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Biographies
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)
Source :
HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY, OHIO
and Representative Citizens
Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton, Celina, Ohio
Published by Biographical Publishing Co.
Chicago, Illinois
1907
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AUGUST
HAMBURGER, who resides on his well-developed farm of
74 acres located in section 31, Jefferson township, was born
in Baden, Germany, "Feb. 3, 1851, and is a son of Conrad
and Margaret Hamburger, natives of Germany.
August Hamburger came to America with his mother
when 13 years old, his father having died in Germany
previous to their emigration to this country. They
first settled in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, in
1864. Here August was reared and educated.
In the fall of 1907 Mr. Hamburger moved from Marion
township to his present home in Jefferson township. In
1898 he sold 45 acres of farm land in Granville township
that he owned and then bought his present farm.
Mr. Hamburger was married April 13, 1875, to
Philomena Lange. Four of their eight children are
living, namely: Charlie, Annie, John and
Valentine. Mrs. Hamburger died Jan. 30, 1890.
Mr. Hamburger's second marriage was with Mrs.
Frances (Gerlach) Greiwe, widow of Barney Greiwe.
She was the mother of six children by her first marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamburger are members of the Catholic
Church. He is also a member of the German Independent
Aid Society of Celina.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 396 |
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JOHN
E. HAMBURGER, who is engaged in the real estate and
insurance business at Celina, is one of the prominent men of
Mercer County, and served as county recorder for quite an
extended period. Mr. Hamburger was born at
Engen, Baden, Germany, Sept. 4, 1854, and is a son of
Conrad and Margaret Hamburger.
The mother of Mr. Hamburger came to America
in 1864, accompanied by her sons. She soon purchased
town property in Marion township, Mercer County, Ohio, where
she resided until her death, which took place Feb. 1, 1907.
She was a woman of great business capacity and a faithful,
devoted mother.
Prior to coming to America, our subject had attended
school in his native land and as soon as practicable resumed
study in the schools of Marion township. When 19 years
of age he went to Dayton, Ohio, and spent one year at
Nazareth College. After his return home, he taught
school in Marion township and continued to assist on the
farm until 1879, when he removed to Celina. Here he
engaged in the manufacture of cigars for the next nine
years, making a success of the business, and then went into
general contracting. This line he carried on from 1888
until 1891, when he accepted the nomination for recorder of
Mercer County. He was elected to this office, was
re-elected in 1894 and served with the greatest efficiency
for six years and eight months. Probably the county
never had a more popular incumbent in the office of county
recorder than was Mr. Hamburger. His
faithfulness, his care and accuracy saved the county of
large amount of needless litigation and brought satisfaction
to those who had dealings with the office during his
administration. Upon his retirement from public
office, he engaged in the manufacture of brick for the new
Catholic Church at Celina. In June, 1903, he engaged
in his present business. His office is located on Main
street.
On Jan. 8, 1879, Mr. Hamburger was married to
Catherine P. Kreusch, who was born in Mercer County,
Ohio. To this union nine children were born, of whom
the survivors are: Margaret, August, Mary and
Victor Edward. Mr. Hamburger and family, a
group picture of whom accompanies this sketch, belong to the
Catholic Church.
Mr. Hamburger owns considerable property in
Celina and the vicinity, including his comfortable home on
the corner of Anthony and Walnut streets.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 455 |
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MOSES
SILAS HAMILTON, a successful farmer and highly esteemed
citizen of Center township, residing on his farm of 40 acres
in section 4, was born October 21, 1859, and is a son of
Justus and Mary Jane (Panabaker) Hamilton and a
grandson of Justin and Eliza (Rhodes) Hamilton.
Justin Hamilton, who was one of the pioneers of this
section of Ohio, located in Union township, Mercer County, as
early as 1822.
Justus Hamilton, the father of our subject, was born
February 19, 1820, and was reared in Mercer County, where his
father was one of the very earliest settlers. He married
Mary Jane Panabaker, and they became the parents of eight
children: Almira; Isabelle; Hugh L.; William
A.; Jennie; Hattie; Charles J.; and Moses Silas,
the subject of this sketch.
Moses S. Hamilton was born on the farm in Center
township where he. now resides and received most of his
education in the schools of Celina, attending until 19 years
of age. After leaving school, he moved back to the old home
farm in Center township and engaged in farming. Mr.
Hamilton has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits
except for a period of 10 years when he lived in Mendon, where
he purchased a home and was engaged in contracting and
building, working throughout Mercer County. He erected
buildings in St. Marys, Auglaize County, and in Celina, Mendon
and other places in Mercer County. Mr. Hamilton
began life almost wholly upon his own resources, having
originally a small farm of 20 acres, which he spent in caring
for himself and son after the death of his first wife. He was
first married in 1879 to Frona Belle Dutton,
a daughter of James and Sarah Dutton. Mrs. Hamilton
died in 1892. One son was born to this union, Lee
Ivan, in 1880. Lee Ivan resides in Celina and is employed
as a mail carrier on Rural Route No. 3; he married Ada
Hall, a daughter of Curtis Hall of
Neptune, and has two children: Juanita and Mildred.
Mr. Hamilton was married in 1894 to
Mary Elizabeth Davis, a daughter of Elihu
and Ellen Jane (Harner) Davis.
Three children were born to the second union: Garret
Trevor, Vera Ada and Anna Jane,
all of whom are living. The parents of Mrs. Hamilton
reside on a farm in section 16, Center township, the father
being in his 76th year and the mother in her 78th year.
Mrs. Davis and the father of our subject were children
together and grew up in the same neighborhood. Michael
Harner, the maternal grandfather of Mrs.
Hamilton, located in Union, township, Mercer County, soon
after Justin Hamilton, .the grandfather of Mr.
Hamilton, came here— both were among the pioneers of
the county.
Mr. Hamilton now owns a
fine farm and in 1903 built a very attractive home on the
place. Politically he is a Republican. He is a man ,of
enterprise and public spirit and is recognized as one of the
county's best citizens.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 637 |
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WILLIAM
ADDISON HAMILTON, a prosperous citizen of Union
township, was born November 23, 1857, half a mile east of his
present well-improved farm of 78 acres, and is a son of
Hugh and Angeline (Dobson) Hamilton.
The Hamilton family came originally from Ireland
to New England, although the earliest records made it of
Scotch extraction. The name is found among the early men of
affairs in the colonies and was borne by both privates and
officers in the Revolutionary and in the Civil War. The great
grandfather of William A. Hamilton lived and
died near Rochester, New York.
William Hamilton, the paternal grandfather, was
one of the very early settlers of Union township, Mercer
County, coming in 1826. He returned to New York and married
Charlotta Elmira Abbey, who was born in 1804
in Canandaigua, New York, and in 1828 they came to Union
township, Mercer County, Ohio, settling in section 26, on
Eight-Mile Creek. Mr. Hamilton cleared up a farm
on which he resided for some years and then moved to Mendon,
embarking in the mercantile business. .Subsequently he
returned to the farm and there the remaining years of his life
were spent. At one time he owned 400 acres of land; he gave
his children farms averaging from 40 to 80 acres when they
married. The children of William and
Charlotta Elmira Hamilton were: Polly
Ann, who married James Shepherd, of Union
township; Lois, who married Cyrus Hussey
and resides in Auglaize County; Hugh, the father of our
subject; Sallie, who married Warren Barber,
an old resident of Union township, whose sketch appears
elsewhere in this work; Isabelle, who married John
A. Murlin, of Mendon; Susan, who died aged 16
years, in 1864; William, who died in 1907 in Union
township, being survived by his widow, who lives in this
township; and several children that died in infancy.
Hugh Hamilton, father of our subject, was
born in Union township, Mercer County, Ohio, in 1832, half a
mile north of where William A. Hamilton lives. There he
died in 1900 at the age of 68 years. In January, 1857, he
married Angeline Dobson, who was born in 1836
and still survives. She is a daughter of Joseph A. and
Eliza (Ribkey) Dobson, the former of whom was born in
Pennsylvania. His father, William Dobson, came
from England. He had one son and two daughters, the latter of
whom were born in England. His son, Joseph A.; married
Eliza Ribkey, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, whence
he removed to Allegheny County, thence to Meigs County, Ohio,
from there to Athens County, then to Auglaize County, and in
1882 to Mercer County, where both he and his wife died; the
former, born in November, 1812, died in 1890, aged 78 years,
and the latter, born in 1816, died in 1884.
