OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS

A Part of Genealogy Express
 

Welcome to
Morrow County,  Ohio
History & Genealogy

WILLIAM J. LANGDON. ––Among the native sons of Morrow county who have shown full appreciation of its attractions and advantages and have here found ample scope for productive effort in connection with the great industry of agriculture is Mr. Langdon, who is one of the progressive farmers and stock-growers of Gilead township, where he owns ninety acres of the old homestead farm on which he was born and where he occupies the residence in which he was ushered into the world on the 2d of August, 1876.
     William J. Langdon is a son of Samuel and Hattie (Jaggers) Langdon, the former of whom was born in St. Joseph county Michigan, where his parents settled in the early pioneer days, and the latter of whom was born and reared in Licking county, Ohio, their marriage having been solemnized on the 23d of March, 1865.  Of the three children it may be recorded that Robert, the eldest of the number, is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Morrow county; Nellie died at the age of ten months; and William J., of this sketch, is the youngest.  The father is a resident of Morrow county and an agriculturalist.  His wife died April 4, 1910.  Both were earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Samuel Langdon is numbered among the prosperous farmers and representative citizens of Gilead township and is influential in local affairs of a public nature.  He was a child at the time of his father’s death and was reared to manhood in the home of Robert Stanley, of Morrow county, Ohio, whither he came in the year 1839.  He remained on the farm of his foster-father until he had attained to his legal majority, and in the meanwhile he attended the district schools during the winter terms, when his services were not in requisition in connection with the work of the farm.  When twenty-two years of age, in company with two other young men, he went to Iowa, making the overland trip with team and wagon, and in Mahaska county, that state, he secured a quarter section of government land.  He remained in Iowa five months and then returned to Ohio, where he finally purchased a farm, but at the age of twenty-eight years he returned to Michigan, his native state, where he remained four years, at the expiration of which he sold the farm which he had there acquired and came again to Ohio.  In 1874 he purchased the fine homestead farm in Gilead township, Morrow county, and this owes the major part of its excellent improvement to his well directed energies and good management.  He has had boundless capacity for work and he won success through the legitimate application of his excellent mental and physical forces, the while his life in all relations has been guided and governed by lofty principles of integrity and honor.  His name merits an enduring place on the roll of the sterling citizens who have lived and labored to goodly ends in Morrow county.
     William J. Langdon was reared to manhood on the homestead farm which he now owns and its discipline was most benignant, giving him an enduring appreciation of the dignity and value of honest toil and endeavor.  The public schools of his native township afforded him his early educational advantages, and he continued to attend school at intervals until he was twenty years of age, his training having included a partial course in the high school in Mount Gilead.  As a boy he began to assist in the work of the home farm and he has continued to be associated in its work and management.  He has been the owner of ninety acres of the old homestead since 1910, and in thrift and enterprise, as well as in personal integrity, he has well upheld the prestige of the name which he bears.  He gives his attention to diversified agriculture and the raising of excellent grades of live stock, and, as already stated, is one of the representative farmers of his native county, where his circle of friends coincides with that of his acquaintances.
     Liberal and public-spirited as a citizen but never ambitious for political office, Mr. Langdon gives his support to all measures advanced for the general good of the community.  He was originally a Democrat in his political proclivities but recently he transferred his allegiance to the Republican party, of whose cause he has since been a stanch supporter, in so far as national and state issues are involved, while in local affairs he votes for men and measures meeting the approval of his judgment.  Both he and his wife are earnest and zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Boundary, and he has served as class-leader in the same.  On the 26th of November, 1898, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Langdon to Miss Emma Fogle, who was born in Harmony township, this county, on the 6th of February, 1880, and who is a daughter of William Fogle, a representative farmer of that township.  Mr. and Mrs. Langdon have three children, whose names and respective dates of birth are here noted: Ralph, June 5, 1900; Bertha, June 13, 1902; and Nellie, May 19, 1904.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 752-754
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

JAMES B. LANNING. ––Among the many worthy families of Morrow county, Ohio, whose genial manner and progressive spirit have won for them the confidence and esteem of the community and a conspicuous place on the record of Morrow county’s representative families, we find the name of Lanning.  Situated on a fine, rolling tract of land on the banks of Owl creek, southeast of Chesterville, is the Lanning homestead, which is recognized as one of the finest little farms in this section of the state.
     James B. Lanning, farmer and stockman, was born in Morrow county, Ohio, on the 16th of August, 1869, and he is a son of Steven E. and Hannah E. (Bebee) Lanning, the former of whom was born and reared in the state of New Jersey and the latter of whom claimed Ohio as the place of her nativity.  During the major portion of his active career Steven E. Lanning was engaged in agricultural pursuits and he and his wife were the parents of two children––James B., the immediate subject of this sketch; and Mary M., who is now Mrs. Lewis Caton.  Mr. Lanning, of this notice, was reared to maturity under the invigorating influences of the old homestead farm and his elementary educational training consisted of such advantages as were afforded in the public schools of Morrow county.  After his marriage, in 1900, he and his wife settled down on the old Lanning estate that has been in the possession of the Lanning family since 1854.  Through persistency and unusual industry Mr. and Mrs. Lanning have succeeded in modernizing their farm and in raising it to an exceedingly high state of cultivation.  He devotes his attention to general farming and to stock-growing and in both lines of enterprise has achieved noteworthy success.
     On the 30th of August, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Lanning to Miss Minerva Black, who was reared and educated in the fine old Buckeye state of the Union and who is a daughter of Frederick and Rebecca J. (McQuistian) Black.  Mr. Black was born in the state of Pennsylvania and his wife is a native of Ohio.  Mrs. Lanning had one brother and a sister and one half brother and two half sisters.  For a time after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lanning lived in Chesterville, where they gained prominence and popularity, making many new acquaintances and friends.  They are widely known as very courteous, sociable and whole-souled people, whose genial manners and deep human sympathy command to them the love and esteem of all with whom they have come in contact.  Mrs. Lanning is an energetic woman and like many of her country women is a great lover of horses and dogs.  In 1911 the Lannings returned to their farm from Chesterville and this beautiful place, comprised of seventy-five acres of most arable land, has since represented their home.  The finely cultivated fields and substantial buildings afford ample proof of Mr. Lanning’s ability as a practical farmer and his fat, sleek horses and well fed stock show that he is a kind and considerate master.
     In his political convictions Mr. Lanning accords a stanch allegiance to the cause of the Democratic party and while he is no office seeker he is ever on the qui rive to do all in his power to advance the best interests of the community in which he has long maintained his home.  He and his wife are affiliated with social organizations of a local character and in their religious faith they are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Chesterville, Ohio.  Mr. and Mrs. Lanning, by virtue of their exemplary lives and genial kindliness, have won for themselves a high place in the hearts of their fellow citizens and they are every where accorded the unalloyed regard which is so indicative of sterling worth and integrity.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 683-684
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

