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Van Wert County, Ohio
History & Genealogy

BIOGRAPHIES.

Source:
A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio
 containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens :
together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Ohio.
Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 
1896

A B C D E F G H IJ K L M N OPQ R S T UV W XYZ

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  JOHN M. GARDNER, a farmer and ex-soldier of Hoaglin township, Van Wert county, Ohio, is of a good old colonial stock, his ancestors having come from England in an early day.  From these hardy colonists descended Jesse Gardner, grandfather of our subject, who was for many years a citizen of New Jersey, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in New Jersey.
     REUBEN C. GARDNER, son of Jesse and father of our subject, was born in Essex county, N. J., Feb. 28, 1811, but was reared in Orange county, in the same state, where he served an apprenticeship of three years at shoemaking.  He was an unusually well-informed man, although self-taught chiefly, receiving, however, the meager advantage of the common schools of his early day.  He first married Susan L. Myrick, who born him the following children: Lydia A., Jesse H. (died young), Jesse W., (died while serving in the Thirty-second Ohio volunteer infantry), Valera (died young,) Phebe I., John M. (our subject), Harriet, Josephine and Susan.  The mother of these children died Aug. 1, 1848, a devout member of the Methodist church, and the second marriage of Mr. Gardner was to Lydia Roloson, daughter of Joseph Roloson, and to this union were born, Sarah (died in infancy), Seth, Joseph E. (died at twenty-one years), Eunice Jane (died at eighteen), Ciers, Lemuel J., Martin L., Helen, Reuben P., Walter and Ida M. - the four last named deceased.  The second Mrs. Gardner died April 11, 1888, in the Presbyterian faith, and the third marriage of Mr. Gardner was with Lucy Baldwin.  Mr. Gardner has always been active and prominent in church work and was an elder and exhorter in the Methodist church for many years, but is now a member of the Presbyterian church, it being nearer his home.  He has been living on his fertile farm of 125 acres in Delaware county, Ohio, since Feb. 16, 1855, where he enjoys the respect of the surrounding community.  In politics he is a strong prohibitionist.
     John M. Gardner was born in Delaware county, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1845, and has been a farmer from his youth.  Aug. 22, 1862, he enlisted in company K, One Hundred Twenty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and served in the campaigns of Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, participating in the battle of Perrysville, Ky., and the skirmish at Triune, Tenn.; and at Chickamauga, Ga., on the second day of the two-day fight, Sept. 20, 1863, was struck by a fragment of shell (2 by ¼ inches), which buried itself in the fleshy part of his hip, and so disabled him that he was unfitted for further service and was honorably discharged May 30, 1865.  He still retains in his possession this fragment of shell and still limps from the injury it inflicted.  The marriage of Mr. Gardner took place Dec. 18, 1868, to Miss Olive Lewis, daughter of Morgan S. and Mary (Shoemaker) Lewis.  The father, Morgan S. Lewis, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., Aug. 10, 1826, and the mother, Mary Shoemaker, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, Sept. 2, 1828; they were married in Delaware county, where the mother still resides.  The father owned a grist and saw-mill in Morrow county, Ohio, which he successfully operated until a short time before his death, Dec. 30, 1887, a member of the Methodist church, in which he had long been a steward and class leader.  In politics he was a prohibitionist.  The grandfather of Mrs. Gardner, Morgan Lewis, also was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., July 10, 1808, was likewise a miller as well as mill-wright, and married Cyrena Schofield, in Onondaga county, N. Y.  They both died in Morrow county, Ohio.  The great-grandfather of Mrs. Gardner was Jonathan Lewis, who was born and reared in Onondaga county, N. Y., but passed his latter days in Morrow county, Ohio.  The children born to Mrs. Gardner's parents were named, Josephine, Olive, Cynthia, Lester E., William J., Orrin J., and Cyrena, are still living.
     Mr. and Mrs. John M. Gardner came to their present home of 125 acres soon after marriage, and have had born to them the following family: Orson M., who has been a teacher for six years, and is now engaged in his profession in Mercer county, Ohio; Edith, Jessie, Lewis, Ralph C., Mary and Agnes.  Mr. Gardner's farm is improved with a modern built residence and a substantial barn and other suitable structures, and is excellently well cultivated.  In politics he is a republican and has served in the position of township trustee; he has long been steward and class leader in the Methodist church and a Sunday-school teacher; he is also a member of grange No. 1333, and is notable as an energetic and useful citizen.  Subject's maternal great-grandfather was in the battle of Monmouth in the Revolution.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page  312
  JAMES W. GILBERT, native of Van Wert Count, Ohio, and a prosperous farmer of Tully township, is a son of Eleazer and Minerva (Fisher) Gilbert, and was born Jan. 1, 1845.  ELEAZER GILBERT was of Welsh descent, but came from  Pennsylvania to Van Wert county and settled in Harrison township.  By his first wife were born four children, viz:  James W., Charles, Anette and Sarah.  His second marriage was to Leah Crothers, who bore him six children.  Mrs. Gilbert died in 1859, but he is still a resident of Van Wert County.
     James W. Gilbert received the ordinary common-school education and was reared on the home farm.  When about nineteen years of age, fired by a commendable patriotism, he enlisted, Oct. 11, 1854, at Van Wert, in company C, Seventy-eighth Ohio infantry, to serve for one year or during the war, but the young soldier was held for about nine months only, being honorably discharged July 11, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., the object for which he volunteered having been accomplished and the Rebellion suppressed.  He entered upon the Rebellion suppressed.  He entered upon active service by joining Gen. Sherman's army after the fall of Atlanta (Sept. 2, 1864), and was with that hero on the famous march to the sea, and took part in a number of severe skirmishes.  He marched the entire distance to Goldsboro, N. C., on foot, with the exception of one day's ride, which he secured by picking up a worn-out horse.  After the glorious victory over 40,000 rebels near Goldsboro, March 19, 1865, Sherman proceeded northward, and finally, peace having been restored,  Mr. Gilbert had the proud satisfaction of taking part in the grand review at Washington, D. C., May 23-4, 1865, whence with his regiment he was sent to Louisville, Ky., to be mustered out of the service.  During this period Mr. Gilbert was never sick, never wounded nor taken prisoner, nor ever missed a roll-call.  On his return to Van Wert Mr. Gilbert was married, Sept. 7, 1865, to Miss Kate Stevens, daughter of Moses and Levina (Howe) Stevens.  Moses Stevens was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., of Scotch-Irish parents, and came to Ohio in 1852, settling in Adams county, where he bought and cleared up an eighty-acre farm, on which he died at the age of fifty-five years.  He was a republican in politics and an honored and hard-working man.  He and his wife were members of the Methodist church and were the parents of eight cildren, named of followed: Wesley, Thomas, Emma, Rachael, Julia, Kate, Jennie and Melissa.
     After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert settled in Harrison township, Van Wert county, and in the spring of 1875 came to Tully township, bought sixty acres of heavily timpered land, cleared it by hard work and made a good home, now well cultivated and improved with all necessary buildings.  Ten children came to crown the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, and were named, Lillie, Burt, Martin, Cora (died at the age of twenty years), Jennie, Elsie, Myrtle, Teressa, James and Grover.  In politics Mr. Gilbert is a democrat, but was one of those who served his country faithfully as a soldier.  He is a self made man and a substantial citizen of the purest integrity.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 229
  THE GILLILAND FAMILY - The Gilliland family is of Scotch-Irish descent, and their home was in county Down, in the north of Ireland.  There were eleven in the family, seen sons and four daughters.  Their names were as follows: John, Thomas, Hugh, Adam, Andrew, Robert, James, Jane, Mary, Sarah and Catharine.  Three of the elder brothers came to the United States first, all the rest apparently intending to follow, and were on board the vessel when it was getting ready to sail; but when the signal was given to take in the gang-plank, Catharine ran ashore, and refused to accompany her brothers and sisters.  Soon afterward, to the great sorrow and indignation of the rest of the family, who were all Presbyterians, and whose ancestors, on both sides (The Gilliands and the Gordons) were also Presbyterians, she married a Catholic, and her name was never again mentioned in the family.
     At an early age, John Gilliland, the father of the Van Wert branch of the family, in company with one of his brothers, went into northwestern Pennsylvania, and there took u0p what was known as a "tomahawk right;"{ that is, they blazed the trees around a piece of land, and this gave them a title to it.  On their return they were pursued for thirty miles by Indians.  Upon reaching the top of one hill and looking back, they could see the Indians coming over the next hill behind them, and the pursuit was only abandoned when they were in sight of Fort DuQuesne, now Pittsburg.  John Gilliland, in his flight, killed a fine horse, and was so disgusted with the results of the trip that he never retired to claim his right, but gave his interest to one of his brothers, who improved it but his descendants are quite numerous in northwestern Pennsylvania and  southwestern New York at the present day.
     Two of the brothers went south, married and became slave-holders, much to the regret of the rest of the family, who were greatly opposed to the holding of human beings in bondage.  One peculiarity of the family is this - that both males and females retain the family name; and wherever there are Gillilands found, they are Presbyterians, if in reach of a church of that denomination.  Of more than fifty families, some in New York, some in Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Washington, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, all trace their ancestry back to some one of the ten brothers and sisters whose emigration has been described in the beginning of this sketch.
     John Gilliland, after his escape from the Indians, returned east and lived in Maryland.  He served in the Revolutionary War, was at the battle of Yorktown and at the surrender of Cornwallis, being then but little over eighteen years of age.  He married Jane Briggs, by whom he had a family of nine children, viz: James, Gordon, John, Thomas, Adam, Robert, Hugh, Nancy (Mrs. Peter Wills), Sarah (Mrs. George Guy) and Jane (Mrs. Theopilus King).  John Gilliland was born in 1763 and died in 1826 and his wife was born in 1775 and died in 1858.
