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Brief Biographical Sketches
RELATIVE TO THE MOORE & PILCHER FAMILIES
 
 
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ANTHONY, ANSELM
Contributed by Dana Huff
History of Georgia Baptists with Biographical Compendium," 1881 (p.8)

Anselm Anthony was born on the 9th of June 1778 in Campbell County, Virginia. He was the son of Joseph Anthony and his wife Ann Clark, daughter of Col. Clark, an officer in the Revolutionary War. Shortly after that war, Joseph Anthony moved to Georgia and settled in Wilkes County. Here Anselm obtained educational advantages only as were afforded by country schools, but being fond of books, he devoted all his leisure hours to reading, and amassed a great fund of information. Even at that age, he was calm and dignified in his deportment and gentle and courteous toward his associates.

He began to preach about 1810 or 1812 and was licensed by Fishing Creek Church, Wilkes Co., GA., in 1814, and for a while had charge of that church. Then he became pastor of the Baptist Church at Madison, GA., for several years in that place, serving also, other churches in Morgan Co. In 1824, he moved to Gwinnett Co. where he served various churches.

He was married in 1806 to Sarah Menzies of NC. who died in 1830. Seven children, 2 boys and 5 girls were the result of this union. After remaining a widower for five years, he was United in Matrimony to Miss Catherine Blakey, of Wilkes Co., GA. About 6 years after his second marriage, a stroke of paralysis, which affected one entire side of his frame, and from which he never fully recovered, put an end to his ministerial work . In 1843, his second wife died, and he lived alone until 1858, when he was induced to break up housekeeping and reside with his son in Meriwether Co.

While on a visit to his daughter in Polk Co. in Jan. 1859, he became helpless and remained so until Jan. 1868 when he died in the 89th year of his age. When informed that his departure was near at hand, he said, "I know it, but I feel that the Lord is with me and that he will never leave me." Calm and peaceful was his departure from earth. Never did evening set more softly and gently, than this way-worn pilgrim fell asleep in Jesus. Without a struggle, he closed his eyes in death -- "Like one who draws the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." His body was taken to Gwinnett Co. and rests in the grave at Bethabara Church, beside the remains of his wives and daughters. Mr. Anthony was a hard student, and with him the Bible was the book of books. For its study, he set apart a portion of each day and permitted neither business nor friends to cause neglect of this duty. As a preacher, he was plain and pointed, ever reproving sin regardless of praise or censure; and as long as he could converse, he admonished to holiness of life, and to earnestness in performance of Christian duty. He would sometimes tell how a couple of sisters encouraged him on the day of his baptism, saying, "I was sorely tempted by the devil, and almost ready to yield when they came to me and exhorted me to be faithful. They did much to strengthen me. Sisters," he would say, "go and do likewise, you may encourage and strenghten many who are weak, and ready to faint." To the last, he was deeply concerned for the interest of Zion, and even when memory failed to such an extent that he did not recognize the members of his family, he never forgot the name of Christ nor that of Christ Church. He would inquire to all he saw how the cause of the Savior was progressing and how Zion was prospering.

As a man and as a minister, he was slow to form an opinion and give expression to his sentiments, in regard to either men or measures, but when his opinions were settled and his judgment formed, he remained firm and unyielding. He was a large man and of muscular proportions weighing 240 lbs. with raven hair and large black eyes, but with a weak voice and soft-spoken, he commanded the respect and attention of his audiences. Without a doubt, he did much good by wholesome advice he was in the habit of bestowing on the young, many of whom, even in old age, remember and often respected the judicious instructions received in youth from him. Upon more than one boy's mind was a lasting impression made by this saying of his: "When angry bottle up thy thunder and lightning lest thee kill someone!" As a minister, he was in the hands of God, an instrument for turning many from the evil of their ways, to the path of righteousness and peace, and no doubt, in the great day, many will call him blessed. As a Baptist, he was sound in faith and practice and strong in his doctrinal convictions and did much to establish wavering brethern.

 
ARBAUGH, LEVI
Extracted from 1891 Harrison County

Levi Arbaugh of the firm  Arbaugh & Sargent, Millers of Scio, Ohio, was born in Perry Township, Carroll Co., Ohio, April 5, 1846.  His father, James Arbaugh, was born in Maryland, and when a small boy was brought by his parents to Rumley Township, Harrison Co., Ohio, where the grandfather, John Arbaugh, died while our subject was still young; the grandmother died some years later--about 1865.  Of the children of John Arbaugh two are living--Levi, in Rumley Township, Harrison Co., Ohio, and Adam, in Van Buren County, Iowa. 

James Arbaugh was reared a farmer, and was educated in the old-time log school-house.  In 1840 he married Catherine Cook, daughter of Martin Cook, of German descent.  This couple located on a farm in Carroll County, Ohio, and thence, in 1867, went to Iowa, where, in 1882, the father died, aged sixty-eight years.  The mother is still active and resides in Van Buren County, Iowa, aged sixty-nine.  She became the mother of eight children, viz.:  David and William, who died in infancy; Levi, our subject; Mary Ann, Mrs. Joseph Snider, near Rumley, Harrison Co., Ohio; Rose Ann, who died in 1886; John C., a  merchant in Iowa; Samuel, a stock-dealer in Iowa, and Rachel, married and living in California.

 
ARBAUGH, WILLIAM
Historical Collection of Harrison County, OH by Charles A. Hannah; NY 1900

William Arbaugh, a native of Maryland, of German descent, and a soldier of the Revolution, had Jacob, Daniel, Rachel, Margaret, John, born in Maryland where he married Rosanna Wentz, a native of that state.  He removed to Rumley Twp, Harrison County Ohio in about 1820 and ahd issue: Sarah, Margaret, Lavina, Lydia, John, James, Adam, and Levi born 28 October 1825 who married (1) 23 Dec 1858 Elizabeth Reid who died 1885, daughter of Hugh and Margaret Fulton Reid, pioneers of Archer Twp., Harrison County.  He married (2) in April of 1889, Louisa Hilbert of Defiance, Ohio.

 
BELL, DAVID, M.D.
Biographical Encyclopedia of Kentucky Dead & Living Men in the 19th Century, 1878

Physician and Surgeon, son of David Bell and Nancy Holmes, his wife, was born July 9, 1810 near Lexington, Kentucky. His father was a native of Staunton, Virginia; came to Kentucky about the year 1804, and settled in Fayette County, where he remained during his life, engaged in agricultural pursuits. His mother was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and daughter of John Holmes who was an early settler in Fayette County.

Dr. Bell was educated at Transylvania University, at Lexington. In 1828, he began reading medicine, principally under the supervision of Dr. Benjamin W. Dudley, one of the most prominent men in the medical profession in Kentucky. In 1832, he graduated at Transylvania University, receiving his medical degree; in the same year, entered on the practice of his profession at Hannibal, Missouri; soon afterwards returned to Kentucky, and located at Lancaster; in 1835, removed to Lexington, where he has since resided, actively engaged in a large and valuable medical practice. He has been engaged in his profession over forty years at Lexington, longer than any physician in active practice in that city; was a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Lexington, and, especially, during that period, often used his pen for the benefit of the profession; has not only been popular and successful in ordinary practice, but has established a fine reputation as a surgeon; as early as 1834, performed the rare and difficult operation of Caesarian section. He has been greatly devoted to his profession, and to it has mainly given his time and energies throughout a long and successful career. In politics, he is a Democrat, but was a Whig until the dissolution of that party, casting his first vote for Henry Clay. He has been for over half a century a member of the Presbyterian Church, and for over forty years an elder; is a man of fine personal and social traits, and stands deservedly high in the community, of which he has been so long a valuable and useful member. Dr. Bell was married, June 5, 1834, to Charlotte Corday Robertson, daughter of Chief Justice George W. Robertson.

 
BRIGHTWELL, WILLIAM EDWARD
Past and Present of Hardin County, Iowa ed. by William J. Moir, Indianapolis, 1911.

One of the owners of extensive farming interests in Hardin county and one of the progressive and public-spirited citizens of Ellis township is William Edward Brightwell, proprietor of “Cottage Ridge Farm.” His valuable property has been acquired through his own efforts, his persistency of purpose and his determination, and the prosperity which is the legitimate reward of all earnest effort is today his.

Mr. Brightwell was born in Tipton township, this county, on November 30, 1870. He is the son of William and Maria (Sheldon) Brightwell, both natives of Ohio, the father of Coshocton county. They grew to maturity, were educated and married in their native state. The father first came to Iowa in 1866, locating in Tipton township, Hardin county, on one hundred and sixty acres of land, which was then a wild prairie, but he set to work with a will and soon developed it into a good farm. Here his wife died in 1869, and the following year, 1870, he returned to Ohio, where he remained five years, and again came to Iowa, settling in Tipton township, Hardin county, where he lived several years, then went to Guthrie, Iowa, for awhile and then to West Liberty, Iowa, where he died in the spring of 1909. He was in the elevator and grain business at Stewart, Iowa, about eleven years, and later returned and lived at West Liberty, this state. He was successful in business, became well known and was highly respected wherever he lived. He took an interest in public affairs and held several township offices. He was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. William Brightwell, namely: Irvin is farming in Pleasant township, this county; Albert is farming in Etna township, this county; Lizzie is the wife of Elmer Ostheimer, of Eldora; William Edward, of this review.

The subject grew to maturity on the home farm and assisted with the general work about the place, attending the public schools in the winter time. He started out in life for himself when only fifteen years of age, and worked five years for G. B. Smith, east of Eldora, working out altogether fourteen years. He was economical, saved his money and thereby got a start. On January 29, 1896, in Tipton township, this county, he was united in marriage to Mary J. Mossman, of Hubbard, Iowa, the daughter of A. J. and Sarah (Reep) Mossman, natives of Illinois and Pennsylvania, respectively, and she was born in Hardin county. They came to Tipton township, Hardin county, Iowa, in an early day and became owners of a good farm. Their family consisted of six children, namely: Mary J., Edith, Samuel, Elsie, Lovesta and Thomas. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brightwell, namely: Mabel, Hazel (died in infancy), Floy, Alma, Evelyn, Marie and Marjorie.

After marriage Mr. Brightwell and wife located in Buckeye township, this county, where they remained two years, also lived in Sherman township two years. In the spring of 1900 they came to Ellis township and bought one hundred and twenty acres of good land, eighty of which was known as the Riley place, the other forty being known as the Thomas place. In the winter of 1910 Mr. Brightwell bought forty acres more, so he now has one hundred and sixty acres of valuable, well improved and very productive land, all in a good state of cultivation. He has made many valuable and extensive improvements on the place, including a large and substantial barn, built in 1909. He carries on general farming successfully, also stock raising, making a specialty of Hereford cattle, Duroc-Jersey Red hogs and draft horses. Owing to the high grade stock he handles, they always find a very ready market and are admired by all who see them.

Mr. Brightwell has been school director for eight years, and he has done some road work and takes a great deal of interest in politics, being a stanch Republican. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Hubbard, Iowa. They started out in life practically empty handed, but they have both worked hard, managed well and dealt honestly and today are very comfortably situated, well known and have a host of friends.

Note: 1900 census lists his birth as Oct 1870.