ORSON A. LEE. ––A man of keen intellect and excellent judgment, far-sighted and sagacious, Orson A. Lee has been preeminently successful in life, his name being synonyomous [sic] with thrift, enterprise and prosperity not only in Peru township, his home, but throughout Morrow county.  He was born November 17, 1830, in Peru township, which was then a part of Delaware county, but is now included within the limits of Morrow county, a son of Asa Lee, a pioneer settler of this part of the state.
     Asa Lee, a son of Benjamin Lee, was born in New York state, of English ancestry, being descended from a family that settled in New England on coming to the United states from England.  Soon after assuming the responsibilities of married life, he came with his bride to Ohio, locating about 1823 in Peru township, Morrow county, where he took up heavily timbered land and begun the pioneer labor of reclaiming a farm from the wilderness.  He subsequently lived for a comparatively brief time in Columbus, Ohio, from there moving to Blendon township, Franklin county, where he was engaged in tilling the soil until his death.  Prior to coming to Ohio he was a cloth-dresser, following the fuller’s trade, at which he had served an apprenticeship.
     Asa Lee married Sarah Meacham, a daughter of Paul and Roxanna Meacham, who were also of New England stock, and of English ancestry.  Five children were born of their marriage, namely: Newton D., M. D., was engaged in the practice of medicine in Saginaw, Michigan, until his death; George A., M. D., deceased, settled as a physician in Bowling Green, Missouri, and there spent his last days; Charles B., deceased, was for many years a farmer in Peru township, and died in Ashley, Ohio; Harriet A. married Amasa Grant, and both died on their home farm in Peru township; and Orson A., the subject of this sketch.
    The son of a farmer, Orson A. Lee was educated in the common schools of Morrow county, and at an early age began life as a farmer, assisting in the management of the home estate.  At the age of twenty-four years he bought out the interests of the remaining heirs in the parental homestead, which contained eighty-four acres of good land, and began enlarging his operations.  In addition to general farming he made a specialty of stock raising and dealing, and as his money accumulated he wisely invested in land, owning at the present time between seven hundred and eight hundred acres of as fine agricultural land as can be found in this part of Ohio.  Mr. Lee lived for a number of years in Ashley, Ohio, where he loaned money, carrying on a banking business on a small scale, his financial ability winning him success in his venture.  Of recent years Mr. Lee has spent his winters in Florida, renewing his youth and vigor beneath its sunny skies.  Politically he has always been a zealous champion of the principles which have guided the Republican party’s members.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 906-907
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

WILLIAM S. LEFEVER. ––As one of the representative farmers of the younger generation in his native county and as a citizen whose popularity is of the most unequivocal type, Mr. Lefever well merits consideration in this volume.  His well improved farm of eighty-five acres is located one mile north of the village of Edison, in his native township of Canaan, and here he is successfully engaged in general farming and stock growing, which are lines of industry with which the family name has here been long identified.
     William S. Lefever was born in Cannaan [sic] township, this county, on the 29th of October, 1882, and is a son of Frank and Mary (Lyon) Lefever, who are well known and highly esteemed citizens of this township, where the father was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits.  He is a native of Morrow county, Ohio, born May, 20, 1852.  He was educated in the schools of his native county and his whole life has been devoted to agriculture and stock raising.  His wife was born in the little state of New Jersey, in October, 1855, and both are still living.  Under the vitalizing influences and labors of the home farm William S. Lefever was reared to manhood, and he has had the good judgment not to waver in his allegiance to the great basic industry with which he thus became familiar in his boyhood days.  He is indebted to the excellent public schools of Morrow county for his early educational training, which was effectively supplemented by a course in a business college in the city of Mansfield, this state.  He continued to be associated in the work and management of his father’s farm until he had attained to the age of twenty-seven years, and in 1910 he purchased his present farm, whose location is most attractive, as it is situated on the well improved thoroughfare known as the Boundary road and is only a mile distant from the thriving village of Edison.  Mr. Lefever is enthusiastic and progressive in his chosen vocation and his farm is a model of thrift and prosperity.  He raises the various agricultural products best suited to this section and also raises live stock of excellent grades.  His attitude in connection with civic affairs is marked by liberality and distinctive loyalty, and he is now serving as constable and also as health officer of his township.  The principles and policies of the Democratic party enlist his hearty support and he takes a lively interest in public affairs, especially those of local import.  Mr. Lefever is a member of the United Brethren church in Climax and his wife holds membership in the Universalist church.  In a fraternal way he is identified with Iberia Lodge, No. 64, Knights of Pythias, in the village of Iberia, and he is active in its work.
     On the 22nd of June, 1903, Mr. Lefever was united in marriage to Miss Lucille Coe, who was born in the village of Edison, this county, on the 15th of May, 1886, and who is a daughter of Samuel Allen Coe, a representative business man and sterling citizen of that place.  Mr. and Mrs. Lefever have three children, whose names and respective dates of birth are here indicated: Dorothy E., January 11, 1905; Harold E., November 4, 1906; and Esther L., February 8, 1908.  The attractive country homestead of Mr. and Mrs. Lefever is known as “Idlewild Farm,” and the doors of the hospitable home are ever open to their friends.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 788-789
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