     James Gordon Gilliland, named after Lord Gordon, of Ireland, was born May 7, 1800, at Hagerstown, Md., where he lived until he was twenty-two years of age, when he learned the trade of millwright.  After his father's death he removed his mother's family to Adams county, Pa.  There he worked at his trade, and afterward learned that of miller, which he followed until he moved to Ohio.  In 1828 he married Margaret Lawson, who is still living (1896) in Van Wert county, at the age of eighty-seen years.  To them were born nine children viz:  Elmira Francis (Mrs. W. H. McCoy), Ann Eliza (Mrs. James Montgomery), Thaddeus Stevens, Harriet (Mrs. J. J. McMillen), Susan Mary (Mrs. G. C. Parrott, of Mercer county), Josephine (Mrs. D. S. Patterson, of Crestline, Ohio), Phebe Ophelia (Mrs. J. M. Ocheltree, of Homer, Ill.), and Amanda (wife of D. P. Dunathan).
     In 1833 James Gordon Gilliland, in company with a man named Wise, with whom he had worked at the millwright trade, came west to look up a location for homes for themselves, walking from Gettysburg, Pa., to Fort Wayne, Ind., and back again, average over thirty miles per day for the entire trip, and one day walking forty-five miles.  They thought for a time they would locate at Findlay, Ohio, but they found that the settlers' great dread, milk sickness, was there, so they pushed on the Fort Wayne.  There they selected a location, and returned home to make arrangements for the removal of their families.  Mr. Wise concluded to remain east, and Mr. Gilliland was two years in making his arrangements.  All his goods and his family he brought with him as far as Bucyrus, Ohio, in a one-horse wagon.  There he traded his horse for a yoke of oxen, but soon found that he had made a poor bargain, as one of them had the trembles (milk sickness).  He there fore left his family at Bucyrus and started on to Fort Wayne, but on account of high water in the streams was unable to reach Fort Wayne, and he concluded to enter land in Ridge township, and returned to Bucyrus for his family.  The land he selected was the east half of section No. 9.  It was covered with black walnut, white ash and hard maple, and as the Indians burned the woods over every year, there was no underbrush, and on the whole it was calculated to captivate a home-seeker.  He also entered 160 acres east of the infirmary, now owned by William Johnson.  Of this he gave eighty acres to Robert and High, his brothers, for keeping their mother and sisters, and sold the other eighty acres to Adam Gilliland on time.  The next spring they sold the 160 acres for $1,000, and bought the half-section now known as the Adam and Hugh Gilliland farms.
     After reaching his new home, on the last day of July, 1835, he still found trials and hardships to encounter.  His stock of provisions running short, he went to Allen county and bought roasting ears, took them home and grated them on a grater made out of a tin bucket.  Later in the season he went to Piqua to mill, that being the nearest point, and bought corn at a dollar a bushel, being a week in making the round-trip with his ox-team.  On one occasion he went on horseback to Findlay to buy some crocks and dishes.  On his return he last his way in the woods; lay down to rest and sleep until the moon should rise, and was awakened by some animal smelling of his face.  Springing to his feet, a wolf ran away, and set up a howl that made his hair stand on end.  When the moon rose he found his way home.  After this a mill was built at Fort Wayne.  He and his brothers then cut a road through to that place, and for several years all the milling was done there, only four days being required to make the round trip, if the milling were properly done; but some times, on account of the great number of persons collecting at the mill at the same time, a man had to wait two weeks.  On an occasion of of this kind at Fort Wayne, when the ground around the mill for acres was covered with teams waiting for their turn, Mr. Gilliland, by going down town and buying a gallon of brandy, which he quietly hid in bran, informing the miller of the fact, succeeded in getting his own grist ground during the night, notwithstanding the pretended opposition of the miller, and was on his way home by daylight next morning.
     Mr. Gilliland was afterward elected treasurer of the county, and then he made his settlement with the state, traveled to Columbus and back on horseback.  Money beig then very scarce, he adopted a system of currency of his own, viz: taking all kinds of furs at their market value in place of money.  Sometimes three fourths of the week's receipts for taxes were in furs.  The money that was collected for taxes he carried about his person, or secreted it where no one but himself knew the place.
     Not long after coming to the county, Mr. Gilliland, Smith Hill and John Marks, together with their wives, organized a church, and had services each Sunday, the meeting being held in their respective houses.  On one occasion Mr. Gilliland and his wife, having started to Hill's to attend class, it occurred to him that he had better return and conceal what money he had on hand - several hundred dollars in gold.  The money was secreted by being placed under the puncheon floor of his house.  Upon returning from class meeting he discovered that the chest, in which he had been in the habit of keeping the money, had been broken upon and emptied of its contents, but of course the money had not been found.  Upon looking round he saw the imprint of a peculiarly shaped hand-made shoe, and not long afterward found out who wore the shoe, in this way discovering the would-be robber; but he never informed the public who the thief was, he and his brothers being the only ones that knew.  However, he never had anything to do with the man who wore the peculiarly shaped shoe, though neighbors for twenty years.
     Notwithstanding that he county was democratic and he was a whig, he was elected several terms county commissioner, without opposition.  Oliver Stacey, one of the early settlers, having some business to transact with the commissioners, on one occasion, when he came out of the court house, remarked: "Well, we've got 100 commissioners in our county!"  On being asked to explain, he said that he had "found Gordon Gilliland doing all the business, and the other two sitting round doing nothing, and that if one and two naughts did not make 100, he could not count!"
     Mr. Gilliland was very fond of hunting, but would never take his full hunt until the last load of corn was in the crib.  He always brought home with him, from a hunting trip, a goodly stock of honey and venison.  One day, when appraising land, he shot four wolves, and at another time he killed a bear within 100 yards of his house.  He had many warm friends among the Wyandot Indians, and they seldom returned to Van Wert county without making him a visit.  He was also equally popular among his white neighbors, and it may be truthfully said that few men pass through life with as many warm friends, and as few enemies, as he.  He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and a most earnest worker for the cause of religion.  His death occurred Oct. 2, 1862, when he was sixty-two years of age.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 362
  ALLEN BERTRAM GILLILAND, M. D., a young and rising physician of Van Wert, Ohio, was born Dec. 20, 1864, a son of Thaddeus Stevens and Ruhannah (Baker) Gilliland, of whom a memoir in full will be found on page 364, of this volume.  To the same parents were also born a daughter, Adda, who was married to I. H. Lynch, of Greenville, Ohio, and who died at San Diego, Cal., Jan. 2, 1896, also a son, a younger brother of our subject, now living in Sidney, Ohio, and named Llewellen Gordon Gilliland.
     A. B. Gilliland laid the foundation of his literary education in the high school of Van Wert, and then, at the age of seventeen years, entered Wooster (Ohio) college, which he attended three years; he next attended Cornel university, at Ithaca, N. Y., from which noted institution of learning he graduated in 1887, receiving a degree of Ph. B., and at once began his professional studies in the medical department of the university of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, receiving his diploma as M. D., in May, 1890.  For practice he first located in Englewood, Ill., where he passed a novitiate of two years and then settled in Van Wert, where, having brought with him a profound knowledge of the science of medicine, the result of arduous study and two years of practical experience, he has been constantly employed ever since.
     Dr. Gilliland was united in the bonds of wedlock, in May, 1893, with Miss Anna M. Alter, who was born Dec. 9, 1866, near Saint Paul, Minn., a daughter of John Alter, and this congenial marriage of the doctor and his wife has been blessed with one son - Thaddeus Stevens, born Feb. 22, 1895.  Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland are conscientious members of the Presbyterian church, and their social standing is most excellent.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 875
  HON. E. B. GILLILAND is a native of Van Wert County, Ohio, born Apr. 10, 1846, a son of Thomas and Catherine (McCann) Gilliland, natives of Maryland, and among the earlier settlers of Van Wert county, Ohio.  The family is quite a famous one in this county, as well as in the city, as will be found in the various sketches published in this volume, to which the reader can readily refer by means of the index preceding these sketches.
     Thomas Gilliland was born Oct. 22, 1806, and Mrs. Catherine Gilliland Dec. 11, 1809.  In 1835, Thomas came to Van Wert county with his wife, his son William and a daughter Martha, and entered 160 acres of land in Ridge township, the tract being a part of the farm now owned by our subject, Hon. E. B. Gilliland - the father increasing his possessions at one time to 480 acres, and becoming one of the most prominent farmers and popular citizens of the township.  He was a thoroughly upright man, was a member of the F. & A. M., and held the full confidence of his fellow-citizens, who he served fifteen years as justice of the peace, holding that office at the time of his decease, which occurred July 28, 1857, when his remains were interred in the old cemetery a t Van Wert, with Masonic honors.  The respected widow of Mr. Gilliland survived until Nov. 13, 1888, when her venerated remains were also deposited in the same receptacle.  The twelve children of this pioneer couple were born in the following order:  Martha, wife of Ira Cavett; William, deceased; Mary Jane, married to D. M. Conroy; John Francis, deceased; Robert A. Webster, deceased; James Maxwell, of the city of Van Wert; Edward B., subject of this sketch; Ellen and Elizabeth, deceased; Henrietta, wife of Allen Lown, of Van Wert city, and Thomas Hiram, deceased.
