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
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RICHARD H. MARTIN,
a successful and progressive farmer of Union township, Van
Wert county, Ohio, and a son of ROBERT and
Nancy (Dowell) Martin, was born in West Virginia, Sept. 14,
1844. Robert Martin, the father, was a native of old
Virginia, born Oct. 17, 1807, of Irish parents, who were early
settlers in the Shenandoah valley. In the year 1828 he helped
build the Delaware & Hudson canal; then later rafted down the
Potomac and Shenandoah rivers; then helped to lay the first railroad
track (it being of wood) for a steam engine running from Harper's
Ferry to Winchester, a distance of thirty-three iles, it being among
the first railroad enterprises of this country, under J. Q. Adams'
administration, and yet he has lived to see the time of near 150,000
miles of railroad under President Cleveland's administration.
In 1844 the family removed from the valley to Pleasant county, W.
Va., where Robert was employed as a flatboatman, making trips
to New Orleans with produce, but later retiring to a farm. In
1855 he moved to Guyandotte, Va., and the following year to Gallatin
county, Ill., where he lived on a farm until 1861, when he came to
Ohio. He had floated his family down the river to Shawneetown,
Ill., in 1855, but his return trip, in 1851, was in a wagon drawn by
oxen. The family now camped out at night by the roadside,
often sleeping on the ground, and in thirty-two days reached
Highland county, Ohio, when Robert worked for nine months as
a farm hand; he next rented a farm in Greene county and cultivated
it until 1866, when he went back by wagon to Gallatin county, Ill.,
but returned the following year to Ohio and settled in Van Wert
county, where he has since lived, with the exception of three years
spent in Paulding county. He has long since passed the
allotted three score and ten, and now makes the allotted three score
and ten, and now makes his home with his son. Mrs. Nancy
Martin was born in Virginia in 1818, a daughter of Samuel and
Sarah Dowell of old South Carolina descent. She was
married to Mr. Martin in 1837 and became the mother of the
following children; Robert, deceased; Charles L., of
Hoaglin township, Van Wert county; John H., of Union
township; Sarah L., deceased, and an infant that died
unnamed. The mother of this family died in the autumn of 1859
in Galatin county, Ill., where her remains now rest.
Richard H. Martin, the subject of this brief
biography, from the time of his birth until sixteen years of age,
accompanied his father in his varied and transitory migrations, and
was thus deprived of the advantage of a systematic education, but
was nevertheless supplied with a fund of practical knowledge by the
impact of nomadic incidents. He worked as a farm hand until
1872 when he was united in marriage with Miss Maggie E.
Rittenhouse, born Dec. 3, 1850, a daughter of M. M. and
Christena (Meely) Rittenhouse, whose biography appears on
another page. To this marriage of Mr. and Martin have
been born six children, viz.: Dora B., wife of Asa
Grist, of Iowa; Burt L., Oscar E., S. Stella; Curtis M.
and Zanna Z. P. Mr. Martin and his wife are members of
the Lutheran church, and in politics he is a democrat. In 1871
he purchased a farm of twenty acres in Union township, and to this
he soon added another twenty-acre tract, and in 1894 purchased his
present home. He is a self-made man in all respects, and is
highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 507 |
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ISAIAH P. MAY, one of the
present trustees of Tully township, Van Wert county, Ohio, and a
leading farmer, is a son of William May, who was born in
Columbiana county, Ohio, July 24, 1817, of Pennsylvania-German
descent. William May was reared a farmer and a carpenter, and married
Sophia Rummel, who was born August 28, 1825, a daughter
of George Rummel, and to this union were born ten children, viz:
Moses, born April 8, 1844, died a soldier in the Civil war;
Abialine, born November 2, 1845; Emroy, born April 23,
1850, now deceased; Louisa, born July 31, 1852; Charles,
born July 15, 1855; Isaiah P., born August 12, 1859; Oliver,
born April 29, 1863; Parmelia, born March 16, 1866, and two
that died infants. William May moved from Ohio to Adams
county, lad., in 1846, and entered 160 acres in the woods, which, with
the assistance of his sons, he cleared up and converted into a
pleasant farm. He became popular and useful, and as a democrat served
as township assessor, even at the age of seventy-seven years, although
he has invariably declined to accept nomination for county office.
Mrs. May is a member of the Lutheran church and all the
family are highly respected in the community in which they live.
Isaiah P. May was born on his father's farm in
Adams county, Ind., was fairly educated, and at the age of twenty-six
years, March 15, 1885, married Matilda Kever, daughter
of Aaron and Sarah A. (Clem) Kever, and to Mr. and
Mrs. May two children have been born—Walter and Sarah M.
A year after his marriage Mr. May bought his present
farm of forty acres, to which he has since added twenty-two and
one-half of the old May homestead across the state line,
containing the home building. In politics he is a democrat and is well
known to the people of Tully township, whom he has served one year as
township trustee with credit to himself and satisfaction to the
people. His veracity is unimpeachable and his ability unquestioned.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 521 |
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AUGUSTUS P.
McCONAHAY, practical jeweler of Van Wert, Ohio, is a
native of the state and was born in Wooster, Wayne county,
July 31, 1838, a son of Joseph E. and Maria E.
(Betts) McConahay, natives of Pennsylvania and
Connecticut respectively, though married in Tuscarawas
county, Ohio, about the year 1834, from which place they
shortly afterward removed to Wooster, where Mr. McConahay
followed his trade of tanning until 1854, when he came to
Van Wert, and in this city died on Feb. 22, 1872, his widow
surviving until January, 1893; they were both good
old-fashioned Scotch Presbyterians, very pious people and
the parents of three children: Augustus P.,
Caroline (deceased), and Lucy E., wife of J.
W. Rout, of Tennessee.
Augustus P. McConahay, at the age of fourteen,
left his home, went to Teere Haute, Ind., and was
apprenticed to S. R. Freeman a jeweler, with whom he
remained four years, and then, in 1856, came to Van Wert,
Ohio, but shortly afterward went to Wooster, where he had
the management of a jewelry establishment for a short time;
thence he went to Newark, Ohio, remained until 1859, and
thence went to Greenup, Ky., whence, in June, 1861, he went
to New York and took steamer for Aspinwall, Central America,
crossed the isthmus to Panama, thence embarked for
Manzonella, Mex., but was wrecked off the coast, and endured
many harships, yet finally arrived at his
destination, San Francisco, Cal., then to Virginia City,
Nev., and to Reese River, Nev. (then a mail station and also
a great silver town), and so on to Salt Lake City, at which
point he arrived in November, 1864, and there saw many of
the more noted saints; be next traveled overland to
Atchison, Kan, then to Chicago, Ill., and to Cincinnati,
Ohio, working in a jewelry store in the last named city
until 1865, when he located in Van Wert, where he opened a
store with a very limited capital, but which business has
prospered, and he has now a very fine establishment, well
stocked with everything pertaining to his line.
The marriage of Mr. McConahay took place
in Greenup, Ky., May 15, 1865, to Miss Laura A. Myers,
who was born in Greenup in 1844, a daughter of John
Myers, and to this union have been born the following
children: Etta B., wife of T. C. Wilkinson,
William M., Claude R., Vernon B. and
Roy P. Mrs. McConahay is a
Presbyterian in her belief, and in politics Mr. McConahay
is a republican; he is also a member of Van Wert lodge, No.
218, F. & A. M., of Van Wert chapter, No. 71, R. A. M., of
Van Wert council, No. 73, R. S. M., of Ivanhoe commandery,
No. 54, Knights Templar, and of Cincinnati consistory, S. P.
R. S., and also of the Syrian Mystic Shrine. Mr.
McConahay has also served his party on the board of
education for twelve years and also as a member of the board
of park commissioners, and is recognized as one of Van
Wert's most useful citizens.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 484 |
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GRIMES McCONAHY, deceased, was
born in Lewistown, Juniata county, Pa., Oct. 18, 1819, and
was quite young when brought to Ohio by his parents who
located in Richland county. There Mr. McConahy
grew to manhood and was married to Elizabeth McNulty,
who bore three children and passed away in 1844, two of her
offspring soon followed her; the survivor, Adellia,
was married to B. W. Brown of Delaware, Ohio, and
died in 1876. Mr. McConahy, subsequent to his
wife's death, moved to Lima, Allen County, Ohio, and there
married Lucetta Baker, Apr. 30, 1847. This
lady is a daughter of the venerable Charles Baker, of
whom further mention is made below. From Lima, Mr.
McConahy came to Van Wert in 1851, in a wagon,
accompanied by the family of A. W. Baker, the two
gentlemen forming a partnership in the general merchandising
business and occupying the building now standing on Market
street, north of Gilliland's warehouse. He later sold
his interest to Mr. Baker and joined James Webster
in the grocery business, with a restaurant attached; he was
also in the harness trade, and, in addition, ran a saw-mill
north of the old cemetery. In 1853 he went to Bucyrus
and second the agency of the Fort Wayne road, which he held
eleven years, and served also as operator and express agent
for several years. He had a boot and shoe business for
a time. He then erected the building now occupied by
Arnold's cigar store and conducted a bakery and
grocery in conjunction with a Mr. Rank. In 1865
he was a candidate on the democratic ticket for auditor, but
was defeated. As at this time his party had no organ,
he united with a number of other prominent democrats and
established the Van Wert Times. In 1867 he was
triumphantly elected to the office of auditor and was
re-elected in 1871. He later served as deputy
treasurer under John Seaman, during the illness of
the latter; he then resumed the grocery business, which he
sold to his son Carey McConahy, a few months before
his own death, which occurred on Monday morning, Sept. 26,
1887, at the age of sixty-eight years, eleven months and
eight days - his ailment having been heart deceased.
His remains were interred in Woodland cemetery under the
auspices of Van Wert lodge, No. 218, F. & A. M. of which he
was a charter member and the first worshipful master.
Mr. McConahy, it will be seen, had led a most useful
and active life, had made hosts of friends, and his loss was
deeply deplored by his widow, surviving children and by the
public of Van Wert in general.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. McConahy were
nine in number, viz.: Charles Alonzo, wagon and
carriage dealer of Van Wert; Albert D., who died in
Indianapolis on the Thursday preceding the Monday on which
the father died: James A., editor of the Daily
Star, Valparaiso, Ind.; Mary F., wife of William
A. Caldwell, superintendent of the Deaf and Blind home,
Berkely, Cal.; Elmer B., general stock agent at
Chicago of the Northwestern railway company; Carey B.,
traveling salesman for Humphreys & Hughes, wholesale
grocers of Van Wert; Walter G., horseman, at home,
and Laura B., wife of J. W. Nichlos, of Saint
Louis, Mo.
CHARLES BAKER, the father of
Mrs. Lucetta McConahy, widow of Grimes McConahy,
was born in Lincoln county, Me., a son of Eber Baker,
Dec. 8, 1804, and came with his parents to Marion county,
Ohio, settling where the city of Marion now stands, and of
which city Eber Baker was the founder.