WILSON G. LEFEVER, manager of the Van Scoy Chemical Company, Mt. Gilead, Ohio, was born on his father’s farm in Canaan township, Morrow county, Ohio, in November, 1860, and is still the owner of the old home place.
     His father, George Lefever, a native of Ohio county, Virginia, born in 1816, came over into this state about 1828 and took up his residence here, and here he lived for many years, dealing in stock and carrying on farming operations until he acquired an estate of considerable proportions.  He died at Edison, Ohio, in 1886.  His wife, Catherine (Moody) Lefever, born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, died in 1906.  Of the nine children born to them, six are living at this writing, namely: Wilson G., whose name introduces this sketch; Frank, of Edison, Ohio; M. Bruce, of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Margaret, wife of M. W. Shaw, of Marion, Ohio; Clark, of Colorado; and Ella G., of Marion, Ohio.
     Wilson G. Lefever in his youth attended district school.  He remained on the farm until he was twenty years of age, when he took a course in the Ada Normal College, now the Northwestern University, at Ada, Ohio, after which he engaged in teaching in his native county.  From teaching he soon turned to a business life.  He spent between four and five years at Edison, Ohio, as bookkeeper and afterward assistant agent in the railroad office.  Then he resumed farming, and for fourteen years operated the old home place, a fine farm containing over two hundred acres, and which, as above stated, he still owns.  At the end of this time he rented the farm and returned to Edison.  There he helped to organize the Citizens Banking Company, of which he is still a stock holder.  He was assistant cashier of this bank for four years, after which, in the same capacity, he became identified with the Morrow County National Bank, and was connected with that institution until he resigned his position in order to accept the management of the Van Scoy Chemical Company, manufacturers of flavoring extracts, spices, perfumes, baking powder, etc.; and under his management the volume of business has doubled.
     Mr. Lefever married Miss Flora L. Haverstott, of Marion, Ohio, and they have three children: Earl W., an art student at Evanston; Illinois; Blanche L., a teacher in the public schools of Mt. Gilead; and Francis E.
     Politically Mr. Lefever is a Democrat, and fraternally, a Knight of Pythias, having membership in Charles H. Hull Lodge, K. of P.  He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – p. 635
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

PROFESSOR MILTON C. LEHNER. ––A man of scholarly tastes and ambitions, Professor Milton C. Lehner has met with much success in his career as an educator, and as superintendent of the Blooming Grove school is filling the position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.  A son of C. F. Lehner, he was born November 19, 1889, in Cardington township, Morrow county, Ohio, of excellent German stock, his grandfather, Christian F. Lehner, having been born in Germany, near Heidelburg [sic].
     C. F. Lehner, a prosperous farmer of Cardington township, married Catherine D. Kuehner, a daughter of Joseph and Magdalena Kuehner, natives of Germany, and into their household five children were born, namely: George J., of Marion, Ohio; Emma, wife of Hollie Fate; Milton C., the special subject of this brief biographical sketch; Mary C., and Clara M.=
     Brought up on the home farm, Milton C. Lehner obtained his elementary education in the district schools of Cardington township, and was graduated from the Cardington high school with the class of 1907.  Entering upon a professional career, he taught in the district school for two years, and in 1909 and 1910 was principal of the Edison school.  Professor Lehner was then elected superintendent of the Blooming Grove school for the school year of 1910 and 1911, and is performing the duties resting upon him in this capacity most successfully.  This is a special district school and has two teachers and thirty-six pupils, all of whom are making good progress under the Professor’s instruction and superintendence.  Professor Lehner has continued his studies at the Wooster Summer school, in Wooster, Ohio, and now holds a high school certificate good for three years.  The school of which he has charge is a third grade chartered high shool [sic], and when a school of higher rank is needed here it will, without doubt, be raised to a first grade high school.  The Professor is independent in politics, voting as his conscience dictates, without regard to party prejudices.  He will enter school at Wooster in the summer of 1911.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 660-661
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