     Hon. E. B. Gilliland, whose name opens this biographical memoir, passed his early youth on the home farm, enjoying, at the same time, excellent opportunities for an education, becoming, himself, a school teacher, a vocation he followed six years.  In the year 1875, he was united in matrimony with Miss Mary Jane Collins, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Featherolf) Collins, which happy union was blessed by the birth of six children, named as follows:  Florence, Daisy, Thomas, Grace (deceased), Myrtle, and Edna May (deceased).  Mr. Gilliland, like various other members of his family, continued to rise in popularity and became a favorite with the democratic party, his abilities as a politician being also recognized by the public at large, the result being that he was elected to serve his constituency in the Sixty-ninth and Seventieth Ohio general assembly and his popularity was further emphasized by the fact that he was elected from a district that usually polled from 100 to 200 republican majority.  White in the legislature he served in a most satisfactory manner on the important committee of ways and means, on committee on agriculture, and on the committee on the insane asylum.  In religion Mr. Gilliland and his entire family are members of the church of Rome, of which they are not only conscientious adherents in principle, but liberal supporters in a financial sense.  In his worldly possessions Mr. Gilliland may well be considered quite well to do, possessing, as he does, a fine farm of 206 acres and property of considerable value in the city of Van Wert.  The social standing of the family, it is needless to say, is with the highest and most honored of the county.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 230
  JAMES M. GILLILAND, son of THOMAS and Catherine Gilliland (see genealogy of Gilliland family) is a native of Van Wert county, born in the year 1843.  Reared on a farm in the vicinity of the city of Van Wert, he enjoyed the usual advantages of acquiring an education and began his life as a farmer, purchasing, in connection with his brother, Hon. E. B. Gilliland, the old homestead, when but nineteen years of age.  Later he disposed of his interest in the farm, and subsequently purchased a farm consisting of 155 acres two and a half miles southeast of Van Wert, which he has highly improved, its present condition and close proximity to the city making it one of the most valuable pieces of land of its area in the county.  In July, 1892, Mr. Gilliland purchased two acres on South Walnut street, Van Wert, and in January of the following year moved to his city home, which is one of the most desirable residence properties on the street on which it is situated.
     April 10, 1878, Mr. Gilliland and Miss Mary Ellen Gorham, daughter of Eleazer and Mary M. (Harlam) Gorham, were united in marriage.  The parents of Mrs. Gilliland were both natives of Clinton county, Ohio, and the names of their children are as follows:  Elvira B., died in infancy; Mary Ellen; Melvina F., wife of Lafayette Hudgel; Elmira E., wife of Calvin C. Gamble, and Agnes Ann, deceased.  The mother of these children died on the 5th day of March, 1862.
     Mrs. Gilliland's father served in the late war, enlisting in 1861, in the Seventy-ninth regiment, but was afterward transferred to the Seventy-third, Ohio volunteer infantry.  He served throughout the war without receiving an injury, except the partial loss of the sense of hearing, caused by the heavy cannonading during one of the battles in which he was engaged.
     Mr. Gilliland has been quite successful in his business ventures, accumulating thereby an ample competence.  Politically he is a democrat and religiously subscribes to the creed of the Methodist church, his wife also being an active member of the same church, and both belonging to the congregation worshiping in Van Wert.
     JOHN GILLILAND was born in Ridge township, Van Wert county, Ohio, July 5, 1836, the first white male born there, and is a son of Adam and Sarah (Shaffer) Gilliland, full particulars regarding whom will be found in the history of their family on another page.  John Gilliland, our subject, was reared to manhood on the home farm, was educated in the common schools, and in the spring of 1857 made a trip to Woodford county, Ill., where he passed the following summer in farm labor, returning, the next winter, to his native township of Ridge, where he re-engaged in farm work, and was so employed until his marriage in 1866, further mention of which important event in his life will be made a little further on.  In the year named he settled on eighty acres of land owned by his wife in section No. 31, Ridge township, to which he has since added twenty-one acres, the combined tracts constituting his present home.  To this farm he devoted his undivided attention, and improved and assiduously cultivated until 1873, when he began dealing in live stock, shipping to the eastern markets, and this trade, i conjunction with agriculture, claimed his attention until within the past few years, when he made live stock dealing his sole occupation, in which he has met with abundant success.
     The marriage of Mr. Gilliland took place in Ridge township, June 9, 1866, with Miss Lucy Cavett, who was born in Williams county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Cavett, and to this happy union ten children have been born, viz:  Ella, wife of H. V. Cooper; William C., Adam, and Emma J., all of Ridge township; Bertha, wife of J. Huffine; Pearl, wife of Delbert A. North; an infant, deceased; Hugh, Sarah and Ira.  Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are very liberal in its support.  In politics Mr. Gilliland is a democrat, and in 1890 was elected land appraiser of his township, serving one year; in 1891 he was elected trustee of his township, and served until 1893, and in 1895 was reelected to the same office.  He is a highly honored citizen, and the attention of the reader is called to another page, on which is opened the history of the Gilliland family, prepared by T. S. Gilliland of Van Wert.  Of the children, our subject, William C. married Delaura Crothers, Ma0rch 24, 1897, and Adam married Rosetta Tumbleson, Dec. 28, in the year 1893.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 232
  S. M. GILLILAND, son of Adam and Sarah (Shaffner) Gilliland, was born in Ridge township, Van Wert county, Ohio, June 15, 1842, was reared on the home farm, and has made farming his life vocation.  At the age of twenty-two years he enlisted in company B, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the Rebellion, when he was honorably discharged at Winchester, Va.  He then returned to the home of his childhood and resumed farming on the old home place until 1868, when he bought sixty acres of land, which he has since supplemented with sixty additional acres, on which he has made all the improvements.  On the 3d day of February, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda E. Balyeat, daughter of Jacob and Frances (Thomas) Balyeat, residents of Ridge township, and this union has been blessed by the birth of five children, viz:  Homer, who married Flora Johantgen, of Ridge township, the remaining four being Ira, Laura, Frances and Jesse.  Mr. Gilliland and his family worship at the Methodist church and manifest in their daily walk the sincerity of their belief in that faith.  In politics Mr. Gilliland is a democrat, and in 1884, was elected a justice of the peace; during the six years that he performed the functions of this office it may be said that not more than three cases were appealed from his docket, and in no instance was a decision of his reversed.  A more extensive notice of the Gilliland family will be found in adjacent parts of this volume, also the genealogy of the Balyeat family will be given upon other pages.  Mr. and Mrs. Gilliland are well known citizens throughout Ridge township, and none hold the confidence of the entire community to a greater extent than they, and none take a deeper interest in the matters of education and the moral training of the community.  Mr. Gilliland is one of the enterprising and progressive men of his township, and well deserves the high respect in which he is held.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 231
  THADDEUS STEVENS GILLILAND, a highly respected citizen of Van Wert, Ohio, a son of James Gilliland and Margaret Gilliland, was born Oct. 27, 1834, in Adams county, Pa., and came to Ohio with his parents in 1835; they settled in Ridge township, Van Wert county, where his boyhood days were spent on the farm.  He attended the district school three months every two years years - part of the time walking three miles night and morning during the winter.  In 1853 he entered Farmers college at College Hill, near Cincinnati.  The college was conducted by the Carys - Freeman and Samuel F.   During that year Freeman Cary resigned the presidency of the college proper to accept the presidency of the farm department, and Isaac J. Allen was elected president.  After leaving college he taught school two winters in Van Wert and Allen counties, and spent two years in the dry-goods trade in Elida, and in 1857 returned to Van Wert county and engaged in clearing up a farm in Ridge township.  Nov. 12, 1857, he was married to Ruhannah Baker, daughter of Jacob S. Baker, of Allen county.  During 1858, 1859, 1860, he taught school in Van Wert town and left the school-room to enter the army on the first call of the president for volunteers in April, 1861, enlisting for three months.  He was chosen orderly sergeant of company E, Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served under Gen. McClellen in West Virginia until the expiration of the term of enlistment.  He was engaged in the battles of Philippi, Laurel Hill and Carrick's Ford, and at the latter battle he was in command of the company.  After being mustered out of service he returned home, and with W. C. Scott recruited company H, of the fifteenth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, of which company he was made captain and served under Gen. Buell in Kentucky and Tennessee.  He was in command of his company in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, in the second day's fight, and was in the last charge that drove the enemy off the field, charging past the old Shiloh Church.
     At the close of the war he engaged in the grain and produce trade in Van Wert, in which he has been engaged every since.  He has paid out more money to the farmers and given employment to more people than any man in the county.  His business for several years amounted to over $300,000 a year, and his pay-roll frequently reached over $150 a week.  He always made it a rule to pay his hands every Saturday.  He united with the Presbyterian church in Van Wert in 1854, and was chosen an elder in 1863; was made a Mason in 1855, in Lima lodge, No. 205, F. & A. M.  He has seen the red men driven from their hunting grounds in the county; the bear, wolves and deer disappear, and fine farms come into existence where once was an almost impenetrable forest.  He well recollects when it was forty miles north without a house, and when their nearest neighbors were fifteen miles away; when the nearest mill was at Piqua, and they had to go to Sandusky city for salt; when coonskins passed as currency; saw the first canal boat, the first stage coach, and the first railroad train that came into the county; can recollect when a school teacher could get a certificate if he could read, write, and had been through the first four rules in arithmetic and could bound the state of Ohio; recollects when Morse invented the telegraph and how the Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper made fun of the idea that men could talk to each other over a wire forty miles long.  He was captain of company H, Fifteenth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, during the Rebellion, and a colonel of the Ohio militia, and served two terms as mayor of Van Wert.
     Ruhannah (Baker) Gilliland, wife of T. S. Gilliland, is the daughter of Jacob S. and Mary Baker and was born in Allen county, Ohio, July 27, 1839.  Her parents came to Allen county from Fairfield county, Ohio, about 1835 or 1836, and were formerly from Pennsylvania.  Her girlhood was spent on the farm and teaching school until her marriage, in 1857, when she moved with her husband to Van Wert county.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 364
