields, being thus
employed until eighteen years of age, when in December,
1861, roused by a spirit of patriotism, he offered his
services to the government, enlisting as a member of Company
E, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry. He remained as
one of the loyal defenders of the Union upon the southern
battle-fields until July, 1865, when, hostilities having
ceased, he was mustered out at Camp Dennison, Ohio and
received an honorable discharge. He participated in
many important engagements, including the second battle of
Bull Run and Chancellorsville and was on the march with
Pope with the regiment was under fire continuously for
seventeen days. He also took part in the memorable
battle of Gettysburg and in September, the same year, was
transferred to Chattanooga, Tennessee, taking part in the
engagement of Missionary Ridge after being sent to that
section of the country. He was also with Sherman
on his celebrated march to the sea, which proved that the
strength of the Confederacy was almost exhausted.
Whether on the picket line or in the midst of battle, he was
ever faithful to his duty, was reliable and loyal.
When the war was ended Mr. Hege returned to his
home, but he only remained for a few days, going thence to
Columbus, Indiana, where he resided for two and one-half
years, during which time he engaged in carpentering.
He then returned to Ohio and has never since wandered from
the home county, but as remained a valued and active
citizen, deeply interested in the welfare and progress of
hte same. He now owns and operates eighty acres of
land, and is also engaged to some extent in the raising of
stock. His business interests are carefully conducted
and his farm is the visible evidence of his life of
enterprise and diligence.
On the 20th of September, 1875, Mr. Hege was
united in marriage to Miss Phoebe Kiger, a
daughter of William and Margaret Kiger, and a sister
of George Kiger. Her father was one of the
early settlers of this county. The home of Mr. and
Mrs. Hege has been blessed with one child, Annabel,
who is still with her parents. Mr. Hege votes
with the Republican party and has firm faith in its
principles. Socially he is connected with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with Parsons Post, G.
A. R., of Nebraska, Pickaway county, Ohio, and his religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the United
Evangelical church. He has held office as justice of
the peace for three years, and his life has ever been such
as to commend him to the esteem and regard of all with whom
he has been associated. His loyalty upon the southern
battlefields was but an index of his character, which has
ever been above reproach, his life furnishing an example
that is well worthy of emulation by all who desire to
achieve success.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 264 |
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DR. J. P.
HERSHBERGER
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 248 |
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DR. PETER HEWETSON
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 25 |
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HARRY A. P. HILL.
Those who have contributed in any measure to public good,
who have promoted business affairs, who have aided in the
work of advancing the general welfare, deserve mention in
the history of the county in which they have lived.
Harry Augustus Pomeroy Hill was a citizen of worth,
highly respected in Fairfield county. He was born in
Washington county, Ohio, May 3, 1828. His father,
Henry Hill, was also a native of that county, born in
1783, and in the year 1840 e came with his family to this
portion of the state, settling in Clarksburg, where he made
his home until called to his final rest. He was a
colonel in the home militia of Washington county. He
also served as justice of the peace a great many years and
in religious belief he was a Presbyterian.
Harry A. P. Hill obtained
his early education in the district schools of his native
county and later continued his studies in the public schools
of this county. When about nineteen or twenty years of
age he went to work for his father upon the farm and was
thus engaged until he began farming on his own account in
order to maintain his home. As a companion and
helpmate for the journey of life he chose Miss Lucinda
Alford, a native of Burlington, Vermont. She was
one of a family of nine children born unto James and
Almira (Chase) Alford, natives of Green Mountain state.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hill was celebrated in
1850 and was blessed with four children, namely:
Edward A. P., a resident of Columbus, Ohio, married
Agnes Flora Baumgardner, and they have one child,
Clyde B.; Lizzie Ellen is the wife of M. B.
Prindle, of Charlestown, West Virginia, and the mother
of two children, Kate Hill and Helen Maria;
Kate Luella is at home with her mother; Charles
William passed away in 1900 at the age of thirty-seven
years. He married Amy Ackers, who is still
living and they became the parents of three children:
Florence, who passed away June 22, 1901; Ruth M.
and Helen L.
When thirty-three years of age Harry A. P. Hill
located upon the home farm, at that time comprising
ninety-seven and one-half acres of good land. He
possessed strong literary tastes and when not engaged with
the duties of the farm was always reading, thus gradually
extending his knowledge into many channels. He took a
deep and active interest in everything pertaining to the
public welfare and withheld his support from no movement or
measure which he believed would benefit his fellow men.