The children born to Joseph A. and Eliza Dobson
were: Mary Etta, who married Thomas
Hays and moved to Wisconsin, where both died; Angeline,
the mother of our subject; Joseph, who died aged 20
years; Louise, who married John Brewer,
lived at Paulding, Ohio, and died in 1902; Catherine,
who married Hamilton Noble and lives in
Oklahoma; Annie, who married N. T. Griffin,
resided in Mercer County and died in 1905; F. P., who
is engaged in a real estate business at Denver, Colorado;
William H., also a resident of Denver; Elias, who
died aged 24 years; and a babe deceased in infancy.
The children of Hugh and Angeline (Dobson) Hamilton
were: William Addison, of this sketch; Mary
Etta, who married Thomas E. Upton, and died in
1892, leaving four children; and. Joseph, who, prior to
his marriage was a boot and shoe dealer at Mendon.. Joseph
Hamilton now resides with his venerable mother. He
married Elizabeth Bevan, a daughter of John
Bevan, of Union township. They have three children, one
of whom, Hugh, makes his home with his uncle,
William Addison, the subject of this sketch.
William Addison Hamilton attended the township
schools and also the Ohio Normal University at Ada, and then
taught school for several years in Union township. He was
reared a practical farmer and has always been interested in
agricultural pursuits. He has resided on his present farm
since 1888.
In 1888 he was married to Julia A. Nottingham, a
daughter of William and Ann (Nickel) Nottingham, both
residents of Center township. William Nottingham was
born in the eastern part of West Virginia and is a son of
George Nottingham, who came to Ohio when William
was eight years of age and settled near St. Marys, in Auglaize
County. The latter recently visited his old home in
West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Nottingham
had seven children, namely: William M., who is engaged
in the marble business at Cleveland, Ohio; Julia A.,
wife of our subject; Nettie, wife of James
Staeger, living near Celina; Louella, living at
home; Frank, a driller and horseman, residing at
Mendon; Leroy, who lives on the farm in Center
township; and George, unmarried, who farms for his
father in Center township.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have had
five children, namely: Irene, Gail, Louise,
Julia Etta and Mary Letha, all at home.
In his political preference he is a Republican, but occasions
arise when he casts his vote for the man rather than for the
party. 'He is a good citizen himself and desires to see men in
office who will be sure to carry out the laws of the land
without fear or favor.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 635 |
| |
WILLIAM S. HANSEL, who for more than 41 years was a successful
agriculturist of Hopewell township, where he still owns an
excellent farm of 120 acres, has been a retired resident of
Celina since October, 1901. Mr. Hansel was born in Hocking
County, Ohio, November 26, 1835, and is a son of George and
Mary (Pontius) Hansel.
The father of Mr. Hansel was born in Fairfield County, Ohio,
where he married. He and his wife became early settlers of
Hocking County, where they lived quiet, agricultural lives for
many succeeding years.
William S. Hansel was reared on his father's farm and was
educated in the district schools. On August 13, 1857, he was
united in marriage with Sarah A. Hanby, who was born in
Hocking County, Ohio, March 27, 1839, and is a daughter of
Benjamin and Elizabeth (Cloud) Hanby. Mr. and Mrs. Hanby, who
were natives of Pennsylvania, were pioneers in Hocking County
and thus Mrs. Hansel was well trained in the pioneer life and
the hard conditions to which she was subjected when she
accompanied her husband to Hopewell township.
Mr. Hansel remained in Hocking County until after the birth of
two children and then decided to remove to Mercer County. The
family effects were packed in a two-horse wagon and the
journey consumed four and a half days before the new home in
section 11, Hopewell township, was reached. At that time the
forest still covered what is now one of the finest farms in
the township, and to the development of this Mr. Hansel
devoted many years of his life. He was amply repaid for his
industry and remained on the farm until advancing years caused
him to seek a retired life. He was one of the township's
leading citizens and was ever ready to do his duty in
advancing the educational interests of his neighborhood and in
assisting in public improvements.
The eight surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Hansel
are: John N., of Hopewell township; Mary E.,
wife of Jasper Wilson, of Greene County, Ohio;
Lucinda, wife of Frank Warthman, of
Dublin township; and George, Joseph, Henry,
Ida (wife of Jacob Beougher) and August,
all of Hopewell township.
Mr. and Mrs. Hansel have been consistent members of the Church
of God for very many years and Mr. Hansel has been a trustee,
an elder and a deacon in the same. They are well known and are
beloved by a wide circle of friends. The half-century
anniversary of their marriage is approaching and it is the
earnest wish of kindred and friends that many more years of
happy life together may be vouchsafed them. Their pleasant
home on Wayne street and Nickerson avenue, Celina, is one of
great hospitality.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 739 |
| |
THOMAS
HART, who has been a resident of Gibson township
since 1872, resides on his farm of 96 acres in section 23.
He was born in Fayette County, Ohio, Jan. 2, 1866, and is a
son of Thomas and Kate (Ennis) Hart.
Thomas Hart, Sr., was born in Ireland, where he
grew to manhood. Upon coming to the United States, he
located at New York, where he worked for a number of years
and was married. About 1861 he moved to Fayette
County, Ohio, where he settled on a farm on which he lived
until 1872, when he moved to Mercer County and brought the
farm now owned by our subject and his brother James,
who is engaged in teaching school. Thomas Hart
died in 1901 and his wife died in 1897. They were the
parents of seven children, five of whom are living.
The record is as follows: Patrick who lives in
Recovery township; John, a resident of Granville
township; Thomas; Peter, who died aged 21
years; James, who teaches in the Koester school
district, Gibson township; Mary, who died aged 22
years; and Margaret, wife of Michael Resh,
living in Recovery township.
Thomas Hart came to Mercer County with his
parents when six years of age, and has since lived in this
township and on the farm, where his father first located,
and land at that time being chiefly covered with timber.
Mr. Hart was married in the fall of 1898 to Clara
Stachler a daughter of Henry Stachler. Mr. and
Mrs. Hart have no children. They are both members
of St. Wendelin's Catholic Church at Wendelin.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 672 |
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JOHN
BERNARD HASLINGER; junior member of firm of
Haslinger & Son, general merchants at Coldwater, was
born at Maria Stein, Ohio, Apr. 26, 1872, and is a son of
William and Catherine (Schmeising) Haslinger.
Mr. Haslinger received his early education at Maria
Stein, and in laying the foundation for his future career in
the business world he took a course in penmanship,
bookkeeping, typewriting and stenography at the Coldwater
academy. After graduation he entered his father's shoe
store at Maria Stein, but after a short time returned to
Coldwater and became a clerk in the general store of John
L. Phellis, later purchasing the business in partnership
with his father. Under the new management it soon
became recognized as one of the leading mercantile houses in
this part of the county.
Mr. Haslinger's popularity among his
acquaintances and associates was duly attested by his
election as corporation treasurer, in which capacity he has
served since 1894. In 1902 he was a candidate for
county clerk on the Democratic ticket, but there were four
candidates and he was defeated by about 200 votes.
Mr. Haslinger is a member of the Catholic Church.
He belongs to the Knights of St. John.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 543 |
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ELI
T. HASTINGS. The subject of this sketch was
born in Sussex County, Delaware, Nov. 10, 1845. His
parents were Waterman W. and Eleanor E. (Collins)
Hastings. The father was the son of James
Hastings, whose ancestors came to America from England
early in the 18th century. The mother was the daughter
of Solomon Collins, who was of Irish descent.
Waterman Hastings moved with his family to
Mercer County, Ohio in August, 1846, and settled ion a farm
three miles south of Fort Recovery. In the family are
four brothers and three sisters, viz: Eli T., James,
Zachary T., Mrs. Ella Ralph and Mrs. Frank Lowe,
of Fort Recovery; Mrs. William Hamline, of Celina,
Ohio; and Charles W., of Reynolds, Washington.