  FRANCIS H. GIPE, a practical and rising young farmer of Ridge township, was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, July 23, 1864, a son of Elias and Louisa (Gilliland) Gipe, the latter being a son of one of the earliest of the pioneer families of the county.  A brother of our subject Waldo C. Gipe, is also a farmer of Ridge township; a sister of subject, Minnie, is the wife of E. B. Waldron, a grocer of the city of Van Wert, and another sister, Rosa A., died in early womanhood.  The father of this family died a few years after the death of his wife, who was summoned to the grave Oct. 5, 1874.
     Francis H. Gipe having in his adolesence lost his parents, made his home, as did also his brother and sister, with his maternal grandfather, Hugh Gilliland, under whom our subject was inured and trained to an arduous duties of a farmer's life - a circumstance he has never had cause to regret.  He had the usual advantages of a common school education, and added to the knowledge acquired under the instruction of the common-school teachers much more, under self-tuition.  In 1880 he was united in wedlock with Miss Lucinda E. Sanders, daughter of Sylvester and Mary E. (Smith) Sanders, the union being blessed by the birth of three daughters  -- Rosa, Helen (deceased), and Mabel.  The amiable mother of this little family lived but a few years in the enjoyment of her domestic felicity, being called away, in 1893, to join the caravan that proceeds without ceasing to the last and permanent home on the earth of mortals.
     In politics Mr. Gipe is an uncompromising democrat, and in 1893 was elected to the office of township treasurer, and, as an instance of his popularity with all parties and the people at large, it is but fair to state that he was the only democrat that was ever elected to the office in Ridge township.  He performed his duties well and faithfully, and no word has ever been uttered that would or could impugn his integrity.  Socially Mr. Gipe stands very high, and as a member of the grange he is energetic in promoting its welfare.  His farm of seventy-four acres, three miles southeast of Van Wert, is a model in itself and gives evidence of the fact that a master hand holds control of it.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 230
  THE GLEASON FAMILY - Probably the earliest mention of the Gleason family of America, traceable, is found in the records Cambridge, Mass., where, in 1647, lived Thomas Gleason, who emigrated to America from New Castle, England, the family having originated in the north of Ireland, the family having originated in the north of Ireland.  There is a family legend relating that the first emigrants of the name to come to America were three brothers, who settled in New England, during the colonial period, and were the original stock from which the American family sprung, which gradually spread to adjacent states, until now its descendants are to e found in every northern state, and doubtless many southern states also.
     BEZALEEL GLEASON, the great-grandfather of Andrew J. Gleason, to whom we are indebted for the data of this memoir, is the most remote ancestor known of, in a direct line.  He lived near Brattleboro, Vt., and is said to have taken part with Gen. Stark's Green Mountain boys, at the battle of Bennington.  He was probably a descendant of the Thomas Gleason above mentioned.  His wife was Phoebe Newberry, their family consisting of six sons and three daughters, named as follows:  Adonijah, Amos, Nathan and Nahum (twins), Ira, Bezaleel, Sarah, Phoebe and Clarissa.  Adonijah was a Baptist preacher, lived at Sempronius, N. Y., for a time, then removed to Switzerland county, Ind., and at last accounts was in Minnesota, where he probably died.  To him and his wife Cynthia were born three sons, Justus, Parsons and Elias, the last named living in Cincinnati during the 'fifties.  Amos, second son, lived at Caledonia Springs, N. Y.; Sarah (Fisher) lived also in New York state on the St. Lawrence river, while the rest of the family, except Bezaleel (second) continued to reside in Vermont when last heard of.
     It was while journeying across the mountains on his return from visiting some of his children that the aged patriarch was overtaken by a tragic fate, becoming bewildered in a mountain storm, causing him to lose his way and to perish in the cold.  Bezaleel, the writer's grandfather, settled in Ontario county, N. Y., near where the town of Shortsville now stands.  He was a farmer, and a man noted for great muscular strength.  He married Abigail Howland, by whom he had three sons and five daughters, viz:  Stephen, Joseph, Sarah, Phoebe, Clarissa, Mary, Eliza and Benjamin  His death occurred June 21, 1832, after which his widow resided on the family homestead for some years, then, gathering together her family (except Sarah and Phoebe, who had previously married), her two eldest sons piloting the way, she removed, in the summer of 1837, to the unbroken wilds of Van Wert county, Ohio, taking up lands in the southwestern part of Pleasant township, where she resided until her death, which took place Aug. 29, 1851, having seen the most of her children settled around her, and enjoyed the affectionate care of both children and grand-children.
     STEPHEN GLEASON, the eldest son, was born in Ontario county, N. Y., July 24, 1801.  He married Amanda Fletcher, by whom he had eight children, viz.:  Emily (Evers), Sarah J. (Royce), Mary A. (Evers), Lucy O. (Albright), Charles F., George H., Louisa (Kiser), and Oliver B., four of whom are living, viz:  Sarah J. Royce, of Columbia City, Ind.; Charles F. Gleason and Mrs. J. W. Kiser, of Dull, Ohio, and Oliver B. Gleason, of Van Wert city.  For several years after his marriage he followed the occupation of a farmer, residing, a part of the time, at a place called Oak Orchard, N. Y., but being enticed by the flattering reports from the new country in western Ohio, after first, with his brother Joseph, having prospected and selected a location, having prospected and selected a location, he sold his property in New York state, and at the head of the family colony, with wife and five children, he turned his back on a comparatively comfortable home to face hardships and privations he little dreamed of.  At one time he was left in charge of the whole colony, while his brothers, with all the available teams, proceeded to a point on the Maumee river, where a portion of the household goods had been shipped via water, a trip requiring some weeks, in the bad condition of the roads.  During all this time Stephen was constantly employed carrying grists of corn to and from a hand-mill, some four or five miles distant, to keep up a supply of breadstuff.  Yet indomitable pluck carried him through these and similar hardships until he had made for himself and family a comfortable home again.
     Mr. Gleason lived on his farm, which he  and his sons brought into a high state of cultivation, until about 1867, having been several times elected county commissioner, and afterward county treasurer, which offices he held with much credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public.  Upon retiring from the office of treasurer he resumed his farm life, but, receiving a fair offer for his farm, sold it to Robert Wade and removed to Van Wert.  Here, however, he remained only long enough to enable him to purchase another farm near South Whitley, Ind., to which he soon after removed.  Losing his faithful wife in 1871, he soon gave up farming, spending his time with his children up to the time of his death, June 21, 1883, the fifty-first anniversary of his father's death.  Both his and his wife's remains were brought to Van Wert and interred in the family lot in the old Van Wert and interred in the family lot in the old Van Wert cemetery.
     In politics Mr. Gleason was a democrat, and, being of an argumentative disposition, was always ready for a tilt with a political opponent.  His religious belief was Universalism, although never having any affiliation with that church; as a citizen few were looked up to for counsel and advice more than he, and while in or out of public office his best efforts for the promotion of the county's welfare were given without stint, and many substantial improvements through the county will perpetuate the memory of Stephen Gleason.
     JOSEPH GLEASON, father of the writer, was born in Manchester township, Ontario county, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1803, and, with his brother and sisters, was given a fair common-school education, which qualified him to teach the district school.  It was while engaged in teaching he became acquainted with Miss Harriet Brown, who was at that time a pupil in his school, the acquaintance ripening into attachment destined to the life long, and which resulted in their marriage, Feb. 10, 1828.  After his marriage he continued to reside near the place of his birth, following in turn the occupations of teacher, farmer and lumberman, until the year 1837, when with his wife and tree children, he joined the little colony then about to try the many vicissitudes of emigration to this then unsettled region.  Entering 160 acres of land where Pott's Corners are now, he devoted his time for the next two years to clearing and improving a farm.  Having been elected county recorder, he removed to Van Wert in the autumn of 1839, purchasing a log tavern near the northeast corner of Main and Jefferson streets, afterward replaced by him with a two-story frame building, known for many years as the American House.  Being quite popular with the new settlers, official honors rather crowded upon him, as he at one time held the office of county recorder, associate judge, and justice of the peace, being appointed judge to fill a vacancy, so he did not continue long in that office, but held the other two for many years, and in the numerous pettifogged cases that came up to his court, 'Squire Gleason's rulings were rarely known to be set aside.  After remaining in his diversified employment some fifteen years, he leased his hotel property to John W. Conn, and his term of office as county recorder having expired, he formed a partnership with Thos. R. Kear, and erected the first steam saw-mill built in the county, on the ground where W. A. Clark's flouring-mill is now located.  After operating this mill about a year he sold out to his partner, taking a lease of the property for three years as a part of the consideration and at the expiration of the lease, with his brother Stephen as a partner, he built what is now the Gleason Lumber Co.'s mill, of which he afterward became sole owner, operating it with little help except that of his four sons, for a number of years, its products contributing largely toward the improvement of the town and surrounding county.  In the meantime, having sold the hotel property and become possessed of several farms in embryo in the near vicinity of Van Wert, he gradually withdrew from the lumber business (which thereafter was conducted by his two youngest sons) and devoted his entire time to improving his farms, and looking after other real estate interests.  During the Centennial year Mr. and Mrs. Gleason visited the Philadelphia World's fair, after which they made a tour of the scenes of their childhood in Connecticut and New York, a journey long anticipated and greatly enjoyed, they, as a matter of course, finding but few still living in the old neighborhoods whom they had known in earlier years, yet this visit was something to recall and live over again until he end of life. 