WILLIAM LEPP —Enterprising, energetic and self-reliant, William Lepp, of Canaan township, is a fine representative of the active and hardy men who are so ably assisting in the development and advancement of the agricultural interests of Morrow county. He has not only taken an important part in promoting the industrial prosperity of his community, but by his sagacity and foresight has at the same time been enabled to accumulate a fair share of this world's goods, his industry and thrift being well rewarded. A son of Henry Lepp, he was born November 15, 1866, in Marion county, Ohio, coming of substantial German ancestry.
     Born in Germany in 1830, Henry Lepp was brought up and educated in the Fatherland, where he lived until after his marriage. In the latter part of the year 1853, accompanied by his bride, he embarked on board the sailing vessel "The Atlantic," and after a rough voyage of forty-two days landed in New York city. Then, by way of Albany, Buffalo and Cleveland, he made his way to Galion, Ohio, where both he and his wife had many friends and relatives. Securing employment with Daniel Eichhorn, he attended to the stock during the winter and assisted on the farm during the summer, receiving for his labor six dollars a month the first twelve months. His employer dying soon after, Henry Lepp rented the Eichhorn estate on which he had formerly worked and was there engaged in general farming for nine years. Saving his money, he purchased in 1861 a tract of land situated a mile and a half from Three Locusts, now Martell, in Marion county, and there continued his operations most successfully for a period of eighteen years. In 1879 he bought seven hundred acres of land in Morrow county, on what is called the Boundary road, paying from forty dollars to sixty dollars an acre for the tract. Assuming its possession, he was there prosperously employed in general farming and stock raising for eighteen years, when he removed to the Beach settlement, four miles west of Galion, Ohio, where he lived for two years. Purchasing then a residence in Galion, Ohio, he has there lived retired from the active cares of business since 1899, being an esteemed and respected resident of that place.
     On October 14, 1853, in the Fatherland, Henry Lepp married one of his early schoolmates and playmates, Elizabeth Eichhorn. She was born April 15, 1830, in Baiertael, Baden, Germany, a daughter of Adam and Margareta Eichhorn, life-long residents of Germany. John Eichhorn, a brother of Adam Eichhorn and an uncle of Mrs. Henry Lepp, immigrated to the United States in 1835, and with his brother Philip, who crossed the ocean with him, located in Galion, Ohio. Philip Eichhorn subsequently migrated to Indiana, becoming a pioneer of Wells county. He settled in Rock Creek township, where numerous of his descendants now live, among them the Hon. William H. Eichhorn, a prominent attorney of Bluffton, Indiana, and Professor Lewis W. Eichhorn. Of the union of Henry and Elizabeth (Eichhorn) Lepp children were born as follows: Charles, who died at the age of twenty-seven years; John Henry; William, the special subject of this brief review; George; and Lizzie. The mother passed to the life beyond September 21, 1910, her death occurring at her home in Galion. Both she and her husband united with the German Reformed church in early life and were among its most faithful members.
     Brought up on his father's farm, which was located two miles east of Martel in Marion county; Ohio, William Lepp worked as a farm hand during the summer seasons, attending the winter terms of school at Bunker Hill. In 1881 he came with the family to Morrow county, locating east of Climax, where he assisted in the clearing and improving of a fine farm. Finding both pleasure and profit in tilling the soil, Mr. Lepp has continued his agricultural labors ever since, and has met with genuine success as a farmer and stock raiser. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of rich and fertile land in Canaan township on the Boundary road, his home being four miles north of Edison. It is well located, and in its improvements and appointments compares favorably with any in the community Mr. Lepp is a man of excellent financial ability, and in addition to his valuable real estate holdings is a stockholder in the National Bank of Morrow county and in the Morrow County Telephone Company. Politically he is a steadfast Democrat, active in the party and has served as township trustee.
     Mr. Lepp married, February 29, 1892, Mina Parks, of Canaan township, Morrow county. She was born in Sandusky, Ohio, February 14, 1870, a daughter of William and Rebecca (Rinehart) Parks, both of whom died when she was a child of twelve years from samllpox, leaving her to the care of relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Lepp have two children, namely: Harley D., born October 15, 1895, attending the Mount Gilead High School; and Forst, born June 20, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Lepp are valued members of the German Reformed church, and have brought up their children in the same religious faith. Their beautiful farm is known as "Maple Lawn."
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 552-554
Contributed by a Friend of Genealogy

BYRAM LEVERING, whose years have lengthened the thread to the golden time of life, is one of the prosperous and prominent citizens of Morrow county, Ohio.  He is now living virtually retired on his fine estate of one hundred and sixty acres in Perry township, Morrow county, where he is the owner of a beautiful residence.  He has the satisfaction of knowing that the farm, the improvements and the good buildings have all been wrought by his own plans and oversight and that the success in life attained by him is largely the outcome of his own well directed endeavors.  At one time he was the owner of some five hundred acres of most arable Buckeye lands but he has generously divided most of this land among his children.  He and his wife are recognized for their genial, hospitable ways and they command a high place in the confidence and esteem of their neighbors and friends.
     At Woodbury, Perry township, Morrow county, Ohio, on the 9th of June, 1842, occurred the birth of him to whom this sketch is dedicated and he is a son of Morgan Levering, who was born and reared in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, whence he accompanied his parents to Morrow county, Ohio, in the year 1816.  William Levering, grandfather of Byram Levering, was likewise born in the old Keystone state of the Union and after his immigration to Ohio he entered a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of government land in 1812.  He then returned to Pennsylvania, where he resided for the ensuing four years, at the expiration of which he removed, with his family and all portable goods to Ohio, settling on the land previously entered by him.  He was identified with farming operations during the remainder of his life and he lived to attain to the venerable age of eighty-five years.  Morgan Levering was a child of but eight years of age at the time of his arrival in Morrow county, Ohio, and he was reared to maturity under the invigorating influences of the home farm, his preliminary education having consisted of such advantages as were afforded in the public schools of the locality and period.  After reaching man’s estate he became a clerk in a store at Belleville [sic], Ohio, remaining at that place for some four years.  He then married and came to Woodbury, in Perry township, this county, where he began operations in general merchandising and where he continued to reside during the residue of his life.  He was summoned to eternal rest on the 25th of January, 1860, and at the time of his demise was worth as much as twenty-five thousand dollars, all of which he had acquired through his own thrift and industry.  At the time of his settlement in Perry township, in 1836, he was the owner of seventy-five dollars but as the result of his fine executive ability and admirable business instincts he made of success not an accident but a logical outcome.  He was the father of five children, two of whom are living in 1911, namely: Byram and Robert B., the latter of whom now maintains his home at Mt. Vernon, Ohio.
     Byram Levering was reared to adult age in his native place of Woodbury, where he attended the public schools and assisted his father in the work and management of the store.  He was a youth of but eighteen years of age at the time of his father’s death and he then purchased the farm on which he now resides.  With the passage of time he accumulated a landed estate amounting to five hundred acres of most arable land in Morrow county and when his children grew up he divided the land amongst them, retaining for himself only the original homestead of one hundred and sixty acres.  He constructed his present beautiful and substantial brick house in 1872 and everything about his place is indicative of that thrift and prosperity which characterizes the practical, well-to-do farmer of the modern day.  While he is now living retired from the active responsibilities connected with running the farm, he still gives to the same a general supervision.  Associated with him in the management of the homestead is one of his sons, who devotes considerable attention to general agriculture and the raising of high grade stock.
     On the 6th of April, 1865, Mr. Levering was united in marriage to Miss Leah Ruhl, who was born and reared in Perry township and who is a daughter of Henry Ruhl, long a prominent farmer and representative citizen in this county.  Mr. and Mrs. Levering became the parents of five children, concerning whom the following brief data are here incorporated: Nora, is the wife of J. H. Webb and they maintain their home in Perry township; Orpheus D., is a machinist in Columbus, Ohio; Alfred H., remains at the parental home; Morgan is deceased; and Hylas A., is now a resident of Congress township, Morrow county.
     Mr. and Mrs. Levering are devout members of the Lutheran church, in the various departments of which they have ever been active and helpful workers and in which he has given most efficient service as deacon and elder.  He is a liberal contributor to all charitable and benevolent institutions and is widely renowned as a man whose charity knows only the bounds of his opportunities.  He is a man who takes a great interest in the advancement and welfare of the county and for nine years he served in the capacity of township trustee.  In his public record, as in his private life, one sees the same stanch [sic]  care for the interests of the people as he displayed for his own private business.  In his political convictions he endorses the cause of the Democratic party and in a fraternal way he is affiliated with various representative organizations of a local nature.  His wisdom and ability are commended by those who know him and as citizens he and his wife command the highest esteem of their fellow citizens.  They are known throughout the county for their affability, and their spacious, comfortable home is recognized as a center of most generous hospitality.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 779-781
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