He was largely instrumental in securing the building of the
new road thirteen years ago. It was constructed east
and west from the state road to the farm pike and as a
public highway has proved of great value. In his
political views Mr. Hill was a Republican, who served
as supervisor and as school director for a number of years.
He was a member and steward of the Methodist Episcopal
church and all of his family retained membership with that
denomination. Domestic in his tastes and habits, he
found his greatest happiness when with his wife and children
at his own fireside and he considered no personal sacrifice
too great that would promote the welfare too great that
would promote the welfare or enhance the happiness of his
family. His loss was therefore very greatly felt by
them, and the entire community mourned one whom it had known
only to respect and honor. He passed away Apr. 15,
1891, after a lingering illness of twenty-two months.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 325 |
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JAMES HILLS.
James Hills, now deceased, was numbered among
the early settlers and highly respected citizens of
Fairfield county, and whatever tended to promote the growth,
progress and improvement of this favored section of the
state won his approval and support. His life was ever
upright and honorable and commended bin: to the confidence
and regard of all with whom he came in contact. He was
a native of Billinghurst, England, born Aug. 24, 1824, and
his parents spent their entire lives in that land.
Mr. Hills came to the United States in 1852,
locating in Fairfield county, taking up his abode in
Lancaster, where he engaged in gardening and farming.
He also conducted a greenhouse until a short time prior to
the Civil war, when he purchased a farm upon which his widow
now resides, and here made a good home for himself and
family.
When his adopted country became involved in hostilities
between the north and south he espoused the Union cause,
serving for nine months and twenty days. Then, the war
having ended, he received an honorable discharge and his
loyalty to the country was ever one of his marked
characteristics. He was deeply interested in its
institutions and in the extension of its power and
influence. At the close of the war he returned to his
home, but his health had be come impaired during the service
and he was never a well man after that.
On the 15th of October, 1868, Mt. Hills was united in
marriage to Miss Caroline Davey, a
native of England. She is now living upon the old
homestead in Hocking township and is a most estimable lady.
The marriage of this worthy couple was blessed with nine
children. Edward Henry, born in Harsham,
England, on the 9th of December, 1849, is now extensively
engaged in the raising of wheat in California, devoting one
thousand acres to that product. He married a Miss
Carter. Rhoda A., the second of the
family, is the wife of Jacob Walters, a
resident farmer of Pleasant township, Fairfield county, and
they have three children: James, Flora and
Charles. Thomas, born in Lancaster, Mar. 16.
1854, now resides in Columbus. Ohio, where he is engaged in
business as a contractor. He married Sophia
Berrens, and they have three children, Dora,
Carrie and Mattie. Sarah J., born in
Lancaster, Jan. 8. 1856, is the wife of Samuel
Nelson, of Zanesville, a brick maker. They have
six children: Fannie, the widow of Edward
Alford; George; Carrie; Harry;
Hattie and Edna. Mary A. is the
widow of Samuel Pickering and resides in
Lancaster. Her children are: Edward, Carrie,
Martha and Elsworth. John A.,
born in 1860, is connected with a cracker factory in
Columbus, Ohio. He married Lena Creggs,
and they have one child, Nettie. George B.,
born Jan. 24, 1863, died in infancy. Henrietta,
his twin sister, died at the age of three months .
Margaret E., born in April, 1864, was married and
left one daughter, who is residing with her grandmother and
is a bright and attractive young girl. She is known by
the name of Bertha May Hills.
Throughout his business career Mr. Hills
carried on agricultural pursuits and his labors were
carefully directed by sound business judgment and keen
discrimination. His enterprise would brook no obstacle
that could be overcome by determined and honorable purpose,
and gradually he worked his way upward to success, becoming
the owner of a valuable farm. He never had occasion to
regret his determination to seek a home in the new world,
for in his broader opportunities he found the advantages he
desired and gained not only a comfortable competence but
also a large circle of friends. He died at his home in
Hocking township, May 10, 1869. respected by all who had
known him. His widow enjoys the high esteem of all
with whom she has been brought in contact, and she still
lives upon the farm left to her by her husband.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 346 |
Col. J. C. White |
COLONEL JOHN C. HITE.
The history of a state, as well as that of a nation, is
chiefly the chronicles of the lives and deeds of those who
have conferred honor and dignity upon socity. The
world judges the character of a community by those of its
representative citizens, and yields its tributes of
admiration and respect for the genius of learning or virtues
of those whose works and actions constitute the record of a
state's prosperity and pride; and it is this record that
offers for our consideration the history of men, who in
their characters for probity and benevolence, and the kindly
virtues, as well as for integrity in the affairs of life,
are ever affording to the young worthy examples for their
regard and emulation. There fore it is proper that a
just celebrity should be given to those men who are
distinguished in their day and generation, that the living
may enjoy the approbation of their contemporaries, as well
as that of a grateful posterity.