     It was with much satisfaction that he saw nearly all of his children settle around the old home (his eldest daughter having removed to Michigan), and all were often together enjoying happy reunions under the parental roof.  He was father of nine children, two of whom (a boy and a girl) died in infancy, seven growing to man's and woman's estate as follows:  Mrs. Marietta L. Strother, of Algodon, Mich.; Julius A., Andrew J., Abram B. and Francis J., and Mrs. Julia A. Carper; and Ella A. Carper, of Van Wert city, who died Apr. 4, 1876.
     In politics, Mr. Gleason was always a democrat, but he drew the line when disunion threatened, casting his vote for Stephen A. Douglass for president, and when the Civil war came, gave his two elder sons to uphold the stars and stripes.  His religious convictions were broad and liberal, and although never affiliating with any church, he was a strong believer in the final salvation of the whole human race, or, in other words, was a Universalist, losing no opportunity to attend the preaching of that doctrine and to contribute of his means thereto.  His favorite mottoes were, "Love thy neighbor as thyself" and, "Keep thyself unspotted from the world."  With this simple creed for his guidance he was content to trust his future in the care of Him who doeth all things well.  The approach of the grim reaper was gradual but sure for several years, paralytic symptoms affecting his walk and speech being first noticeable, yet his mental faculties were impaired but slightly up to his death, which occurred Feb. 2, 1883, he having entered upon his eightieth year.  He was surrounded by all of his family in his last hours and was followed to his chosen resting place in beautiful Woodland by many surviving and loving friends, who will long revere the name of Joseph Gleason.
     Harriet Brown, mother of the writer, and eldest daughter of John and Elsie (Fish) Brown,  was born Feb. 26, 1811, at East Windsor, Conn., her family afterward moving to Ontario county, N. Y., and from thence to Lorain county, Ohio, where her parents resided until their death.  While residing in New York she was united in marriage to Joseph Gleason, and afterward, with him and their three small children, emigrated to this county to help build a home in the almost unbroken wilderness. Although many privations and dangers had to be endured, yet she never flinched from her duty, and was in later years rewarded by seeing the wilderness bud and blossom as the rose, and the virgin forests give way to fertile and fruitful farmers.  So great was the transformation that it was difficult to realize that but a score of years had passed since she had nightly gathered her little ones about her to quiet their fears amid the howling of wolves in the surrounding forests.  Mrs. Gleason never affiliated in membership with any church, and with her family was Universalist in belief, and found her highest good in maintaining an upright character and striving to impart it to her children and grandchildren, who 'rise up and call her blessed."  She survived her husband a little over five years, her death occurring July 26, 1888, at the family reside on West Main street, Van Wert, whence her mortal remains were borne by tender hands to be laid beside her loved companion in Woodland cemetery.
     Sarah,  eldest sister of Joseph Gleason, married William Pomeroy, with whom she removed to Canada, and when mother of five children, died.  Her husband being unable to care for the children properly wrote an appealing letter to the Van Wert relatives in their behalf, which resulted in Stephen and Joseph Gleason undertaking to bring the orphans here to find homes, which was successfully accomplished, and they all lived to become useful citizens, viz:  Francis C. Pomeroy, Mrs. John T. Bowers and Mrs. Sarah J. Brittson, all of whom are now deceased.  Their father followed them to Van Wert after a few years, and lived with his eldest son near Middlebury, up to the time of his death.
     Phoebe N., second sister, became the wife of Matson Warren, and with him settled first in Lorain county, and afterward in Lake county, Ohio, whence with their family of seven children they removed to Van Wert county in the 'fifties, living first in the Gleason settlement, thence removing to Willshire, in and near which town they continued to reside until both parents were summoned to the better land.  From a number of years previous to his death, Mr. Warren was totally blind.  Mrs. Warren survived her husband some eight or ten years and lived to be the last surviving member of her father's family, her death occurring in December, 1894, at about the age of ninety years.  Being a woman of great memory, to her A. J. Gleason is indebted for much of the family history here recorded, there being very few records existing in possession of Grandfather Gleason's descendants.  Her children were, John B. Warren of Mount Vernon, Ohio, the late Mrs. Abigail Langdon of Liberty township, Van Wert county, Abram M. Warren, of Cleveland, Mrs. Minerva Langdon of Liberty township, Mrs. Elmira Richards of Van Wert city, Hiram Warren (deceased), and Job A. Warren, of Pleasant township.
     Clarissa, third sister, began teaching at an early age and was one of the pioneers of that profession in Van Wert county, numbering among her pupils many who were among the best known residents.  She became the wife of John Edson, to whom she bore one daughter.  In the year 1873 she was bereaved by the loss of both husband and daughter, who were stricken down by the destroyer within but a few weeks of each other.  She afterward made her home in Van Wert, becoming an active promoter of Spiritualism, in which doctrine she sought consolation for her double bereavement.  Her death occurred Nov. 24, 1893, at the age of eighty years.
     Mary, fourth sister, married Jacob Thorn, now of Chicago, Ill., making her home at Delphos, Van Wert and Dixon at different periods, but while residing at the latter place fell a victim to consumption, Aug. 3, 1856, aged thirty-nine years.  No children were born by her.
     Eliza, fifth sister, was wedded to Matthew Flagg and resided near her mother's homestead in Pleasant township until about 1858, when, being compelled to leave home by her husband's abuse, she, with her children (two sons and a daughter), made her home in Van Wert until her death, which occurred June 23, 1867, at the age of forty-eight years.  Henry J. Flagg, her eldest son, is now residing at Xenia, Ohio, while Mrs. Albina Long, the daughter, and Joseph C. Flagg, the youngest son, reside in Whitley county, Ind.  Benjamin H. Gleason, youngest brother of the writer's father, being a mere boy when the family came to Van Wert county, grew to manhood and cared for his widowed mother until her death, after which he married a Miss Potts, and in a few years removed to Greenville, Mich., where he resided until 1890, when he parted from his wife, coming to Van Wert county, where he made his home with his sister, Mrs. Edson, up to the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 19, 1891, aged sixty-eight.  He left no children.
 Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 235
  ABRAM BROWN GLEASON, a prominent business man of Van Wert and an ex-county official, was born in the county of Van Wert, April 10, 1840, a son of Joseph Gleason, a notice of whom appears elsewhere in these pages.  Mr. Gleason attended the schools of Pleasant township in his youth, and while not educated in the sense in which that term is usually accepted, he has by long years of business contact with his fellow-men in different capacities become the possessor of a vast fund of practical knowledge, such as schools and colleges mail to impart.  When but fifteen years of age he began working in a saw-mill and grist-mill, where he found employment until his twenty-first year.
     On attaining his majority, Mr. Gleason accepted the position of head sawyer and general manager with the proprietor of the aforesaid mill, at a compensation of $1.25 per day, and continued as an employee until 1866, his wages in the meantime having been greatly increased by reason of his efficiency.  In the year last named, in partnership with his brother, Frank J. Gleason, he purchased the mill, greatly increased the capacity, and added machinery for planing lumber, and operated it jointly with his brother until 1893, doing an extensive business in the interim.  In 1893, Mr. Gleason took as partners his son Earl Gleason and F. H. Carper, thus forming the well known firm, the Gleason Lumber company, the subject retaining a half-interest in the enterprise, which has become one of the largest and most successful of the kind in Van Wert county.
     In 1868 Mr. Gleason became interested in real estate, especially farm lands, and he now owns over 500 acres in the county of Van Wert, the greater part of which is well improved.  He became connected with the Van Wert County bank May 25, 1869, as a stockholder and director, and in March, 1883, became identified with the First National bank of Van Wert, with which he has since been connected in an official capacity.  This is one of the most substantial institutions of the kind in Northwestern Ohio, and not a little of its prosperity is due to the wise council and sound financial foresight of the subject, who is one for a period of five years was connected with the Eagle State company, he was for the same length of time a prominent factor in the Van Wert Stave company, and to him is largely due the credit of establishing the first building and loan association in Van Wert, a successful financial enterprise, of which he was for some years president.  These associations have found in Mr. Gleason an active promoter, and he has served as a director of the same since their organization.
     In 1869 Mr. Gleason was elected, as a democrat, sheriff of Van Wert county, which position he filled most acceptably for two terms, having been re-elected his own successor in 1871.  In the matter of internal improvements Mr. Gleason early took the initiation, and he was one of the chief promotors of the C., J. & M. R. R., of which he served as a director until it was changed from a narrow to a broad-gauge road; and all other enterprises, having for their object the material advancement of the county have found in him a liberal patron.  Financially Mr. Gleason's saccess has been commensurate with the activity and ability displayed in the various enterprises, and his standing in business circles, both local and beyond the confines of his city and county, is most enviable.  He possesses marked business ability, is thoroughly familiar with every detail of the different enterprises with which he is identified, and manages his affairs with a tact and skill which mark him as a man of superior judgment.  His has, indeed, been an active and honorable career, and while he has been successful in the business world, he is highly esteemed in the community for strict integrity and the display of true manly qualities.
     Mr. Gleason entered into the marriage relation in the city of Van Wert, Feb. 6, 1862, with Lucretia J. Fox, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Zimmerman) Fox  The children resulted from the union - Louisa E., a partner of his father, and Mittie E., who married Dr. W. T. Chamers, a well known dentist of Denver, Colo.  Mrs. Gleason died Apr. 1, 1867, since which time Mr. Gleason has made his home with her people and with his son.
 Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 249