 
CANAGA, CHRISTIAN
(Originally spelled Gnaegi)
Historical Collection of Harrison Co., Ohio by Charles A. Hannah; NY, 1900

Emigrated from Berne province, Switzerland, to America before the Revolution (1750-1770), and afterwards settled in Somerset county, Penn., whence he removed to North township, Harrison county, Ohio, about 1807, where he died 1812; had issue, among others: 1. Jacob b. Feb 23, 1780 and died 1872, he married 1804 Susanna Livingston who died 1830, daughter of Christian and Anna Livingstone, of Somerset county; removed to North township county, about 1806 and had issue: Anne D. born May 19, 1805 and died 1889, she married 1823 Rev. D. Strayer; 2. Catharina, born May 23, 1807 who married Michael Firebaugh; 3. Levi b. Aug 29, 1809; 4. Joseph b. Feb 21, 1811; 5. Jacob born Jan 15, 1813 and died 1837, married Sarah fisher; 6. Salome born Aug 10, 1814; 7. Elias Greene b. April 23, 1816 and died Sept 4, 1888 married June 27, 1844, Jane McClintock who was born 1818 and died 1891 - daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth McClintock of Carroll county (had issue: i. Silas Wright born June 2, 1845 who married 1868 Elizabeth Wright, daughter of George Adam and Biddy Gordon Wright; ii. Orlando Loomis born July 11, 1846; iii. Milton Addison born 1848 and died young; iv. Alfred Bruce born Nov. 2, 1850; v. Elizabeth Ellen born June 21, 1852; vi. Melissa Anna born Feb 18, 1854; vii. Josephine born Dec. 14, 1855; viii. Emma Jane born June 9, 1857; ix. Heber Edson born Jan 3, 1860; x. Thomas McClintock born March 12, 1863; xi. Barton Livingston, born Dec 19, 1865; xii. Ira Atilla born Jan 31, 1867; xiii. born Sept. 25, 1870).  8. Lydia born August 1, 1819 who  married Napoleon B. Fisher; 9. Manassas born May 17, 1821; 10. Susanna born June 5, 1823; 11. Mary born 1825; 12. John born Feb 10, 1830.

 
CARPENTER, JAMES STRATTON
Excerpt from Samuel Carpenter & His Descendants, by Edward & Henry Carpenter - printed for private circulation, Philadelphia 1912

James S. Carpenter, son of Edward and Sarah (Stratton), was born in Glassborough, Gloucester Co., N.J on 18 Oct 1807 and died 31 Jan 1872. He was married 12 Oct 1832, to Camilla Julia Sanderson who was born in October of 1815, and died 19 May 1897. She was the daughter of John Sanderson, author of "The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence," and Sophie Carr, his wife.

James studied medicine with Dr. Joseph Fithian, of Woodbury, New Jersey. He graduated M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1830 settled in Pottsville, then a new settlement in the coal region of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, where he soon acquired a lucrative practice. In 1835 he visited Europe in company with his father-in-law and studied in the hospitals of Paris. Returning home in 1837, he resumed the practice of his profession in Pottsville, which he continued with great success until his death in 1872. His reputation for great skill extended far beyond the limits of his practice, and his personal magnetism, genial manners, social qualities, and hospitality endeared him to all who came within their influence.

James and Camilla were the parents of John T., who was born in 1833 and married (1) Eliza Adelaide Hill and (2), Ann E. (Shaw), widow of General Henry Pleasants; Sarah S. who married Rev. Daniel Washburne; Sophia C.; Cornelia M.; James E.; Preston; Camilla S.; Mary; and Richard Carpenter.

 
CARPENTER, JOHN THOMAS
Excerpt from Samuel Carpenter & His Descendants, by Edward & Henry Carpenter - printed for private circulation, Philadelphia 1912

John T. Carpenter, the son of James S. and Camilla (Sanderson), was born in Pottsville, PA on 27June 1833 and died 22 Jan 1899. He married (1) on 04 Dec 1855, Eliza Adeaide Hill, daughter Of Charles M. Hill and Caroline Hammecken his wife, she having been born on 22 Dec 1830 and died in April of 1886. He married (2) Ann E. (Shaw), widow of General Henry Pleasants.

Dr. John T. Carpenter graduated A.B. University of Pennsylvania in 1852 and A.M., M.D., 1855, at the University of Pennsylvania. He settled in Pottsville and succeeded to his father's practice. He was appointed surgeon in the 34th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves April, 1861 and was Medical Director of General McCook's Brigade, West Virginia as well as many other appointed positions. After the war he was President of the Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania.

Upon the close of the Civil War, he continued to reside in Pottsville, devoting himself to the successful practice of his profession until his death. He attained a distinguished reputation as a physician and surgeon, and from his character was universally respected and esteemed in his community.

He and Eliza were the parents of Caroline who married Rev. John B. Draper; James S.; Laura S who married Lucian F. Bringham as his 2nd wife; Sophie; Margaret; John T.; Cornelia; Charles M.; Agnes L; and Eliza A. Carpenter.

 
CRITES, GEORGE W.
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH - Chicago; Warner, Beers & Co. 1884 (p.742)

George W. Crites, a druggist, Dover, is the great-grandson of Jacob Crites. a native of Washington County, Penn., who was among the distinguished pioneers of Tuscarawas County. He died near Dover in the eightieth year of his age. His son, Andrew Crites, was born in Washington County, Penn., and came with the family to this county where he died in 1838, aged seventy years.

George Crites, the father of our subject, was born near Dover January 29, 1813, and died February 15, 1879. He was a carpenter by trade, and erected many of the prominent buildings of the city. He held many offices of trust, and although a man of quiet habits, was highly honored and esteemed. His wife, Mary Mygrant, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn. on February 5, 1817 and was a daughter of Joseph and Margaret Mygrant, a pioneer family of 1828. Her demise occurred September 10, 1875. They raised a family of nine children, six of whom survive. Their names and dates of birth as follows: William F., April 13, 1838; George W. (the subject of this sketch) March 9, 1842; Emmet, June 22. 1850; Charles, November 28, 1852; Clara, September 9, 1854; and Harvey, January 22, 1850. The deceased are George Warren, born in December, 1840, died January 1841: Wealthy B., born February 20, 1844, died March 22, 1850; and Charles Emmet, born June 3, 1846, died September 8, 1847.

The subject of this sketch acquired an education in the Union Schools of Dover where he afterward became teacher, and in the district schools of the county. He subsequently became Examiner, occupying that position at the present time, and has always taken an active interest in educational matters. He worked with his father at the carpenter bench, early learning to labor with his hands. In 1865, he entered the old drug house of William Rickert & Son as a clerk, and two years later formed a partnership in the drug business with W. W. Scott, carrying on a successful trade. In 1873, Scott withdrew from the firm and E. C. Dickson was admitted, the firm name being Crites & Dickson; in 1877, this firm was dissolved, since which time Mr. Crites has conducted the business alone. He has occupied his present location since the first business opening. This is the oldest establishment of the kind in the city, and all its appurtenances are first-class; being well stocked and fitted up with taste, it commands a large and justly-merited patronage.

Mr. Crites, when quite young, filled the offices of Township Treasurer and Clerk, and by his affable nature and upright dealing, soon won his way to the hearts of the people. He may be justly termed a self-made man; beginning life without parental aid, he applied himself diligently to his studies, securing a common school education. He is a Democrat in politics. In 1879, was elected from this county for Representative. His services were so well appreciated, that in June of 1883, he was re-nominated by acclamation and October 9, 1883, elected by a large majority to the same position. Mr. Crites was married on November 19, 1867, to Miss Emma, daughter of Henry Brister and a native of Coshocton County, Ohio.

 
CRITES, WILLIAM
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH - Chicago; Warner, Beers & Co. 1884 (p.742-3)

William Crites, farmer. P. O. Now Philadelphia, was born in Dover Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1840, and is a son of John and Mary Crites, both natives of Pennsylvania. They were among the early settlers of this county, John Crites entering eighty acres of the land now occupied by our subject, which farm now consists of 143 acres. Both parents died on the homestead. They reared a family of ten children, of whom nine have survived.

The subject of this sketch was married in Dover Township in 1865, to Mary Foney, who was born in this county. The nine children living of ten born to this union are as follows: Daniel L., Joseph H., Jesse E., Emanuel, Alphy, Wyola, Perley, Ruby and Bertha.

Mr. Crites will rank among the native born children of Tuscarawas County, springing from the original stock of English settlers; he has always retained and lived upon the home his father selected from the wilds of this county. As a citizen and a man, he is highly respected.

 
CROWLEY, THOMAS
An Illustrated History of North Idaho Embracing Nez Perce, Latah, Kootenai & Shoshone Counties, 1903

THOMAS CROWLEY, deceased, was one of the earliest pioneers of this section, settling here long before Latah County had a separate existence, and laboring faithfully during the days of his sojourn for the upbuilding of the country and for general progress, always manifesting himself as a good, loyal citizen, and man of uprightness and integrity, while his industry and enterprise were patent to all, and it is with pleasure that we accord to his memory this review.

The birth of Mr. Crowley occurred in the Emerald Isle, in 1825, and while still a small boy he came to America, and for a good many years he traveled in various parts of the country, visiting about every state in the Union. Finally he came to this country and settled on government land three miles southeast from where Moscow now stands. He bent his energies to opening up a farm and improving the same, and his success is well manifested, for at the time of his death he left a fine estate of four hundred and eighty acres. He settled here first in 1872, and death called him away in 1889. Five sons are living on the place, the oldest, Frank Crowley, being born on January 27, 1876, and he now has charge of the farm, which is operated by him and his brothers, who are William, James, Joseph and John. The father was a successful raiser of stock, and the sons run a threshing outfit, Frank having managed one for the last five years. The estate is still undivided, and the sons are handling it together. The widow was married a second time, and is now living in Seattle. Mr. Crowley was a man of excellent qualities, and he wrought with a display of skill and good judgment, while his energy and capabilities in handling business affairs was manifest to all. He was well known and universally beloved and the day of his death was a time of sincere and wide spread mourning.

 
DEMUTH, GOTTLIEB
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH by Warner, Beers & Co.; Chicago (1884)

Gottlieb DeMuth (1715-1776), a member of the Moravian Brethern Church, was born at Karlsdorf, Moravia, the son of Tobias and Rosina Tonn DeMuth. Due to religious persecution, Tobias DeMuth died in prison in 1715. The rest of the family fled Moravia and lived for awhile in Saxony. Gottleib DeMuth immigrated to America in 1735 with a group of Moravians and settled near Savannah, Georgia. He migrated to Pennsylvania in 1740 and lived at Bethlehem, Allemaengel and finally Schoeneck, Pennsylvania.

He married Eva Barbara Gutsler Hehl, a widow, ca. 1740. They had seven children, 1742-1755. Gottlieb and Eva DeMuth are buried in the Moravian Cemetery, Schoeneck. Their grandson, Wilhelm (William) Gottlieb DeMuth (1791-1874), was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the son of Gottlieb DeMuth, Jr. (1750-1825), a Revolutionary War soldier. He married Elizabeth Kind (1797-1882) ca. 1812. They had eight children, 1815-ca. 1846. The family lived in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, 1826 to 1829, migrated to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1829, then moved to Lucas County, Ohio, ca. 1846, where they settled in Waterville Township. William and Elizabeth DeMuth are buried in the Rupp Cemetery, Whitehouse, Ohio. Descendants lived in Ohio, Kansas, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and elsewhere.