Eli T. Hastings remained on his father's farm
until 1864, when at the age of 18, during the War of the
Rebellion, he enlisted in the U. S. Army, serving in the
156th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. After returning home at
the expiration of his term of enlistment, he engaged in
teaching school for some time. On September 12, 1871,
he was married to Elmira E. Davison, daughter of
James and Mary Davison. They have two sons and
three daughters, viz.: Carry A., Mary E., J. Frank, Roy
D. and Hope H. The daughters live with
their parents. Roy married Gertrude Graham
and lives in Youngstown, Ohio. Frank, a
graduate of the University of Michigan, is practicing
medicine in Hancock Michigan.
In 1881 Mr. Hastings engaged in the retail shoe
business in Fort Recovery, he retired from the business in
1905.
In politics he is a Republican. In religion he is
a firm believer in the principals of Christianity. He
was raised in the faith of the Congregational Church, to
which he and his family still adhere.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 304 |
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J. E.
HATTERY, M. D., vice-president of the First National
Bank of Celina, and an eminent physician and surgeon of this
section of the State, was born July 25, 1857, at Van Wert,
Ohio, and is a son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Ritter)
Hattery.
Until he was 17 years of age, Dr. Hattery
assisted on the home farm and made due preparations, in the
local schools, for a collegiate course in the Northern
Indiana Normal College, at Valparaiso. Upon his return
from college, he began to teach school and for some years
continued in the profession, at the same time devoting his
leisure to the reading of medicine, under the supervision
and direction of Dr. G. W. McGavren, of Van Wert.
In 1880 he entered Starling Medical College, at Columbus,
where he was graduated in 1884.
Shortly after he received his medical degree, Dr.
Hattery began the practice of his profession, locating
at Elgin, Van Wert County, where he remained until 1893,
when he located in Celina. In January, 1894, he
entered into a medical partnership with Dr. G. J. C.
Wintermute, under the firm style of Wintermute &
Hattery, which continued for seven years; since 1901 he
has practiced alone. While professional duties claim
the larger part of his time and attention, Dr. Hattery
has other interests of an important character, and since
1900 he has been vice-president of the First National Bank
of Celina.
In 1886 Dr. Hattery was married to Mary A.
Nichols, who was born in Union township, Mercer County,
and is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Nichols. Dr.
and Mrs. Hattery have five children, namely: John S.,
a teacher in Van Wert County, Ohio; Florence A., Lenora,
Russell R. and Sidney Dillon. The pleasant family
home is situated on the corner of Market and Ash streets.
Dr. Hattery belongs to the Northwestern Ohio
Medical Association and is one of its most scholarly and
experienced members, and has contributed to its literature.
He is also a member of the Mercer County Medical Society and
the American Medical Association, and in his fraternal
connections is a Mason. In politics he is a Republican
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 377 |
| |
JAMES K.
HEAP, one of the prominent citizens of Fort Recovery,
now retired from active business life, was born at Dayton,
Ohio, September 19, 1848, and is a son of Henry and Olivia
(Reed) Heap.
The father of Mr. Heap was born in England,
where he remained until he was 20 years of age and then came
to America, finding employment at Philadelphia, as a cotton
spinner. In that city he married Olivia Reed, a
daughter of William Reed, who was a prominent
public official of Philadelphia. During the War of 1812 Mr.
Reed was powder inspector at Philadelphia. After his
marriage, Henry Heap removed to Dayton, Ohio,
where he went into business with a Mr. Wise, as
a woolen manufacturer, and later became foreman for the Gibson
woolen-mill, a position he filled for a number of years. Both
parents of our subject died at St. Marys, Ohio, the father in
1898 and the mother in 1895. Their children were as follows:
Edward, who died when his parents were crossing the
mountains, on their way to Ohio from Pennsylvania; Mary,
deceased, who was the wife ,of Samuel Hoffman, also
deceased; Ellen, who married (first) Noah Bretz,
and (second) Howard Levery; Henry, a
resident of St. Marys; Ann, wife of John Binkler,
of St. Marys; and James K.
When our subject was about five years old, his parents
removed to St. Marys, making the trip on a canal boat. He was
reared at St. Marys and attended the public schools and
subsequently learned the grist-mill business, which he
followed for some years. He then engaged in farming until
1881. He still owns 30 acres of fine land in Auglaize County.
After leaving the farm he removed to St. Marys and was in the
hardware business there until 1885, when he came to Fort
Recovery and bought a grain elevator, which business he
conducted until he sold it in November, 1905. Mr. Heap owns
considerable valuable property in addition to his farm
mentioned. In 1890 he purchased his fine residence at Fort
Recovery, located on a five-acre tract of land, and he has a
number of improved lots in St. Marys. He has served on the
village Council of Fort Recovery with efficiency and to the
advantage of the public.
In 1872 Mr. Heap was married to Elizabeth Ferguson,
a daughter of Archibald and Margaret Ferguson,
and they have had four children, namely: Harry, who
died aged nine years; Roy, who is in the clothing and
men's furnishings business at Montpelier, Indiana; Maude
and James Edward. Mr. Heap's daughter is a very
highly accomplished young lady. She graduated from the Fort
Recovery High School and then became a student in the Lake
Erie Seminary, at Painesville, Ohio. Since 1907 she has been a
successful teacher in the primary schools at Fort Recovery.
Every summer she enjoys a vacation course at Oxford, Ohio. The
youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Heap is a practicing
physician at St. Marys. He also graduated from the Fort
Recovery High School, later from the Ohio Medical College at
Cincinnati and spent one year at the Good Samaritan Hospital
and one at the German Deaconess' Hospital, Cincinnati.
Mr. Heap is prominent in Masonry, being a member
of the chapter and commandery at Celina, and has been
identified with the fraternity since he was 24 years of age.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 748 |
| |
WILLIAM
B. HEATH, a representative citizen and successful
farmer and stock-raiser of Union township, where he owns a
fine farm of 100 acres, was born some 80 rods east of his
present home, May 3, 1857, and is a son of Maj. Joshua W.
and Mary Ann (Lytle) Health.
Maj. Joshua W. Heath, American born and bred,
testified to the patriotic impulses of his nature by
entering the service of his country, when her liberties were
in danger, in 18061. He entered the service of his
country, when her liberties were in danger, in 1861.
He entered the service as captain of Company A, 46th Reg.
Ohio Vol. Inf., was promoted to be major on account of
gallantry and gave up his life in the line of duty, before
Atlanta, Georgia, on July 22, 1864. His honored
remains lie in the beautiful National Cemetery at Marietta,
Georgia. His service has been one of exceptional
brilliancy, he having participated in the memorable battles
of Mission Ridge, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Orchard Knob,
Dalton and Resaca. After his marriage, he located in
Union township, Mercer County, where the family has been
located ever since.
The mother of our subject still survives at the age of
71 years. She is a daughter of Robert B. Lytle,
formerly a resident of Wayne County, Ohio, where she was
born, who later became a pioneer of Mercer County.
Four children were born to Major Heath and wife, as follows:
Martha Elizabeth, who married Willis
Hays - both now deceased; William B.; Rachel
Emma, who married Milton Tullis, now of
Oklahoma; and Ellsworth, who died aged two years.
After the death of Major Heath, his widow
married George Snyder and she became the
mother of four more children.
William B. Heath was educated in the schools of
Union Township. The absence of his father in the army
threw many responsibilities upon his shoulders and, in every
essential, Mr. Heath is a strictly self made man.
His property has all been acquired through personal effort
and his standing in the community has been won by an
upright, honorable life. In 1878 he purchased 40 acres
of his present farm, to which he subsequently added 60
acres, and he devotes his land to mixed farming and also
raises some stock. Although he taught school for one
term in young manhood, his main business in life has been
farming, and his reputation is established as a very
competent agriculturist.
In 1877 Mr. Heath was married (first) to
Lavina Protzman, who was born in Mercer County, Ohio,
and died in 1878, leaving one son, Ansel O., who is
now employed in the vicinity of Dayton. Mr. Heath
was married (second) to Emma Downey and they have had
two children- Caryden James, aged three years, and
Naomi, aged two years.
Fraternally, Mr. Heath is a member of Shane's
Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M., at Rockford; Lodge No. 416,
Knights of Pythias, at Mendon, and Lodge No. 750,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also at Mendon. In
his political sentiments, Mr. Heath is independent.