BRYANT B. LEWIS. -- The specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave the perpetual record establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his fellow men. In addition to his varied interests as stockman and banker, Bryant B. Lewis is the owner of a fine farm of some three hundred acres of most arable land in Bennington township, Morrow county, Ohio, which he rents out to tenants. Mr. Lewis is a native son of Morrow county, his birth having occurred on the parental homestead in Westfield township on the 28th of August, 1860. He is a son of John C. and Hariett (Brundage) Lewis, both of whom are deceased, the former having been summoned to eternal rest in 1911, and the latter having passed away about 1898. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Lewis became the parents of four children, two of whom are now living, and of whom Bryant B. was the first in order of birth.
     Bryant B. Lewis was reared to maturity on the old homestead farm in Harmony township, to the district schools of which place he is indebted for an excellent common school education. He continued to attend school until he had attained to the age of twenty years, at which time he turned his attention to the great basic industry of agriculture. As a youth he had become quite adept in the handling of cattle and all kinds of live stock and shortly after assuming the responsibilities of life he devoted some time to the stock business: Finding that line of enterprise decidedly lucrative he eventually devoted all his time to it. He made money rapidly and was engaged in the buying and selling of live stock for fully twenty years, during which time he rose to affluence. At the present time, in 1911, he is president of the Marengo Banking Company, which popular monetary institution does an extensive business at Marengo, Ohio. This bank was organized on the 15th of March, 1904, and was incorporated as a state bank with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars. Its official corps is as follows: Bryant B. Lewis, president; J. D. Vail, vice president; and J. W. Nelson, cashier. Its board of directors consists of J. D. Vail, S. F. Mosier, C. H. Wood, Mell B. Talmage, George Thomas, Dr. F. E. Thompson, William L. West, B. B. Lewis and Dr. J. W. Pratt. The bank is one of the most substantial financial concerns in Morrow county and one of its best assets is the sterling integrity and reliable character of its officers. Mr. Lewis' varied business interests in this section of the state are of broad scope and importance. He is the owner of considerable valuable real estate in Marengo and holds a tract of three hundred acres of splendidly improved farming lands in Morrow county.
     Mr. Lewis wedded Miss Clara Allen, who was born and reared in Licking county, Ohio, and who is a daughter of Frank Allen, long a representative farmer in that section. He is yet living, a resident of Licking county, Ohio. Mrs. Lewis received her early educational training in the public schools of her native place and she is a woman of most pleasing personality, commanding the love and admiration of scores of warm and sincere friends. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have three children: Virgil, who was born on the 26th of April, 1892; Howard, whose birth occurred in the year 1897; and Madeline, born in June, 1906. The elder son, Virgil, after a good public school education, entered the Marengo Bank in the capacity of teller, in which connection he is displaying marked business ability and an extraordinary grasp of financial affairs, which augurs well for his future as a prominent and successful banking and business man. The younger son, Howard, is a student in the high school at Marengo.
     In politics Mr. Lewis is aligned as a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratic party and while he has never had any aspiration for public office of any description he is deeply interested in all matters tending to advance the general welfare, giving liberally of his aid and influence in behalf of all such projects. Fraternally he is affiliated with Ashley Lodge, No. 407, Free and Accepted Masons, and with Marengo Lodge, No. 216, Knights of Pythias, in which he is past chancellor. He greatly enjoys home life and takes keen pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally have for him a warm regard.  A man of great ability, his success in business in Morrow county has been uniform and rapid. His life is exemplary in all respects, and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation. He is yet living, a resident of Licking county, Ohio.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 746-747
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