Colonel Hite is descended from a long-lived
family, his father, Samuel Hite, having reached the
advanced age of ninety-seven years, while his mind is still
apparently as clear as that of the ordinary man at the age
of fifty. He is numered among the native sons
of Fairfield county, his birth having occurred upon a farm
near Pleasantville. No event of special importance
occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his
youth. He mastered the branches of learning taught in
the public schools and at the age of nineteen began teaching
in the village of Pleasantville, having charge of the school
there through four successive winter terms, and so
remarkable was his success as an instructor, that the
patrons of the school increased his monthly salary far above
the amount paid to other teachers of the time in that
county, in order to retain his services in the school.
His work as an educator and in behalf of the young has been
of the greatest importance and benefit. Man's worth in
the world is determined, not by the wealth he acquires, but
by what he has accomplished for his fellow men, and in this
regard Colonel Hite may well be accounted successful,
for his labors have been far reaching and beneficial.
He was largely instrumental in building the Fairfield Union
Academy and became the secretary and a member of the first
board of directors of that institution. In 1865 he was
elected colonel of the Fourth Regiment of Ohio Militia and
was commissioned by Governor David Tod. He was
quite successful in his farming operations, which he carried
on for a number of years, but in the fall of 1868 on account
of failing health he abandoned agricultural pursuits and
removed to Lancaster, where he became an active factor in
commercial circles, purchasing the book store of Tuthill
& Rigby. Through the two succeeding years he
enjoyed a large and profitable business in that undertaking,
but on the expiration of that period he sold his store and
became an equal partner of the Ohio Eagle printing office,
of Lancaster, being associated in this enterprise with
Thomas Wetzler. Through the succeeding five years
he was identified with journalistic interests and then sold
out to his partner.
Colonel Hite became an active representative of
public business, in 1873, when he was elected auditor of
Fairfield county. He filled that office through two
successive terms, at the close of which Hon. James
Williams, auditor of state, presented him with an
unusually flattering testimonial for the neat manner in
which he made his reports to the state and for his accuracy
in office. In April, 1878, he was elected
superintendent of what was then known as the Ohio Reform
Farm near Lancaster, under the administration of Governor
Richard M. Bishop. During the latter part of the
administration of Governor Charles Foster in the fall
of 1883, he was again elected, and once more, in April,
1884, at the beginning of Governor Hoadley's term of
service. In 1890 he was once more chosen to the office
under the administration of James E. Campbell, his
incumbency in that institution covering a period of six and
one-half years. No more capable official has ever
occupied the position. Colonel Hite instituted
many improvements and measures for the benefit of the
institution, whereby the condition of the inmates was much
improved. He looked beyond the exigencies of the
moment to the possibilities of the future and labored to
instill into the minds of the inmates principles that would
help them to become active and useful citizens in life.
It was through his instrumentality that the name of the
institution was changed by legislative act from the Ohio
Reform Farm to the Boy's Industrial School. He
introduced, in addition to the trades already taught there,
brick making and masonry, cabinet making, telegraphy,
stenography and printing. On the 15th of November,
1884, he issued the first edition of the Boy's Industrial
School Journal, the present paper published at the
institution and the first paper of its kind in the United
States that is still in existence. It was through his
recommendation that the telegraph and telephone lines were
built from Lancaster to the school in 1878 and it was by his
direction that the inmates were first taught regular
military tactics. He was a favorite with the boys, not
only on account of his progressive ideas, but his just
dealing and interest which he took in them. He left
the impress of his individuality upon many a life which has
been benefited through his efforts.
Since leaving the Boys' Industrial School, Colonel
Hite has devoted much of his time to journalism, for
which he has a strong preference. His labors have also
resulted in the perfecting of a system of his own, known as
the Equitable System for conducting building and loan
companies, and for his plan he holds a copyright from the
United States government, taken out in the year 1899.
He is the present secretary and a director of the Equitable
Savings, Loan & Building Company of Lancaster, Ohio, which
is founded on this system and is now doing a remarkably
large and successful business.