Charles, with his brother, George W., sawed with
a whip-saw the timber with which they constructed the first
house on the original plat, in which rude building the
family resided seven years. In 1824 he took charge of
a tannery, a part of which his father had purchased, and in
1826 erected one of his own. Later he moved to Lima,
Allen county, and engaged in the grocery business, and in
1833 was appointed postmaster of the town. He was
elected treasurer of Allen county in 1835, and in 1839, by
appointment, assumed the duties of clerk in the office of
register of the United States land office, which duties he
performed two years In 1840 he returned to Marion,
where a long and prosperous business career awaited him, but
he has long since retired from active pursuits and has spent
a great deal of his time in traveling. His first
marriage took place, in 1828, to Miss Mary Anderson,
and his second to Mrs. Tacey T. Anderson, the latter
a daughter of Abel Thomas and widow of James A.
Anderson. Mr. Baker celebrated the 90th
annivereary of his birthday at the home of his
daughter, Mrs. E. G. Allen, on East Center street, in
the city of Marion, where the venerable gentleman ate dinner
with a few of his relatives and enjoyed the good wishes and
pleasant society of his true and loving associates. He
now resides with his daughter, Mrs. Grimes McConahy.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 482 |
A. R. McCoy
Mrs. A. R. McCoy |
ALEXANDER
R. McCOY is a native of Madison county, Ohio, born Oct. 8,
1835. His parents were Alexander and Eliza (Gillespie)
McCoy. Alexander McCoy, Sr., was born in Greenbrier
county, Va. (now W. Va.), July 27, 1800. His father, Joseph
McCoy, was a soldier in the war of 1812. When twelve years
of age Alexander, the father of Alexander R.,
emigrated, with his parents, westward and located in Ohio, living in
the counties of Ross, Fayette, Madison and Van Wert in succession.
When fifteen years of age he apprenticed himself to the blacksmith's
trade, which he followed eleven years. At this time, his
health failing him, he purchased a farm and lived the remainder of
his life a tiller of the soil. In 1825 he wa married to
Eliza Gillispie, a native of New York, whose parents were
John and Margaret (Gunning) Gillispie, both of whom were born in
Ireland and emigrated to this country with their parents when quite
young. To the union of Alexander and Eliza McCoy were
born eleven children, nine sons and two daughters (see sketch of
Moses H. McCoy)
When four years of age Alexander McCoy, with
his parents, moved to Van Wert county, and was reared to manhood on
the farm, working for his father and attending the common schools;
he was a good student, and so assiduously did he pursue his studies
that he became qualified to teach while still a youth. He
followed pedagogy and farm labor until twenty-six years of age, when
he laid aside the plow and ferrule at his nation's call and
enlisted, Aug. 5, 1862; was elected corporal in company A,
Ninety-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry. Col. Langworthy
commanding, later Col. P. T. Swain. He received an
honorable discharge in July, 1865, and returned home, wearing a
sergeant's stripes. Early in the service he contracted a
malady known as varicose veins, superinduced by excessive marching,
and which confined him in the hospital at McMinnville six months.
He was thereby prevented from engaging in the many battles of his
regiment. Still, he saw active service, chiefly in the army of
the Cumberland, under Gen. Sherman. He was in the whole
of the Atlanta campaign, which, historical students will remember,
was a protracted battle of three months' duration; also, the battle
of Nashville - two days. Notwithstanding his defect in
walking, caused by above-mentioned disease, he has a good record as
a fighting soldier. This patriotism seems to have been a
family heritage, as four other brothers defended the Union during
that darkest of hours when the "Dogs of war" were let loose.
On his return to Van Wert county, in 1865, after the
war, Mr. McCoy resumed his profession of teaching, with which
he combined carpenter work, having also learned that trade at odd
times, and stave joining with the Eagle Stave factory, of which he
was a part owner. In 1874 he opened a grocery store in east
Van Wert, which he operated eleven years, and sold to William
Collett in 1885. After two years of farm life he
re-entered the grocery business in Van Wert in the room opposite the
Pioneer drug store, and which he now occupies.
Oct. 1, 1868, the marriage of Mr. McCoy to
Mary Ann Anderson was celebrated. She was born near
Findlay, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1848. Her parents were John and
Elizabeth Anderson and paternal grandparents were John Sr.
and Louise (Cross) Anderson; her maternal grandparents were
Sanford and Cynthia (McClimans) Dorman. When one year old
Mary A. Anderson moved with her parents to Wayne county,
Ohio. When eight years of age her parents died and she made
her home with William Anderson, in Van Wert, up to the time
of her marriage, in 1868. To the union of Alexander R. and
Mary A. McCoy were born six children - four boys and two girls,
all of whom are living: Nettie I., born Oct. 2, 1869,
educated in Van Wert, unmarried; Charles, born Apr. 3, 1873,
a clerk in his father's store; Minnie C., born Aug. 8, 1875,
graduated in 1895 in music at Angola, and has taken up professional
music teaching, in which she is acknowledged by all to be a fine
instructress; Horace A., born in 1878; Estella, born
in 1881, and Clara, born in 1884. The last three are
attending the pubic schools of Van Wert.
In religion Mr. McCoy has a leaning toward
Methodism, but is not a member of any denomination. He is a
stanch republican, having voted for the first candidate of that
party for the presidency - John C. Fremont - and also for all
succeeding candidates up to the present time. He has never
sought nor held office except that of justice of the peace of Ridge
township, which office he resigned soon after qualifying. As a
pioneer, Mr. McCoy is a typical one, as he has been a
resident of Van Wert county since 1839 - fifty six years. He
has seen the country develop from a howling and uninviting
wilderness into one of the most beautiful and productive
agricultural districts extant, studded up numerous bustling and
thriving municipalities; he has seen Van Wert city in all its
successive stages of hamlet, village town and city; forsooth, he has
grown up and kept pace with the county, never surrendering the
integrity and honesty of purpose that has characterized his whole
life.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 508 |
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JOHN McCOY,
deceased, was born in Madison county, Ohio, May 31, 1833, a
son of Alexander and Eliza (Gillespie) McCoy.
Further mention of these parents will be found in the
biography of Moses McCoy, of Ridge township, to which
the attention of the reader is invited.
From Madison county John McCoy, of our subject,
when six years of age, was brought to Van Wert county by his
parents, who located in Ridge township, and with whom our
subject remained until twenty-four years of age.
John received a very fair education, and at the age of
eighteen years began teaching school, a profession he
followed until twenty-five years old, when he bought eighty
acres of land from his father, and began farming on his own
account; shortly afterward his wife, of whom mention will be
made further on, became heir to 160 acres, which property
was soon sold and eighty acres adjacent to Mr. McCoy's
farm were purchased and added thereto. Mr. McCoy
was an intelligent and industrious agriculturist, and at his
death, which occurred Feb. 20, 1884, he was the owner of 160
acres, with many valuable improvements and well stocked with
fine Durham and other cattle, Mr. McCoy having been
the first to bring graded live stock to the township.
Mr. McCoy was a republican in politics and was a
justice of the peace many years, and for fourteen years
township treasurer; he was a Mason and Patron of Husbandry,
and in religion a Presbyterian. He was prominent as a
local politician, was worthy in all respects, and his death
was deeply deplored, not only by his family but by the whole
of the population of Ridge township. Since his
departure the property has been under the able control of
his widow.
John McCoy was joined in matrimony in Columbiana
county, Ohio, Nov. 18, 1857, to Miss Eleanor Montgomery,
who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, Oct. 20, 1834, a
daughter of John and Sarah (Poe) Montgomery, and a
sister of James Montgomery, of Pleasant township.
To the union of John and Eleanor McCoy were born
seven children, in the following order: Marion P.,
who for three terms was county surveyor of Van Wert county,
Ohio, and in 1892 went to Oklahoma, where he is now a member
of the legislature; John M., deceased; Anna E.,
wife of Frank Gamble, of Convoy; James A., a
traveling salesman; Sarah E., wife of E. Wert,
a druggest of Scott, Ohio; Flora Belle, and
Charles G. away from home, attending school.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 486 |
C. H. McCoy
Mrs. Mary E. McCoy |
MRS. MARY E. McCOY, relict
of Charles H. McCoy, and daughter of John and Sarah (Chenowith)
Franklin, was born in Allen county, Ohio, August 3, in the year
1845. The father of John was born in New York state in
February, 1809, was named Thomas, and died in Allen county, Ohio,
about 1848. It is probable that John Franklin came to
Ohio with his parents, and was reared among the early settlers of
Allen county. Here he married Sarah Chenowith about
1828, and to his marriage were born ten children: Rueben C., of
Monroeville, Ind.; William T., who served in the Civil war;
Hannah A., deceased; John H., deceased; Amos, killed in the
army; Sarah E., deceased; Nancy C., wife of A.
Snyder, of Lima, Ohio; Mrs. C. H. McCoy; James A.,
of Allen county, and Joseph I., who died in infancy. The mother
of the family was called away June 23, 1873. John Franklin, the
father, was at one time a large land owner and a successful farmer of
Allen county, owning a part of the land on which the city of Lima now
stands. He took no active part in politics, but supported the
principles of the republican party; he and his wife were devout
members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of which he
lived and died, February 7, 1875.
Mrs. McCoy grew to womanhood in the country home
of her parents and was united in marriage, April 9, 1861, to
Charles H. McCoy, and to this felicitous union nine children were
born in the following order: Joseph, deceased, Henry W.,
Sarah C., John N., Elijah C, Frank H.,
Jesse L., Lulu M. (deceased in childhood) and Reuben A.,
The father of this family, Charles H. McCoy, was a son of
Elijah and Sarah (West) McCoy. Elijah was
born in Pennsylvania about the year 1812, of sterling Irish parentage;
he was a pioneer of Allen county, Ohio, became one of its substantial
farmers, and there died in 1872. Sarah (West) McCoy was a lady
of many virtues, beloved by friends and acquaintances where-ever
known. She was the mother of four children, viz: Caroline,
deceased wife of Joseph Boggs; Andrew, deceased;
Charles H., deceased, and Amanda J., deceased wife of
Nelson Stephenson. This aimable and loving; mother was
called away in 1847. Charles H. was born in Allen county, Ohio,
March 16,. 1841. Being early deprived of a mother's care, he lived
among relatives and friends, but manfully struggled to repay them for
furnishing him a living. At the age of sixteen he went to Champaign
county and for some time worked on a farm, then returned to Allen
county, and,. after his marriage, here purchased a farm, on which he
lived eighteen months and then sold out; he then purchased the present
home of the family in Van Wert county, in 1872, but continued to lived
in Allen county, on rented land, until 1889, when he came to his farm
in Van Wert county, and here made his residence until his death, which
occurred November 16, 1893. Mr. McCoy had had some army
experience; he responded to the first call for troops in May, 1861,
and enlisted in company A, Twentieth Ohio volunteer infantry, for
three months, but soon, however, was attacked with measles, which,
with exposure, brought on a serious illness, and he was sent to the
hospital, but on his recovery he rejoined his command and served out
his term; in 1862 he enlisted in company D, One Hundred and
Fifty-first Ohio state troops, and went to the defense of Washington,
and for these services he was granted a pension of $6 per month. In
politics, Mr. McCoy was a republican, and in religion he was,
as his widow now is, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He
was an affectionate and kind husband, an indulgent father, a firm
friend and an honorable man, and died an honored and respected member
of the community in which he had lived so many years.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 522 |
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MOSES
H. McCOY, one of the oldest and most substantial farmers of
Ridge township, Van Wert county, Ohio, and one of the leading and
most popular citizens, is a native of Fayette county, born Nov. 8,
1828, and is a son of Alexander and Eliza (Gillispie) McCoy -
the former a native of Virginia, born July 27, 1800, and the latter
a native of New York state, born Mar. 27, 1809. Alexander
McCoy was a blacksmith and followed his trade until some years
after his marriage, when he purchased some land in Madison county,
Ohio, but shortly afterward sold and came thence to Van Wert county,
in 1839, where he had entered 300 acres in Ridge township about four
years previously, and on this farm he resided until 1868, when he
moved. near Van Wert, where his death occurred in October, 1891.