JAMES B. LEWIS, D. D. S. —For thirty-six years Dr. James B. Lewis was engaged in the practice of dental surgery at Mount Gilead, Morrow county, Ohio, and during that time he gained and retained the friendship and esteem of the best citizens of the place. He was born in Ohio, on the 22nd of May, 1853, a son of John and Melinda (Boner) Lewis, the former of whom was a Baptist minister and a farmer during the major portion of his active business career. Reverend John Lewis was born and reared at Ohio and his wife was also reared in this state. Both are now deceased. Reverend and Mrs. Lewis became the parents of seven children, and of the number four are now living.
     Dr. James B. Lewis was reared to adult age on the home farm and as a youth he attended the district schools and the high school at Fredericktown, Ohio. In 1872 he turned his attention to the study of dentistry, and was graduated from his college as a member of the class of 1874, with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. In the fall of 1874 he located at Mount Gilead, where he was engaged in the active practice of his profession during the long intervening years. He controlled a large patronage among the most influential people of Mount Gilead and the territory normally tributary thereto. In politics Dr. Lewis accorded an unswerving support to the cause of the Republican party and for years gave the most efficient service as city councilman. In a fraternal way he affiliated with the Independent Order or Odd Fellows, in which he was a past grand master and in the encampment of which he was at one time patriarch. He represented the above order in the Grand Lodge of the state as a member from the Thirty-second district for a period of seven years and was honored with that distinction at the time of his death. His religious faith was in harmony with the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his family are devout members and in which they are active workers.
     Dr. Lewis married Miss Anna Barton, of Mount Gilead. To this union have been born two children: Mabel and Charles B.  Mabel Lewis was graduated in the local high school and she is now librarian of the free library at Mount Gilead. Charles B. Lewis is a turner by trade and resides at Mt. Gilead, Ohio. He wedded Miss Edna Shaffer.  Dr. Lewis was a man of broad learing and sterling integrity. He stood as one of the strong men of Morrow county, strong in his honor and his good name, in the extent of his influence and in the result of his accomplishments. He passed to the higher life in November, 1910.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – p. 567
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

HUBERT C. LONG. —Among the representative citizens of Cardington, Morrow county, Ohio, who have contributed in generous measure to the progress and development of this section of the fine old Buckeye state is Hubert C. Long, who is a native son of this city, where he was born on the 6th of November, 1868. He is a son of Thomas W. and Sarah (Wolfe) Long, the former of whom was a native of the state of New York, and the latter of whom claimed Maryland as the place of her birth. Thomas W. Long was reared in the Empire state of the Union, whence he immigrated to Cardington, Ohio, about the year 1865. He first engaged in the milling business and subsequently he and his grandfather purchased a harness store at Cardington, being succeeded in this line of enterprise by Hubert C. Long, the immediate subject of this review, and which he still continues. The father was a Democrat in his political convictions and he was an active factor in the local councils of his party. He was elected probate judge of Morrow county and gave most efficient service in this connection for a number of years. He was postmaster at Cardington for a term of four years and as a citizen his loyalty and public spirit were of the most insistent order. In 1867 he married Miss Sarah Wolfe, who was a daughter of Henry* [see note below] Wolfe, of Cardington, Ohio, and they became the parents of two children, Hubert C., of this sketch; and Edith A., who became the wife of William Holden and who resides at Denver, Colorado. Mr. Long met death through injuries received from a bull at Mt. Gilead, in 1893, and his cherished and devoted wife was summoned to the life eternal in 1895.
     Hubert C. Long was afforded the advantages of the public schools of Cardington. After leaving school he became deputy in the post office under his father and in 1889 he became identified with his father in the harness business, which was thereafter conducted under the firm name of T. W Long & Son until the former's death. Prior to his demise Mr. Long had opened a branch store at Mt. Gilead but after his death Hubert C. moved the store to Cardington, combining the two. In politics Hubert C. Long is aligned as a stalwart in the ranks of the Democratic party. He has served as treasurer of Cardington on four different occasions and at the present time, in 1911, is serving as treasurer. He also served two terms as cemetery trustee. He is a stock holder in the Citizens' Bank at Cardington, besides which he owns and operates a saw mill and handle factory, manufacturing hay, rake and hoe handles. He also has extensive real estate holdings in and adjacent to Cardington. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 194, and he is a charter member of Cardington Lodge, No. 427, Knights of Pythias. He also holds membership in Aerie 738, Fraternal Order of Eagles. He and his wife are devout members of the Presbyterian church and they are popular factors in connection with the best social activities in their community.
     In the year 1892 Mr. Long was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Tennant, who was born and reared at Edison, Ohio, and who is a daughter of Samuel Tennant, a representative citizen of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Long have one son, Samuel W., who was born on the 15th of May, 1902.
------------
*Note: Penciled comment – Henry is underlined and Charles is written in the margin.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 596-597
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist

THOMAS E. LONG. ––That success is most worthy and most to be valued is won through personal endeavor, and the man who contends valiantly with opposing forces, overcomes obstacles and presses steadily and courageously forward toward the goal of independence and definite prosperity gains an incidental discipline that makes him stronger and better and that gives him a broader comprehension of the realities and responsibilities of life.  Among the sterling citizens of Morrow county who have been dependent upon their own resources in fighting the stern battle of life is Thomas E. Long, who is now numbered among the representative farmers and stock growers of Cardingtown [sic] township, where his finely improved farm of eighty acres stands in tangible evidence of his former years of earnest toil and endeavor.  He learned the lessons of practical industry while he was yet a mere boy, and the spur of necessity quickened the laudable ambition that prompted him to labor with all of earnestness and assiduity until he could realize its fulness, in becoming an independent farmer, a successful exponent of the great basic industry of agriculture.  With the aid of his cherished and devoted wife he has accomplished this worthy end, and he has so ordered his course as to gain and retain the inviolable confidence and esteem of his fellow men.  There have been no dramatic incidents in his career, but it has been marked by consecutive and productive industry and by personal integrity, so that he has contributed his quota to the well being of the world and has not been a parasitic influence, as are many whose early advantages and fortuitous circumstances should have enabled them to become worthy integers in connection with the activities of life.  Mr. Long’s standing in the county that has been his home from his boyhood days is such as to well entitle him to recognition in this publication.
     Thomas E. Long claims the old Keystone state of the Union as the place of his nativity.  He was born near the village of Mapleton, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, on the 11th of March, 1862, and is a son of James and Catherine Long, both of whom were likewise natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared to maturity and where they received the advantages of the common schools of the day.  James Long devoted his entire active career to agricultural pursuits and continued his residence in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, until his death, in 1865, at which time he was comparatively a young man.  He was a stalwart Republican in his political proclivities and was a man of sterling character.
     He whose name initiates this article was a child of two and one-half years at the time of his father’s death, and his widowed mother soon afterward removed to Morrow county, Ohio, where certain relatives had previously established their home.  She was in straitened financial circumstances, and under these conditions consulted expediency and made the best possible provision for her little son by placing him in the care of a farmer of Canaan township, in whose home he was reared to the age of twelve years.  His mother continued to maintain her home in this county until her death, and was summoned to the life eternal when about seventy-three years of age.  Thomas E. Long’s early educational advantages were limited to a somewhat irregular attendance in the district schools, and his fellowship with honest toil began when he was a mere boy.  He was reared to the work of the farm, and he has had the good judgment never to withdraw his allegiance to the great industry of agriculture, through the benignant medium of which he has gained to himself a position of independence and marked prosperity.  At the age of twelve years he found a home and employment on the farm of Jasper Bradford, of Canaan township, and he continued to be thus engaged until the time of his marriage, at the age of twenty-four years.  When twenty-one years of age he was granted wages of sixteen dollars a month, and for a short time after his marriage he worked by the day, for the stipend of one dollar a day.\
    In the spring of 1887, a few months after he had assumed connubial responsibilities and gained the encouragement of a devoted wife and helpmeet, Mr. Long rented a farm of one hundred acres, in Canaan township, and thus initiated his independent career, though his tangible assets aside from his stanch personal qualifications were exceedingly limited.  He was at the time the owner of a little driving mare, and this animal he traded for a heavy work horse, for which he paid an extra sum of seventy dollars, giving his note for the same and assuming the further obligation of interest at the rate of eight per cent.  In further necessary preparation for his new enterprise he negotiated a loan of one hundred and thirty dollars, and on this amount likewise he paid interest of eight per cent.  He purchased another work horse and set himself vigorously to the work of conducting active operations on the farm which he had rented of Frederick C. Gillson.  A cow which he owned, and which was valued at eighteen dollars, he traded for a second hand wagon, and his landlord kindly supplied him with a plow that had likewise seen former service.  In addition to these primitive equipments he purchased a harrow for two and one-half dollars and expended fifteen dollars for a corn plow.  It will thus be seen that conditions were none too propitious for the young husbandman, but he had strength and health and determination, and thus faced the situation fearlessly with ambition to make the best of the means at hand.  Encumbered with debt and working the farm “on shares,” meaning that his landlord was to receive one half of the products of the farm each year, he turned his energies into play and soon began the forward march to safe vantage ground of success.  The most scrupulous economy on the part of himself and his wife was coupled with their indefatigable industry, and they endured much to gain little in the earlier stages of their married life.  But there was an advance, and they never faltered in their efforts or courage.  For twenty long years Mr. Long continued to be engaged in farming on rented land, and at the expiration of this period, in March, 1904, he and his wife decided that they were justified in purchasing a home of their own, as they were now free from indebtedness and had a reserve fund of somewhat more than two thousand dollars.  After due investigation and consideration, they purchased their present farm of eighty acres, in Cardington township, and the same was secured for the sum of fifty-two hundred dollars, of which amount they paid two thousand dollars in cash and assumed a mortgage for the balance.  The land is of marked fertility and has been brought up to a fine state of productiveness under the able management of Mr. Long, who has made many improvements on the place, including the installation of tile drainage, and the expenditure of fully fourteen hundred dollars in the remodeling of the house and other buildings, all of which are now in fine order and indicate thrift and prosperity.  Within the six years that have intervened since he purchased this fine property Mr. Long has freed the same from the burden of the mortgage, and his wife has proved his efficient and valued adviser and coadjutor.  Prosperity of established order is now theirs, and none can doubt that it has been most worthily won.  It can be a matter of no slight gratification to them that they have thus gained independence and the prospect of the coming years stretches pleasing to their view, as they may well feel that at last their “lines are cast in pleasant places.”
     Working and planning with all earnestness, Mr. Long has had neither inclination or time to devote to the turbulence of practical politics, but he is a stanch supporter of the cause of the Republican party and ever ready to lend his aid and influence in support of measures and enterprises projected for the general good of the community.  He and his wife are appreciative of the value of educational advantages, have given their children excellent opportunities, and are earnest supporters of the public schools.  Their labors and accomplishment afford both lesson and incentive to other young couples who are compelled to work out their own salvation, and their success is the logical result of energy, industry, frugality and invincible determination.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Long are members of the Methodist Protestant church, in which he is identified with the South Canaan Society and she with a similar organization in Hardin county.  They have contributed their quota to the support of religious and benevolent work and have an abiding sympathy for all those in affliction and distress, so that they are ever ready to lend a helping hand to the unfortunate.  They have secure hold upon the confidence and regard of all who know them and are popular factors in the social activities of their home township.
     On the 18th of August, 1886, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Long to Miss Martha Thew Key, who was born in Marion county, Ohio, on the 31st of October, 1861, and who is the second in order of birth of the seven sons and two daughters born to Henry and Mary Thew (Wittred) Key.  All of the children are living but one who died in infancy and all reside in Ohio.  Mr. and Mrs. Key were born and reared in Lincolnshire, England, and soon after their marriage they immigrated to America.  The voyage was a most tempestuous one and the sailing vessel on which the same was made felt to the full the warring forces of the “merciful, merciless, sea,” with the result that the jaded and weary passengers frequently felt that the stanch little craft would not weather the storms that assailed it.  After six weeks on the ocean Mr. and Mrs. Key landed in New York City, whence they came as soon as possible to Marion county, Ohio.  Upon their arrival their financial resources were summed up in the pitiful amount of two and one-half dollars.  Mr. Key secured work digging ditches in Marion county, and received in compensation for his arduous toil sixty-two and one-half cents a day.  At the opening of the year 1911 he is found as the owner of a finely improved farm of ninety-five acres, in Marion county, and he and his devoted wife have reared their large family of children to lives of usefulness and honor, while now they themselves are enjoying the gracious rewards of former years of toil and endeavor, secure in the esteem of all who know them.  Mrs. Long was educated in the public schools of her native country, and is a woman of genial personality ––a devoted wife and a loving mother, and has the affectionate regard of all who have come within the sphere of her kindly influence.  Mr. and Mrs. Long have two children, both of whom have been accorded the advantages of the excellent public schools of their native county.  Burton E. is associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm and proves an able and valuable coadjutor; and Zelda B., who likewise remains at the parental home, has much musical talent.  She is devoting careful attention to the study of the “divine art,” and her ambition is to become a teacher of both vocal and instrumental music.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 513-517
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist.