Andrew J. Gleason		 ANDREW JACKSON GLEASON, son of Joseph Gleason, was born in Manchester township, Ontario county, N. Y., Nov. 27, 1836. 

Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 239

Frank J. Gleason

 
Mrs. Mary E. Gleason
(deceased)
 		 FRANK J. GLEASON - It is with marked satisfaction that the biographer adverts to the life history of one who has attained success in any vocation in which he has directed his thought and action, and such a life, whether it be one of calm, but consecutive endeavor, or one of meteoric accomplishment must ever serve as both lesson and incentive.  The subject of this review is distinctively one of

 

 

 

Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 244
  HARRY M. GLEASON. - Success in any line of occupation in any avenue of business, is not a matter of spontaneity, but is the legitimate result of individual effort, and of the proper use of the means at hand.  The improvement of opportunity and the exercise of sound judgment are alike essential to the accomplishment of any man's designs.  Wisdom is the proper adaptation of means to noble ends.  In view of this fact the study of biography becomes valuable, and its lessons of practical use.  The subject of this sketch is one of the able, progressive and representative young business men of the city of Van Wert, and there is eminent consistency in according him attention in this connection.
     Mr. Gleason is a native son of the city of Van Wert, having been born here on the 18th of August, 1867 - the son of Frank J. and Mary Elvira (Slade) Gleason, to whom individual reference is made elsewhere in this volume.  Our subject received his preliminary education in the excellent public schools of this city, continuing his studies therein until 1883, when he entered the Bryant and Stratton Business college, at Chicago, where he completed a four-months course, securing a thorough theoretical knowledge of business forms and methods, after which he returned home and put his acquirements to practical test by devoting his attention to office work.  In this line of endeavor he was engaged until 1893, when he accepted the position as book-keep0er in the People's mills, where he has since served, discharging the exacting duties of the same with signal capability and fidelity, and being recognized as an expert accountant and one of the most discerning young business men in Van Wert city.
     Mr. Gleason was united in marriage, on the 16th of April, 1890, to Maude Winifred Hester who was born in Van Wert, on the 6th of October, 1872, the daughter of U. H. Hester, a well known commercial traveler.  To this union two children, Hanna Floy and Robert, were born.  Hannah Floy was born Aug. 27, 1892, but survived only until Nov. 15, 1893, and Robert was born Apr. 7, 1895.
     In his political adherency, Mr. Gleason is an uncompromising democrat.  In his fraternal relations our subject is prominently identified with the Knights of Pythias.
 Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 249