His widow, now eighty-six years of age, resides with her son
Joseph, in Ridge township. Alexander and Eliza McCoy
were the parents of eleven children, who were born in the following
order: Samuel, who died in early manhood; M. H., the
subject of this sketch; David, a member of the Ninety-ninth
Ohio volunteer infantry, who died in the service in 1861; John,
who died in 1883, leaving a widow at Van wert; Alexander, who
was a soldier in the Ninety-ninth Ohio, volunteer infantry and is
now doing business as a grocer in Van Wert; William, who
disappeared from home in middle life, and has never since been heard
of; Margaret Jane, deceased wife of Judge
John E. Richey, of Lima, Ohio; Joseph, who was a soldier
in the Eighty-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry and now resides in
Ridge township; Charles, a resident of Wichita, Kans.;
Elmira, widow of Isaac Weible, of Van Wert, and
Franklin, also a resident of Van Wert. The parents of this
family were reared in the Presbyterian faith, but later united with
the Methodist Episcopal church.
M. H. McCoy, our subject, was reared on the home
farm, was well inducted in the lessons of agricultural life, and
attended the subscription schools of his early boyhood, acquiring a
very good education. Dec. 24, 1851, he married Elmira F.
Gilliland, daughter of James Gordon and Margaret (Lawson)
Gilliland. (See sketch of Gilliland family.)
Immediately after his marriage Mr. McCoy settled on his
present beautiful farm, of which ninety one acres were earned by
day's and month's work, and eighty acres additional donated by by
the father of his bride, making in all 171 acres. Mr. and
Mrs. McCoy have since reared a family of three children, viz:
T. S., a railroad surveyor of Wichita, Kans., and married to
Maria Adams; wife of John J. Humphreys, of the
wholesale firm of Humphreys & Hughes, Van Wert, and
G. G., a dentist of Delphos, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy
stand very high in their social relations to the people of their
township and county. They and their family are all members of
the Presbyterian church, and both the sons are graduates of the
Michigan university at Ann Hrbor. Fraternally Mr.
McCoy is an Odd Fellow, and as a republican he has served in
almost every elective office his township affords, and once served,
by appointment, an unexpired term as director of the infirmary.
His sterling traits of character, well-known honesty and integrity,
have served to endear him to his neighbors and fellow-citizens, all
of whom recognize in him one of the very best citizens of the
township, and one whose life reflects great credit upon himself and
the community.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 519 |
| |
ALBERT
L. McDONALD, a descendant of an ancient pioneer of Virginia,
and a prominent citizen of Van Wert, was born Jan. 3, 1841. He
is a son of ALEXANDER McDONALD, who was
born in Virginia in 1795. Alexander McDonald was of
Scotch descent, was educated in Virginia, and learned the trades of
brick-mason and stone mason. That he was a well educated man
is evident from the fact that after his arrival in Van Wert county
he taught not only in the public schools of the city of Van Wert,
continuing to teach until his death, which occurred in 1850 and was
caused by typhoid fever. Politically he was a democrat and in
religious faith a Universalist. He was one of the best men
that ever came to this county, always hospitable and kind. It
is sometimes stated that the origin of the phrase, "the latch string
is always out," was in Virginia, one of the most hospitable of the
southern states, and Mr. McDonald brought to the west with
him his southern habits and opinions. Alexander
McDonald most married at an early age to Miss Sedameras
McIlhenny, of Virginia, who belonged to the same class of
Virginians as her husband. They were the parents of the
following children: William, Lydia, Thomas, Lancaster,
Wesley, Wylie, David, Albert, and Isaac, of whom
William, Thomas, Lancaster and Wesley are dead, and the
living are all married. The mother of these children died Feb.
28, 1885. Upon coming to Ohio, in 1843, Mr. McDonald
first settled in Richland county, but soon afterward he removed to
Van Wert county, at a time when there were but few settlers and few
cabins in this part of the state.
Albert L. McDonald was born in Richland county,
Ohio, and having obtained the education the common schools of that
county were capable of imparting, he learned the carpenter trade.
Remaining at home until his marriage, which occurred Mar. 9, 1869,
to Miss Susan Beveau he then began life for himself. To
the marriage of Mr. McDonald and Miss Beveau there
were born the following children: Iona and Albana.
Iona was born July 28, 1872, and was married to Sibley
Neil, Nov. 30, 1895. Before her marriage she was a
school-teacher. Albana was born Feb. 3, 1875, and is
living at home. Mr. McDonald is in politics a democrat,
and is in every way a liberal man, conceding to others the rights
that he claims for himself. He is still living in Van Wert
city.
Susan Beveau, wife of the subject of this
sketch, was born Apr. 22, 1846. Her father, John Beveau,
was born in France, was there reared on a farm, and this occupation
he followed for a living. By his first marriage he became the
father of the following children: Cain and Henry.
The mother of these children dying, he married the second time; his
second wife also dying, he then married Miss Catherine Terie,
a native of France. To this third marriage there were born the
following children: Mary, Thomas, Christine, Josephine, John,
Peter, Nicholas, Jacob and Susan. Of these
the following are dead: Mary, Thomas, Josephine, John and
Nicholas. The others are married and have families of
their own. John Beveau upon coming to the United
States, located on a farm in Van Wert county, Ohio, upon which he
lived and followed farming until he reached old age. He then
retired from active business and enjoyed the earnings of his earlier
years until his death, which occurred in 1871, his wife surviving
him until June 18, 1888. Mr. Beveau was in politics a
republican and was a member of the Catholic church. He wa a
good man, kind hearted, and a true friend. Susan, his
daughter, was born in Ohio, and lived with her parents in Van Wert
county until she was married to Mr. McDonald. In
religious belief she prefers the United Brethren church, of which
she is a member. Both she and her husband are excellent people
and are of high social standing in the city of Van Wert.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 490 |
| |
THOMAS STEEN McKIM,
deceased, a native of Ross county, Ohio, was born April 17, 1818. His
parents, Thomas and Jane (Steen) McKim, were born and married
in Ireland, where the father was a farmer. In 1810 these parents came
to America, located in New York state, but later came to Ross county,
Ohio, and finally settled in Wabash county, Ind., where they passed
the remainder of their lives on a farm. Of their eight children our
subject was the sixth in order of birth, and was ten or twelve years
of age when his parents removed form Ross county, Ohio, where he had
been a water carrier on the old canal running through that section. He
was reared to manhood in Wabash county, Ind., and was there educated
in the common schools. He early learned the tinner's trade, and at
this he worked throughout Indiana and Ohio until his locating in
Willshire, Ohio, where he engaged in general merchandising until 1855,
when he made his permanent home in the city of Van Wert, where he
erected the store building now occupied by Seelburg & Co., corner of
Main and North Washington streets, and re-embarked in general
mercantile trade. Although he had had three partners in this business,
the firms were ever known as T. S. McKim & Son. He
continued in trade until 1890, when he retired to a life of ease and
privacy. He was also largely interested in the Van Wert tannery and
many other local interests, and being a man of indomitable enterprise
and enlarged patriotism, was energetic in his promotion of the
railroad interests of the city. He was a royal arch Mason, a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics a republican. Ever
affable and gentlemanly, he won friends every where, his liberality
and generous disposition being subjects of universal comment. His
death, which occurred June 10, 1892, cast a shade of sorrow over the
entire community and was deeply deplored.
The marriage of Mr. McKim was solemnized
in Mercer county, Ohio, September 20, 1851, with Miss
Elizabeth Barks, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio,
April 24, 1822, a daughter of Solomon and Jane (Shault)
Barks, natives of Virginia, but at the time of this marriage
Residents of Ohio. They were the parents of seven children, of whom
only two survive. To the union of Mr. McKim and Elizabeth Barks
were born three children, viz: Emma, wife of G. W. McGavren,
one of the prominent physicians of Van Wert; Joseph L.,
deceased, and Luella Maud. Mrs. McKim is a
devout believer of the Methodist Episcopal faith and is a leading
member of the congregation attending First M. E. church; she is also a
member of the W. C. T. U. and of the Missionary society, and is
regarded as one of the most charitable and aimable ladies . of
the city of Van Wert.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 533 |
| |
DR. CHARLES A. MELSHEIMER,
deceased, and late efficient treasurer of Van Wert city and Pleasant
township, was born in Stark county, Ohio, January 8, 1826, a son of
Henry E. and Mary (Kimmell) Melsheimer. The father of Henry E.
Melsheimer was a great favorite among the nobility of Europe and
was a very highly educated man, having written several volumes on
entomology, which were very much valued. His son, Henry E.,
father of this subject, was born in Germany and early in life came to
America and located in York county, Pa., and there engaged in the
saddlery business until 1816, when he came to Ohio, located in Canton,
and continued in the saddlery trade until 1820, when he became a
minister in the Lutheran church, in which church he continued to labor
until his death, which occurred February 29, 1864. He had
married, in Hanover, Pa., Mary Kimmell, who was a native
of Pennsylvania, and by this union four children were born, viz:
Edwin, deceased; Timothy, a printer, of Indianapolis, Ind.;
Malinda, wife of E. M. Slough, of Indianapolis;
Charles Augustus, our subject.