He recognizes good and honest principles in all parties, but
as a whole he does not feel inclined to identify himself
with any and believes he does best when he votes for the man
whose life has previously shown the patriotism and integrity
a candidate ought to have.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 719 |
| |
FRED
HEHMEYER, one of the leading citizens of Washington
township, and the owner of 225 acres of valuable farm land -
160 acres in section 24, Washington township (the home
place), and 65 acres in section 19, Butler township - was
born in Germany, Apr. 10, 1859, and is a son of Frederick
and Elizabeth (Knippenberg) Hehmeyer, both of whom were
born and died in Germany.
Fred Hehmeyer was reared on his father's farm in
Germany, remaining there until 20 years of age, when he
entered the German Army and served for three years. He
then returned to his home and about four months later came
to America, landing in New York, Apr. 14, 1882. He
located at Dayton, Ohio, for a short time, and then came to
Mercer County, where he engaged in farm work until after his
marriage, when he moved to a farm owned by his wife.
Later he bought 80 acres in Washington township, adjoining
his wife's farm, and still later bought another tract of 65
acres in Butler township. He has made many
improvements on his property and has erected a large frame
house, barn and other necessary buildings. Mr.
Hehmeyer is engaged in general farming and
stock-raising, owning full-blooded Polled Durham cattle and
Poland-China and Chester-White hogs.
Mr. Hehmeyer was married in 1884 to Christina
Wenker, a daughter of Frank and Charlotte (Varwig)
Wenker, both natives of Germany, who came to America
about 1852, and settled near New Bremen, Ohio, where they
lived for about 2 years. Mr. Wenker was a
volunteer soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War,
serving about nine months. Shortly after returning
from the war, he sold his farm near New Bremen and moved to
Mercer County, where he bought a farm of 80 acres in
Washington township. To this land he added from time
to time and at his death owned 160 acres. His death
occurred in March, 1889, and his wife died about 1887.
They were the parents of six children, of whom Mrs.
Hehmeyer was the fifth child.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hehmeyer were born 10 children:
Carl, Caroline, Tillie, George, Ida, Henry, John,
Emma, Annie and Elice. Mr. Hehmeyer
is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been a
trustee and deacon.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 657 |
| |
REV.
JOSEPH HEITZ, C. PP. S., rector of the Novitiate of
the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, situated near
Burkettsville, in Granville township, was born June 9, 1854,
on a farm in Huron County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob
and Frances (Meng) Heitz, who were natives of Germany.
Joseph Heitz was the oldest of a family of three
children. He first attended school at the district
school near his father's home. He then went to a
Catholic school at Bismarck, Huron County, Ohio, and then
entered St. Joseph's College in Illinois, where he took a
preparatory course for two years, after which he entered St.
Charles Seminary, at Carthegena, taking a nine years'
course. He was ordained a priest in 1881, after which
he went to Fort Recovery, where he had his first church,
also having charge of the churches at Wendelin and
Sharpsburg. After remaining there for about 11 months,
he went to Glandorf, Putnam County, Ohio, where he became an
assistant priest. His next call was to Big Spring,
Seneca County, Ohio, where he had charge of St. Peter's
parish for 18 months, returning then to Fort Recovery
to take charge of the church there a second time. He
afterwards located at Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and had
charge of a number of missions, including Franklin, Pulaski
and Columbia. He was at Lawrenceburg two years and one
year at Nashville. From Nashville he went to New York
City, where he became chaplain at St. Joseph's Hospital,
after which he returned to Coldwater, Mercer County, and had
charge of Holy Trinity Church for one year. Since 1890
he has been rector of the Novitiate of the Fathers of the
Most Precious Blood, which is situated one mile and a half
northeast Burkettsville. Father Heitz is a member of
the congregation of the Most Precious Blood.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 519 |
| |
BENJAMIN
HELLWARTH, a representative agriculturist and
well-known citizen of Hopewell township, resides on his
well-improved farm of 160 acres, situated in section 21.
On this farm he was born, Feb. 18, 1854, being a son of
George M. and Margaret (Wappas) Hellwarth, both natives
of Germany.
George M. Hellwarth served six years in early
manhood in the German Army and then emigrated to the United
States, in 1831. Three yeas later he entered land from
the government of Hopewell township, Mercer County, Ohio -
the present homestead of our subject. In clearing,
improving and cultivating this farm, George M. Hellwarth
spent his whole subsequent life, which closed about
1865. He was a most worthy man in every relation of
life. He was one of the early members of the
Evangelical Association in his locality. His political
views were in accord with the tenets of the Democratic
party.
Benjamin Hellwarth was reared to manhood on his
present farm and in boyhood attended the district schools.
He has always followed agricultural pursuits and in addition
to the home farm owns 160 acres of land in Indiana.
When he reached man's estate, he married Lena J. Will,
a native of Hopewell township and a daughter of George
Will, a Civil War soldier, who was an old settler here
but did not long survive the hardships of army life, dying
soon after his return from the service. Mr. and
Mrs. Hellwarth have four children, as follows:
Ronello Blaine, Richard Garfield, Ray McKinley and
"Arlen Roosevelt. The family belong to the
Evangelical Association.
In political sentiment, Mr. Hellwarth in an
ardent Republican and an active supporter of its candidates
and a firm believer in its principles. He is one of
the township's most successful farmers as well as most
public-spirited citizens and enjoys the esteem, respect and
confidence of his fellow-citizens.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 696 |
| |
GEORGE
F. HELLWARTH, one of the leading citizens and
representative agriculturists of Hopewell township, the
owner of the choice property known far and wide as the
"Bonanza Farm," which is situated in section 28, belongs to
one of the pioneer families of this locality. He was
born in this township, Mr. 5, 1849, and is a son of
George M. and Margaret (Wappas) Hellwarth.
The parents of Mr. Hellwarth were born in
Germany. When they came to Mercer County, the father
bought from the government a tract of forest land, upon
which he settled and which he spent the rest of his life in
developing. In his death, in 1866, it was generally
conceded that Hopewell township had lost one of its most
worthy pioneers. Prior to coming to Ohio, he lived
three years in Pennsylvania, and in the '30s worked as a
laborer on the National Road between Springfield and
Columbus, Ohio. He served as township trustee and did
much to assist in the early development of all the
township's resources.
George F. Hellwarth was reared amid pioneer
surroundings and secured his education in the little log
schoolhouse of the district, in close proximity to his
father's farm. His early training, as well as his
inclinations, made him a practical farmer and he has given
his main attention through life to agricultural pursuits.
This evidently has been to good purpose as his 240-acre farm
has acquired a name indicating great resources. His
methods have been directed along intelligent lines and all
the surroundings of his beautiful home give indications that
the owner and manager of this estate thoroughly understands
and takes pleasure in his business. All the buildings
on the place are substantial ones. Mr. Hellwarth
enjoys the reputation of being a model farmer.
On the 14th of May, 1886, a cyclone passed through our
subject's neighborhood, and he with others suffered heavy
losses, all his buildings being practically destroyed and
several members of the family being injured.
Mr. Hellwarth was united in marriage with
Catherine Schmidt, who was born in Auglaize County,
Ohio, and is a daughter of the late Christian Schmidt,
of Hopewell township, Mercer County. To this union
have been born four children namely: Lorenzo D.,
Clinton C., Oscar and Edith M.
For the past 29 years Mr. Hellwarth has
resided on his present place and during this period he has
taken an active part in the public affairs of Hopewell
township. He has always been much interested in public
education and on numerous occasions has served as school
director in District No. 7. In politics he is a
Republican and in 1905 was chosen by his party as its
candidate for county commissioner. By reason of his
high personal character, Mr. Hellwarth enjoys the
confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 676 |
| |
PAUL HENRY HEMMELGARN,
whose well-developed and highly cultivated farm of 130 acres
is located in section 29, Granville township, was born June
10, 1853, at Minster, Auglaize County, Ohio, and is a son of
Henry Hemmelgarn, a native of Germany.
Henry Hemmelgarn came to this country with his
parents when two and a half years of age. His parents
first located at Springfield, Ohio, and in a few yeas moved
to Mercer County, where his father bought a farm of 80 acres
in Cranberry Prairie for a very small sum. The land
was cleared and a round-log cabin was erected, and here his
parents passed the remainder of their days. They had a
family of six children, namely: Mary, deceased;
Elizabeth; Catherine; Theodore, a resident of
Granville Township, who married Mary Hulsman, now
deceased; Joseph, deceased; and Henry, father
of our subject.