Julius A. Gleason		 JULIUS ALONZO GLEASON, of Van Wert, Ohio, second son of Joseph and Harriet (Brown) Gleason, was born in Manchester township, Ontario county, N. Y., June 9, 1834.  When about three years of age is parents removed to Van Wert county, Ohio, locating, at first, six miles southwest of the village of the same name, near the road leading to Willshire.  Among his earliest recollections are some incidents of the trip by wagon from Van Wert village to the new home in the unbroken forest.  A road had to be opened for the wagons by cutting logs and small trees out of the way.  Sleeping the first night of their arrival in the wagons, the next day temporary "shanties" were made of poles covered with branches, which were used until cabins could be built of logs, and covered with split boards for shingles, when sleeping quarters were made more comfortable.  The education of young Julius began with rudimental instruction received from his mother and sister at home and from attending a little "play school" kept by his Uncle Stephen Gleason's eldest daughter - so that at the time of the removal to Van Wert in 1839 he could spell and read moderately well.  Afterward, he attended the village schools (generally only during the winter season) until he attained the age of about sixteen years, when, having obtained a fair knowledge of the common branches, his school education terminated.  Having early acquired a practical knowledge of penmanship, he was of valuable assistance to his father in the office of county recorder, which office was held by Joseph Gleason for several terms.  He also assisted in the management of the hotel of which his father was proprietor for about fifteen years after the removal of the family to the village in 1839.  During the early part of this period he remembers of parties of Indian hunters being encamped near by.  They were generally civil enough, except when they had imbibed too much "fire water," at which time they became quarrelsome, but their quarrels were generally among themselves.
     JOSEPH GLEASON, the father, having leased the hotel property, found the services of his son, Julius, valuable in the manufacture of lumber, and for many years the latter assisted in operating the saw-mill, generally as engineer.  Becoming imbued with a desire to see a little more of the world than had yet come within his ken, young Gleason made a somewhat extended trip westward, prodceeding via Chicago to the Mississippi, arriving at Fulton, Ill., July 23, 1857.  Then finding employment at Lyons and Clinton, Iowa, as stationary engineer, he remained in that vicinity until September, when he made a voyage up Fever river to Galena, Ill., thence by railroad to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked for about three weeks, after which, taking passage on an up-river steamboat to Winona, Minn., he proceeded by stage to Rochester and Oronoco, in the same state, where he visited S. B. Clark, an old friend of his boyhood.  Remaining in this vicinity, employed on a farm for a few weeks, he returned to Van Wert, Ohio.  Here he resumed work in his father's saw-mill as engineer and afterward associated as a partner in the business with his brother, Andrew J., and his father.
     In January and February, 1858, young Mr. Gleason was employed in the office of county recorder.  March 3d he joined the I. O. O. F. lodge, located at Van Wert, and later the encampment branch of the same order, in which he still holds membership.  During this period he took a great interest in musical affairs - as choir leader and in assisting to organize a glee club, etc., having also considerable practice in that line at home with brothers and sisters.  About this time, on settling with his father, he received a deed for the building lot in west Van Wert, on which he afterward built the residence now occupied by himself and family.  Having passed the required examination, he taught a four months' term of school in the district two and a half miles southwest of Van Wert during the winter of 1859-60.  In January, 1861, he took an agency for a work on Odd Fellowship and made a tour through central New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, canvassing for the same, and, returning westward, arrived at Van Wert early in August, 1861.
     The thundering of rebel guns against Fort Sumter had now aroused a loyal and responsive protest in his heart and he was not slow in offering his services in defense of the nation's honor, enlisting as a member of Company H, Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, Sept. 7, 1861, and receiving official preferment as second sergeant of his company, which he had assisted in recruiting, to serve "three years or during the war" among its members being some of his intimate friends and neighbors, his brother, Andrew J., being included.  September 13, they boarded a train eastward, proceeding to Mansfield, where the Fifteenth was organizing under Col. M. R. Dickey of that place.  After organizing, the regiment was transported by railroad via Columbus to Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, and thence, after being armed and equipped, via Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, to Lexington, Ky., and thence vial Frankfort to Louisville.
     On the morning of October 11, the started southward on the Louisville & Nashville railway.  At Lebanon Junction, twenty-eight miles south, a bridge had been destroyed and they were hindered two hours waiting for an engine from the south.  At Nolin Station, nine miles south of Elizabethtown, they went into  camp late in the evening of Oct. 11; remaining in camp here until Dec. 9, they proceeded southward and arrived at Munfordville, on Green river, Dec. 11, 1861.  They remained here, taking the usual round of camp duties, until about Feb. 15, when they marched via Bowling Green, Ky., and to Nashville, Tenn., arriving Mar. 2, 1862.  Continuing their march from here ( as a part of Buell's army), they reached Columbia, Tenn., Mar. 20.  April 1 they continued the march westward toward Savannah and Pittsburg Landing, arriving in time to take part in the battle of Shiloh on Apr. 7, and in the following up of the rebel army toward Corinth, Miss., where they arrived about May 5; Corinth being taken May 30, they remained encamped near there until June 10, when the army moved eastward and arrived at Iuka, Miss., on the 11th, and at Tuscumbia, Ala., June 15; on the 22d it crossed the Tennessee river near Florence, and, marching eastward through northern Alabama, arrived at Stevenson July 13, and on the 18th went into camp near the mouth of Battle Creek, Tenn., remaining in camp there until Aug. 23, when they learned that Bragg's army had cut their communications and got in their rear, heading for Louisville, Ky.  Aug. 23, 1862, their cracker line being in the hands of the enemy, they were allowed to forage from the country they passed through, and green corn, apples, peaches, fresh meat, honey, Etc., were found in abundant quantities to supply their wants.  The march was across the mountains via Tracy City, Altamonte, Manchester and Murfreesboro, to Nashville, where they arrived Sept. 9, 1862; continuing the march northward, they reached Munfordville, Ky., Sept. 22, and the next two days made forced marches of twenty-four miles each day, via Elizabethtown, to West Point, on the Ohio, reaching Louisville, Ky., Sept. 26, Mr. Gleason here received his commission as second lieutenant, to date from May 26, 1862.  Oct. 1, of the Fifteenth marched from Louisville, via Shelbyville and Frankfort thence vial Lawrenceburg and Willisburg to the battlefield of Perryville, Oct. 11, but was not actively engaged in this battle, being held in reserve.
     Lieut. Gleason commanded the regimental pioneer company from April, 1864, during the Atlanta and the battle of Nashville, December 15-16, 1864; was promoted to first lieutenant Mar. 18, 1864, and captain Jan. 18, 1865.  He was on detached service as assistant provost marshal at San Antonio, Tex., Oct. 21, 1865, and was honorably discharged with his regiment at San Antonio, Tex., Oct.  Nov. 21, 1865, and after this he returned to his home at Van Wert, where he recruited his health, which had become somewhat seriously impaired.  Of the business career of Capt. Gleason sufficient mention is made in connection of the sketch of his brother, Andrew J. with whom he associated himself under the firm name of J. A. Gleason & Bro., and at this point it was sufficient to say that they are identified with one of the leading industries of the city, and that our subject is one of Van Wert's representative men.
     In politics Capt. Gleason exercises his right of franchise in the support of the men and measures of the republican party, and by that party was elected auditor of Van Wert county and served a term of two years from November, 1872, until November 1874.  In his fraternal relations the captain is identified with the G. A. R., and has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1855.  Mr. Gleason has maintained a lively interest in all that pertains to the advancement and substantial up-building of Van Wert, and has been a leader in securing to the city its effective public school system, having devoted no little attention to matters germane to educational facilities.
     On the 4th of September, 1866, Mr. Gleason was united in marriage to Margaret Clark, who was born at Allentown, in Allen county, Ohio, on the 1st of May, 1838, being the daughter of Samuel M. and Lydia (Daugherty) Clark, and whose home has been in Van Wert from her infancy; the offspring of this union has been two children:  Willard E., who is second lieutenant of company C, of the Sixth infantry, United States army, being now stationed at Fort Thomas, Ky., and being a graduate of West Point; and Walter, who holds a position as book-keeper of the Van Wert Natural Gas company.  On the 22d of April, 1881, Mr. and Mrs. Gleason adopted a foundling female child, supposed then to be two months old, whose parents and name are yet unknown, but to whom they gave the name of Nora Marie.  Mr. and Mrs. Gleason and daughter, Nora Marie, are members of the First Methodist church of Van Wert.
     The Gleason family have been conspicuously identified with the history of this section of the Buckeye state from the early pioneer epoch, and any compilation purporting to give even slight details in regard to those who have occupied representative positions in connection with the material progress and substantial development of the City of Van Wert, would be manifestly incomplete and incongruous were there a failure to advert to this well known and honored family.  On other pages of this volume the publishers have gladly given space to very complete records touching the lives of the several members of this family, and at this point much satisfaction is felt in directing attention to one of its representatives, whose business career has been marked by scrupulous honor and integrity and whose loyal service in defense of the nation has been voluntary and unstinted.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 255
  HON. HIRAM CLARK GLENN.— Ohio has been especially honored in her public men. Not only is this true of the state, but it is a fact worthy of note that each of her several counties has produced citizens whose names have added honor to the communities in which they lived and moved, and given additional luster to Ohio's reputation among her sister states. To this rule the county of Van Wert is no exception, and it is doubtful if any of her citizens have achieved as honorable mention, in public or private life, as the gentleman, a brief epitome of whose life is herewith presented.
     Judge Hiram Clark Glenn is descended paternally from Irish ancestry and traces the family history back through several generations to the old country, from which, in an early day, his grandparents, Thomas and Nancy Glenn, emigrated to the United States, settling, during the latter part of the seventeenth century, in Washington county, Pa.  Subsequently, about 1805, the family moved further west, locating in Jefferson county, Ohio, where Thomas Glenn purchased land and engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, which vocation he followed until his death, which occurred in the year 1852.  He served with distinction in the war of 1812, in the capacity of major, and a son, John Glen, also participated in the same struggle, both taking an active part in several campaigns.  Politically, Thomas Glenn was an ardent whig, and the Presbyterian church represented his religious creed, with which denomination his wife was also identified.  To Thomas and Nancy Glenn were born seven children, whose names are as follows:  John, Alexander, James, William, Clark, Nancy and Rebecca, only one of whom, Clark, a farmer, of Knox county, Ill., is living at this time.
     William Glenn, the judge's father, grew to manhood in Jefferson county, Ohio, attended the pioneer schools of the neighborhood at intervals during his minority, and remained under the parental roof until his twenty-first year, assisting his father on the farm in the meantime. In 1831, he was united in marriage with Priscilla Biddison, daughter of Philip Biddison, of Ohio, and immediately thereafter engaged in farming in Jefferson county, where he continued to reside until his removal, in 1837, to the county of Tuscarawas, locating not far from the town of Lockport. Subsequently, February, 1839, he became a citizen of Van Wert county, settling first in Harrison township and later, about 1847, moved to a place at this time occupied by a part of the city of Van Wert, where he resided until becoming a resident of the city in 1850. William Glenn was a man of excellent reputation, possessed, in a marked degree, the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens,
and left as a heritage to his family a name against which not the slightest breath of suspicion was ever uttered. His death occurred in Van Wert May 18, 1856; his faithful companion survived him a number of years, departing this life on the 24th day of January, 1892. The following are the names of their children: Philip B., killed April 6, 1862, in the battle of Shiloh; Rebecca J., deceased; Hiram C, and Edith P., who died in 1865.
     Hiram Clark Glenn was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, October 8, 1838, and when only four months old was brought by his parents to Van Wert county. His early literary education embraced the branches taught in the public schools of Van Wert, in which he made commendable progress, and this supplemented by subsequent study and wide general reading, has made him not only a good scholar, but a broad-minded, intelligent man of affairs. When twenty years of age he turned his attention to teaching, which profession he followed in this county several years, a part of the time in the city of Van Wert, where he earned the reputation of an efficient and painstaking instructor. Not being satisfied with the educational field as a life work, Mr. Glenn next engaged in journalism, and for about one year was editor of the Van Wert Bulletin, a local sheet which gained for him some reputation as a writer. Later he yielded to a desire of long standing to enter the legal profession, and, in 1865, began the study of the same under the efficient instruction of J. H. Kroh, a prominent lawyer, of Van Wert, in whose office he remained for a period of one year, subsequently pursuing his reading with Judge O. W. Rose, with whom he remained until his admission to the bar in the fall of 1867. Soon after engaging in the practice of his profession Mr. Glenn was elected justice of the peace for Pleasant township and Van Wert, the duties of which position he discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner until 1870, in which year he turned his attention entirely to the law and soon succeeded in building up a lucrative prac­tice in Van Wert and adjoining counties. In 1879 he effected a co-partnership with Hon. G. M. Saltzgaber, with whom he was associ­ated for a period of ten years, under the firm name of Saltzgaber & Glenn, doing a large business in the meantime, and gaining much more than a local reputation as a safe counselor and successful practitioner.
    Upon the dissolution of the above partnership, Judge Glenn became associated with W. S. Johnson, under the firm name of Glenn & Johnson, which lasted two years, when the latter retired, Mr. Glenn continuing the practice alone until 1893, at which time the law firm of Glenn & Wolcott was established, H. K. Wolcott becoming his partner. The partnership thus formed continued until Mr. Wolcott's removal from Van Wert, in 1895, but in the meantime Mr. Glenn was appointed, by Governor McKinley, to fill the vacancy as common pleas judge caused by the resig­nation of Judge Day, of Celina. The duties of this honorable position he discharged in such a satisfactory manner as to elicit the highest praise from his official associates, and those having business to transact in his court. As an evidence of the ability with which he discharged his official functions the following complimentary notices from the courts of Mercer and Van Wert counties are respectively cited:
     In his short career as common pleas judge, Mr. Glenn has gained an enviable reputation. His decisions have been uniformly just and in compliance with his extensive knowledge of the law. It is no wonder that the lawyers honor him. At a meeting of the Mercer county bar, held on Friday evening, December 16, 1892, the following was unanimously adopted and ordered to be recorded in the minutes of the court as a part of that day's proceedings:
     "Whereas, The Hon. H. C. Glenn, long an honored member of the bar and now judge of the common pleas, retires from the bench thereof,
     "Resolved, That we cheerfully express our appreciation of his services, singleness of purpose, and honest and efficient labor in the most important tribunal of the state; that during his official life he has maintained, in an eminent degree, judicial integrity and Upright character, and on his retirement from the bench and resumption of the practice of his profession, we wish him that success which his learning and gentlemanly qualities entitle him.
     "Resolved, That copies of the above be furnished by the clerk of court to the press of Mercer and Van Wert counties for publication."
     The following worthy tribute is from records of the Van Wert bar:
     "This day being the occasion of the end of the present term of court held by the Hon. H. C. Glenn, judge, we, the undersigned members of the bar of Van Wert, practicing in the court of Judge Glenn, hereby desire to express our high appreciation of his judicial services. For his continuous urbanity, for his diligent labors, for his uprightness, intelligence and ability, and for his impartiality in the discharge of his duty while on the bench, he is deserving the thanks of suitors and the public, and the attorneys who have been privileged to practice before him. In whatever sphere of life duty may call him, we earnestly hope that Judge Glenn may find it to him useful, honorable, profitable and pleasant. W. H. Daily, G. L. Marble, S. S. Burtsfield, H. G. Richey, W. H. Alexander, Clem V. Hoke, C. M. Sutphen, G. M. Saltzgaber, H. Kemper, C. V. Fromme, H. W. Blachley, John Darnell, H. K. Wolcott, J. Y. Todd, W. J. Beers."
     Addition to his professional career, Judge Glenn has a business record of which any man might feel deservedly proud. He was one of the Original stockholders of the Van Wert Gas Light company, and has served as president of the same ever since its organization, being at this time sole owner of the plant.
     The city of Van Wert has ever found in him a warm friend and a liberal patron of every enterprise having for its object the public good, and to many of the unfortunate of the community he has proven himself, on more occasions than the public is aware, a friend indeed. Politically the judge is a firm adherent to the principles of the republican party, and as such has been a potent factor in a number of campaigns, having for years been an active worker, not only in local politics, but state and national as well.
     As already stated, one of the judge's first official positions was that of justice of the peace; he also held the office of township clerk three terms, and from 1870 to 1872 was mayor of Van Wert, beside holding minor positions, among which was that of member of the school board, in which capacity he did much to advance the educational interests of the community. In 1884 he was his party's nominee for congress in what is now the Sixth district, but while suffering defeat in the general landslide of that year, was complimented by a vote 1,500 in excess of the general ticket, a fact which speaks much for his popularity with the masses.
     Judge Glenn is prominently identified with the Odd Fellows' fraternity, in which he has served as deputy grand master, and is now chairman of the board of trustees of the State Orphans' home of the order. He is also a member of the I. O. R. M. As stated in a previous paragraph, Judge Glenn is a wide reader; and that he is acquainted with the best authors is attested by his library, which is considered the best collection of standard works in the city. The judge was married in Richland county, August 16, 1865, to Georgiana C. Baughman, whose birth occurred in the town of Plymouth, Ohio, February 3, 1846. Mrs. Glenn is the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Baughman, natives of Pennsylvania, and has proved a most valuable helpmate and companion, and not a little of her husband's success in life is directly attributable to her wise counsel and encouragement. The marriage of Judge and Mrs. Glenn resulted in the birth of three children, all deceased, but they have since reared an adopted daughter, who is now the wife of M. B. Evers, Jr., of Van Wert.
     In all his public relations, Judge Glenn is recognized as possessing a strong sense of truth and justice, and as endeavoring to shape his life according to these principles. As a lawyer he is a methodical and systematic, and is distinguished in his profession for his untiring industry and an ambition to excel. He is a safe counselor, possesses the rare faculty of being able so to probe questions of law as to command the respect of the court and his professional associates, and his conduct toward his adversaries is noted for courtesy and fairness, never permitting his zeal to induce him to seek success by disreputable practice. He possesses a strong personality and dignified presence, impresses all with whom he comes in contact as a gentleman by nature and of strict integrity, and he enjoys, in full measure, the confidence of his fellow citizens. Such, in brief, are the leading facts and characteristics of one of Van Wert's most honored citizens, and it is with pleasure that this tribute to his worth as a man and citizen is given a place in this volume.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 18