On the 23d of September, 1852, Mr. Hite was
united in marriage to Miss Mary Miller, a well
educated and highly cultured young lady, and this union has
been blessed by one son, who graduated with high honors at
Yale College in June, 1878, and who for the past seven years
has held and is still holding the important position of
chief of the drafting department in the United States patent
office at Washington, District of Columbia.
Colonel Hite is a zealous Odd Fellow, having
been identified with the order since 1851. He has
passed the chairs in the subordinate and encampment lodges,
has taken the past grand degree of the former and the degree
of past patriarch in the latter. In September, 1874,
he became a charter member of Columbia Lodge, No. 27,
Knights of Honor, was its first representative to the grand
lodge of Ohio, and twice since then has been elected its
representative and is the present incumbent of the office.
Colonel Hite stands among those to whom the world in
indebted for an uplifting influence. He is a man of
strong purpose, of sterling worth and broad humanitarian
principles, and the work that he has accomplished has won
him high encomiums.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 82 |
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GEORGE E. HOFFMAN, now
deceased, was for many years a respected citizen of
Fairfield county and though he lived a quiet and retiring
life, he enjoyed in high measure the confidence and good
will of many friends. He was born in Franklin county,
Pennsylvania, on the 29th of March, 1825. His father,
Jacob Hoffman, was also a native of Pennsylvania and
removed to Ohio when his son was only four years of age,
taking up his abode in Fairfield county, so that our subject
acquired his education in the common schools of this portion
of the state. He attended for about three months each
year - the winter seasons. The temple of learning was
a little log school house, lighted by a window as long as
one side of the room for it was made by omitting one of the
logs in building the structure. The floor was made of
puncheon and slab benches without backs were used as seats
for the children, the feet of the little ones lacking
several inches of touching the floor. After the
primitive manner of the times George E. Huffman
continued his education until about eighteen years of age.
In the meantime he had become familiar with the various
departments of farm work upon the old family homestead,
situated about three miles west of Lancaster. The
place comprised one hundred and forty-eight acres of good
land and there our subject remained with his father until
his marriage, when he purchased the farm upon which his
widow is still living and which was his hoe for a half a
century. Within its boundaries are comprised one
hundred and thirty-seven acres of land, which through the
passing years has responded to the cultivation and
improvement of Mr. Hoffman, whose efforts transformed
it into a richly developed homestead.
In 1850 occurred the marriage of George E. Hoffman
and Miss Marietta Peters, a native of Fairfield
county, Ohio, and a daughter of Wesley and Elizabeth (Ingman)
Peters; the former a native of Maryland and the latter
of Virginia. In her parent's family were nine
children: Samuel G., deceased; Henry William,
who is living in Hocking township; Mrs. Hoffman; James,
a resident of Berne township; Isabelle, the wife of
Thomas Strode, of Hocking township; Silas P.,
who has passed away; Sophia, the wife of
Henry Ewalt, of Kansas; John Wesley, living in
Springfield; and Sarah Elizabeth who became the wife
of James Davidson, of Champaign, Illinois.
Mrs. Hoffman was born Nov. 21, 1829, and by her marriage
became the mother of ten children, as follows: William
Henry, a resident of Berne township; George Milton,
who died in Kansas; Mary Ella, the wife of Henry
Pearce, of Washington C. H., Ohio; John Wesley,
who lives in Lancaster; Laura Elizabeth, who became
the wife of Charles Embich, of Berne township; Ida
May, who has departed this life; Emma Catherine,
the wife of William Stuckey, of Mount Sterling, Ohio;
Grant N., a resident of Chicago; Fanny, who is
at home with her mother; and Clark P. , also at home.
Our subject and his wife held membership in the
Lutheran church and their Christian belief permeated their
daily conduct. In his political views Mr. Hoffman
was a stanch Republican and had firm belief in the
principles of the party and the ultimate good that would be
attained through the adoption of these principles, but he
never sought or desired office and would never allow his
name to be used in such a connection. He was of a
retiring disposition, but his sterling worth was manifest in
an upright life, and when he was called to his final rest in
1900 many friends mourned his loss.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 292 |
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F. A. HOLLIDAY
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 341 |
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RICHARD HOLMES
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 386 |
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RICHARD HOLMES
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 38 |
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VALENTINE HOOKER
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 51 |
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CORNELIUS HUFFER.
Through three generations the Huffer family
has been identified with agricultural interests of Fairfield
county. Grandfather, father and son have been honored
and respected farmers, whose labors have brought to them
success and at the same time have contributed to the general
prosperity of the county. Cornelius Huffer
is now the owner of a very attractive and valuable farm, his
being one of the model places in this portion of Ohio.