 
DEMUTH, JOHN F.
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH by Warner, Beers Y Co; Chicago (1884)
Warwick Twp.

John F. Demuth, in 1800 or 1801, accompanied Lewis Knaus. Godfrey Haga and Michael Uhrich on a horseback journey from the East Haga soon returned, and a little later settled in Clay Township. Uhrich afterward settled in Mill Township. Mr. Demuth bought a small farm of seventy acres in Warwick Township, and bringing his wife, Elizabeth Roth, from Pennsylvania, settled there.

A year or two later, Christian Demuth, the father of John, emigrated with his eight daughters and settled on thirty-five acres just east of the river and opposite his son John. Of the daughters, Mary married Jacob Uhrich; Susan, John Fenner; Rosa, Joseph Shamel; Sarah, George Sbamel; Rachel, Richard Ferguson. Margaret, Mr. Flickinger, and afterward James Tracy. The other two girls became Mrs. Neichtman and Mrs. Benjamin Casey. Christian Demuth engaged in farming, and died in 1822. He was a Moravian.

 
DUNHAM, JOHN H.
Chicago: Its History and Its Builders by J. Seymour Currey; Chicago (1912)

Chicago owes much to the life and labors of John H. Dunham who believed in municipal integrity as strong and unswerving as in personal honor. To this end he protected the fair name of the city and state at times when the intrigues of unscrupulous politicians would have blackened it, and yet John H. Dunham was by no means a political leader nor did he attempt to' take active part in public affairs more than he deemed it the duty of every American citizen. He was preeminently a business man and a most successful merchant. His life record is well worthy of emulation and if business men of the present generation would hut follow his exan1ple there would be no need of condemning political leaders or seek to suppress graft in office, for the public positions would then be filled by men of business ability and municipal honor.

Mr. Dunham reached Chicago in May, 1844, continuing to reside in this city until his death on the 28th of April, 1893. The story of his life record cannot fail to prove of interest to those who have regard for honorable manhood and an appreciation for wise and intelligent use of opportunity on the part of the individual. Mr. Dunham was at that time a young man of twenty-seven years, his birth having occurred in Seneca county, New York, May 28, 1817. His parents were Ezra and Ann (Hobrow) Dunham, prosperous farming people of that locality. At that period the school year in farming communities covered little more than the winter months and thus Mr. Dunham, after pursuing his studies through the winter seasons, devoted the summer to work upon the home farm. The opportunity of a college education never came to him -always a matter of deep regret. He learned many valuable lessons through experience, observation and reading, however, and was recognized during his residence in Chicago as a well informed man of sound and discriminating judgment. He felt that the confines of a New York farm were too narrow for his ambition and his energy, and at the age of seventeen years he left home to seek opportunities in mercantile fields. At Waterloo, New York, he entered into a contract to work for three years at a salary of thirty-six dollars per year. Soon afterward a much larger salary was offered by another firm, but he refused it as he had given his word to remain with his first employer - and his word was ever a pledge of honor. His fidelity proved, however, in the long run to be the best policy, for it established his position as a young man of integrity, worthy of trust and confidence, and so when his contract was fulfilled and he wished to start in business for himself he had little difficulty in obtaining credit. Opening a hardware store, he continued in the trade for six years, realizing therefrom the sum of ten thousand dollars.

This capital constituted the nucleus for the basis of his success in the west. Reading of the settlement and growth of the Mississippi valley, he believed that Chicago would prove an advantageous field for further business operation, and in May, 1844, after traveling westward by stage-coach for many days, he reached his destination. The wholesale grocery business first claimed his attention and for fourteen years he continued in that trade, his business growing proportionally with the rapid development of this city and the surrounding country. At length he sold out but remained an active factor in the business life of Chicago, operating largely in the field of real estate and afterward in banking. In 1857 he organized the Merchants Loan & Trust Company's Bank, becoming its first president. That was the year of a wide-spread financial panic, but such was the business reputation of Mr. Dunham that his bank soon sprung into popular favor. In was founded upon safe and conservative methods, and he took a firm stand against the "wild cat" and other unsafe currency with which local banks were flooding the country - currency that fluctuated in value and at times proved so nearly worthless that not only the banks that issued it went to the wall but many business concerns were badly crippled thereby. Mr. Dunham waged an untiring and ceaseless warfare against such a currency and his efforts, combined with such of others of like mind, led to the permanent retirement of such monies in 1861. The following year Mr. Dunham resigned the presidency of the bank and was thereafter again connected with mercantile pursuits for two or three years. He also served as national bank examiner for Illinois by appointment of Secretary H. McCulloch, who afterward referred to Mr. Dunham as the ablest man in the country in that capacity. In 1866 he entered upon a much needed rest. Up to this time for twenty years he had given close and unremitting attention to business interests of considerable extent and importance, but that year he went abroad with his family, spending two years in travel through continental and insular Europe. This was a period of great enjoyment to him for he was keenly appreciative of beauty as found in the scenery and art galleries of the' old world, and, as wide reading had moreover made him thoroughly familiar with many historical points, this heightened his pleasure in visiting those scenes which have figured prominently in history.

The year which witnessed Mr. Dunham's arrival in Chicago was also the one which chronicled his marriage. On the 80th of April, 1844, he wedded Miss Elizabeth. Hills, whose father was a prominent merchant of Waterloo, New York, and they became the parents of four children, of whom only two daughters survive: Helen Elizabeth, the widow of Judge Kirk Hawes and Mary Virginia Dunham.

The Dunham home on Michigan avenue was one of quiet elegance, the center of a cultured society circle. There Mr. Dunham delighted to entertain his friends and to discuss with prominent people of the city the questions which affected the welfare of its inhabitants in many vital relations. He belonged to the Young Men's Christian Association, was a member and supporter of the Soldiers' Home, the Academy of Sciences and the Chicago Historical Society. He was also a member of the Board of Trade and from the period of his arrival in Chicago he took an active and helpful interest in many projects which were promoted for the city's welfare. His work in behalf of an adequate system of water works, furnishing a supply of pure water, constituted a work which should make his name honored for all time. In early days the city water works were connected with an old mill at the foot of Lake street. When the cholera epidemic broke out in 1849 the treasury was without money or credit, yet pure water was needed as an agency in checking the disease. A contemporary publication, in speaking of this crisis in the city's history, says: "Some prominent citizens met in a private office with locked doors to devise if possible some way of relief. Their idea was to create a corporation within a corporation, and the services of a lawyer, Judge John L. Wilson, were engaged and Mr. Dunham was chosen chairman of the committee to draft a bill. After a week's hard labor and much thought on the subject, the report was made that Wilson considered the scheme an impossibility. Mr. Dunham, however, had a theory of his own, and the matter was left with him. He at once engaged Mr. E. C. Larned, one of the most eminent lawyers Chicago has ever had, to assist Judge Wilson. They drafted a bill to secure proper water works for the city and submitted the same for approval to the parties interested. It was deemed satisfactory save that they saw no way by which to secure the necessary funds. At this juncture Mr. Dunham offered a resolution providing that all property abutting on any street in which water pipes were laid should be assessed for the cost of the same. This proved to be the saving clause, and the bill thus drawn was passed by the legislature, and is probably the best water works bill ever drawn, and all honor is due Messrs. Wilson, Larned and Dunham for the excellent result. Notwithstanding Mr. Dunham's activity in the matter, he was not named as one of the commissioners chosen by the legislature; but his interest continued and when the bonds were issued he watched the proceedings carefully. One day while visiting New York he chanced to meet the gentleman having charge of the bonds and learned to his surprise that he was about to place them with certain bankers there. Mr. Dunham offered to give him the note of those gentlemen for twenty thousand dollars, due in four months, and to take in exchange his individual note for the same amount and to give him in addition his own check for one thousand dollars. This offer seemed to startle him and the bonds were not placed as intended, which proved fortunate for the success of the enterprise, as the bankers referred to failed three months later."

Mr. Dunham's political support was given to the Whig party and when the issues of the day led to the organization of the republican party he took active part in its formation and was its candidate for the state legislature in 1856. He accepted the candidacy with the hope of securing a reform in the currency then in use, and was offered the speakership on condition that he would favor "stump-tail money." He indignantly refused, declaring that he was there to protect the people and to work for the redemption of the state bank issue. In this he failed and returned from Springfield determined to have nothing more to do with politics. His interest in good citizenship, however, never abated and his influence was' always on the side of progress, reform and improvement. His position was never questioned. His belief was expressed clearly and was defended with vigor. Of him it has been said: "Primarily a merchant, he developed such aptness for affairs, such strength of character and solidity of judgment that he became a legislator, a leader in finance and an important factor in the intellectual and social life of the city."

As a business man J. H. Dunham was prompt, energetic, strictly honest and always paid one hundred cents on the dollar. He was a man of pronounced character, very decided in all his views, and never hesitated to express them whenever occasion demanded. His honesty, integrity and ability as a business man and a citizen were never questioned.

An active member for many years of the Second Presbyterian Church, he was seldom absent from his seat on Sunday. He gave liberally to private enterprises, always insisting that whatever he did in that direction was his own private affair, and not to be made public through the newspapers. He had for many years supported one, and some of the time two home missionaries of the American Sunday School Union at work in destitute portions of the then northwestern territory, while his gifts to private individuals were numerous and amounted to thousands of dollars.

The Chicago Tribune said, in part, editorially, at the time of Mr. Dunham's death: "Mr. Dunham had been a resident of this city for forty-nine years, during these years, or until a short time after the fire, when he retired from active pursuits, he was continuously engaged in mercantile business and was also prominent in banking business, as the founder of the Merchants Loan & Trust Company.

"Though one of the organizers of the republican party in this state, a man of strong political convictions, and at one time a member of the legislature, he took little public part in politics, his preference being for mercantile pursuits in which he was remarkably successful.

"Mr. Dunham was in his seventy-sixth year at the time of his death and apparently gave every assurance of reaching an advanced age, as he was a robust and well preserved man of unusual physical activity."

 
 
DYE, BENJAMIN
Portrait & Biographical Album of Morgan & Scott Counties Illinois, 1889 (p.226)

BENJAMIN DYE has been a resident of Morgan County nearly thirty years, and during that time has been prosperously pursuing agriculture and is one of the prominent farmers of township 15, range 10. Here he has a beautiful home, replete with all the modern conveniences and comforts, of a pleasing style of architecture and constructed of brick. His farm comprises a quarter of section 12, and it is considered one of the best managed and most desirable in this part of the county. The subject of this biography was born April 30, 1828, in Miami Co., Ohio, within five miles of the town of Troy.

His father, Vincent, was a native of the same county, born in the early days of its settlement, and after attaining to manhood he undertook the pioneer task of constructing a farm from the primeval forest in that wild, sparsely settled part of the country. He took unto him a wife, Rebecca Swills, and seven children blessed their union, three of whom are living: our subject; Maria, now Mrs. Harris, of Indiana; Fanny (Mrs. Ellidge) of Missouri.