Isaac N. Glover


Mrs. Carrie Grubaugh
Mrs. Ora B. Bennett
Byron G. Bennett
Nancy Glover

 ISAAC N. GLOVER, deceased, in his day one of the leading and influential agriculturists of Hoaglin township, Van Wert county, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, April 17, 1829, a son of Joel and Elizabeth (Shannon) Glover.  The father, Joel Glover, was probably born in Jefferson county about 1800, and was a son of Josiah Glover, a native of Maryland.  After his marriage Joel resided in Crawford county, a short time, then followed farming the remainder of his days in Coshocton county.  His fifteen children were born in the following order: Israel, Isaac N., Josiah, William, Samuel, Sarah J., Cuthbert, Sarah E., Thomas Harrison, Nathan, Shannon, Joel C., John, Cynthia, and Mary.  The father was very successful as a farmer and very popular as a republican, being frequently elected by his party to township offices.  He was, for many years, an elder in the Presbyterian church, to which denomination his wife also belonged, and in the faith of which the latter died in 1885, and he in 1887.
     Isaac N. Glover was reared to farming and on November 8, 1849, was united in wedlock with Miss Nancy Endsley, daughter of Thomas and Matilda (Carr) Endsley; the children born to this happy union were as follows:  Mrs. Carrie Grubaugh, whose sketch appears on another page; Mary E., who died at the age of thirteen; Harriet, wife of Abraham Norris; Mary Jane, married to Frank Beamer; Joel T., of New Mexico; Nancy B., wife of Marcus Reed; Cynthia E., at home; Isaac P., of Van Wert; Bettie S. and Jessie.  Mrs. Nancy Glover was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, April 2, 1829.  Her father, Thomas Endsley, was born August 23, 1801, was one of the early pioneers of Harrison county, was a farmer, and married Matilda Carr, a daughter of John and Nancy (Welch) Carr; to this union the following children were born; John Robert (drowned in his youth), Mrs. Nancy Glover, James, Andrew and Thomas B. (deceased), William, Samuel C. (deceased), Mrs. Mary J. Love, of Lee, Ill., an infant that died unnamed and Ella (deceased).  Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Endsley settled in Coshocton county, where he followed farming until his death, which took place September 8, 1894, he being then an elder in the Presbyterian church, in the faith of which, also his wife died in 1855.
     Mr. and Mrs. Isaac N. Glover settled, after marriage, on a small farm in Coshocton county, but three years later Mr. Glover sold his place and in 1853 purchased a piece of wild woodland in Paulding county.  There he built a house of logs and began clearing off the forest, teaching school meanwhile, as he had done while in Coshocton county.  In 1855, his house, with its entire contents, was destroyed by fire, and the next two years were passed in Coshocton county; in 1857 he returned to his farm in Paulding county, rebuilt his dwelling, and until 1871 was prominently identified with the agricultural interests of his township.  During the interval, however, he enlisted, in May, 1864, in company H, One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio volunteer infantry for 100 days, at the expiration of which time he resumed farming.  In 1871 he purchased the present homestead in Hoaglin township, Van Wert county, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying April 8, 1881; with his wife he was a member of the Presbyterian church; he was also a member of the Royal Arcanum and politically was a republican, by which party he was held in the highest esteem, and by it honored with an election to every township office within its gift wherever he chanced to reside, and was also made county school examiner while residing in Paulding county.  He was a successful farmer, and as a citizen was esteemed as a gentleman whose integrity was beyond the shadow of suspicion.  His widow, with her three daughters, resides on the homestead, in Hoaglin township, honored and respected by all the community.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 345

Rodney Graham		 RODNEY GRAHAM


Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 295

Isaac Grubaugh		 ISAAC GRUBAUGH, a deceased farmer of Union township, Van Wert county, Ohio, and once a well-known citizen, was a son of Jonathan and Margaret Grubaugh, and was born in Morrow county, Ohio, Apr. 6, 1845.  Jonathan Grubaugh, the father, was born in Germany in 1780, and when a boy was brought to "America by his parents, who settled among the hardy pioneers of Richland county, Ohio, and there Jonathan was reared to manhood on a farm, was twice married, and by the second marriage left as his only progeny the subject of this sketch - Isaac Grubaugh.  His mature years were principally passed in Morrow county, where he death occurred in his ninety-sixth year.  During his long and useful life he cleared up two wild forms from the forests of Ohio, and was a factor in the redemption of the state from the wilderness.
     Isaac Grubaugh received his literary education in the schools of Morrow county and was from his childhood till death a tiller of the soil.  Sept. 24, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Glover; in 1878 he came to Van Wert county, and purchased the farm in Union township where the family still resides, and here died Apr. 10, 1894.  Mrs. Carrie Grubaugh was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1851, a daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Endsley) Glover, and bore her deceased husband five children, viz.:  Ora, wife of George Bennett; Olive M., deceased; William, Clark and Jessie.  Isaac Glover, father of Mrs. Grubaugh, was also born in Coshocton county, Ohio, where he followed school-teaching and farming until 1853, when he moved to Paulding county, Ohio, and settled on a tract of wild land, which had previously been entered by his father.  This land Isaac Glover cleared up and improved, and on it made a home for eighteen years, uniting his profession as teacher with the calling of a farmer; he then came to Van Wert county and purchased a home in Hoaglin township, where he died Apr.9, 1881, and where his widow still lives.  He was a member of the Royal Arcanum of Van Wert, a member of the Presbyterian church, and as a republican served as township trustee and justice of the peace in both Paulding and Van Wert counties, and was an upright and highly respected citizen.
     Mrs. Nancy Glover, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1839, and was married at twenty years of age, bearing to her husband the following children: Mrs. Carrie Grubaugh, widow of our subject; Harriet, wife of Abraham Norris, of Union township; Jennie, married to Frank Bemer, of Hoaglin township; Joel, who married Anna Ludwig, now in New Mexico; Nancy, wife of Marcus Reed, of Union township, Van Wert county, Ohio; Cynthia, at home with her mother; Porter, of Van Wert; Bettie, at home; Jessie, at home, and Sarah, deceased.  Mrs. Glover is also a member of the Presbyterian church and now makes her home in the old farm in Hoaglin township, where she is highly esteemed by all her neighbors and others who have the happiness of knowing her.  Mrs. Grubaugh, is not a member of any religious denomination, but is, as was her husband, a free contributor to the cause of religious as well as educational tending to the elevation of the moral and material improvement of the community in which he lives.
     Isaac Grubaugh was one of the most respected of the residents of Union township.  He was a member of Scott lodge, I. O. O. F., by the members of which he was held in the highest esteem; in politics, he was a republican without guile; as a citizen, he was active and useful; as a father, gentle and indulgent, and as a farmer, was skillful, industrious and successful.  His untimely death, in the prime of life, suddenly occurred Apr. 10, 1894, and his loss was a deep affliction to his family as well as a cause of sincere sorrow to the community in which he had so many years led an honorable life.
Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 306

Henry Gunsett


Mrs. Henry Gunsett

 HENRY GUNSETT

Source:  A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. - 1896 - Page 354

NOTES:

 

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