He has made excellent improvements there, and his home is a
large frame residence, in the rear of which stand
substantial barns and outbuildings, all surrounded by richly
cultivated fields. He has one hundred and thirty-one
and one-third acres of arable land, and, in connection with
the production of the cereals best adapted to the soil and
climate, he has extensively engaged in stock-raising.
Mr. Huffer was born in Amanda town ship
upon this place, his natal day being May 8, 1837. His
paternal grandfather, Isaac Huffer, came from
Pennsylvania to Ohio when Fairfield county was situated upon
the extreme borders of civilization, being a frontier
district. He took up his abode in Amanda township,
where he purchased one hundred and sixty-five acres of land
in its primitive condition, the trees standing in their
primeval strength of the years past. He not only
placed his land under a high state of cultivation, but added
to his original purchase a tract of one hundred and
thirty-three and one-third acres and still another of one
hundred and sixty-five acres, his last possessions adjoining
made him a wealthy farmer of the community. It was all
covered with a dense growth of timber when it came into his
possession, but with characteristic energy he began to clear
it and soon the sound of the woodman's ax awakened the
echoes of the forest and the sun light shone upon open
fields ready for cultivation. He fenced his place,
erected good buildings, and in the course of time became the
owner of a farm unsurpassed in improvements in this portion
of the state. His home was there until his death,
which occurred when he was about eighty years of age.
His wife also passed away there after having survived him
for several years. In the family were four children,
but none are now living.
Isaac Huffer, the father of our subject,
was born upon the old home place in Amanda township and
became familiar with farm work under the direction of his
father, and continued the cultivation of the land after his
father's death. He, too, prospered, owing to his
perseverance, his energy, his honorable business methods and
personal worth. He supported the Baptist church during
the latter part of his life, dying in that faith about 1860
when sixty-six years of age. His wife bore the maiden
name of Mary Wells and was born in Maryland,
while her death occurred at the age of seventy-seven years.
She was a devoted mother, a loving wife and a kind neighbor.
She enjoyed to an unusual degree the love and friendship of
those with whom she was associated. During the last
nine years of her life she was afflicted with blindness, but
she bore her suffering bravely and with Christian
fortitude. In their family were ten children, of whom
Cornelius Huffer is the youngest and about the
only survivor.
The subject of this review has known no other home than
that upon which he is living. It was his playground in
boyhood, the place of his early efforts in business, and has
continued to be the field of his labor through all the years
of his manhood. The large and attractive residence
which stands here is a monument to his enterprise and
progressive spirit, for it was erected by him. He has
also built other buildings, which have made his place one of
the model farms of the county. He thoroughly under
stands the best methods of producing crops and caring for
stock, and in both branches of his business is meeting with
creditable success.
As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr.
Huffer chose Emeline Bell, their
marriage occurring on the 14th of November, 1872. The
lady was born in Amanda township, Fairfield county, and is
the daughter of Charles Bell, a prominent
farmer of this locality, his home being near the Hurler
farm. He was killed by a falling tree while
engaged in chopping in the woods. Mr. and Mrs.
Huffer became the parents of nine children, but the
first born died unnamed. Nora E. is the wife of
Harry Dorring, a resident farmer of Amanda
township, and they have one child, Emory Cornelius.
Emmet D. resides upon the home farm and assists
his father in the cultivation of the fields. Kirby
B. also works on the old homestead. Mertie E. and
Wilbert P. are yet under the parental roof, and
Clinton C. completes the family, the others having died
in infancy. The Democratic party receives the
unwavering support of Mr. Huffer, who always
casts his ballot for its men and measures, but he has never
sought or desired public office as a reward for party
fealty. He is one of the men who have helped to make
and hold Fairfield county to its present prosperous
condition, and his life has been in harmony with the record
of an honorable ancestry. His home is the visible
evidence of his life of industry, and all who know him unite
in speaking of him in terms of high praise and commendation.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 255 |
| |
EMANUEL HUFFORD.
Emanuel Hufford does not need to read the
history of pioneer days to become familiar with the
condition which existed in Ohio when this portion of the
state was upon the frontier, for practical experience has
made him acquainted with all those conditions. He was
born in Hocking county in November, 1844, acquired his early
education there prior to the age of thirteen years and then
after the removal of the family to Fairfield county
continued his education in the schools here. Later he
went to Indiana, where he was employed for a year, and on
the expiration of that period he returned to his home and
engaged in farming for one year for his father. He
then came to the farm upon which he now lives in Rush Creek
township, and for one year worked it for his father-in-law.