In 1832, he moved with his family to Tippecanoe Co., Ind., and became a pioneer there. In 1859, he made another move and became a pioneer of still another state, this time settling in Bates County, Missouri. He was not allowed to remain in undisturbed possession of his new home very long, but on account of his strong union and anti-slavery sentiments, which he was too noble to disguise even for peace and safety, he was driven out of that county, and returning to Indiana in 1861, he died there in the month of August, aged sixty-five years, and now lies quietly sleeping his last sleep near Dayton, Ind. He was a good and true man, whose honorable, manly course through life merited the highest respect. His wife stayed in Missouri after his departure to look after their property, and after the close of the war came to Illinois and made her home with our subject till she closed her eyes in death at the age of sixty-five years.

Our subject inherited from his worthy parents many sterling traits of character that have made him a strong, manly man, true to those high principles that they inculcated by precept and example. He was a child of four years when he was taken from the beautiful scenes of his early home to Indiana, and there, near Dayton, seven miles from LaFayette, where his father took up new land, he grew to manhood, obtaining a good, practical education in the common schools. After his schooldays were over he engaged with his father in farming till he attained his majority, when he worked on a farm for someone else at first, and after a little had a farm of his own. He began with eighty acres of timber land, which he improved into a fine farm before he left it, and erected a good frame house and other buildings. When he first started out in life, desiring a companion and helpmate, Mr. Dye asked Miss Sarah Bugher to share his fate and fortunes with him, and they were united in marriage in June, 1850. Mrs. Dye is an Indianian by birth, born about six miles south of Delphi, the county seat of Carroll County, in 1829, and she lived under the parental roof till her marriage. Her father, Samuel Bugher, was a native of Miami County, Ohio, and was there married to Miss Nancy Schaeffer, who was born near Troy, that state. They moved to Indiana at the same time that the parents of our subject did, and lived there till after the marriage of their daughter and our subject, when they went to Wisconsin. Mr. Schaeffer died there, and his wife also, her death preceding his. He was always a farmer and also owned and managed a mill. To Mr. and Mrs. Dye were born twelve children, ten of whom are living, four of them born in Indiana, and all have received good school advantages and are well-bred. Ollie Ann, is now Mrs. Ezra Brown, of Cowley County, Kansas; Eugene, who lives at home, married Margaret Miller, and they have two daughters; Belle and Rebecca are at home, the latter a teacher; Sampsom is in Cowley County, Kan.; Nancy and Rhoda are at home; Lewis is farming with his father; Benjamin Jr., and John are at home.

Mr. Dye became a man of prominence in his Indiana home, although he avoided politics, and he served in all the School and various District offices. On the organization of the Republican party he bravely took sides with it and advocated its principles, although he knew that in doing so in that part of the country where he was then residing his very life was in danger, the pro-slavery element predominating and the Southern sentiment very strong. He incurred the hatred and animosity of his neighbors, who called him a "black abolitionist," and pitched on to him and he barely escaped having serious trouble. He was a member of the militia or home guards, Company B, 10th Ind. and accompanied his regiment to Virginia at the time of the call for "100 day" volunteers. Prior to going on this expedition Mr. Dye deemed it expedient to sell his property in Indiana, and did so in the spring of 1861. But he did not come to Morgan County, this state, till the fall of 1861, when he bought his present farm, the land of which was improved to some extent, and he has ever since been a valued resident of this township. His removal to this place was made with teams and it took ten days to accomplish the journey. In the twenty-eight years that have elapsed since our subject came here to swell among the kindly, hospitable people of this township, he has shown himself an open-hearted, generous, public spirited citizen, one who is ever on the side of the right, ready to succor the needy and unfortunate, and who has at heart the good of the community. He and his wife are highly esteemed in social circles, and for a time he was a member of the I.O.O.F.

 
DYE, GRAYSON
History of Miami Co., Ohio; W. H. Beers; 1880 Chicago (p.546)

Grayson Dye, farmer; P. O. Piqua; a descendant of the old Dye family, of pioneer history; was born in Miami County January 11, 1841, and is the son of James M. and Letty (Cecil) Dye; he was also born in Miami County, and she in Virginia, but came with her parents to Ohio when just a small child. They were united in marriage March 3, 1825 - the day before that upon which Andrew Jackson was inaugurated as President of the United States; by this union, they had thirteen children, of whom six are now living, viz., Thomas C., Joseph C., Roswell S., Elizabeth, Grayson and Nancy J. Dye.

The grandfather, Benjamin, was born in Pennsylvania, but left there and came to Cincinnati in 1798; thence to Miami County in 1799, being one of the earliest of the pioneers; they located upon the same section which Grayson, the grandson, now lives, and on the very road which was cut out through the then wilderness, during the War of 1812, by General Wayne; "these were the days that tried men's souls." The father, James M., and the son, Grayson, both were born on the same section, making a continued residence of the Dye family upon the same land of eighty-one years.

Grayson Dye was united in marriage October 12, 1864, with Louisa Sheafer, daughter of Eckert and Rachel Sheafer, who were born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in 1848. By this union, they have had three children, viz., Thomas A., Pamelia, James M. Dye.

Mr. Dye owns a good farm of 199 acres of excellent bottom land, and also has charge of his mother's farm of 220 acres, giving him the superintendency of 419 acres of land; he is largely engaged in the raising of stock, having 700 sheep and the best blooded stock; he is an active thorough-going farmer, and believes that successful farming requires knowledge and scientific attainments.

 
DYE, JOHN C.
History of Miami Co., Ohio; W. H. Beers; 1880 Chicago (p.685)

John C. Dye, retired farmer; P. O. Troy. John C. Dye is one of the pioneers of Miami Co.; born in Greene Co.; Penn., Oct. 16, 1807; he accompanied his father to Miami Co. in 1810 at 3 years of age, and settled in Elizabeth Township, where his father entered a section of rich farming land and spent the remainder of his days.

His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Clyne, a native also of Pennsylvania, and she had fourteen children, ten of whom lived to mature age. Two of his sisters still remain, one, Sarah, married to Mr. Stattler, still lives upon the old farm, and the other, Elizabeth, was married to Mr. James Dye.

The subject of our sketch was raised on the home farm until he was 23 years of age, when he began life for himself as a farmer. He was married May 20, 1829, to Elizabeth Green, daughter of George W. Green, his wife being a native of Miami Co. She died March 30, 1879. They had eleven children, four of whom have died, there remaining the following: Jane, Benjamin H., Joseph G., Sidney, Eliza beth, Eleanor and William G. Dye.

Mr. Dye followed farming ever since his marriage, and also learned the trade of a miller. His farm increased to 300 acres, and he there resided until he removed to Troy in March, 1880, having disposed of his land. Politically, Mr. Dye is a Republican, and has always been a prominent worker in the party's ranks in his township. He served as Justice of the Peace for nine years in Elizabeth Township. He has been a member of the Baptist denomination for over fifteen years. His venerable father died in 1842, and his mother followed in 1855. He now expects to spend the remainder of his ripe old age in ease and comfort in Troy, surrounded by his children and the comforts of a life well spent, a duty well performed and a promise of the future happiness that awaits the humble Christian man.

 
DYE, WILLIAM H.H.
The History of Miami County, Ohio; W. H. Beers, 1880 (p. 684)

W. H. H. Dye, proprietor of Dye's Oil Mill, Troy. Mr. Dye, being among the oldest as well as the most influential settlers of Miami Co., naturally occupies a prominent position in the biographical department of his county's history. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Evans) Dye, and was born Dec. 26, 1813; the father, William, was a native of Pennsylvania, from which State he emigrated to Miami Co., and located in Staunton Township in the beginning of the present century, where his death occurred Jan. 28,1823; the mother, Elizabeth, was born in Maryland, but immigrated with her parents to Kentucky in her infancy, where she resided until her marriage; having reached a good old age, she died in 1850, at the residence of her son, W. H. H. Dye.

William, as well as the grandfather, Andrew, with whom he emigrated here, figured conspicuously among the early pioneers of the county, and in another department of our work has received a more extended mention; Andrew Dye died at the advanced age of 93 years. W . H. H. Dye, our subject, remained with his father upon the home farm, where he obtained a practical but limited education, till his 16th year, when he accepted a clerkship in Troy, which position he occupied about four years; in 1832, he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he prospered, and in 1838, he began the distillery and milling business, by purchasing the property now known as Dye's mills, and continued this uninterruptedly until 1865, part of the time in connection with the mercantile trade; he abandoned the distillery in 1865, and in 1877, he converted the same into an oil-mill, of which mention is made in the history of Troy. In 1871, he organized the banking house of W. H. H. Dye & Son, now known as the Miami Co. Bank. Mr. D. has prominently identified himself as a generous citizen, as well as a man of great ability in business. In 1839, he married Martha Culbertson, who has borne him seven children, six daughters and one son.

 
FIERBAUGH, DANIEL
Later spelled Firebaugh
Ohio Valley Genealogies by Charles A. Hanna; NY, 1900

A native of Germany, settled in Pennsylvania about 1799; removed to what is now North Township, Harrison county, Ohio, but afterward returned to Pennsylvania, where he died, his widow settling in Ohio after his death; had issue, among others:

David, born either in Pennsylvania or Maryland, 1787; settled  in North township, where he died June 14, 1864; married in Harrison county, Magdalena Gundy, born 1797, died 1878; daughter of Rev. Joseph and Fannie Coffman Gundy (the former a Mennonite minister who settled in Harrison county, in 1894); had issue: 1. Frances, m. John Weimer, and settled in Austin, Neb.; 2. Daniel, b. April 27, 1817; died Oct 14, 1885; married Elizabeth Boor, daughter of Michael and Caroline L. Barence Boor (the former came to Harrison county with his parents in 1838; died in Defiance, Ohio) (had issued: i. Caroline L., died Jan 26 1866; m. Rev. B.F. Rinehart; ii. Mary M., married Ebenezer W. Laughridge; iii Michael B. born August 7, 1845; served in the Civil War; married Nov 18, 1869, Sarah E. Smith, born 1852; died Feb 19, 1890; daughter of Thomas and Mary Smith; the former b. 1809; died February 1881; the latter b. 1813; died 1882; iv. David G. died April 13, 1870; v. Clara E., died October 27 1879).  

 
FIREBAUGH, JOHN
Ohio Valley Genealogies by Charles A. Hanna; NY, 1900

A native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, born 1786; did April 8, 1872, in North township, Harrison county, Ohio, where he had settled before 1825; served in the War of 1812; married Elizabeth Friend, born 1793; died Feb. 19, 1872; daughter of Jacob and Miss Bowers Friend; had issue: 1. Mary who married John Shiltz; 2. Jacob who married Catherine McCarroll and settled on the Kanawha River, Virginia; 3. John who married (1) Nancy Capper, a native of Ohio and married (2) Amanda Rippeth, also of Ohio; 4. Elizabeth; 5. Catherine, who married (1) John Heaston and married (2) J. Overholtz; 6. Margaret who married Isaac Heaston; 7. David, born March 11, 1825; served in the Civil War and married 1854 Christina Heaston, born in Monroe township, daughter of John and Christina Heaston, pioneers of Harrison county, both having died in Monroe township (the former a native of Maryland; the latter born in what is now a part of Philadelphia); 8. Samuel, who settled in Southern Kansas and married (1) Julia True of Ohio and married (2) Jemima Schooly of Iowa and married (3) Emily Tucker of Kansas; 9. Susan who married David Addleman; 10. Frances who married John Heaston; 11. Elias, who settled in Nebraska and married Mary Boor of Ohio; 12. Sarah who married Andrew Hale of Carroll county Ohio; 13. Joseph, b. 1838 and died Jan 26, 1879 in Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas county, Ohio.