Charles A. Melsheimer, was reared to
manhood in Stark county, Ohio, and there received his education in
Canton. He read medicine under Dr. L. M. Whiting for four
years; then began the practice of medicine in New Corydon, Ind., where
he remained three years; then removed to Willshire, Van Wert county,
Ohio, where he remained six years, then, in 1860, when he quit the
practice, he opened a drug store in Van Wert, where, in 1864, he built
his business block, the room being 22x75 feet which he occupied until
his death. He was married in Milwaukee, Wis., April 27, 1852, to
Miss Eliza Ann Hawk, a native of Pennsylvania. By this union
five children were born, viz: Wallace W., Laura F., Etta A., Ellis
E. and Leon. Dr. Melsheimer was a member of the
Lutheran church, and was an Odd Fellow. In 1884, he was elected city
treasurer; in 1876 was elected township treasurer; in 1869 he was
elected treasurer of the Van Wert Agricultural society, which position
he held until the spring of 1894. He was a candidate for
representative in 1877, but was defeated. He was a stanch republican
and a good, honored citizen, well respected by all who knew him. His
lamented death occurred on the 21st day of January, 1895, and the
funeral obsequies were held at the Lutheran church on the afternoon of
the 24th day of January, under the imposing auspices of the I. O. O.
F.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 527 |
| |
ELLIS E. MELSHEIMER,
a prosperous young farmer of Union township, Van Wert county, Ohio,
was born in the city of Van Wert, July 22, 1862, a son of Dr.
Charles A. Melsheimer, whose biography is given above. Ellis E.
was educated in the schools of Van Wert city, and at the age of
eighteen years entered the office of the P., Ft. W. & C. railroad
company to learn telegraphy, and was so apt a pupil that he was
retained in the employ of the company for six years. His next
engagement with the Western Union Telegraph company, was at Chicago,
where he remained a year and a half, and then was employed by the
Postal Telegraph company at Bryan, Ohio, with which he remained until
1889. He then took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial
college at Chicago, whence he went to Georgetown, Ky., where he had
charge of the office of the Cincinnati Southern railroad, whence he
was transferred to the office at Sadieville, Ky.; from that point he
was sent to Sherwood, Ohio, and, after two years of faithful service,
was placed in the office at Canton, Ohio, where he remained one year.
Although an expert at telegraphy, he preferred the peaceful and
health-giving vocation of the husbandman, and in the fall of 1894
purchased forty acres of land in section No. 33, in Union township,
Van Wert county, upon which he moved in November in the same year, and
still makes it his happy home.
The marriage of Mr. Melsheimer took place at
Logansport, Ind., October 20, 1886, to Miss Flora A. Neff,
who was born in Champaign, 111., in 1870, a daughter of Alfred J.
Neff, by which marriage there has been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Melsheimer one child—Charles A. The parents are members of
the Lutheran church, and in politics the father is a republican.
Mr. Melsheimer has been as prosperous as an agriculturist as he
was successful as a telegrapher, and enjoys the respect of all who
know him. He is progressive and skillful, and is very well up to the
times in the management of his well tilled farm.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 528 |
| |
WALLACE W. MELSHEIMER,
an accomplished druggist and expert pharmaceutist of-Van Wert, Ohio,
was born in Willshire, Van Wert county, January 29, 1855, the eldest
son of Dr. C. A. Melsheimer, late city treasurer, whose
biography appears above, was but five years of age when his parents
located in the city of Van Wert, in the public schools of which city
he received his education, attending them until sixteen years of age,
rendering assistance to his father, in the meantime, in the drug
store, from the age of ten years. On quitting school he entered this
store permanently, and, under his father, received a practical
education in pharmacy, and in 1876 became a partner in the business.
June 19, 1884, Mr. Melsheimer was happily united in the bonds
of matrimony with Miss Ada May Moltz, a daughter of G. W.
and Mary (Hall) Moltz, and born in Richland county, Ohio, April
17, 1858. To this union have been born three children, viz : Ethel,
Anna (deceased) and Eva. Mr. Melsheimer has been treasurer
of the National Union ever since its organization, and he and wife are
members of St. Mark's Lutheran church.
Leon Melsheimer, youngest son of Dr. C. A.
Melsheimer, was born in the city of Van Wert, August 10, 1869. He
attended the city schools until sixteen years of age, when he began
learning telegraphy at the depot of the P., Ft. W. & C. railroad,
studying one year, and then took charge of the city telegraph office,
which for nine years he conducted in his father's store, where, during
intervals in the telegraph business, he also rendered assistance in
the drug business. His marriage took place May 16, 1892, in Van Wert,
to Miss Nettie Campbell, who was born in Van Wert September 27,
1870, a daughter of Jacob and Belle (Engler-eight) Campbell.
Mr. and Mrs. Melsheimer are members the Lutheran church and are
highly thought of by a large circle of friends.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 527 |
| |
ALEXANDER MENTZER, JR.,
of Tully township, Van Wert county, Ohio, is a son of Alexander
Mentzer, Sr., whose biography will be found as an appendix to this
sketch. Our subject was born on his father's farm January 19, 1852,
and was there reared. April 28, 1887, he married Hattie
Miller, who was born November 13, 1860, a daughter of Smith
and Calisto (Bronson) Miller, who were old
settlers of Van Wert county. The Miller family were of
Pennsylvania descent and the Bronsons came from New England.
William Miller, grandfather of Mrs. Mentzer,
came from Fayette county, Ohio, in 1835, and died in February, 1894,
at the age of eighty-eight years. His children were ten in number, and
were named Smith, Martha, Sarah, Mary A.,
Samuel, Calvin, Elizabeth, Nancy, John N., and Simeon.
After his marriage, Alexander Mentzer, Jr., began
farming on land he had bought in 1879, which then comprised ninety-two
acres, but which he has since increased to 160 acres, and this tract,
which is now his home, he has brought under a most excellent state of
cultivation, having cleared all from the woods, with the exception of
forty acres only. Mr. and Mrs. Mentzer are the happy parents of
two children—Marian and Leila M., who are being reared
within the pale of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the mother
has been a member since she was sixteen years of age. In politics
Mr. Mentzer is a democrat, and under the auspices of that
party has served as trustee of his township two terms, and also two
terms as assessor. Fraternally, Mr. Mentzer is a member
of the Improved Order of Red Men, and of the P. of H. He is a man of
undoubted business talent, and has been a member of the school board
since 1890.
Alexander Mentzer, Sr., a pioneer of Tully
township, Van Wert county, Ohio, and the father of the gentleman whose
name heads this brief sketch, as given in the preceding paragraph, was
formerly a farmer of great repute in Tully township and well deserves
the reputation he has gained as a practical farmer. He sprang from an
old colonial family of Pennsylvania, and descended from Conrad
Mentzer, of Swiss origin, who settled in Pennsylvania about the
year 1724. Conrad had one son, Michael, who married Ann Maria;
and to their marriage were born seven sons and seven daughters. Prior
to the Revolution, Michael moved to Washington county, Md., where he
died at a very advanced age. George Mentzer, son of
Michael, and the father of Alexander, Sr., was born
in Lancaster county, Pa., April 24, 1766, and was a boy when his
father moved to Maryland. He learned the trade of tailor and for seven
years worked as a journeyman at Hagerstown. He married Susannah
Hoover, who bore eleven children, named Mary, Nancy,
Susan, Elizabeth, John, Christine,
Sarah, George, Samuel, an unnamed infant,
deceased, and Alexander. In 1814, the parents of this family
moved to Columbiana county, Ohio, where the father bought a half
section of land, on which he lived until 1832, when he moved to
Crawford county, bought 160 acres, and there passed the remainder of
his days, dying in 1838, at the age of seventy-two years—a member of
the Lutheran church. His widow lived to be eighty years old, a member
of the Dunkard church. Alexander Mentzer, Sr.,
was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, March 31, 1819, and was reared a
farmer. At the .age of thirteen years he accompanied his father to
Crawford county, and October 8, 1843, married Elizabeth Roop,
a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Roop,
who were old settlers of Crawford county, Ohio, and to this union were
born four children— Susannah, Joseph, Elizabeth,
and John. Both parents died in Crawford county, members of the
Lutheran church.
Mr. Mentzer settled in Tully township, Van Wert
county, on October 8, 1846, on the land which Mr. Roop—his
wife's father—had entered, and which covered 160 acres in the wild
woods, but which Mr. Mentzer afterward converted into a
beautiful farm, and increased to 800 acres, of which he gave 400 to
his children, and later sold 160 acres. To Alexander Mentzer
and his wife were born seven children, named Rebecca, Sarah
Susanah, Peter R., Alexander, Mary (deceased), George
deceased, and Samuel deceased. The mother of this family died
November 5, 1857, and the father was next married, June 24, 1858, to
Miss Eliza Reed, who died June 24, 1864, leaving no children;
the next marriage was with Mrs. McClure, April 3, 1866, to
which union was born one child—living—Millie. Mr.
Mentzer, now seventy-six years old, is retired from active
work. He is a democrat, has been justice of the peace, commissioner
three terms and has served in numerous township offices. He is a Mason
and is most highly honored by his fellow-citizens.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 528 |
| |
GEORGE MERICLE, a.
pioneer of Jackson township, Van Wert county, Ohio, is of German
descent primarily,' but comes from an old New York family more
directly. His grandfather, John Mericle, was a native of
the Empire state and a pioneer of Fairfield county, Ohio, where he
cleared up a good farm from the woods and reared the following
children: Solomon, John, Emanuel, Abe,
Polly, Katie, Sallie, Lydia and Betsey.
Solomon Mericle, father of George,
our subject, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in February, 1808,
and married Catherine Blosser, daughter of George and
Rebecca (Garrison) Blosser, to which union were born the following
children: Sallie, Mary, George, Rose
Ann, Isaac, Margaret, John, Catherine,
Solomon and Lydia. Solomon Mericle
resided on 160 acres of land in Hocking county until 1865, when he
moved to Allen county and settled six miles east of Delphos, where he
passed the remainder of his days. His son, Solomon, served in
the Fourteenth Ohio volunteer infantry during the late war, and he
also had two other sons in the service—George and John.
He died a sincere Christian.
George Mericle, the subject proper of this sketch, was
born in Hocking county, Ohio, March 14, 1833, and was married in the
same county, September 25, 1855, to Miss Barbara
Beery, who was born in Fairfield county, May 18, 1838, a daughter
of Peter and Margaret (Pulce) Beery. Peter
Beery was of German descent and was a son of Joseph, who
was a native of Rockingham county, Va., and was the father of Jacob,
Samuel, Joseph, Peter, Franz and
Barbara, and died on his farm before the outbreak of the Civil
war. Peter Beery, the father of Mrs. Mericle, was born
in Rockingham county, Va., January 11, 1807, was married in that
county to Margaret Pulce, and by that union became the
father of eight children, viz: Elizabeth A., Sarah, Henry, Barbara,
Abraham, Mary, Peter and Margaret. After making two or
three moves at intervals of two years each, Mr. Beery finally
settled on a farm of 400 acres in Hocking county, Ohio, but has since
sold all but 190 acres of the home farm. He later bought 300 acres in
Jackson township, Van Wert county, and on eighty acres of this
George Mericle makes his home. Mr. Beery was a most
enterprising citizen and was always prominent in the various counties
in which he lived, settled up or administered several estates, and at
one time was the owner of over 700 acres of land. He had two sons in
the late Civil war—Capt. Henry and Sergt. Abraham, both
in Ohio regiments.