He was successful in his undertakings and was thereby
encouraged to secure a home of his own. He was married
Feb. 14, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Simpson, a native of
Fairfield county, Ohio, and as the years have passed eleven
children have been added to their family: Joseph, who
is living about one mile east of the village of Flagdale:
Martin, who married Nora Burker, makes his
home in Indiana; Eli, who married first Carrie
Proctor and after her death Oma Shoemaker
became his wife, and is living upon the old family
homestead; Sadie, the wife of Frank Grove,
residing two miles east of Bremen; Kittie, the wife
of S. Shoemaker, living in Rushville; Barbara,
the wife of Homer Wright, their residence
being about one mile from her father's home; Jennie,
the wife of Porter Wright, who lives upon the
farm adjoining her father's; Eliza, the wife of
Jim Blasser, at home; Leafy, John
and Carl, yet residing with their parents.
In his political views Mr. Hufford is a
Democrat, and for a time served as town ship trustee and has
also served as school director. He and his wife are
members of the German Reformed church. At the time of
his marriage he had earned about five hundred dollars, which
he put out at interest and it is there yet. He never
rode in a buggy until he was married. On one Saturday
morning he walked to Lancaster and after buying a pair of
new trousers and a vest and also having his picture taken,
he walked back home again, covering a distance of twenty-two
miles. On the same day he walked nine miles south to
church and again home after the services, covering forty
miles that day. In the same year on one occasion he walked
eight miles before breakfast. No history of Fairfield
county would be complete without mention of the Hufford
family, so long have they resided in this part of the
state and so active have they been in business affairs,
contributing to the general welfare.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 310 |
| |
WILLIAM HUFFORD.
The name of Hufford has been closely interwoven with
the history of Fairfield county. Throughout the
nineteenth century its representatives lived in this portion
of the state and our subject is now actively carrying on
farm work and hearing his part in the task of improvement
and progress, which was begun so many years ago by his
ancestors. His great-grandfather, Casper
Hufford, was of German descent and in 1801 came to Ohio,
settling on Raccoon creek. He afterward removed
farther up the creek, where he owned land, reclaiming the
wild land for purposes of civilization. He died in
November, 1825, and was buried upon his farm. He had
married Miss Stahley, who was of German
descent and died in 1840, her death also occurring upon the
old family homestead, at which time she was laid to rest by
the side of her husband.
Their son, Solomon Hufford, the grandfather of
our subject, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, June
16, 1786, and when his parents removed to Ohio he
accompanied them. Some time later he entered from the
government land which is now owned by Emanuel Hufford
and there he developed an excellent farm, making it his home
up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1876, when he
was in his ninety-first year. He married Miss
Rebecca Hendrick, who was of German lineage and was born
on Feb. 17, 1789, at Morrison's Cove, Pennsylvania. At
a very early age she came to Ohio with her father who
entered land on Jonathan's creek in Perry county, where he
built one of the first flouring mills in the state and there
he spent his remaining days and was actively connected with
early industrial interests. Mrs. Hufford, the
grandmother of our subject, departed this life in 1861 in
the seventy-second year of her age. By her marriage
she had become the mother of ten children.
Elias Hufford, the father of our subject, was
born Aug. 17, 1818, about one mile from the home of
William Hufford. He acquired his early education
in an old-time log school house and was familiar with all
the hardships and labors of pioneer life and with the
primitive methods of doing work. He had to cut wheat
with a scythe and tramp it out in the barn with horses.
He went to school about five or six weeks each year for the
remainder of the year he was busy with the work of the
fields. He had to tramp and clean whole crops of wheat
in this way. Quite early in life he began fanning on
his own account his father deeding him eighty acres of land.
Also turning thsi attention to the nursery business he
engaged in raising trees. He was very successful in
his undertakings and became well-to-do. Upon his farm
he built a two story frame residence and made many other
improvements, equipping his place with all modern
accessories. In the year 1841 he was united in
marriage to Miss Hannah Stoneburner, a native of
Perry county, Ohio, and they became the parents of fifteen
children. Those still living are as follows:
Philip, a resident of Indiana; Emanuel, who is
living in Rush Creek township, Fairfield county; Susanne,
the wife of George Ruff of Bremen, Ohio; William
who is living in Rush Creek township; Noah, a
resident of Kansas, his home being in Thayer, that state;
Mary, the wife of Bartlett Friesner, of
Bremen, Ohio; Sarah, the wife of
William Turner also of Bremen; Maggie, the
wife of George Balding, of Bremen; Elias J.,
who is living in Portland, Oregon; Ellen, the wife of
M. S. Stewart, of Bucyrus, Ohio. In politics
the father of this family was a Democrat in matters of
national importance but a local elections he voted for the
man whom he thought best qualified for the position.