 
FISHER, DANIEL
Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903.

Probably there cannot be found in Union township a more venerable man and venerated and respected citizen than Daniel Fisher, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Crites) Fisher, of Pennsylvania birth and German extraction. Daniel Fisher, however, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and the date of his nativity was June 14, 1826. His paternal grandfather was the founder of the family in America, having landed in New York when a young man. Henry Fisher married a Miss Crites in Tuscarawas county. The lady was also of German parentage and bore her husband ten children, viz: John, Daniel, Joseph, George, Henry, Solomon, Anna, Elizabeth, Lydia and one that died in infancy. Of the three members of this family who still survive, Daniel is the only one living in Wells county, Indiana. Although his father was a poor man when he settled in Ohio, he was a man of indomitable will and untiring industry, and at his death, which took place in the Buckeye state, he was worth at least twenty thousand dollars.

Daniel Fisher was reared to farm life and was educated in the common schools; being an apt scholar and possessing a retentive memory, he succeeded in securing a good education and at the age of twenty-one years, on quitting school, he began learning the cooper's trade, at which he worked one year, when, having saved sufficient funds, he came to Wells county and entered eighty acres of wooded land on the site now occupied by Jesse Crites. He returned to Ohio and remained at his trade two years longer.

Mr. Fisher was united in marriage in 1850, with Miss Sophia A. Myers and the young couple lived on the farm alluded to for seven years, when Mrs. Fisher was called to rest July 17, 1857, leaving three children, named Henry, Elizabeth and Margaret A. At the death of this, his first helpmate, Mr. Fisher returned to the home of his father in Ohio and remained on the old homestead, until his second marriage, which took place March 25, 1859, to Miss Sarah J. Shull. In April, 1859, he returned with his wife to Wells county, Indiana, and resumed the occupancy of his original farm, on which he resided until 1862, when he sold it and bought one hundred and twenty acres of his present farm, to which he has since added forty acres, having now a compact farm of one hundred and sixty acres of as good land as can be found in Wells county.

To the second marriage of Mr. Fisher have been born nine children, eight of whom are living: Emmett, Matilda, Clara C., George A., Rachel, Elmer, Ellsworth, Daniel B. and Della M. Mr. Fisher and all the members of his family, save one, belong to the church of God, in which he has officiated as deacon and elder for several years. Mrs. Fisher died August 25, 1890, after being an invalid, confined to her bed for twenty-four years, and an almost constant sufferer from rheumatism.

In politics Mr. Fisher is a stalwart Republican and has been a zealous supporter of the party ever since its foundation, having probably cast more presidential votes than any other man in Wells county, at least in Union township, including candidates nominated by both Whigs and Republicans. Mr. Fisher thinks for himself and is possessed of strong convictions, but is not obtrusive and is a kindly neighbor, and has lived to witness Union township developed from a genuine wilderness into a blooming garden. His only neighbor, in fact, when he first settled here, was Jesse Crites, each owning a horse and wagon, and when necessary to go to mill, the two would hitch the animals together, thus making a double team, and while one of them carried an ax with which to hew a road through the woods, the other would drive the horses.

 
FOWLER, GEORGE
Past and Present of Hardin County, Iowa; by William J. Moir Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen, 1911; p. 521-523

George Fowler has long been prominent in connection with the agricultural life of Hardin county, he being one of the progressive tillers of the soil in Pleasant Township. Like many of the best citizens of this section of the state, he is a Buckeye by birth, having been born in Union County, Ohio, February 2, 1851, and he is the son of William B. and Sarah Jane (Witcraft) Fowler, natives of New Jersey, from which state they emigrated to Ohio with their parents where they grew to maturity and were married. There the mother died in 1861 and not long afterwards the father enlisted in the Union army, from that state, and served faithfully for three years, when he was discharged on accounty of disability. After the war he made his home in Logan County, Ohio, until his death in 1899. He devoted his life to farming. He was a Republican and his wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were the parents of six children who grew to maturity, two having died in infancy, namely: Elizabeth, who married Charles Jones, is deceased; George, of this review; Charles is farming in Union County, Ohio; John is farming in Hardin County, Iowa; David H., who was a farmer in Union County, Ohio, died February 22, 1910; Elida, now deceased, was the wife of Theodore Farrington.

George Fowler attended the public schools, and in September, 1861, he went to live with William Witcraft, with whom he remained until 1866, in which year he started to work out for himself. He remained in Ohio until 1876 when he emigrated with his brother John to Hardin county, Iowa; they located in Pleasant Township and has since made his home here.

On July 4, 1878, Mr. Fowler was married to Mary D. Knowles, daughter of John and Mary B. (Benedict) Knowles, the former a native of Hyde Parish, Stockport County, Chester, England, where his birth occurred on August 15, 1817; he died on October 5, 1879. He was the son of William and Mary (Cleg) Knowles, the father a cloth weaver. They came to Canada in 1834 and died here. In their family were sixteen children, four of whom emigrated to Canada, John, Daniel, Martha and Elizabeth. Daniel, who was a blacksmith, came to the United States, and on February 8, 1861, he enlisted at St. Louis, Missouri, in Company E, Third Regiment Light Artillery, and served until February 8, 1864. On July 9, 1864, he re-enlisted in Company D, Eighty-sixth New York Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged from the service on June 27, 1865; but he re-enlisted again, on July 5, 1865, in Company A, Fourth Regiment United States Artillery, and served until July 6, 1868. During his service he was at the bombardment of Hilton Head, Pulaski, Jans Island, Fort Lamar, Alaska Island, Fort Wagoner and the siege of the latter. In the fall of 1869 he came to Hardin county, Iowa, and remained one year. He farmed ten years in Jasper County, returning to Hardin County in 1880 and made his home with Mr. and Mrs. George Fowler until his death, on April 11, 1909, at an advanced age, having been born on April 10, 1824.

John Knowles, mentioned above, was educated in England, came to Canada in 1834, and in 1850 he was married and came to Lee county, Iowa, where he farmed until 1860, then moved to Hardin county, buying eighty acres of wild land in Providence township, of which he later secured eighty acres more, where Mr. and Mrs. George Fowler now reside. He was a shoemaker by trade, but a large part of his time was devoted to farming. Politically, he was a Republican, and belonged to the Friends church. His death occurred on October 5, 1879, and that of his wife on December 31, 1907. Nine children were born to them, two of whom died in childhood, namely: J. B. is retired and living in Hubbard, Iowa; Catherine married H. H. Graham, a farmer of Pleasant Township, Hardin County, Iowa; William is a farmer and also operates a threshing machine in North Dakota; John P. is farming in Tipton township, Hardin County; Francis F. died when twenty-seven years of age, in Hardin county; Mary D., wife of the subject; Ida married S. E. Mills and lives in Ellis township, this county.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. George Fowler; Mary J. married R. F. Martin, of Providence township; Ida A. married E. L. Gordon, of Tipton township, this county; Ray and Ethel are living at home.

After his marriage Mr. Fowler located on the farm which he now owns and which he has brought up to a high state of cultivation and improvement, having made his home here all the while. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser and has a good home. Politically he is a Republican, belongs to the Friends church and the Modern Woodmen of America at Hubbard, Iowa.

 
GINTHER, JOHN
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH by Warner, Beers & Co.; Chicago (1884)

John Ginther, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Tuscarawas, was born in Warwick Township August 18, 1832, and is a son of Christian and Catherine (Corpman) Ginther, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. His father was a farmer, and came to Ohio when a young man, settling in this county, where he married and had a family of eight children, of whom our subject is the third. He died early in life, and the three sons took charge of the farm, paid off a debt of $600, and provided for the other children, purchasing for them fifty acres of land. Our subject received a common school education, and early in life worked on the Ohio Canal, owning several boats, at which occupation he continued for twenty-one years, during nine seasons of which he was paid $75 per month as Captain. Since that time, he has been a farmer.

In 1858, he was married to Elvina, daughter of Henry Richman; the latter is now in his sixty-eighth year, but still able to work in the harvest field. The children born to this union are five in number, their names as follows: Willard, George, Benjamin, John David and Hiram Franklin. Mrs. Ginther is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics, Mr. Ginther is a Republican. He owns 123 acres of land, and is a breeder of fine horses. having greatly improved the stock in Warwick Township; he has a colt valued at $500, bought in 1883 of Dillon & Co., Illinois. He also keeps bees, and has on hand twenty-five colonies.

 
GINTHER, S.S.
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH by Warner, Beers & Co.; Chicago (1884)
Clay Township

S. S. Ginther, farmer, P. O. Lock 17, was born in this county June 22, 1832, the son of John A. and Lydia (Demuth) Ginther, who were among the earliest pioneers of the county, and came from Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood on the farm, receiving what education the common schools afforded.

He was married in 1858, to Mary Demuth born September 30, 1841, and daughter of Daniel and Maria (Simmers) Demuth, who were also among the foremost settlers of the county. The family of our subject consists of nine children: Ella Cora, born September 30, 1859, the wife of Franklin Peter, of this township; Jesse D., born January 8, 1861; and died at the age of thirteen years; Carrie May, born May 7, 1864; Alice C., born September 22, 1866; Ada Belle, born January 1, 1869; Eva Maria, born June 21, 1871; Charles Wesley, born February 19; 1874; Maud Pearl, born August 22, 1876; and Claud Lester, born March 23, 1880. Mr. Ginther was five months in service as a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-first Ohio National Guard, which was stationed in Maryland and Virginia, and was at Shenandoah, Staunton, Lexington, Lynchburg, Sweet Sulphur, White Sulphur Springs, June 28,1864; Harpers Ferry, July 2-5; Maryland Heights, July 5-8; Martinsburg and Shepherdstown. Mr. Ginther is a member of the Moravian Church of which he was Trustee and is Elder at the present time.

 
GOTSHALL, JONAS
Historical Collection of Harrison County, OH by Charles A. Hannah; NY 1900

Jonas emigrated from Perry County, Pennsylvania to Harrison County before 1823 and married Mary Laler and had issue: Jeremiah who married Mary Long; John; Anna who married William Arbaugh; Jacob who married (1) Eliza Long, and married (2) Ruth Hendrix; Daniel who was born in Rumley Twp. in 1831 and married (1) Amanda Wortman born 1835 and died 1869, daughter of John and Rebecca, and married (2) Elizabeth Wood; Samuel who married (1) Margaret Carr, and married (2) Harriet McClain; Matilda who married Alpheus Lowmiller; Elizabeth who married John Wood; and Katherine who died young.