After marriage Mr. Mericle located in
Fair-field county, Ohio, and for a season worked for his uncle,
John Mericle, then moved to Hocking county and worked for
his father-in-law, Peter Beery, in a saw-mill for three
years. In the fall of i860 he came to Van Wert county and settled on
eighty acres in the woods his father-in-law had given him, where he
cleared up a farm. March 13, 1865, Mr. Mericle enlisted
at Van Wert, Ohio, in company F, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio
volunteer infantry, and was discharged at the close of the war, having
served in Virginia and Delaware. To the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Mericle have been born five children, named as follows:
Margaret, Isaiah, Sarah, Noah and Minerva—all
born in Van Wert county with the exception of Margaret, who is
a native of Fairfield county, and Isaiah, a native of Hocking
county. While her husband was in the war, Mrs. Mericle
did her own farming, with the exception of plowing—thus showing
herself to be a worthy daughter of her illustrious father. She lived
on fifteen acres and tilled five acres of corn, producing the best
crop in the neighborhood—the season being a dry one. Mr.
Mericle is now the owner of 120 acres, and is in quite comfortable
circumstances. He and wife are members of United Brethren church, and
in politics he is a republican. He is a highly respected citizen and
an excellent farmer, holds the esteem of the entire community, and
ranks second to no one in his enterprise and active interest in the
progress of his township and county.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 533 |
| |
D. R. MILLER,
an old resident and prominent farmer of Pleasant township,
Van Wert county, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, Nov.
27, 1832, a son of John and Sarah (Graham)
Miller, the former of whom was a native of Ross
county, Ohio, born about 1802, was of Irish descent on the
maternal side, and in 1842 became a resident of Van Wert
county, where he followed farming until his death, which
occurred about the year 1878. He had married, about
1828, Sarah Graham, daughter of James
and Hannah Graham, both natives of
Ohio. James Graham was a teamster of the
war of 1812, in which war David Miller, an
elder brother of John Miller, also served as a
soldier. The younger brothers of John Miller
were named Robert, William and Samuel. Sarah
(Graham) Miller was born about 1815 and died about 1860,
the mother of eight children, viz.: Mrs. Charlotte Miller,
deceased; James, a farmer of Paulding county, Ohio;
Ellen, the wife of James Miller, of Van Wert
county; D. R., the subject of this sketch; Mrs.
Emma Rockhold, of Union township; Elijah, of Van
Wert; Mrs. Mary A. Hoak, of Allen county, Ohio, and
Robert, who died in infancy.
D. R. Miller, our subject, was brought by his
parents of Van Wert county in 1842 and was here educated in
the common schools of Pleasant township. After
quitting his father's farm he worked out by the mouth until
his marriage, in 1859, to Miss Mary S. Hight,
daughter of Stephen and Katie (Kennedy) Hight, who in
early life came from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and first located
in Wayne county, afterward moving to Mercer county, where
Stephen Hight, died in 1861, a member of the
Presbyterian church and in politics a democrat.
Miss Mary S. Hight was born in Mercer county, Apr. 10,
1838, and has borne her husband eight children, as follows;
Stephen, millman of Van Wert, Ohio; Frank, a
resident of Saint Louis, Mo.; Grant, employed by a
telephone company in Van Wert, Ohio; two infants, deceased;
Fred, a school-teacher in Pleasant township; Jacob, a
farmer at home, and Katie, also at home. In
1862, our subject bought a farm in Pleasant township,
cleared it from the woods, and made his home thereon for
nineteen yeas, and then bought his present place, just west
of the city of Van Wert, remodeled and dwelling and placed
the lands under the best possible condition of cultivation.
Mr. Miller served four months in the One Hundred and
Thirty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry during the late war,
and is a stanch adherent of the republican party, having
served as constable - which office he resigned after his
return from the army. Mr. Miller at one time
gave some attention to the raising of live stock, but now
devotes himself entirely to general farming. He is a
pleasant, genial gentleman, a public-spirited citizen, and
an excellent and kind-hearted neighbor.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 543 |
| |
GEORGE
MILLER,
one of the oldest citizens of Washington township, Van Wert county,
Ohio, but now deceased, was a native of Saxony, Germany born in 1816.
He came over to America when a young man, and for a number of years
worked on public works in Virginia, Maryland and others states.
He was married in Putnam county, Ohio, in 1845, to Susan Rader.
In about 1847 he purchased forty acres of land from the government in
section No. 13, Washington township, Van Wert county, and moved upon
it; the country was at that time but sparsely settled and was mostly
woods, with few roads. From time to time he added to his
original purchase until he owned altogether 112 acres, and had owned
sixty acres more, which he sold to his son Henry. To
Mr. and Mrs. Miller ten children were born, as follows:
Henry, Carley, Ferd, John, Louis, Tilla, Edward, Mary and Gust,
all living, and one daughter who died in childhood. April 17,
1894, Mr. Miller and wife, celebrated their golden wedding
anniversary, and the day was celebrated with a family gathering and a
big supper, on which happy occasion all the children but two were
present.
When Mr. Miller settled in Van
Wert county there was nothing of Delphos but a few canal shanties.
It was then known as Section Ten, so Mr. Miller has lived to
see what was once a dense forest cleared and turned into as fine a
farming country as can be found in the state, and saw Delphos grow
from a few log houses into a thriving little city.
HENRY MILLER, eldest son of George Miller,
was born on April 27, 1846. He remained on the farm with his
parents until he was eighteen years old, and then left home. In
may 1864, he went into the Union army as a soldier, joining company A,
One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio volunteers. He was mustered in
at Camp Chase and with the regiment was on duty principally at
Washington, D. C., and in the Shenandoah valley. He was mustered
out at Camp Chase, Columbus, the last of August, 1864, having been in
the 100 day service. After the war he began railroading, first
on the Pennsylvania in Ohio, and then on the Big Four in Indiana, and
continued on that for over nine years. He then worked for about
five years in the Ohio Wheel works at Delphos, and then moved upon
sixty acres of land in section No. 12, Washington Township, which he
had purchased some time before from his father. The land was
then all wild and unimproved, but he cleared it up. Since then
he has added to his land by the purchase of sixty acres in section No.
1, now having altogether 120 acres. In 1889 he erected a large
barn, 40 x 60 feet, which is one of the best in the township.
Henry Miller was married November 10,
1872 to Ida Wurzburg, who was born in Saxony, Germany, May 9,
1852, and is the daughter of August Wurzburg. Her parents
did not come to America, both having died in the old country before
she came over, she being eighteen years old when she crossed the
ocean. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller three children have been
born, tow sons and one daughter: Arthur, born July 20, 1874;
Oscar, born November 12, 1876; Laura, born March 25, 1883.
Mr. Miller and family are members of the Lutheran church, and are
highly respected by all. George Miller departed this life
November 18, 1895, a member of the Lutheran church, of which his widow
is still a devout communicant.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 530 |
| |
JOHN C. MILLER, deceased -
Few men in Van Wert county were more widely and favorably
known than the late John C. Miller whose death
occurred on the 12th day of June, 1882. Mr. Miller's
parents, George and Hannah (Chilcote) Miller,
were both natives of Kentucky but their marriage took place
in Crawford county, Ohio, where they lived on a farm until
the father's death, after which Mrs. Miller came to
Van Wert county and resided with her children until called
from the scene of her earthly labors in 1865.
George and Hannah Miller reared a large family, eleven
children in all, the subject of this sketch being sixth in
order of birth.
John C. Miller was born in Crawford county,
Ohio, Nov. 22, 1826, was reared to manhood on a farm in his
native county and state, and on the 17th day of September,
1849, entered into the marriage relation with Miss Sarah
C. Schenck. Mrs. Miller was born in Maryland June
3, 1835, daughter of David and Lydia (Meyers) Schenck;
she bore him the following children: Lydia A.,
deceased; Rebecca, deceased; Mary E.,
deceased; David F.; Nancy J., wife of L. W.
Balyeat; Daniel J., who resides on the home farm;
John, deceased; William; deceased; Susan,
deceased; May, deceased; Charles, deceased;
and Ida, who resides in Van Wert. Soon after
his marriage Mr. Miller moved to Van Wert county,
locating in Willshire township, where he purchased eighty
acres of land, on which he resided until his removal, in
1876, to a farm in Pleasant township, where he resided until
his death at the date previously mentioned.
Mr. Miller was a successful farmer and made
additions to his place from time to time until he became the
possessor of 160 acres of land, which, under hi management,
was brought to a high state of cultivation and was supplied
with good buildings and other conveniences. He
accumulated a handsome competence, was noted as one of the
leading agriculturists of the county, and in addition to
tilling the soil he achieved quite a reputation as a
skillful veterinary surgeon. In his church relations
he belonged to the United Brethren denomination, and in
politics was a republication. His widow remained on
the home farm until 1893, at which time she moved to Van
Wert and has made that city her home ever since; she is also
a member of the United Brethren church, and is highly
esteemed by a large circle of friends in both city and
county.
David F. Miller, the eldest son and fourth child
born to John C. Miller and wife, is one of the young
and very progressive farmers of Pleasant township. He
was born in Willshire township Oct. 15, 1857, and was reared
to manhood upon the farm, and chose farming for his life
work. He was educated in the common schools and made
commendable progress for the advantages at hand, and to the
training received while in the school-room, he prudently
added, from time to time, that knowledge which came within
his reach. Mr. Miller is still an attentive
reader and keeps well posted on all topics of the day, and
also takes a deep interest in matters educational.
Mr. Miller was early taught habits of industry and
economy, which traits have followed him closely up to the
present time, and by his energy and good management has
succeeded in making himself and family a good home; he was
one of he poor boys that started out in life empty handed,
though, with a strong determination to succeed, has
progressed from a day laborer to be owner of a good farm,
which is the result of his own skillful management and wise
forethought. His farm, which is located in Pleasant
township, shows the care of a true husbandman, and he has
all the comforts of the agriculturist at hand and enjoys the
many blessings derived therefrom. In politics, Mr.
Miller is a stanch republican, at all times ready to
voice his sentiments, and lend a helping hand to the success
of his party; he is recognized as one of the young and
progressive farmers of his township and he and his wife are
highly respected where known.
In 1882 Mr. Miller was united in marriage
with Miss Hannah C. Miller daughter of Benjamin
and Elizabeth Miller; this lady was born in Crawford
county, Ohio, in the year 1859, and this union has been
blessed by the birth of four children, viz: Sarah E.,
David F., Bessie M. and Charles E.