Henry Hemmelgarn learned the carpenter's trade
when a boy at Minster, where he lived for a few years after
his marriage, In 1855 he moved to Granville township,
Mercer County, where he bought a farm of 40 acres on the
township line near Cassella. He subsequently sold this
farm and took an interest in a sawmill at Cassella, in which
business he remained for two years. He then bought 120
acres of land in Granville township and lived on this farm
for about 22 years, when he sold it and bought 190 acres in
Marion township, where he is still living with his son
John, who has since bought the farm. He
married Catherine Smith, who came from Germany with her
parents when six years of age. They became the parents
of these children: Paul Henry, subject of this
sketch; Theodore, deceased in infancy; Catherine,
who married Joe Hagerdorn, of St. Rosa; Bernard,
who married Josephina Hesselfelt and lives in
Cincinnati; John, who married Bernardina Albers
and resides on the old home place in Marion township;
Charles, who married Philomena Gottemoller and
lives in Marion township; William, deceased in
infancy; and Elizabeth, who married Herman
Brandewie, of Auglaize County. Mrs. Hemmelgarn
died at Cranberry Prairie in December, 1872.
Paul Henry Hemmelgarn has always lived in Mercer
County and been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He
purchased a farm in 1877 from Mr. Fraser. This
land was the old Landon Bennett place, which was
entered in 1835 in the United States Land Office at Lima,
and Mr. Hemmelgarn has the deed which is signed by
President Van Buren. The Wabash River at one time
run through this land, but now nothing remains but the river
bed, as the course of the river has changed. The
house, which is a large, six-room, frame building, sets back
about a quarter of a mile from the road, and was erected by
our subject in 1894. A large barn and other
improvements have been added by him. Mr. Hemmelgarn
has a well-ke0t vineyard.
Mr. Hemmelgarn was married Nov. 9, 1875, at
Cranberry Prairie, to Elizabeth Lemm, a daughter of
William H. Lemm. They have had to children,
namely: Catherine, who married Fred
Gottemoller, lives in Marion township and has three
children - Mark, Urban and Mary Elizabeth; Cecilia
Anna, deceased in infancy; Elizabeth; Joseph; Mary;
Charles; Henry; Leo; Theresa; and Maggie, who is
deceased. Mrs. Hemmelgarn died Feb. 8, 1900.
Mr. Hemmelgarn has served several terms on the School
Board, and he and his family are members of the St.
Wendelin's Catholic Church at Wendelin.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 473 |
| |
THEODORE
HEMMELGARN, a pioneer settler of Granville township,
and one of its best known residents, now residing with his
son Anton, to whom he sold his 160-acre farm, was
born in Germany, Sept. 4, 1829, and is a son of Henry and
Mary (Derkas) Hemmelgarn.
The parents of Mr.
Hemmelgarn were born and married in Germany. In
1835 they came to America, accompanied by an uncle and aunt
of Theodore, the former of whom, William, died
at Cincinnati, and the latter, Mary, married Henry
Brockman, and died at Cranberry Prairie, Mercer County.
The Hemmelgarns were poor when they came to this
country and they struggled through several years before they
reached Mercer County. The father then bought 40 acres
of land from the State which he subsequently cleared, and
built first a found-log cabin, later, a hewed-log cabin, in
which the parents died. This was at a time when
pioneer conditions prevailed, the country being but sparsely
settled. Herds of deer, numbering as many as 20
individuals, would invade the farm and wild turkeys provided
a greater part of the family sustenance. The children
born to Henry and Mary Hemmelgarn were: Mary,
who married Bernard Drahman - both now
deceased; Elizabeth, a nun in a religious
institution, who died in Massachusetts; Theodore;
Henry, who married Catherine Smith; Joseph,
who married Gertrude Smith and Catherine who
died in childhood.
Theodore Hemmelgarn was six years old when he
came with his parents to America and he remained with them
until his marriage, in 1853, to Mary Hulsman.
After a happy married life of 37 years, she died June 21,
1890. She is a daughter of Herman and Margaret
Hulsman, who came to America about the same time as did
the Hemmelgarns, she being a babe at that time.
The other members of her family were: Bernard, Henry
and Joseph, of whom Henry is the only
survivor.
Mr. and Mrs. Hemmelgarn had 13 children, as
follows: Theodore, who married Mary
Nordenbrook; Henry who married Elizabeth Racheling;
Joseph, who married Anna Wagner and lives in
Minnesota; Bernard, who married Anna Krimblebeck;
John; Anton, who married Lena Shendeler; William,
who married Takla Nau; Josephina, who married John
Thresher; Theresa, who married Joseph Steinbruner;
and Mary, Benjamin, William and Elizabeth,
deceased.
For 10 years after his marriage Mr. Hemmelgarn
lived near St. Henry, on a farm which he bought right in the
midst of the woods. This farm he sold at a later date
and in 1864 purchased from David Winterood the one
mentioned above on which a frame house stood. AT that
time the country was very wild in every direction and Mr.
Hemmelgarn pastured his cows in the woods and, when he
went in the evening to bring them home, would often take his
gun along and shoot wild game for the evening meal. He
worked hard to develop this farm and was cheerfully
assisted in all his efforts by his estimable wife. He
is very proud of his seven grandchildren, Anton's
children, who are named: Aloysius, Alvina, Regina,
Ernest, Leona, Charles and Adolph. The
family belongs to St. Bernard's Catholic Church at
Burkettsville. Politically Mr. Hemmelgarn is a
Democrat.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 399 |
| |
JACOB
HILDBOLD, a substantial farmer of Gibson township,,
whose fine farm of 160 acres is, located in section 23, was
born in Switzerland, March 25, 1830, and is a son of
Nicholas and Mary (Senn) Hildbold, the former a
miller by trade, who owned a mill in Switzerland.
Jacob Hildbold was reared in Switzerland, where
he worked in his father's mill until he was 18 years of age,
after which he worked in a factory until he was 24 years old.
He then came to America and first located at Galion, Ohio,
where he engaged as a blacksmith in a railroad shop for about
16 years. After leaving Galion, Mr. Hildbold bought a
farm of 50 acres in Morrow County, Ohio, where he was engaged
in general farming for about five years. After selling his
farm, he moved to Crawford County, where he purchased a
70-acre tract in that county. After five years' residence on
this farm, he sold and moved to Mercer County, and in January,
1882, bought his present farm in Gibson township, where he has
since continued to reside.
Mr. Hildbold was married in 1856 to Anna
Mathias, a daughter of George Mathias,
who is a farmer living near Crestline, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs.
Hildbold have had nine children, as follows: Charles,
living in Gibson township, who is married and has three
children—Harrys Florence and Walter;
John, a resident of Gibson township, who is married and
has two children— Leo and Helen; Herman,
living on the home farm, who married Mary Hall,
a daughter of Frank Hall, and has four children—Ralph,
Grace, Nellie and Donald; Mary,
who married Henry Weil, of Jay County, Indiana,
and has three children—Cora, Ora and Ethel;
Henry, living in Recovery township, who is married and
has one child, Gerald; Samuel, who is single and lives
at home; and Amelia, Abraham and Ida,
deceased. Mrs. Hildbold died in September, 1907. Mr.
Hildbold was raised a Presbyterian, but is now a member
of the Lutheran Church, there being no Presbyterian Church
near.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 738 |
| |
JOSEPH
HINDERS, retiring sheriff of Mercer County, who has
served two terms in this important office, during which he
has enjoyed the confidence of reputable citizens and
inspired the lawless with healthy fear, was born in Marion
township, Mercer County, Ohio, Jan. 26, 1855. His
parents were Gebhardt and Maria (Hagemann) Hinders.
The Hinders family is of German extraction.
The father was an old settler in Mercer County, where he
became a large farmer and comfortably reared his family of
13 children. He died Jan. 18,1898.
Joseph Hinders was reared in his native
neighborhood and was educated in the common schools.
When he reached young manhood he engaged in farming with his
father for a time and then learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed many years.
Mr. Hinders was married to Addie Bechtel,
a daughter of Nicholas Bechtel. They have had seven
children, three of whom still survive, as follows:
Urban G., Elvira E. and Homer J. Those
deceased are: Helen Ursula, Arthur William, Mary
Elizabeth and Florence Mary.