 
GRAHAM, HARRISON H.
Past and Present of Hardin County, Iowa; by William J. Moir. Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen, 1911; p. 547-548

Although now advanced in years, Harrison H. Graham, one of the leading agriculturists of Pleasant Township, Hardin County, is regarded as one of the most progressive of his community, believing in keeping fully abreast of the times in all matters pertaining to his line of endeavor and in advocating such movements as are calculated to be of general good to the community, therefore he is justly held in the highest esteem by all who know him.

Mr. Graham was born February 25, 1836, in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and he is the son of Joseph and Sarah (Sharp) Graham, the father a native of Canada and the latter of Pennsylvania. For some time they made their home in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and in Hendricks County, Illinois, later moving to Lee County, Iowa, in 1842 or 1843. Mr. Graham entered government land and improved it and lived on the same several years, then moved to Scotland County, Missouri, where he continued to reside for twelve years. He was a good farmer and made a success in life. He and his wife finally returned to Iowa and died at the home of their son, Harrison H. of this review. The father was also a stone mason by trade and worked at this for many years, but not continuously. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His family consisted of fourteen children.

Harrison H. Graham had little chance to attend school, and he remained at home, assisting with the general work until he was twenty-eight years of age. On September 25, 1863, he married Catherine Knowles, daughter of John Knowles, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. This union has been graced by the birth of three children, namely: Edward married Carrie Jones and they live on their farm near Lake Park, Iowa, being the parents of four children, Francis I., Isola May, Rollie and Mabel. Nellie Ann Graham married Orlando Mossman, of Mason City, Iowa, and they have six children, Louisa A., Catharine S., Claude E., Grace F., Claire E. and Freda. Estella D. Graham married Jacob Clingerman, of Pleasant Township, this county, and they have one son, Edward Claire.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Graham located in the state of Missouri, where they remained for a time, and then moved to Pleasant Township, Hardin County, Iowa, where Mr. Graham secured eighty acres of prairie land, which he brought up to a high state of improvement and which has yielded him a good income from year to year. He has devoted his entire life to farming and understands well every phase of his line of work. He started out in life in a small way, but by hard work he has been successful. While living in Missouri he served one year as a member of the state militia. Politically he is a Republican and has held some of the township offices of Pleasant Township, giving the utmost satisfaction in each instance. He is a public-spirited man and likes to help improve his community in any way possible.

 
HAWES, JUDGE KIRK
Chicago: Its History and Its Builders by J. Seymour Currey; Chicago (1912)

Few lawyers have made a more lasting impression upon the bar of the state, both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character which impresses itself upon a community, than did Judge Kirk Hawes. Of a family conspicuous for strong intellects, indomitable courage and energy, he entered upon his career as a lawyer and such was his force of character and natural qualifications that he overcame all obstacles and wrote his name upon the keystone of the legal arch of Illinois. Moreover, where the general interests of society were involved through political movements or public projects, he stood for the rights of the whole people, for clean government, for fidelity in office and for the adoption of principles which secure not only temporal welfare but look beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future. His mind, extremely judicial in character, enabled him to understand, as few have done, both sides of a question, and his opinions therefore partook of the nature. of a judicial judgment. He came to Chicago in the year which chronicled the close of the Civil war-at that time a young man of twenty-six years. His birth had occurred at Brookfield, Worcester county, Massachusetts, on the 5th of January, 1839, his parents being Preston and Fanny (OIes) Hawes. He was descended from one of the old American families, his great-grandfather having been a minuteman of the Revolutionary war. His father, who devoted his life to farming, was a man of keen intellect whose opinions constituted an influencing factor over public thought and action in his community. l\:Irs. Mary Jane Holmes, the well known novelist, was a sister of Judge Hawes, and the intimate and affectionate relations that existed between them and the others of the family throughout all the years was a strong feature of their lives, each rej oicing in the success and prominence of the other.

Farm life with its experiences and the acquirement of an education in the public schools claimed the attention of Judge Hawes until he reached the age of fourteen years, when, desiring to see something of the world, he went to sea, his first voyage taking him from Boston to Hong Kong. As a member of the crew of one of the American clipper ships he visited all of the principal seaports of the world, gaining thereby a broad and intimate knowledge of lands and people and gathering the experience which enabled him in later years to correctly judge of men and their motives. Three years were devoted to seafaring life, during which time there came to him a recognition of the need of a more liberal education and after completing a preparatory course he entered Williams College, therein continuing his studies until after the outbreak of the Civil war. He was at that time in his junior year. The spirit of patriotism burned bright within him and putting aside his text-books, he raised a company, of which he became first lieutenant. Enlistments, however, were slow and, relinquishing his commission, he went to Boston, where he joined the Forty-second Massachusetts Infantry as a private. The regiment was assigned to the command of General Banks and participated in the Red River campaign and later in the siege of Vicksburg, resulting in the surrender of that city on the 4th of July, 1863.

Judge Hawes was then honorably discharged and, resuming his studies in Williams College, completed the classical course in 1864 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In the meantime he had determined upon the practice of law as his life work and he pursued his reading for a year under the direction of the firm of Baker & Aldrich, leading attorneys of Worcester, Massachusetts. He continued his studies in the law office of Waite, Towne & Clark of Chicago, arriving in this city in 1865, and the following year, passing the required examination, was admitted to the bar. Soon afterward he became a partner in the law firm of Hawes & Helm, a relation that was maintained until early in 1871. He then formed a partnership with an old classmate and former law student of Worcester under the firm name of Hawes & Lawrence, this association being maintained until Mr. Hawes was elected judge of the superior court of Cook county in 1880. The morning after the great fire of 1871 the law firm of Hawes & Lawrence is said to have had the only law library in Chicago-about one thousand volumes which were saved from the flames by the large fireproof vault of their Clark street offices. He came to his profession with good equipment, bringing to the starting point of his legal career eloquence of language and a strong personality, combined with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer-a keen, rapid, logical mind, plus business sense, and a ready capacity for hard work. The thoroughness with which he prepared his cases, the analytical trend of his mind and the readiness with which he grasped the points of an argument combined to make him a strong advocate, while his broad legal learning was a salient feature in his ability as a counselor.

He came into the public life of Chicago at a time when practically every citizen took a deep interest in political affairs, when the policy of the nation was as yet unformulated owing to the exigencies of civil war. He became a student of the signs of the times, of the great and grave problems which confronted the people:, and his keen insight and clear opinions placed him with the leaders of the republican party, the principles of which he strongly espoused. He continued ever an interested student of the vital questions of the day and in the presidential campaign of 1880 was associated with Robert G. Ingersoll, Leonard Swett, Emery A. Storrs and other prominent Illinois republicans, in an organized opposition to the nomination of President Grant for a third term, resulting in the seating of the contesting Illinois delegates, whereby the final result in the national convention was brought about. This led to Judge Hawes receiving the indorsement of Wilbur F. Storey, editor of that strong democratic organ, the Chicago Times, when the former became a candidate for judicial honors, and the influence of the paper secured to him a strong democratic support that combined with the republican vote which was naturally given him, gained for him the largest majority of any of the judicial candidates, running far ahead of his ticket. Reelection continued him on the bench from 1880 until 1892 and he was then defeated in the democratic landslide of the latter year. In this connection it has been written of him: "It was as judge of the superior court that the strong individuality of Judge Hawes and his exceptional abilities as a lawyer and student reached their greatest usefulness, as the records of the many important cases he was called upon to try during these twelve years most conclusively show. In the performance of the exacting judicial duties of that high office, at a time when there were fewer judges than we now have, he was, as he ever had been, a hard worker. Business -in his court was always dispatched with promptness and yet with that care that 'made for justice, as clearly appears from the decisions of the courts of last resort in Illinois when his decisions as a trial judge were presented for review. -Abrupt in manner, he was ever an attentive listener to both sides of controversy and would without the slightest hesitation brush aside the mere technicalities of the law~ for which he had much less respect than for substantial merits. He had strong convictions of what was right and wrong and was entirely fearless of criticism and public opinion when he believed he was right. These characteristics - were frequently the subj ect of comment, both at the bar and in the public prints, - from one of which the following is quoted: 'A few more men like Judge Kirk Hawes, with intelligent opinions and backbone enough to enforce them, are needed on the bench when matters of public import like the election fraud cases come to trial.' It is a matter of local history that his prompt and thorough investigation of a jury:..bribing plot in his court that affected several men in high places not only won for him the thanks and respect of the public but effectually put a stop to such corruption in Chicago for some twenty years."

Had Judge Hawes' activities never reached beyond the field of jurisprudence his great work in that line would entitle him to grateful remembrance and honors. In other connections, however, he sought the benefit of the public and his efforts were resultant. An interested and active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, he was untiring in his efforts to secure for the federal soldiers and Chicago the public library site and the Soldiers' Memorial Hall on what was formerly Dearborn Park. He accomplished his end after years of hard work and special legislation at Washington and Springfield, and there now hangs in the memorial hall a splendid painting of Judge Hawes -a fitting tribute to the memory of one through whose efforts the building came into existence. He was prominently mentioned as an available republican candidate for governor of Illinois but his ambition was not in the field of office-holding. He was a prominent member of the Union League, Marquette and Twentieth Century Clubs of Chicago and at one time a member of the Calumet Club but afterward withdrew. He also belonged to the Les Cheneaux Club near Mackinac Island, of which he was president, his summer home being on Marquette Island. He was a charter member of the Chicago Bar Association and his real standing at the bar is perhaps best indicated in the high regard and honor entertained for him by his fellow members of the profession.

On the 26th of June, 1871, Judge Hawes was married to Miss Helen E. Dunham, a daughter of John H. and Elizabeth (Hills) Dunham, who in 1844 came to Chicago, where Mr. Dunham was long prominent in mercantile circles and as the first president of the Merchants Loan & Trust Company. To Judge and Mrs. Hawes were born a son and three daughters: John Dunham; Florence, the wife of Arthur J. Chivers, of London, England; Levanche D.; and Fanny V. Judge Hawes greatly enjoyed outdoor life and after retiring from the bench sojourned several months of each year at his summer home on Marquette Island. He was an admirer of art and a lover of music and could play almost any instrument. Because of the innate refinement of his nature he rejected everything opposed to good taste. The simplicity of his daily life, as seen in his home and family relations, constituted an even balance to 'his splendid intellectual powers, resulting in the attainment of eminence in connection with the practice of law. His memory was exceptionally retentive and his conversation was often enriched by allusion to his experiences as a seaman in early life, and in later years he became an authority and ready writer and lecturer on the ancient history of Egypt and the Holy Land, to the study of which he devoted much time. He was a prominent member of the Second Presbyterian church yet his views on religion were liberal and he realized that no one organization contained all the truth but that all were seeking to understand and interpret the purposes of life fully and truthfullu. He died September 8, 1904, only a few moments after expressing his appreciation of the beauty of the autumnal foliage and of the expanse of the waters of Lake Huron. His life was rich in its friendships and he held friendship inviolable. While his interest centered in his home, he had that breadth of character which enabled him to understand and sympathize with humanity and even in his. work in the courts he would rather stimulate the individual to better efforts than to condemn. In this way he often tempered justice with mercy and made the law stand for its highest purpose-that of reclaiming and saving the individual.