Benjamin Miller, the father of Mrs. David F.
Miller, was born in Crawford county, Ohio, Jan. 20,
1825, where he was reared to manhood among the pioneers of
that county. He was married, July 8, 1855, to
Elizabeth Carris, who was also a native of Crawford
county, Ohio, and was born in 1832; they became the parents
of the following children: James E., Hannah C.,
Philip C., John F., Maria S., Mary C., Almedia and
Almira (twin sisters), Rebecca J. and George.
About the year 1865, Mr. Miller moved with his family
to Kosciusko county, Ind., where he died Feb. 6, 1876, and
his wife, Jan. 8, 1876, they were both prominent and
influential members of the United Brethern church.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 535 |
| |
PETER H. MILLER,
deceased, whose ancestry were of German extraction, was born
in Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, Mar. 11, 1837. He was
a son of John and Susan Miller, who were the parents
of two sons and three daughters, Peter H. being the
eldest of the five children.
Peter H. Miller spent his boyhood days upon the
farm, and after securing such an education as was possible
for him in the common schools of his early youth, was
apprenticed to the trade of shoemaker, worked thereat for
some time, but shoemaking was not at all according to his
tastes, so he abandoned it for the carpenter trade, which
came to him naturally, he having an inherited aptitude
therefor. Previous to attaining his majority, in
company with his half-brother, S. R. Moneysmith, and
a neighbor's son, Mr. Miller came to Van Wert county.
The three boys were all carpenters, and after arriving in
Van Wert county young Miller found time to attend school for
some time, and to complete the education he had begun, as
before stated, not under the most auspicious circumstances.
His natural ability, however, as a carpenter, was soon
recognized, and it was not long before he became a very
popular mechanic. For several years he successfully
followed the carpenter's and builder's trade, and thereby
laid the foundation for his fortune in Van Wert county.
Sept. 13, 1860, he was married to Miss Sarah J.
Lybarger, daughter of William and Abigail (Lake)
Lybarger, who was married in 1839, and who were among
the early pioneers of Van Wert county, settling on their
present farm in 1848. This farm is located in Ridge
township, and to it they removed from Knox county, Ohio.
Mrs. Abigail Lybarger, after living a happy married
life of fifty-five years, went to her long home Aug. 28,
1894. Mr. Lybarger still survives, and is
enjoying the evening of his days, conscious of a life well
spent and in remembrance of many deeds of kindness done.
Soon after their marriage Mr. Miller and his
wife began their married life in true pioneer style, in the
woods. His first purchase was of forty acres of land
six miles southeast of the site of Van Wert, and very near
Mrs. Miller's childhood home. Here they lived
in the woods for some time, engaged in clearing up the land,
planting and gathering in their crops, hunting game, and
defending themselves from bears and such other wild beasts
as roamed the woods at will in those early days.
Mr. Miller, however, found it to his interest to work
more or less at his trade in the growing town of Van Wert,
going to his work in the morning, returning to his home in
the evening, thus leaving Mrs. Miller alone in the
woods through the day. For her this kind of life
became very monotouous and lonely, and to relieve her
from the unpleasant consequences thereof, Mr. Miller
moved to Van Wert, locating on a lot at the southeast corner
of Water and Cherry streets. This was in August, 1866.
Upon this lot he erected a frame house, which for many years
made his family a comfortable home. Mr. Miller
soon began working in the foundry as pattern maker, and
remained thus engaged for fifteen years. Afterward he
took up the carpenter and builder's trade, on his own
account, at which he worked the rest of his life, and for
some years during the latter part of his life ran a turning
lathe in Spangler's planing mill. For several years
Mr. Miller was recognized by every one as the finest
wood-worker in Van Wert. He was also a careful and
honest business man, quickly gained public confidence, and
prospered from the very start.
The first property purchased by him in Van Wert is now
the home of his most estimable widow. Later he
purchased other property in that town, and also eighty acres
of land six miles southeast of the city. Still later
he became a stockholder in the Van Wert County bank, by the
failure of which he lost a considerable sum of money.
He was also a stockholder in the Van Wert Woolen mill.
He was always a very enterprising man, progressive and
industrious. He was the soul of honor and his word was
as readily taken as his note. Ever ready to assist any
laudable enterprise, he always took an active interest in
the growth and prosperity of the town in which he lived.
While not a member of any church, yet he leaned toward the
doctrines of the Lutheran, and always favored the education
of the young.
Fraternally Mr. Miller was an Odd Fellow, and
was a member of the Royal Arcanum lodge, No. 196, of Van
Wert. In everything he undertook or favored he was a
great enthusiast, and was a man of great strength and
endurance. He likewise was found of relaxation, and
spent many autumns hunting in the woods of northern
Michigan. His health was always exceptionally good
until within about fifteen months of his death, which was
caused by cancer of the throat, from which he suffered
greatly, dying Feb. 6, 1885. Politically he was a
stanch republican and cast his first vote for Abraham
Lincoln for president in 1860. In politics he
occasionally took an active part, serving as a member of the
town council and as a member of the board of education.
By his marriage to Miss Lybarger he became the father
of two children, viz.: Olive L., born June 24,
1862, and now the wife of C. H. Noell; and Clara,
who was born Oct. 3, 1864, and died June 13, 1873.
Mrs. Sarah J. Miller, widow of the subject of
this sketch, was born near Mount Vernon, Ohio, Aug. 16,
1842. She was one of a family of nine children, six
sons and three daughters, she being the second child and the
eldest daughter. When she was about six years of age
her parents removed from Knox county to Van Wert county,
locating in the woods, as has been stated, six miles
southeast of Van Wert. Here she grew to womanhood, and
attended the first school in Ridge township. Early in
life she was taught all the industries then thought
peculiarly fitted for women to pursue, mostly, of course,
household duties, such as spinning and weaving cloth for
clothing for the family. Soon after locating in Van
Wert Mrs. Miller joined the Presbyterian church, of
which she is still a most worthy member.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 544 |
| |
SAMUEL MILLER, one of the
leading stock buyers of Van Wert, was born in Fayette
county, Ohio, Jan. 31, 1828. He is a son of Robert
Miller, who was also a native of Fayette county, who was
reared on a farm and who came to Van Wert county in 1842,
settling in Pleasant township, where he purchased a farm.
In politics Robert Miller was a democrat, in religion
he was a Methodist, and in character he was upright and
honorable. In disposition he was kindly and
charitable, liberal with his means and ready to assist those
in need. He lived on his farm in Pleasant township
until his death. He married Miss Nancy Hill, of
Fayette county, Ohio, by whom he had nine children, viz.:
James, Hinton, Samuel, David, Andrew, Elizabeth, Delilah,
George and John. Four of these children are dead,
viz.: Hinton, David, Delilah and Andrew
The rest are married.
Samuel Miller, the subject
of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm, educated in
the common schools, and later began the business of buying
and selling stock. This was in Van Wert county, as he
was but thirteen years of age when he came here with his
parents in 1842. After being in the stock business for
some years he engaged in the livery business, changing back,
however, after some years, to the stock buying business.
On the third of December, 1849, he was married to
Miss Eliza Tumbleson, by whom he became the father of
the following children: Nancy Jane, born May 13,
1856; James W., born Dec. 4, 1857; Etta M.,
born Dec. 14, 1859; Flora, born Feb. 4, 1862;
Susan, born Apr. 13, 1864; Charles, born Jun. 1,
1866; Hattie M., born Nov. 23, 1868; Minnie G.,
born Aug. 19, 1872; Clyde O., born Oct. 6, 1874; and
Fred, born Jan. 11, 1879. Of these, Nancy J.,
Etta M., and Flora are deceased.
The wife of James W. Miller, the eldest son of
Samuel Miller, died July 2, 1894. Previous to
her marriage she was Mollie Mercer, of Celina, Mercer
county, Ohio. She was the mother of three children,
viz.: Norma, Nellie and Fern. James
W. Miller is at present superintendent of the telephone
exchange in Van Wert. Charles, the second son
of Samuel Miller, is a member of the dry-goods firm
of Miller & Gipe; Miss Minnie G. is clerking in this
store; Clyde O. is a lineman for the telephone
company; Susan and Fred are both at home; Hattie M.
is the wife of Oswell Billman, a young business man
of Van Wert.
Miss Eliza Tumbleson, the wife of Samuel
Miller, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Apr. 24,
1836. Her father, John Tumbleson, was born in 1801,
was reared on the farm and was a farmer all his life.
He died in 1868. He married Miss Susan Bowers,
of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, by whom he had the following
children; James, Joseph, Jonathan, Daniel, Flora, Eliza,
Franklin, George, Thomas, and one who died in infancy.
Daniel also is dead and Thomas, enlisted in
the army of the Union during the late Civil war, and died
from exposure. The rest are living, are married and
are heads of families of their own. Mrs. Tumbleson,
the mother of these children, died in 1885, at the home of
her daughter, Eliza, in Van Wert.
John Tumbleson was in his early life a whig, but
after the organization of the republican party, became a
republican. He was a member of the United Brethren
church, and assisted largely to erect the church of that
denomination in Pleasant township, Van Wert county. He
was a liberal contributor to all public enterprisers of
merit, which were in his opinion calculated to promote the
good of the community in which he lived. His daughter,
Eliza, who married Mr. Miller, resided with
her parents until she was eighteen years of age, when she
was married. She and her husband are now living in Van
Wert, and are among the most prominent people of the place.
Samuel Miller was one of the
county commissioners two terms and was in office when the
court house was in course of erection, and Mr.
Tumbleson served as a judge.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 542 |
| |
CHARLES
J. MOORE was born near Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 2, 1858. He
is the son of W. G. S. Moore, whose
biographical sketch also appears in full in this volume, to which
the attention of the reader is invited.
Charles J. Moore was educated in the public
schools, which, by the time he attended them, had become superior to
those of a generation before. Early in life he began to work
at various branches of trade and industry, remaining with his father
until he arrived at his majority, at which time he began on his own
account, working at what was his principal trade, that of brick
molder, though he was unusually handy with tools of all kinds, and,
being of a very ingenious turn of mind, he could have succeeded as
has succeeded in other lines.
On June 7, 1884, he was married to Miss Ida Bucher
of Van Wert, and of German descent. After his marriage he
still continued to work at his trade for a considerable time, until
he was appointed car inspector on the Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw
railroad, at which he was engaged two years. At the end of
this time he began draying in the city of Van Wert, and he has
continued at this line of work ever since. In politics Mr.
Moore is a republican, and in religious faith he is a Lutheran.
He is a member of five different fraternal lodges, viz: The I.
O. R. M., K. of P., National Union, Rathbone and Pocahontas.
Ida Bucher, wife of Mr. Moore, was born
July 25, 1865. Her father, Peter Bucher, was born in
Dauphin county, Pa., July 3, 1801, and was of German ancestry.