Mr. Hinders has been a life-long Democrat and for
many years has taken an active interest in public matters.
In 1902 he was first elected to the office of sheriff, and
in 1904 he was reelected, by a majority of 500 votes.
With his family he belongs to the Catholic Church.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 327 |
| |
HENRY
HONE, a pioneer of Liberty township and a most highly
respected citizen, resides on his finely cultivated farm of
40 acres, situated i section 23, this being a part of the
248 acres which he wrested from the virgin forest.
Mr. Hone was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, Aug. 14,
1836, and is a son of David and Elizabeth (Morman) Hone.
The parents of Mr. Hone
were early emigrants from Germany. In 1832 they settled in
Maryland and came to Auglaize County, Ohio, in 1834.
Their lives were spent in that county, and their remains
rest in one of the burying grounds near their old home.
They were representative German people, possessed of the
thrift and sturdy virtues of that race.
Henry Hone was reared on his father's farm and
obtained his education in a little log schoolhouse that was
built on a corner of the home estate. His practical
father trained him in all the details of farming, and
agriculture has been his business through life. His
industry and good management caused his accumulation of a
large property, at one time aggregating 248 acres. The
larger part of this he has given to his children, retaining
only r0 acres for his own home. He settled on this
farm in 1867, when it was practically a great expanse of
heavily timbered land. All the clearing and developing
he accomplished himself and the farm as it stands today, one
of the best in Liberty township, is what he has made it.
For many years he resided in the old log house, but in 1900
he erected a more modern residence, into which he has
introduced many comforts.
On June 26, 1861, Mr. Hone was united in
marriage with Catherine Meyer, who was born in
Auglaize County, Ohio, July 31, 1838, and is a daughter of
John and Lenora Meyer, who were born in Germany and
who came to Auglaize County as early settlers. Of the
10 children born to our subject and wife, there are eight
survivors, as follows: John H., of Liberty
Township; Henry B., of North Dakota; George W.,
of Liberty township; Catherine, wife Weitz, of
Liberty township; and Andrew J., of Liberty township.
Politically, Mr. Hone is a Democrat.
He has always taken an intelligent interest in local matters
and as a man of judgment and integrity has been invited on
many occasions to accept political office. For 13
consecutive years he served as a trustee of Liberty
township, filling the office with satisfaction to his
fellow-citizens. Both he and his estimable wife, who
remains like himself, vigorous in body and mind, are held in
the highest esteem in the community where they have lived so
long. They can tell many interesting stories of the
early days in this section and of old families contemporary
with theirs, some of whom have entirely passed away.
They are among the leading members of the Reformed Lutheran
Church.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 344 |
| |
CLEMENT
VALLANDIGHAM HOOD, a prosperous farmer of Union
township, was born June 29, 1863, near Spencerville, Allen
County, Ohio, and is a son of George and Elmira
(Rider) Hood.
George Hood was born in Fairfield County,
Ohio, April 18, 1831, and is still living at the age of 75
years. His parents moved to Lima, Ohio, when there were only a
few houses in the place and from there they moved to
Spencerville and in 1867 became residents of Van Wert County.
His father Robert Hood, grandfather of our
subject, died soon after locating in Lima, and his wife died
in Spencerville. Robert Hood was the father of
seven children: Milton, deceased; Mary L.,
deceased, who was the wife of George Hutton;
Minerva, who married George Lane; Emma,
who married August Gilmore; Josephine,
deceased, who was the wife of Daniel Heaster;
Rose, wife of Isaac Fogel; and George,
the father of our subject. George Hood married
Elmira Rider, who died in 1873. - She was a
daughter of Isaac Rider, a native of New York
State, who was one of the very earliest settlers of Allen
County, residing at Spencerville. George Hood is
now residing at Middlepoint, Ohio.
Clement V. Hood received his education in the township
schools of Van Wert Comity, attending school during the winter
months and working on his father's farm in the summer. He
remained on the farm until he was 21 years of age arid then
worked on the railroad as a machinist for about eight years.
After his marriage, he located in Union township, Mercer
County, where he has since resided on his 100-acre farm. He is
classed among Mercer County's best citizens.
Mr. Hood was married November 28, 1891, to Ida
Griffin, a daughter of Claudius Griffin, of
Union township, a full sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this work. Mr. Hood is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at
Spencerville. Views of Mr. Hood's residence and farm buildings
accompany this sketch.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 625 |
| |
DAVID
HOWICK, a retired farmer of Center township, was born
Mar. 4, 1842, in this township, on the old home place just
north of where he now lives. He is a son of Stephen
Howick, who was born in Surrey County, England, in
November, 1812.
Stephen Howick was about 16 years of age when he
came to the United States. He first located in
Lancaster, Ohio, where he cut cord-wood and also worked in a
brick-yard. He was married while there. Later,
in 1836, he removed to St. Mary's, which was then in Mercer
County, and worked there until he located permanently in
Center township. At one time he was the owner of
considerable property. He was engaged in operating a
saw-mill for about 20 years. He resided for about 12
years in Celina. His death occurred in 1902, when in
his 90th year. He married Eva Minehart, a
native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob
Minehart. Mrs. Howick's father was one of the
chain-men in the party that surveyed where Columbus now
stands and could have taken land there instead of in
Fairfield County. Stephen Howick was the father
of five children, namely: David, subject of this
sketch; Jacob, who lives in Idaho; George, who
lives in Idaho; George, who lives in Center township,
southwest of Neptune; Robert, a resident of Celina, who was
killed by lightning; and Daniel, who lives in the
State of Washington.
David Howick has always lived in Center
township. He grew to manhood on the home place, where
he continued to live until he was about 25 years old.
He has always been engaged in farming and for 15 years was
engaged in the sawmilling business.
Mr. Howick was married in 1863 to Maria Jane
Lehman, a native of Perry County, Ohio, and a daughter
of Adam P. Lehman who came to Perry County when she
was about four years old and located near Oregon.
Mr. Lehman served in the Union Army in the Civil War.
Mr. and Mrs. Howick had four children, namely:
Amanda, who married Charles M. Schunck lives in
New York and has one child, Carl; Ira, who married
Edward J. Raudabaugh, lives on Walnut street, Celina,
and has three children - Fred, Alice and Dorothy;
Stephen F., living on the home place which our subject
bought when he first left his father's home, who married
Edith Yocum and has two children - Edwin and
Mary; and Mary, who married Dr. George Johnson,
a dentist at Celina, and has a son, Wilford. Mrs.
Howick died in 1902. About 1894 Mr. Howick
left the farm to reside in Celina, where he remained until
1904 when he went to New York City to live with his
daughter, Mrs. Schunck. He recently returned
from the East and is now living with his son Stephen F.,
who has charge of the home farm in Center Township.
Mr. Howick is a Democrat in politics and has served as
township trustee for about six years, was assessor for two
terms, real estate appraiser for one term and served on the
School Board for some time. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 541 |
| |
GEORGE
HOWICK, who is engaged in general farming and
stock-raising on a farm of 160 acres located in section 23,
Center township, was born in this township, Apr. 6, 1848,
and is a son of Stephen and Eva (Minehart) Howick,
the former a native of Surry County, England, and the
latter, of Fairfield County, Ohio. In the sketch of
our subject's brother, David Howick, appearing
elsewhere in this volume, will be found further mention of
the parents.
George Howick was reared on the home place where
he remained until after his marriage, when he moved to his
present farm, where he has since resided. His farm
which is all in one body lies on the north side of the road.
He has cleared a greater part of the land and made many
improvements, building a house and other buildings.
Mr. Howick was married 34 years ago to
Francis Cantwil, a native of Ohio and a daughter of
John Cantwil, who was a resident of Center township.
Mr. and Mrs. Howick have had 10 children, namely:
Albert, residing in Center township, who married Kate
Pitzen and has one child, Eugene; Mary (twin to
Albert), who married Benjamin Hoyng and
resides in Utica, Ohio; Annie, who married William
Craft, of Center township; William, who lives at
home; John S.; Grace, who married John Holtmann
of Center township; and Ethel, Rose, Daniel and
Bernard, living at home. Mr. Howick is a
Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Catholic
Church at Celina.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 508 |
| |
JAMES
M. HOWICK, treasurer of Mercer County, is a
progressive, intelligent young American, who has never
shirked a citizen's duty nor permitted either business or
pleasure to divert him from political responsibility.