 
HOUGH, JACOB
History of Hardin County, Iowa; Springfield, Ill: Union Publishing Company, 1883.
Tipton Township

Jacob was born in the town of West Huntington, Moreland County, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1815, where he remained until 1841; then went to Washington County, same state, remaining two years. In 1853 he located in Wood County, Ohio, and soon after removed to Hancock County, where he was engaged in farming.

In 1856 he came to the town of Tipton, Hardin County, Iowa, settling on section 36, buying a farm of 120 acres. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace twelve years. He was married March 6, 1840, to Eliza Craven, who was born December 25, 1821, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. They have had born to them six children, five of whom are living: William Franklin, born July 1, 1841, killed at battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862; Peter D., born January 21, 1843; C. F., born November 7, 1844; Margaret, born June 21, 1846; Edward R., born March 20, 1851; George W., born September 3, 1855; all born in Pennsylvania but George W., who was born in Ohio.

KALB, ANDREW H.
1881 History of Sangamon County Illinois, Chicago, 1881

Andrew H. Kalb, son of Absalom and Susannah (Larkin) Kalb, was born in the city of Frederick, in the county of Frederick, Maryland, to which place his father moved soon after his marriage in 1809, and where the subject of this sketch was born January 20, 1812, from whence he moved with his parents and three brothers, in the spring of 1817, to Loudon county, Virginia, and in 1819, to Smithsburg, in Washington county, Maryland, and thence to Trough Creek Valley, Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1822, and thence, in 1827, to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and thence back to Loudon county, Virginia, in the spring of 1830, remaining with his parents and brothers, assisting in farm operations, and received a common school education, as the winter seasons gave him opportunity, till about the age of nineteen. He learned the business of saddlery and harness making, at which he continued for eleven years.

He was married in Loudon county, Virginia, in the year 1836, to Ann James, daughter of Elijah James, and was born in the same county March 17, 1811, after which he changed his occupation and engaged in farming in the same county till the year 1850, when he moved with his family to Sangamon county, Illinois, whither his father and mother, with four brothers and one sister, had preceded him in the previous fall. Here the subject of this sketch tilled a part of a large tract of land owned by his father on the south fork of the Sangamon river, about five miles south of east of the city of Springfield, till about the year 1855. He purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land, upon which he now resides, and an additional purchase of the original tract has increased his farm to two hundred and fifty acres, worth about $70 per acre, while he also owns one hundred and fifty-eight acres in Christian county, of this State.

Mr. A. H. K., has had twelve children, of whom George E., Mary A., now the wife of George Waters, of this county; Elton A., and Edwin M., are living, while the following are dead: John R., James William, (who was killed in the Union service of the late war), Sarah C., Asbury R., Edgar F., Charles C., Susan R., and Emma Jane. For fifty five years Mr. K., has been a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics is a Republican.

 
KNOWLES, J.B.
Past and Present of Hardin County, Iowa; by William J. Moir. Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen, 1911; p. 555-556

The career of J. B. Knowles, formerly one of the leading agriculturists of Hardin County, now living retired in the village of Hubbard, has been a truly successful and honorable one, meriting the high esteem in which he is universally held.

Mr. Knowles was born November 22, 1846, at Rockwell, Canada, the son of John and Mary (Benedict) Knowles, the father a native of England and the mother of New York. A complete sketch of John Knowles and wife is to be found elsewhere in this work. Suffice it to say here that he went to Canada when a young man with his parents, William and Catherine (Clay) Knowles. The father of the subject spent his early life in Canada and married there, coming to Lee County, Iowa, about 1848, remaining there until 1861, in the spring of which year he came to Hardin county, Iowa, and secured one hundred and sixty acres of land in Providence and Pleasant townships where the village of Quebec stood. It was wild land, but he improved it and made a good farm and home and lived there until his death, his wife dying in 1908. He was a shoemaker by trade. He was a Republican and a member of the Friends church, and was well known and popular in this community. There were nine children in his family, six of whom are living, this county (see his sketch); J. B., of this review; William lives in North Dakota; John P. lives in Tipton township, this county; Diantha married George Fowler, of Pleasant township, Hardin county (see their sketch); Ida married S. Mills, of Ellis township, this county.

J. B. Knowles received only a limited schooling, being compelled to work as a farm hand when a boy, and he started in life for himself at the age of twenty-seven years. He spent his early life at home. On August 1, 1875, he was married to Alma McIntire, of Hardin county, the daughter of Alpheus and Cordelia McIntire, natives of New York state and early settlers of Pleasant township, this county, where they secured a good farm. After his first marriage the subject farmed in Tipton Township, Hardin Co., a year. His first wife died and he was married on November 12, 1904, to Mrs. Eliza McIntire, widow of Frank McIntire, who died in 1896. He was born in Linn county, Iowa, and he was a switchman on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. Two children were born to Frank McIntire and wife: Sanford, who married Alberta Willis, is a switchman on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad and lives at Hawarden, South Dakota; Bernham, who married Victoria Nelson, is a switchman on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and lives at Hubbard, Iowa. The subject had no children by either wife. His second wife was a daughter of Frand Rundell, of Wisconsin, deceased.

J. B. Knowles located in Tipton Township about 1873, as before indicated, and he made his home a miles and a half north of Hubbard on a well kept and fertile 80 acre farm, for a period of twenty-three years. On March 28, 1906, he moved to Hubbard, Iowa, where he has since resided, having here a very pleasant home. He is a member of the Friends church, while his wife belongs to the Baptist church.

LAMAR, JOHN B.
Congressional Biographies, Those Rooted in the State of Georgia

John Basil Lamar, a Representative from Georgia; born in Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Ga, on November 5, 1812; attended Dr. Beman's school at Mount Zion, Ga, and Franklin College (now University of Georgia) at Athens in 1827; moved to a plantation near Macon, Bibb County, Ga, in 1830 and engaged in agricultural pursuits; member of the State house of representatives in 1837 and 1838; elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-eighth Congress and served from March 4 until July 29, 1843, when he resigned; resumed the management of his plantation which extended throughout central and southwest Georgia and into Florida; trustee of the University of Georgia 1855-1858; delegate to the State convention which adopted the secession ordinance in 1861; during the Civil War served in the Confederate Army as an aide on the staff of Gen. Howell Cobb; was mortally wounded in the battle at Cramptons Gap, Md, and died the following day, September 15, 1862; interment in Rose Hill Cemetery, Macon, Ga.

 
LIGGETT, HIRAM SHAW
Encyclopedia of the History of St. Louis, Edited by William Hyde & Howard L. Conrad; Southern History Co., NY; 1899

Manufacturer, born in St. Louis April 4, 1858, and died at San Antonio, Texas, December 25, 1892. His father was john E. Liggett, one of the most famous of American tobacco manufacturers, and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Shaw Calbreath. He grew up in St. Louis and was educated, in part, at Washington University, going from there to the Virginia Military Institute, and later to the Episcopal High School, at Alexandria, Virginia, where he completed his academic studies. Returning to St. Louis when he was eighteen years of age he became associated in business with his father and was soon afterward sent to San Francisco, California, to represent the interest in that city of the corporation of which the elder Liggett was the head. Later he was transferred to the Boston office of the company, and still later, on account of failing health, spent a year on a stock ranch in the mountainous section of Texas. In 1876 he again entered the home office of the company in St. Louis and was prominently identified with the conduct and management of the business, holding the responsible position of secretary, until with a couple of years of his death, when he sought a milder and more equable climate. He died at the age of thirty-three years, at a time when he had taken a conspicuous place among the younger business men of St. Louis and had begun to verify the promises of his youth. Although he was the only son of a man of large wealth, he was singularly free from the follies in many cases attendant upon similar good fortune, and from the enervating effects which wealth sometimes has upon its young possessors. He had the instincts of a man of affairs, rare judgement, a fondness for business pursuits, and a dispostion to apply himself closely, with which, however the delicate state of his health at times interfered. He felt pardonable pride in great commercial and manufacturing institution which had been built up under the control and direction of his father, and was ambitious to become the head of the greatest tobacco house in the world, an ambition which promised to be realized had his life been prolonged until his plans and powers had fully matured. Young as he was at the time of his death, he had become widely known not only as a capable man of affairs, but as a genial and accomplished gentleman, fond of refined society and hardly less devoted to literature and art than to his business pursuits. He had traveled extensively, both in this country and in Europe.

He married, in 1884, Miss Laura K. Colman, daughter of Honorable Norman J. Colman, who entered President Cleveland's cabinet as the first Secretary of Agriculture, and who is widely known also as editor of a leading agricultural journal. Of this marriage one child was born, a son, who bears the name of his grandfather, John E. Liggett, and who survives his father and grandfather.

 
LIGGETT, JOHN EDMUND
Encyclopedia of the History of St. Louis, Edited by William Hyde & Howard L. Conrad; Southern History Co., NY; 1899

Liggett, John Edmund - manufacturer, was born in St. Louis June II, 1826, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Foulks) Liggett. His father was a native of Londonderry, Ireland, who came to this city in his young manhood and married Elizabeth Foulks, daughter of Christopher Foulks, a New Jersey tobacconist, who came West in I818, located some time later in St. Louis, and became one of the pioneer tobacco manufacturers of the West.

John E. Liggett attended, as a boy, the first public school established in St. Louis, of which David H. Armstrong – at a later date a United States Senator from Missouri - was principal. He was under Mr. Armstrong's tutorage until he was sixteen years of age, and then pursued an advanced course of study at Kemper College Grammar School. His school days ended when he was eighteen years old, at which time he entered the employ of Mess'rs Foulks & Shaw, tobacco manufacturers, the members of this firm being respectively his maternal grandfather and stepfather. About the time he attained his majority, his grandfather retired from the firm and Mr. Liggett became a partner in the business, to which he had by this time, been thoroughly trained. Hiram Shaw & ,Co. was the style of the firm which thus came into existence until a year and a half later, when Mr. Liggett's brother, W. C. L. Liggett, purchased Mr. Shaw's interest and the firm became J.E. Liggett & Brother. At the end of five years W. C. L. Liggett sold his interest in the business to Henry Dausman, and for eighteen years !thereafter the firm was Liggett & Dausman. In 1873 Mr. Dausman's interest was purchased by George S. Myers, and thus was formed the firm of Liggett & Myers, which has acquired a celebrity equaled by few of the manufacturing tobacconists of the United States. The business was incorporated as the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Manufacturing Company in 1878, and for many years thereafter Mr. Liggett continued to be actively identified with the conduct and management of that corporation. He was one of the builders of a vast manufacturing plant which has constantly furnished employment to a great number of people and sent into the markets of the world products valued at many millions of dollars every year. This plant is the legitimate successor of the plant established by Christopher Foulks during the pioneer period of the city's history, and it may be said to be the parent of the great tobacco manufacturing industry of St. Louis. To the development and up-building of this institution, to the creation of a new industry and the establishment of a tobacco market in St. Louis, Mr. Liggett gave all the more active years of his life, and the magnificent results achieved bear testimony to the effectiveness of his labors. As president of the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company he wielded a vast influence in shaping and controlling the tobacco market, and that influence was always exerted in behalf of improved products and thoroughly honorable business methods. His relations with his employees - at :times numbering more than a thousand -were always of an exceedingly pleasant character, and he missed no opportunity, apparently, to aid and encourage them to promote their prosperity. Although, by reason - of the fact that his name was coupled with a product which still finds its way into markets, he became, in the broadest sense of the term, a public man, as well as a man of large wealth, he continued to be to the end of his life, the same plain, matter-of-fact man that he was in the days when his business was small and he had no fortune. Simplicity of manner, directness of speech, sterling integrity, and genuine manliness in everything were his distinguishing characteristics. As an investor he became interested in many corporate and other enterprises in St. Louis, with some of which he was officially identified. He had large realty holdings in the city and at the time of his death which occurred November 23, 1897, he was president of the Liggett Realty Company. His estate was one of the largest which has ever been accumulated by a citizen of St. Louis - being valued in the millions -and the fact that it was accumulated entirely through his own effort, not by fortunate speculation, but by the building up of 'a great manufacturing enterprise, makes his career one to be studied with profit by young men of the present generation.