STEPHEN B. LYON. —Industry and ability invariably win their way to prominence. No matter how small and insignificant the beginning may be, the industrious man who exerts his talents and has the tenacity of purpose to persist in the course good judgment dictates never fails of success. Stephen B. Lyon has been identified with agricultural pursuits in South Bloomfield township, Morrow county, Ohio, for fully three decades, and in the township has been incumbent of some important offices of public trust and responsibility.
     Mr. Lyon was born on the farm in Morrow county on the 11th of December, 1854, and is a son of Newton and Hannah (Lounsbury) Lyon, the former of whom was a native of the state of Ohio and the latter of whom was born in New York. The mother accompanied her parents to Ohio when a child of but three years of age, the journey having been made overland by wagon. Location was made in the woods in Knox county on a tract of land which the father reclaimed to cultivation. Newton Lyon was a son of Smith and Sallie (Marvin) Lyon, and the former was a son of Walker and Mary Lyon who came to Ohio from Connecticut when Smith was a lad of twelve years of age. The Lyon family settled on a tract of eighty acres of land east of Bloomfield and in the early pioneer days they were the only white family but one, that of Peter Kile, between that place and Mt. Liberty. Mr. and Mrs. Newton Lyon became the parents of three children, of whom Stephen B. was the second in order of birth, namely, Smith W., Stephen B. and John F. The father was identified with farming during the major portion of his active business career, and he and his wife are yet living.
     Stephen, B. Lyon was reared to the invigorating discipline of the home farm and he early availed himself of the advantages afforded in the public schools of his native place. He also attended school for a time at Delaware, Ohio, and as a young man he spent one year in the west in prospecting. When twenty-five years of age he was married and thereafter he, turned his attention to farming, location being made on an estate near his present fine farm. He is engaged in general farming and in late years has become much interested in the raising of Delaine sheep, in which line of enterprise he has been eminently successful. He takes care of flocks numbering up to two hundred head and averages some ten pounds of wool per animal. In politics Mr. Lyon accords an uncompromising allegiance to the cause of .the Republican party and in connection with public affairs he has served the county as deputy state supervisor of elections for some eight years. He has held other minor township offices and for a number of years has been a member of the school board. In their religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Lyon are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sparta, Ohio, to whose charities and benevolences they have ever been most liberal contributors. As a citizen of sterling integrity of character and eminent reliability Mr. Lyon has frequently been called upon to settle the estates of his neighbors, among them being those of his grandfather, Colonel Brown, Joseph Conway and others. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias at Centerburg, Ohio.
     On September 1, 1879, was recorded the marriage of Mr. Lyon to Miss Mary Gloyd, who was born in South Bloomfield township December 7, 1856, and who is a daughter of Morgan and Margaret (Jackson) Gloyd, the former of whom was born on the 25th of August, 1826, and the latter on the 5th of October, 1832, both having been natives of Connecticut, whence the respective families immigrated to Ohio in the early pioneer days, the Gloyds locating in the vicinity of Sparta, and the Jacksons in South Bloomfield township. Morgan Gloyd passed away on the 23rd of November, 1890, and his wife died on the 28th of August, 1892. They had two children, of whom Mrs. Lyon was the second in order of birth. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyon was born one child, Maud, whose birth occurred on the 27th of July, 1880, and who is now the wife of J. M. Wilson of Knox county; they have one child, Harold who is in school and bright in his studies. Maud was educated in the common and high schools at Centerburg, Knox county, Ohio, having been graduated in the latter institution at the early age of fifteen years. After leaving school she taught for two years in South Bloomfield township.
Source:  History of Morrow County, Ohio by A. J. Baughman - Vol. II - Chicago-New York: The Lewis Publishing Co. - 1911 – pp. 584-586
Contributed by a Generous Genealogist