Mr. Howick was born at Neptune, Mercer County, Ohio,
June 15, 1873, and is a son of Stephen and Mary J. (Bice)
Howick.
The father of Mr. Howick was a prominent
citizen and substantial farmer of Mercer County for many
years. He was township clerk of Center township and
later was postmaster at Neptune. For an extended
period he was justice of the peace and was well and
favorably known. His death occurred in 1902. He was
the father of a family of 10 children.
James M. Howick was reared and educated in
Mercer County, where for some years he engaged in teaching
school. From early youth he has been a student of
politics and has taken a very active part in the county and
township affairs. Politically in sympathy with the
Democratic party, he has frequently been elected to various
offices in its gift and served as deputy county auditor and
deputy county treasurer and in 1904 he was elected county
treasurer. His administration of the office has
distinguished him as a man especially qualified for the
position and his popularity is universal.
Mr. Howick was united in marriage with Anna
M. Kistler, a daughter of John Kistler.
Mr. and Mrs. Howick have a pleasant home on East Fulton
street, Celina. They are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Politically, socially and
fraternally Mr. Howick is well known. He is a
member of the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles and other
organizations.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 544 |
| |
HENRY
HOYNG, a highly-esteemed resident of Coldwater, who
owns a fine farm of 80 acres in section 34, Butler township,
was born in Shelby County, Ohio, Jan. 28, 1842, and is a son
of Frederick and Mary (Stervolt) Hoyng.
Henry Hoyng was reared in Shelby County and farmed
for his father until 1868, when he came to Mercer County,
purchasing a farm of 80 acres adjoining the one he now owns.
Some 20 acres had been cleared and a good, two-story frame
dwelling had been built, but all the subsequent clearing and
improving were done by Mr. Hoyng himself, after which
he sold and bought the old home place of his father-in-law,
consisting of 80 acres. He carried on general farming
and stock-raising until 1899, enjoying the independent life
of a successful agriculturist. He then bought a house
and an acre of land, at Coldwater, and removed with his wife
to the village.
Mr. Hoyng was married in 1868 to Catherine
Kallmeyer, who is a daughter of Henry Kallmeyer,
a native of Germany. Mrs. Hoyng was born at
Cincinnati, Ohio, and was brought to Mercer County when she
was six years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyng have
had 10 children, namely: Henry, who married Anna
Lukens and is operating his 80-acre farm in Butler
township; Frederick, who married Rosa Kirsch
and is a painter and paperhanger at Coldwater; John,
who married Matilda Walter and lives on his farm of
40 acres in Butler township; Louis who married
Mary Steggemann, and lives on his father's farm;
Joseph, who married Lizzie Pleiman and conducts a
tinshop and implement store at Coldwater; Frank, a
painter and paperhanger, who resides at home; Roman,
who works with his brother in the tinshop; Herman,
who died aged 16 years; Frances, who died aged two
years; and Edward, who died aged one year.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoyng have reared a fine, capable family of
sons, all of whom are prosperous. They have been
brought up in the faith of the Catholic Church, of which
Mr. and Mrs. Hoyng are consistent members.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 488 |
| |
BERNARD
HUELSKAMP, who resides on his farm of 120 acres,
located in section 25, Marion township, was born June 24,
1870, and is a son of Deitrich and Elizabeth (Tangeman)
Huelskamp and a grandson of Henry Huelskamp.
Henry Huelskamp, who was a
native of Germany, came to this country in 1835 and settled in
Mercer County, Ohio, dying after three years' residence in
this country. Pie was the father of four children, all born in
Germany, as follows: Henry (deceased) Deitrich,
Joseph and Bernardina.
Deitrich Huelskamp was
born June 24, 1822, and came to America with his father when
13 years old. When about 16 years old, his father died and,
being the oldest child, he was obliged to support the family.
He was married to Elizabeth Tangeman, who was
born in Germany and came to America with her parents when
about six years old. Her parents, Henry and Anna (Moeller)
Tangeman, came to this country from Germany and settled in
Marion township on a farm near Maria Stein. Mr. and
Mrs. Tangeman had the following children most of
whom were born in Germany: Elizabeth, Anthony,
Joseph, Fred, Barney, Henry,
Catherine and Mary. After his marriage, Mr.
Huelskamp continued to live on the home farm near
Maria Stein, and there nine children were born,
namely: Henry, who died aged four years; Mary,
who married Henry Fullenkamp; Frank,
deceased; John, who married Mary Heitkamp;
Catherine, deceased, who married Peter Brown;
Frances, who married Frank Dabelt;
Anna, who lives with her father at Maria Stein;
Bernard; and Rosa, who died in infancy.
Bernard Huelskamp was born and reared on
the farm where he now lives, which property he purchased from
his father. He was married in 1894 to Rosa Thobe,
who was born December 10, 1876, and is a daughter of Joseph
and Elizabeth (Wormen) Thobe.
Joseph Thobe was born and raised in Germany and
came to America when a young man, settling in Marion township,
Mercer County, Ohio. He married Elizabeth Wormen,
a daughter of Henry Wormen, also a native of
Germany, who emigrated to this country and died in Auglaize
County, Ohio, having lived to be almost 100 years old. Mr.
and Mrs. Thobe had 14 children as follows: Mary,
who married S. Kemper; Elizabeth, who married
Joseph Osterfeld; Anna, who married
Joseph Westgerdes; Catherine, who married
Anton Kemper; John, who married Rosa
Vehorn; Rosa; Frances, who married
Joseph Menke; Josephine, who married John
Westgerdes; Anna, who married Barney
Geyle; and Henry, Mary, Henry,
Joseph and Maggie, who are deceased. Mr.
Thobe died June 14, 1906. His wife is living in Auglaize
County with her son John.
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Huelskamp,
namely: John, Joseph, Edward, Elizabeth, Loretta, Hilda
and Leona. Mr. Huelskamp and family are all members of
St. John's Catholic Church.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 612 |
| |
BERNARD
HUERKAMP, a prominent farmer of Washington
township, residing on his well-improved farm of 120 acres, was
born in Germany, June 3, 1855, and is a son of Bernard and
Gertrude (Grapperhaus) Huerkamp.
Bernard Huerkamp, Sr., was born and raised in
Germany, where he lived until 1881 when he came to America
with his wife and four children, and located on the farm now
owned by our subject in Washington township. He was the
father of five sons and two daughters, namely: Philomena,
who married Bernard Gumme and lives on a farm adjoining
the home farm; Bernard; Joseph, deceased in 1893, who
conducted a general store at Monterey; Henry, a
merchant of Santa Ana, Kentucky; August, proprietor of
a general store at Covington, Kentucky; Elizabeth,
deceased in 1903, who was the wife of Joseph Schroer,
of Washington township; and Martin, living at Ellinger,
Kentucky, who is a partner in a large wholesale business in
Cincinnati. Mr. Huerkamp died in 1904 and his
wife died in 1902.
Bernard Huerkamp, the subject of this sketch,
was reared to manhood in Germany, and received a good
common-school education in that country. He came to this
country with his parents when 25 years of age. After
landing at New York, they spent one day in that city and then
located in Cincinnati, where they remained for about six
months. Our subject was unmarried when he came to Mercer
County, and located on his present farm which he purchased,
and his parents made their home with him the rest of their
lives. He has a well-improved farm and in 1893 he
erected a fine, large frame house and a barn. Mr.
Huerkamp is recognized as one of the township's most
successful and prosperous farmers. Mr.
Huerkamp was engaged in farming in Germany prior to coming
to this country, owning a large estate of 900 acres. He
contemplates taking a trip to the old country in the near
future.
Mr. Huerkamp was married in 1894 to Magdalene
Rose, a daughter of Henry Rose. Mrs.
Huerkamp died Sept. 23, 1906. The subject of this
sketch is a man of enterprise and public spirit, and has
always been among the foremost in the development of the
interests of the community. He is a member of St.
Anthony's Catholic Church at Padua.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 674 |
| |
CLEMMONS
H. HULSMAN, owner of a well-improved farm of 80 acres
in Granville township, was born Aug. 7, 1844, and is a son
of Henry and Anna (Dennis) Hulsman.