He served as supervisor and was also director of schools.
He held membership in the German Baptist church, dying in
that faith and was then laid to rest in Mt. Zion cemetery,
in Perry county.
William Hufford, whose name introduces this review,
was born in Hocking county, Ohio, about four miles south of
his present home. He acquired his early education
there and later continued his studies in Fairfield county,
attending schools about four months each year. When he
was twenty-one his education was completed and he began
farming for his father, for whom he worked for about six
years. Believing that he would enjoy living in the
west he removed to Kansas, but remained only three months,
returning then to Rush Creek township and purchasing land
upon which he now resides. His farm consists of one
hundred and two acres, all of which is under a high state of
cultivation and he is successfully carrying an agricultural
pursuits. Everything about his place is neat and
thrifty in appearance and his enterprise and industry have
been important factors in the prosperous conduct of his
business affairs.
In 1874 William Hufford was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Peer, a native of Hocking county, Ohio,
and unto them have been born the following children:
Edward, residing at home; Wright also at home;
Ida, the wife of Ira McCullough, of Rush Creek
township; Charlie, Arthur and Jim, who are yet
under the paternal roof.
Mr. Hufford has cleared considerable land, for
much of his farm was covered with timber when he took
possession of the property. He built a good home and
barn and also added forty-five acres to his land. His
is one of the creditable farms of the county and the
passerby can see at a glance at the owner is progressive,
practical and endorses modern improvements. In
politics he has followed in his father's footsteps, always
voting the Democratic ticket on questions of national
importance, but at the local elections he votes as he deems
advisable. He has served as school director for a
number of years and is interested in all that tends to
promote the material, intellectual, social and moral
progress of the community. He belongs to the German
Baptist church and his Christian principles have so
permeated his life and molded his career that he is to-day a
man highly respected by all who know him.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 63 |
| |
JEROME D. HUMMELL is a self-educated and self-made
man, who has steadily progressed in life because of his
strong character, his indomitable will and his laudable
ambition. He is now owner of one of the best farms in
Fairfield county and well does he merit his success. Mr.
Hummell was born Dec. 3, 1839, on the farm where he
now resides and near the spot on which the house now stands.
His parents were John and Mary (Dove) Hummell and the
family is of German lineage, the great-grandfather of our
subject having been born in Germany, whence he crossed the
Atlantic to the new world, taking up his abode in
Pennsylvania, where he probably spent his remaining days.
His son, Frederick Hummell, the grandfather of
our subject, removed to Fairfield county after his son,
John, had located here and took up his abode in Bloom
township, where he carried' on agricultural pursuits and
spent the remainder of his life. In his family were ten
children, of whom the following are remembered: Hannah,
Elizabeth, Isaac. David, John
and Leah, the last named being the widow of Daniel
Allspaugh and a resident of Bloom township.
John Hummell, the father of our subject, was
born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and in his youth lived
in a wild district of the Keystone state. At one time he
encountered a panther and on account of the unsettled
condition of the locality he endured many hardships and
privations. In the year 1827 he first came to Fairfield
county, making the entire distance on foot. He did not make
a permanent location but in 1832 returned to this county. He
was a carpenter by occupation and at first took up his abode
in Lithopolis, where he followed his trade. Later, however,
he turned his attention to farming and purchased land, upon
which our subject now resides. This was in 1837. He paid
eleven hundred dollars for the tract, securing the farm from
the Widow Rickits. He borrowed fifty dollars, which
he added to the one hundred dollars he already possessed,
and thus was able to make his first payment of one hundred
and fifty dollars. Subsequently he became an extensive land
owner for as his financial resources increased' he invested
in property until his possessions were very valuable. As a
companion and helpmate for the journey of life he chose
Mary Dove, a daughter of Henry Dove, who
came from Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1803, and entered
land in Bloom; township. The tract is still in
possession of representatives of the name. He lived to the
advanced age of ninety-one years, three months and eight
days, passing away in 1856. Mrs. Doves
daughter was born in Bloom township and was one of seven
children: Peggy, who became Mrs. Orwig; Ruben;
Jacob; Sallie; Elizabeth, who became
the wife of Solomon Kistler and died in Kosciusko
county, Indiana; Elijah, who owned the old homestead,
which for ninety-nine years has been in the family and is