He was reared on a farm and followed agricultural pursuits until his
death, which occurred July 24, 1880. He married Miss
Lighter, of Richland county, Ohio, by whom he had eight
children, viz: Amos, Eliza, John, Harriet, Henry, Joseph, Mary
and one that died in infancy. Mary and Harriet
married and have since died. All those who are living are also
married. The mother of these children died in 1843, and in
1852 Mr. Bucher married Miss Sophia Fiddler, of Adams
county, Pa., by whom he had nine children, viz: Samuel L.,
Margaret, Albert F., Lydia C., Adeline A., Oliver J., Alice S., Ida
C. and Angeline A. Only three of these children are
living, viz: Albert F., Lydia C. and Ida C., and all
are married. The mother of these children died in Van Wert,
Ohio, in 1886. She was of German descent and a member of the
German Reform church. She ws an excellent woman in every way
and her loss was greatly felt by her family and a large circle of
friends.
Miss Ida Bucher was born on a farm in Van Wert
county and received her education in the country schools. When
sixteen years of age she came to the city of Van Wert, and here met
Mr. Moore, whom she married when she was eighteen years of
age. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of the
Rathbone Sisters, and also of Pocahontas lodge. she and her
husband are the parents of one child viz: Willie E.,
born in 1884. He is an unusually bright boy, is attending Van
Wert public schools, and is the pride and hope of his parents.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Moore are excellent people and are
respected by all that know them.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 560 |
| |
JOSEPH
J. MOORE, car inspector for the Cincinnati, Jackson &
Mackinaw railroad company, in Van Wert, was born Dec. 30, 1855, and
is a son of W. S. G. and Amanda M.
(Butler) Moore, a full history of both of whom appears
herein.
Joseph J. Moore spent his boyhood days at home,
assisting his father on the farm and in the brick-yard, attending
school as opportunity offered. When his parents removed to Van
Wert county in 1864 he removed with them, and has been a resident of
the county ever since. At the age of twenty he left home and
went to work as a section hand on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne &
Chicago railroad, and was thus employed four years. He was
then appointed a night policeman of Van Wert, and served in that
capacity three years, giving satisfaction to all persons interested.
Resigning this place in 1887, he accepted a position with the
Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw railroad company as car inspector, in
that company's Van Wert yards, and this position he has held ever
since, a period of nine years, giving entire satisfaction to the
company that employs him.
Mr. Moore was married, Nov. 17, 1878, to Mrs.
Louisa J. Keller nńe
Guinn, whose parents were David and Mary (VanSenter) Guinn,
natives respectively of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but, at the
time of this marriage, old residents of Van Wert, the father being a
prominent farmer of Pleasant township. Mr. Guinn,
though himself unable to go to the war, sent two of his sons, who
rendered faithful service to their country in its hour of need.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Guinn are now deceased.
Mr. Moore is a member of the Improved Order of
Red Men, of which order he has passed all the chairs, and is now
representative-elect of the Abenaka tribe, No. 77, of Van Wert, to
the grand council of Ohio. He is also a member of Van Wert
lodge, No. 130, K. of P., in which lodge he has held all the chairs
but one, and he is also a member of the Odd Fellow lodge, No. 251,
of Van Wert. In religious belief both he and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics he is a
republican. Mrs. Moore is a member of the Order of
Pocahontas and has filled all the offices. They live in a
modern home of their own on South Walnut street, with their one
child, George W., aged fifteen, surrounded by many warm and
kind-hearted friends.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 906 |
| |
W.
S. G. MOORE, a retired farmer of Van Wert county, was born
May 1, 1825. He is a son of JOSEPH W. MOORE, who was
born in Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1786. Having a natural
aptitude for the carpenter's trade, he began to work at that
vocation at a very early age, and followed it successfully until
1830. He then bought a farm in Franklin county, Ohio, and
became a farmer for the remainder of his life, also meeting with
success in this calling. His death occurred Nov. 16, 1862.
JOSEPH W. MOORE was married three times - first
to Elizabeth McCutchen, of Pennsylvania, at Greensburg.
To this marriage there were born two children, viz: James and
William, both of whom are now deceased - William dying in
infancy and James in 1878. The mother of these two children
died in Pennsylvania in 1810. Mr. Moore was married, the
second time, to Miss Elizabeth Jones, of Jefferson county, Pa., and
by her he had one child, David, still living near Brookville,
Jefferson county, Pa. Mr. Moore's second wife died in 1812,
and he was married, the third time, to Miss Rhodie Grant, of
Gettysburg, Pa. To this marriage there were born ten children,
as follows: Jane, Joseph, Sarah, John, Elizabeth, William,
Mary, Isaac, Catherine and Jane. The father of these children
was a democrat in politics and served as justice of the peace of
Franklin county, Ohio. He served in the war of 1812 as a
brave, patriotic soldier. He was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and was in every way an upright, honorable man.
W. S. G. Moore born in Franklin county, Ohio, and
resided with his parents until the war of the Rebellion broke out.
On May 1, 1864, he enlisted in company B, One Hundred and
Thirty-third Ohio voluntary infantry, and served under Gen. Franz
Sigel. When he left home for the war he had no money to
leave his wife for her support and that of the children, but
supplied her as well as he could out of his soldier's pay. He
was at the time thirty-nine years old, and he had a family of seven
children. He was wounded at Buffalo Gap, Va., but would not
stop fighting, continuing to fight in the fight until the battle was
over. He was also wounded in the battle of Petersburg, Va.,
and was discharged Aug. 18, 1864. He is now receiving a
pension of $30 per month, and when his claim was granted he received
$1,350 back pension. He is also suffering from a slight stroke
of paralysis.
On Aug. 9, 1843, he was married to Miss Amanda M.
Butler, of Van Wert, Ohio, by whom he became the father of
thirteen children viz: Rosa, William F., Mary E., J. J., C. J.,
David, Charles, Amanda, Marion E., Alice E., Louis V., Isaac and
A. W. Seven of these children are still living.
Mr. Moore was in the early days a whig, but upon the
organization of the republican party he became a republican, and has
adhered thereto ever since. In religion he is a Methodist, and
lives consistently with his profession.
Amanda M. BUTLER, wife of Mr. Moore, was
born in 1830. Her father, JAMES, was born in Culpeper
county, Va., and followed farming for a livelihood all his life.
He was married to Elizabeth Baumgardner, and to their
marriage there were born ten children, viz: James, Nancy, Adrian,
Amanda M., William H.; Elizabeth, Eliza, John, Washington and
Mary. Amanda M. Butler, who married Mr.
Moore, and who died in Van Wert, Jan. 9, 1893, was born in
Franklin county, Ohio, and was a member of the Friends' society.
She was a modest, and a good woman, wife and mother, respected by
all who knew her, and her memory is revered by all. Mr.
Moore, now living retired from active business life, has always
been an honorable, upright man, and is held in high esteem by the
community in which he lives. He has won for himself a
name which he will bequeath to his posterity, and which they will
doubtless transmit, which is an honor to himself, to his family and
to mankind in general.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 559 |
| |
JOHN
I. MOOREHEAD, a respected citizen of Tully township, Van Wert
county, Ohio, and an ex-soldier of the Civil war, is a son of
Alexander and Delilah (Pickens) Moorehead, and of Scotch-Irish
descent through an old Pennsylvania colonial family.
Alexander Moorehead came from
Pennsylvania with his parents to Ohio and located in Fairfield
county in the pioneer days, and was first married there, after which
event he moved to Putnam county. His children by his first
marriage were named Winton, Emanuel, Thomas, Elija, Lorena,
Rebecca, and several who died while still young. The
first wife died in Putnam county, and Mr. Moorehead there
married Delilah Pickens, and to this union were born nine
children, viz.: David, Jefferson, Rachael, Henry, John I.,
Calvin, Phebe, Delilah and Emma. December 25, 1839,
Mr. Moorehead came to Van Wert county and settled in
Willshire township, where he entered 240 acres in the forest afar
from any other settler. With the assistance of his sons he
wrought out a good farm from the wilderness, and reared a family of
sturdy pioneers. In politics he was a democrat until the first
Lincoln campaign, when he joined the republican party and became an
ardent Union man; although over sixty-five years of age, would have
enlisted to preserve the nation from disruption, but was, of course,
rejected by the government on account of age; however, he furnished
five sons for the defense of the Union, as follows: David,
who served three years in the Forty-sixth Ohio infantry, company
H; Henry, in the same company, was drowned by being crowded
off a boat while at the battle of Pittsburg Landing; Jefferson
died from sickness at Moscow, Tenn., while serving in an Indiana
regiment; Calvin, at first in the fifteenth Ohio infantry,
veteranized, and had a record running through five years, being
promoted to orderly-sergeant; teh experience of John I. will
be related further on in this sketch. The father of these
soldiers lived to be about seventy-five years old, and died near
Leipsic, Putnam county, am member of the United Brethren church, an
honored citizen and a substantial farmer.
John I. Moorehead, whose name introduces this
biography, was born in Putnam county, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1837k, and when
but two years of age was brought by his father to Van Wert county,
and here reared on a farm. He married Miss Edith,
daughter of William and Rhuama Brown, on the 25th day of
December, 1859, and had born to him nine children, who were named
Eliza, Alzina, Susan, Calvin, Sherman, John J., George M., Leonne M.
and Ettie M. Mr. Moorehead, after his marriage, first
went to housekeeping on his father's farm and next settled on sixty
acres in Liberty township, Van Wert county. This land he
labored hard at improving, until his enlistment for 100 days, on May
2, 1864, in company H, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Ohio infantry,
under Capt. Singleton W. Davis, and on the organization of
the company was elected corporal. He served ten days over his
time, and during his service, which was chiefly at Point Lookout,
was stricken with cholera and also had a severe sunstroke, from
which latter he has never fully recovered. He was honorably
discharged in August, 1864, and on his return home resumed farming
in Liberty township. He had the misfortune to lose his wife
June 17, 1888, and lived a widower until 1892, when he sold out,
moved to Mercer county, bought twenty acres of land, and on Dec. 29,
1892, married the widow Hannah M. Shope, whose maiden name
was Snediker. In the spring of 8194 he came to Convoy
and bought the pleasant home in which he at present resides.
Mrs. Moorehead is a member of the Society of Friends, while
her husband is a member of the United Brethren Church, in which he
has been a steward, class leader, exhorter for two years, and a
licensed preacher for ten years. In politics Mr. Moorehead
is a republican, has filled the office of township trustee, and has
ever been a gentleman in whom the community has never hesitated to
repose its confidence.
James Snediker, the father of Mrs. Hannah M.