Henry Hulsman, who was a native of Germany, located
at Cincinnati, Ohio, upon coming to this country and was
there married. He subsequently moved to Mercer County
and worked for a time on the canal and reservoir. He
later bought a farm in Granville township, where he resided
until the time of his death, which occurred in the fall of
1856. By his first marriage, with Anna Dennis,
he became the father of five children; Bernard,
deceased; Henry; Clemmons H., the subject of this
sketch; Catherine, who married Bernard Johnson;
and a daughter, deceased. The second union, with
Dina Sumbrink, resulted in three children, namely:
Mary, who married Clem. Morthorst; Theodore; and
a child, deceased.
Clemmons H. Hulsman was reared on the home place
in Granville township and engaged in working on different
farms until about 32 years of age, when he was married to
Caroline Winhoven, a daughter of Peter Winhoven.
Mrs. Hulsman died about 10 months after their marriage
leaving a daughter, Caroline, who is also deceased.
The second marriage was with Francis Fiely, the
eighth child in a family of 14 children born to William
and Mary (Holthouse) Fiely. A sketch of William
may be found elsewhere in this work, being included in
the biography of his son, Henry John Fiely.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hulsman,
namely: Mary, William, Anthony, Leo, Catherine,
Rose, and Frances and Froneca (twins),
when he purchased his present farm from his brother-in-law,
Joseph Fiely, and has since lived here, engaged in
general farming, being recognized as one of the township's
most enterprising and successful citizens.
Politically, Mr. Hulsman is a stanch Democrat, but
has never cared to enter actively into politics. Our
subject and his family are connected with St. Francis'
Catholic Church at Cranberry Prairie.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 665 |
| |
JOHN
A. HUNTER, attorney-at-law at Fort Recovery, is
serving his second term as mayor of the village, of which he
is one of the best known citizens. He was born in
Fairfield County, Ohio, May 19, 1844, and is a son of
Robert and Nancy (Alexander) Hunter.
Robert Hunter, father of Mayor Hunter,
removed from Fairfield to Mercer County, Ohio, in 1846,
settling on a farm in Gibson township, this portion of the
county then being included in Darke county.
John A. Hunter's boyhood and youth were spent in
Gibson township, where he attended the public schools.
Later he attended Liber College, in Jay County, Indiana, and
subsequently taught school for three years in Gibson
township, and two years in Jay County, Indiana. In
1870 Mr. Hunter moved to Bradford, Miami County,
Ohio, where he embarked in a grocery business and later
carried on a grain business. For four years he also
conducted a boot and shoe store and became one of the
leading men of the town serving for two yeas as its mayor.
He studied law while living at Bradford, under Ahijah
Jones, a well-known practitioner there, and was admitted
to the bar in January, 1887. He served for 11 years as
justice of the peace of Adams township, Darke County, Ohio.
In 1889 he located at Fort Recovery and immediately became a
man of prominence and usefulness here. In 1902 he was
elected mayor and in 1905 he was again so honored by his
fellow citizens.
Mr. Hunter has always been a loyal,
public-spirited citizen. During the Civil War, in
1864, he enlisted in Company H, 152nd Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf.,
as a private and served until the close of the war. He
belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic post at Fort
Recovery.
On May 19, 1869, Mr. Hunter was married to
Martha A. Bailey, a daughter of Hiram Bailey, and
they have three children, namely: Ella, who is the
wife of K. I. Perkey, of Boise City, Idaho; and they
have one child, Esther L.; Austin, who married
Lula Coover, of Napoleon, Ohio, resides at Indianapolis,
Indiana, and has one child, Frances; and Esther,
who married Joseph E. Newcomer and has one child,
Mary Lucile.
Mr. Hunter is a member of the Fort Recovery
Presbyterian Church and is the church treasurer. He is
a citizen who performs with credit to himself and with
satisfaction to others, the duties and obligations imposed
upon him and his administration of office has been entirely
along the lines of temperance and morality.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 646 |
| |
JACOB
HUWER, one of Butler township's prosperous
farmers, residing on a farm of 120 acres in section 29, was
born at Cranberry Prairie, Mercer County, Ohio, September 10,
1857, and is a son of Jacob and Barbara (Kart) Huwer.
Jacob Huwer, Sr., owned a fine farm of 160 acres
and always followed agricultural pursuits. He died April
25, 1906, and his wife died in 1874. They had seven
children,, as follows: Jacob; Mary, who married
Peter Stachler, of Dayton, Ohio; Kate, who
married Henry Wolfe; Annie, who married
Charles Bier; John; William; and Fred, who died
from the efforts of a rattlesnake bite, when six years old.
Jacob Huwer, our subject,
was reared on a farm at Cranberry Prairie, and after his
marriage lived on a farm of 85 acres near this point, which he
sold in April, 1903, and purchased his present place. He
resides in a fine large brick house.
Mr. Huwer was married on
August 8, 1882, to Maggie Rindler, a daughter of
Constantine Rindler, and they have had 13 children, as
follows: Christine, deceased; Jacob, who
married Dina Spoltman; John; William; Mary; Christine (2);
Henry; Leo; Charles, who died aged three years and six
months; Roman, who died aged seven weeks; Clara,
who died in infancy; Raymond and Carl. Mr.
Huwer, is a member of the Catholic Church and also of St.
Joseph's Society. In politics he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 596 |
| |
SAMUEL
C. HYLER, was born in Delaware and moved to Fairfield
County, Ohio, in young manhood, where he married Margaret
Bartholomew, a native of Virginia. He engaged in
farming in Richland County, and died there when his only
child was very small. The mother subsequently married
Jacob Cromer, who had come to this neighborhood from
Virginia, and they had two children, Carolina and
Lucinda. Caroline married (first) Ryan Carter,
and (second) Joseph Roberts - all are now
deceased. Lucinda married Peter Woodring
and is now deceased.
Samuel C. Hyler, our subject, was left a lonely
little boy of nine eyars when his mother died, and was then
compelled to work another with different farmers, making his
own way the best he could, and attending school at rare
intervals, but by the time he was 22 years old he had become
a capable farmer. He married Mary Ann Barbe,
who was of an old Virginia family, but was born in Fairfield
County, Ohio. They had 11 children, namely:
Margaret, who married (first) John
Cicle and (second) John Koon, and lives at St.
Marys; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Henry,
who was killed at the battle of Murfreesboro during the
Civil War; Lucinda, who married Washington Bone,
and is now deceased, being survived by one daughter,
Rhoda, who is married and lives at Toledo; Mary Jane,
who married Ephraim Grandon and lives at Ohio City;
Sallie Ann, deceased some 16 years ago, who was
thrice married and left one daughter, Edna; Caroline,
who married Wesley Bone and resides in Montezuma;
Eliza, who married Elza Buxton; Emma, deceased a
childhood; Lydia, who married John Buxton -
their son, Singleton, operates one of Mr. Hyler's
farms; and Samuel R., who married Elizabeth
Bingeman, of Kansas, and has four children, one of whom,
William, an expert electrician, was for a time in the
employ of the government, working on wireless telegraphy in
Egypt.
After his first marriage, Mr. Hyler and wife
moved to Butler township, Mercer County, where they were
among the very early settler. He bought a farm of 51˝
acres on which he lived for one year and then sold it and in
1854 settled in Franklin township, south of Montezuma, and
lived on that farm until after death of his first wife,
which occurred July 4, 1890. He then rented that
property and built a house on his present farm, which was
subsequently destroyed by fire, but was later replaced by
the present comfortable residence. He was married
(second), Feb. 5, 1893, to Elizabeth Chilcoat, of
Fairfield County, a cousin of his first wife.
Mr. Hyler has been vouchsafed an experience
permitted to only a favored few of the human family, and
from 1818 to 1906 is a long period of time of have lived.
He has left old ways, old scenes, and many old associates
behind him, and still finds much to enjoy in life, although
88 winters have whitened his locks. When he came to
Franklin township it was yet the home of the Indian and wild
animals. His reminiscences of the early days here are
full of incidents of absorbing interest. Mr. Hyler
has "chawed" tobacco since the age of 10 years and it still
tastes good to him.
Source: History of Mercer County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens - Edited and compiled by Hon. S. S. Scranton,
Celina, Ohio - Publ. by Biographical Publishing Co.,
Chicago, Illinois - 1907 - Page 406 |
NOTES:
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