now. owned by his son, Edward, who lives in Kansas;
Mary, now Mrs. Hummell; and Mrs. Laney
Montgomery, of Fremont, Sandusky county, Ohio. Of this
family Mary Dove Hummell was born in 1815 and by her
marriage became the mother of twelve children, ten of whom
reached years of maturity, while eight are yet living. The
record is as follows: H. I., a skilled physician, now
practicing in Baltimore, Ohio; Sarah, the wife of
William Jacobs, who resides on the old homestead;
Martin Luther, of Shelby county, Illinois; Jerome
D.; Saluda, the deceased wife of Frederick
Borchers; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Philemon
Barr; Margaret M. and Nancy, who live on the old
homestead: and Mary and Solomon, who died in
infancy. The father of this family was a man of strict
integrity and sterling worth. He was a good mechanic and
possessed many sterling qualities. He opened the first mine
in Summitt Hill, Pennsylvania, and helped to run the first
car and lay the first T track, being an employe of
Stephen Girard, for whom he was also engaged in
building boats. His first trip to Bloom township was made on
foot and the second time he came by stage, but while enroute
had to assist in getting the stage out of the mud. As
the years passed, however, he prospered and a comfortable
competence rewarded his labors died Dec. 17, 1870, at
the age of sixty-five years and his wife passed away Aug. 14, 1899, at the age of eighty-four years. She possessed a
most remarkable memory and was often called upon to settle
disputes in the neighborhood concerning lines, surveys, etc.
Jerome Hummell, whose name introduces this
review, was reared upon the old home farm and acquired his
education under considerable difficulty. He first attended
the common schools and afterward the Pleasant Township
Seminary, which he entered in August, 1860, spending three
months there. He afterward became a student in the Union
schools of Baltimore, Ohio. Having no money he had to make
his own way but his strong determination and laudable
ambition enabled him eventually to secure a good education.
He afterward engaged in teaching school at "Bunker Hill," in
Liberty township, and for seventeen years continued to
follow that profession with excellent success through the
winter months and in the meantime accumulated about four
thousand dollars. The only-money which he received from his
father to assist him in securing his own education was
eleven dollars and fifty cents. When thirty-eight years of
age he had two hundred dollars and a horse and buggy. At
that time he began saving his money and today he is the
owner of a very valuable property of three hundred acres,
comprising some of the best land in Bloom township. In fact,
the farm is hardly equaled in Fairfield county. In addition
to fanning he has carried on operations in the grain trade,
being the first man to ship a car load of grain down the
valley. In 1862 he became a representative of mercantile
interests in Baltimore, as a partner of his brother, H.
I. Hummell, under the firm name of J. D.
Hummell & Brother. This connection was maintained for
one year when our subject sold his interest to Edwin
Ellis. In all his business undertakings he has
manifested keen discrimination, enterprise and unflagging
perseverance and these qualities have been important
elements in winning him success.
Mr. Hummell was married July
4, 1878, to Miss Rosa A. Bounds, a daughter of
David and Sarah (Millhouse) Bounds. They have one child,
Edmund Ray, who graduated from the law department of
the Ohio University in June, 1902, and expects soon to enter
Yale college. In politics Mr. Hummell has always
supported the Democratic party. He has been called upon to
fill a number of local offices. He has served as a member of
the board of education; has filled many positions of trust;
and several times has been called upon to administer
estates. In the fall of 1899 he was appointed by Governor
Bushnell as a delegate from the Twelfth District of
Ohio as a representative to the Farmers' National Congress,
which was held in Boston in October, 1899. Through his
personal work the route of the electric road from Columbus
to Lancaster was changed for two miles to take in the town
of Carroll. But for his hard and persistent efforts
the road would have passed one-half mile west of the town
limits. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful
members of the Greenfield Presbyterian church in which
he-has served as trustee and is now leading elder. Few men
have manifested a deeper or more helpful interest in the
public welfare than has Mr. Hummell. With keen
foresight he has seen the possibilities of the country and
has done his best to improve these. As a citizen he is both
public spirited and progressive and all who knew him
entertain for him the highest regard.
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 141 |
H. H. Hunter |
HOCKING H. HUNTER
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 11 |
| |
W. J. HUNTER
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 99 |
| |
JOHN HYDE
Source:
A Biographical Record of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio
- Published: New York and Chicago: The S. J. Clarke
Publishing Company - 1902 - Page 71 |
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