Moorehead, was born in Pennsylvania, east of the Allegheny
mountains, and in the pioneer days came to Ohio with his parents,
who settled near Yellow Springs, in Greene county. Here he
married Martha Hopkins, daughter of Moses Hopkins, the
union resulting in the birth of four children, named as follows:
Hannah M., Mary J., Emily and Joseph. The
Snediker family was of German and the Hopkins family of Irish
ancestry. The Snediker family were early settlers of
Jay county, Ind., and for a time resided three or four miles from
any neighbor in a dense wood without roads and swarming with wolves
and other wild animals. Mr. Snediker reached the age of
sixty-six years, and died a devout member of the Methodist church.
Mrs. Moorehead was first married to George Clauson, of
Adams county, Ind., and next to William Shopp, and last to
Mr. Moorehad. The daughter of John I. Moorehead, Rhuama,
was married to George W. Jones, a stationary engineer of
Willshire township, Van Wert county, Ohio, and became the mother of
six children: Emma Eliza, married Philip Krisher, a
farmer of Tully township, and has five children; Susanna
married Sylvester Myers, of Harrison township, and has four
children; Calvin married Lizzie Ackom, and has two
children; he is a railroad man and lives in Glenmore; Ira S.
married Mary Holder, and the rest of Mr. Moorehead's
family are unmarried and at home.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 781 |
| |
REV. JAMES F. MOUNTS, of Van Wert, and a minister of the
Central Ohio conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, was born
in Marion county, Ohio, near Prospect, Dec. 17, 1824. He is a
son of Humphrey and Sarah (Flemming) Mounts, of whom the
former was born in Pennsylvania in 1794, was reared a farmer, and in
his early manhood came to Ohio as a pioneer of Delaware county,
where he was married. At the end of five years he moved to
Marion, county, where he cleared up a farm of 160 acres, and lived
on said farm until his death. To his prolific union with
Sarah Flemming, a daughter of James Flemming, the
following children were born in the following order: Nancy
J., wife of Lyman Sherman; Jane, wife of Jerry
Moore; Samuel; Mary A., wife of Thomas Davids; James F.,
subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of William Davis;
Rachael, wife of William Conkright; Sarah, deceased wife
of John Sells; Matthew, deceased, and three children that
died in infancy. Humphrey Mounts was a soldier in the
war of 1812, was a useful citizen, and died in Marion County, in
1862, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife, a native of
Pennsylvania, was brought to Ohio when a child, and lived to the
ripe age of eighty-two years, she being a member of the Presbyterian
church for sixty-five years.
James F. Mounts received his preparatory
education in Marion county, Ohio, and then attended the Wesleyan
university of Delaware, Ohio, for two yeas. Being then
licensed to preach, he was appointed to Richwood circuit, in the
fall of 1858, and after the expiration of his ministrations there
received the following appointments: Celina, Van Wert,
Delphos, Saint Mary's Van Wert again, Marysville station, Bryan,
Elida, again at Van Wert and Saint Mary's Rockford, Convoy, once
more Van Wert, Ohio City, and Dixon, in the order named. He
was in the traveling connection thirty-eight years. As an
example of what energy and determination, combined with a sincere
interest in the work in hand and the object to be attained, will do
for a young man, it may be recorded that Mr. Mounts was but
eighteen years of age when his father presented him with a horse,
which he at once sold for $45, applying the cash for the purpose of
defraying his entrance-fees to college, and, to eke out his expenses
while a student, he worked as a day laborer, shoveling dirt on the
college grounds or as a harvest hand for the neighboring farmers.
For eleven years, also, he was a very successful school-teacher, and
concluded his labor in that vocation at Prospect, Ohio. He
entered the ministry at the age of thirty-three years, and has never
missed a conference and but few appointments on the day he was due,
and from the age of eighteen years he has been a member of the
church in which he has been so eminent as an eloquent and able
expounder of its doctrines.
Rev. James F. Mounts was united in the holy
bonds of matrimony in September, 1847, with Miss Ellen Landon,
daughter of Darius and Mary Landon, the result of their union
being five children - Mary wife of David Myers of
Allen county, Ohio; Sarah Florence and Sarah F. who
died in infancy; James E., a farmer of Hoaglin township, Van
Wert county, Ohio, and Emma L., deceased wife of Bruse
Oyler. Of these children James E. was born in
Marion county, Ohio, in 1844, learned the trade of harness-maker,
and at the age of twenty-one years married Mrs. Julia Jeannette,
daughter of Alexander and Sarah (Beachler) Kunkle.
Alex Kunkle was born in Pennsylvania of German parentage.
Sarah Beachler, his wife, was also a native of Pennsylvania,
and came to Ohio with her parents, who settled in Williams county
when there was but one house within its limits. There the
father erected a log house, cleared up a farm and followed his trade
of carpenter until his death, having been a deacon in Baptist
church, of which his widow is also a member.
Rev. James F. Mounts has been a willing and
faithful servant of the Master, and during his ministry has added to
his church about 2,000 communicants, has united in marriage about
675 couples, and has preached about the last-named number of funeral
sermons. The rising generation may indeed look upon him with
pride and pleasure and call him "blessed."
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 570 |
| |
NICHOLAS
MULLER, one of the oldest settlers of Jennings township, Van
Wert county, Ohio, was born in Belgium Nov. 6, 1833, and is the son
of Carl and Susan (Huerts) Muller, parents of three children
- Nicholas, Hellen and Katie. Mrs. Susan Muller
died in Belgium and Carl next married Mary Grinling,
to which union were born three more children - John, Peter
and Mary. In 1854 Mr. Muller came to America and
settled in Seneca county, Ohio, on a forty-acre tract of land, where
he shortly afterward died at the age of forty-two years, very much
respected by his new-found friends and a sincere devotee of the
Catholic church.
Nicholas Muller our subject, received a good
education in Belgium, and came to America in 1852 in a sailing
vessel. He landed in the port of New York, whence he went to
Buffalo, in the same state, where he was employed for two
years, and in 1854 came to Seneca county, Ohio, to find that his
father has preceded him and had died. For four years he made
his home on the farm left by his father, and then came to Van Wert
county and settled on his present farm of 120 acres in Jennings
township, then all in the woods, and for which he paid $1,100 of his
own hard earnings. He here erected a log cabin, and by dint of
industry cleared up his farm, underwent all the hardships of pioneer
life, and added to his land until he was owner of 360 acres, of
which he has given his son, Charles, eighty-acres. His
marriage took place, in Seneca county, to Margaret Gremlinger
who was born in Belgium in 1832, a daughter of Louis and
Catherine (Rading) Gremlinger. The father of this lady
died in Belgium, leaving the following children, who later came to
America with their mother; Susan, Thresa, Mary, Catherine,
Margaret, Nicholas and Dominie; the mother of this family
died in Tiffiin, Ohio. The union of Mr. and Mrs.
Muller was blessed with eight children, viz: Charles,
Jacob, John, Joseph, Catherine, Mary, Louis and Peter.
Mr. Muller has his farm well fenced and drained and
in a fine state of cultivation; it is improved with all the
necessary out-buildings, which are substantial and commodious; his
dwelling is a modern brick edifice, erected in 1880, and all the
surroundings denote the prosperous and thrifty, skillful and
intelligent farmer, that he is. He is a devout member of the
Catholic church, and c.ontributed liberally toward the erection of
the first Catholic church in Landeck, of which he was for two years
a member of the council. In politics he is a democrat, but has
never been an office seeker. He is a self-made man, and well
deserves the high respect in which he is held by his
fellow-townsmen. He was bereaved by the death of his faith
wife Feb. 14, 1892, but finds solace in the society of his loving
children, who never fail to do all in their power to make happy the
declining years of their honored sire.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 578 |
| |
JOHN
MURPHY, a successful farmer of Union township, and pioneer of
Van Wert county, Ohio, was born near wheeling, Va., in 1818, a son
of John and Mary (Smith) Murphy.
JOHN MURPHY,
SR., the father of our subject, was born in Maryland in 1872,
there grew to manhood, and in 1810 enlisted in the American army, in
which he served four years, two of which were against the Brittish
in the war of 1812, and in recognition of his service he received a
soldier’s land grant, which he subsequently located in Van Wert
county, Ohio. After the close of the war he engaged in farming
in Virginia until 1818, when he removed to Jefferson county, Ohio,
where he remained until 1825; thence moved to Richland county, Ohio,
where he lived until 1844, when, with his family, he moved to Van
Wert county, Ohio, where he entered 200 acres of government land.
On this Mr. Murphy built a small log cabin and began
to clear off the forest and here made his home until his death,
which occurred in 1865. His marriage occurred in Virginia, in
1812, with Miss Mary Smith, and to them were
born five children, only two of whom are now living, viz: John,
the subject of this mention, and James, a resident of Hoaglin
township. Mrs. Murphy, the mother of this
family, died in 1861, on the old homestead in Van Wert county.
Mr. Murphy espoused the cause of the democratic party,
but was tolerant and conservative in his views; he was one of that
class of hardy pioneers to whom the country owes so much of its
development and who need no other monument to tell the story of a
life well spent.
John Murphy, the subject of this mention,
was reared on his father's farm and received his early education in
the common schools of Harrison and Richland counties, Ohio. In
1844 he came with his father to Van Wert county, where he entered
fifty acres of public land, which was afterward increased to eighty
by a gift from his father. On this he built a comfortable log
house, cleared away the forest and underdrained the land, and thus,
by his own efforts and industry, brought it to its present state of
cultivation.
In October, 1862, Mr. Murphy responded to
his country’s call and enlisted in company G, Twentieth Ohio
volunteer infantry, with Capt. George Malick, under Gen.
John A. Logan; he served with his regiment through Kentucky,
Tennessee and Mississippi, participating in the battles of Raymond,
Missionary Ridge, Black River and siege of Vicksburg. He was
honorably discharged in June, 1863, having faithfully and fearlessly
discharged his duty as a soldier, for which service he receives a
pension of $12 per month. Politically he has always sustained
the principles of the democratic party, and was honored by that
party as early as 1846 with the offices of both tax assessor and
township trustee, holding the offices for two years each; in 1856 he
held the office of constable.
In 1844 Mr. Murphy was united in marriage to
Nancy A. Porter, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, in
1820. To this union have been born the following children, viz:
Elizabeth, wife of Miller T. Leitner; Samuel A.;
Jane J., wife of John McGraw; James; Mary, wife
of Isaac Faurot; Sabina, wife of John
Mullen, of Van Wert; Luther Vernon and Sarah, who
reside at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the
Evangelical Lutheran church, be having been an active member for
thirty-four years, also deacon for twelve years. Mr.
Murphy’s home bears the mark of his many years of hard labor and
excellent management. He now enjoys the respect and esteem of
all who know him and well deserves representation in this volume.
Source: A Portrait and Biographical Record of Allen and
Van Wert Counties, Ohio - Publ. Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co. -
1896 - Page 579 |
NOTES: |