Mr. Liggett married, in 1851, Miss Elizabeth J. Calbreath, of Callaway County, Missouri, and three daughters and one son were the children born of their union. The son, Hiram S. Liggett, died in 1892. The surviving members of Mr. Liggett's family are Mrs. Liggett, and her daughters, Mrs. Claude Kilpatrick, Mrs. John Fowler and Mrs. Mitchell Scott, all of St. Louis. A thoroughly domestic man, Mr. Liggett was devoted to his home, and during the later years of his life his chief concern seemed to be to provide for the happiness and enjoyment of those endeared to him by family ties.

 
LIGGETT, JOHN EDMUND
Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri Vol. VI by Howard L. Conrad; The Southern History Co., NY; 1901

John Edmund Liggett, manufacturer, was born in St. Louis June 11, 1826 He attended the first public school established in St. Louis, of which David H. Armstrong was principal. He then pursued an advanced course of study at Kemper School

When he was eighteen years old he entered the employ of Foulks & Shaw, tobacco manufacturers, the members of this firm being, respectively, his maternal grandfather and stepfather. About the time he attained' his majority his .grandfather retired from the firm, and he became a partner in the business. Hiram Shaw & Co. was the style of the firm which thus came into existence, until a year and a half later, when Mr. Liggett's brother, W. C. L. Liggett, purchased Mr. Shaw's interest and the firm became J.E. Liggett & Bro. W. C. L. Liggett sold his interest to Henry Dausman, and for eighteen years thereafter the firm was Liggett & Dausman. In 1873 Mr. Dausman's interest was purchased by George S. Myers, and thus was formed the firm of Liggett & Myers. The business was incorporated as the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Manufacturing Company in 1878, and for many years thereafter Mr. Liggett continued to be actively identified with the conduct and management of that great corporation. His relations with his employees - at times numbering more than a thousand - were always of an exceedingly pleasant character, and he missed no opportunity, apparently, to aid and encourage them and to promote their prosperity.

He became interested in many corporate and other enterprises in St. Louis, with some of which he was officially identified. He had large realty holdings in the city, and at the time of his death, November 23, 1897, he was president of the Liggett Realty Company.

His estate was one of the largest ever accumulated by a citizen of St. Louis - being valued in the millions - and it was? accumulated entirely through his own effort, not by fortunate speculation, but by the building up of a great manufacturing enterprise.

Mr. Liggett married, in 1851, Miss Elizabeth J. Calbreath, of Callaway County, Missouri, and three daughters and one son were born of their union. The son, Hiram S. Liggett, died in' 1892. The surviving members of Mr. Liggett's family are Mrs. Liggett and her daughters, Mrs. Claude Kilpatrick, Mrs. John Fowler and Mrs. Mitchell Scott, all of St. Louis.

 
MARSH, JOHN
The History of Clark County, Ohio Containing Biographies of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; W. H. Beers & Co.; Chicago, 1881

John Marsh (deceased); born in the State of Virginia Nov. 2, 1794; became a resident of Clark Co. about 1818, being one among the pioneers of the county, locating here at the same time as others of those honored fathers who endured so many hardships, and laid the foundations and performed the primary work for this prosperous and growing county.

Mr. Marsh was married, Feb. 28, 1833, to Maria, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Dye, who were among the first settlers of Miami Co., locating there about the same time of the Knoops, in 1798. Maria was born April 7. 1812. By this union they had three children - Nathan, Mary Jane and John D.

Mr. Marsh died June 4, 1837, aged about 43 years. He was a remarkably industrious, energetic and successful business man, commencing in life with no capital, earning his first few dollars by his daily labor, grubbing and clearing up land in this, then almost unbroken wilderness; he was industrious and economical, and day by day and year after year he increased his capital, bought a farm, and from time to time added more land by purchase, became an extensive stock-dealer, and although he lived to only middle age, yet he became owner of 800 acres of land, and left his widow and family with a good competency. She remained upon the home place, with her children, who were then quite small; and though a great charge and care devolved upon her, yet she was competent, for the occasion, and her affairs were carefully managed and her children grew to maturity.

Mrs. Marsh married for her second husband James Jones, who was born March 28, 1800, a native of Pennsylvania, their marriage being celebrated the 31st day of January, 1839. By this union they had six children, five now survive - Malinda, Benjamin (deceased), Werden, Thomas, Elizabeth and Walter. After their marriage, Mr. Jones took charge of the farm of his wife, where he remained till his death, which occurred Nov. 6, 1852. Mrs. JONES still remains upon the home place, where she has now resided nearly forty-eight years; and since Mr. Jones' death has, with the help of her sons, carried on the farm. In this brief sketch we have a history of some of the pioneers whose lives and labors may be read with great interest and profit by their children's children, long after the present generation has passed away.

 
MEREDITH, AARON A.
Centennial History, Troy, Piqua and Miami County, Ohio and Representative Citizens
Edited and compiled by Thomas C. Harbaugh; Chicago [Illinois] : Richmond-Arnold Publishing, 1909

A veteran of two of the great wars in which this country has engaged, and one of the honored pioneers of Miami County who became identified with this section of the state at a very early period, Major Aaron A. Meredith certainly deserves mention among those whose life work forms a part of the annals of this section of the state. Although his last days were spent in Wisconsin, he is remembered by many of the residents of this community, and his widow is now living in Tippecanoe City. A native of Miami County, his birth occurred in Troy on the 14th of July, 1829, his parents being Norville and Mary (James) Meredith. They had ten children, eight sons and two daughters, namely: John, Samuel, Sarah E., William, Olive J., Aaron A., Richard, Harvey, Henry and Lewis A.

Major Meredith was reared in the city of his nativity until after his mother's death, when he went to live on a farm with Mack C. Hart, with whom he continued for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Lafayette, Indiana, where he began working at the carpenter's trade, being thus employed until his enlistment in the Mexican War, in April, 1846. He became a private of the Second Ohio Volunteer Regiment, under Colonel Mitchell, and participated in the famous battle of Monterey, the gallantry of the soldiers at that winning them immortal fame. His regiment afterward acted as guard at Monterey and was under General Taylor in northern Mexico. Mr. Meredith was a member of the army for two years and then returned to Troy, Ohio, where he was married, on the 24th of August, 1848, to Miss Lutitia A. Dye, a daughter of Benjamin and Priscilla (Long) Dye. Her father was born December 27, 1771. He first married Elizabeth Jackson, the wedding being celebrated in Pennsylvania, and about 1799 he started with his wife for Ohio. Their eldest child was born that winter near the present site of the city of Cincinnati. Mr. Dye and his wife made their way down the Ohio river on a flatboat from Pittsburgh, bringing with them a feather bed, one horse and a fine rifle. Arriving in Cincinnati, an old French Indian trader and trapper offered Mr. Dye a large tract of land which is now in the heart of Cincinnati in exchange for his rifle, but Mr. Dye refused the offer. However, he remained for some time near Cincinnati and there built a log cabin, in which the family lived in true pioneer style. Subsequently he removed to what is now Elizabeth Township, Miami County, where he built a little home on a tract of wild land, which he afterward transformed into a good farm, there continuing his abode until his death, which occurred in 1843, when he was sixty-three years of age.

He was the father of the following children: Steven, who was born April 22, 1799; Elizabeth, who was born October 8, 1800, and was married, in July, 1817, to John Pettit; Horatio P., who was her twin brother and married Margaret Baxter Ramsey; Vincent, who was born January 25, 1802; Andrew, who was born March 8, 1804; James, who was born September 6, 1805; Sarah M., who was born December 16, 1806; William, born April 15, 1808; Benjamin, born March 16, 1810; Maria, who was born April 7, 1812, and was married March 3, 1825, to John Marsh; and John, born September 3, 1814. After the death of his first wife Mr. Dye wedded his brother's widow. She bore the maiden name of Priscilla Long and was born July 22, 1786, her death occurring December 12, 1848. The children of the second marriage are: Amanda, who was born May 10, 1817, and died in infancy; Jeremiah L., born September 24, 1819; Priscilla, who was born April 2, 1821 and died at the age of forty-one years; Horatio P., who was born April 4, 1823, and left a daughter, Mrs. W. B. Ten Eick, who in connection with her sister owns the old family homestead where the grandfather first settled; Boswell M., who was born March 2, 1826; and Lutitia, who was born August 16, 1829, and became the wife of Major Meredith. The father of this family was one of the honored pioneers of Miami County and at his death owned a valuable tract of land of four hundred acres. In 1838 he replaced the log cabin with a substantial brick residence, which was one of the finest homes in the county at an early day, and it still stands as one of the landmarks of that time.

After his marriage Major Meredith engaged in building canal boats at Troy, Ohio, for two years, and then removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he conducted a grocery store for five years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Madison, Wisconsin, where he engaged in clerking for two years, after which he took up his abode on a farm near the city, continuing its cultivation for a year. Returning to Madison, he conducted the Hotel Meredith until 1861, when, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he again responded to his country's call for troops and enlisted as a member of Company H, Second Wisconsin Infantry, his regiment becoming a part of the famous Iron Brigade. He was made first lieutenant, and with his command proceeded to Washington, D. C. He participated in the first battle of Bull Run, where he was wounded by a minnie ball in the right arm, which crippled that member for life. For a time he remained in the Georgetown hospital, but after a few weeks returned to his home in Madison on furlough. Soon afterward he was detailed as a recruiting officer, serving in that capacity from July until the following April, when he returned to Washington as captain and was given charge of army supplies in the commissary department. He was captured and held a prisoner by Stuart's cavalry while proceeding from his post on the upper Potomac with four boat loads of commissaries intended for Frederick, Maryland. He and five officers, including Major Duran of the regular army, were thus captured, but were paroled. At York, Pennsylvania, he served as commissary for two years, and on the 1st of September, 1865, he was mustered out with the rank of major, and immediately afterward returned to his home in Madison.

There, in November, 1865, he received an appointment from Governor Fairchilds, of Wisconsin, to the position of superintendent of public property, and served in that capacity for eight years, being most faithful to the trusts reposed in him. On the expiration of that period he removed to St. Louis, Missouri, and became a stockholder and the treasurer of the Western Engraving Company, which conducted a large steel plate engraving house. Major Meredith continued his connection with that business from 1874 until 1879, when, on account of ill health, he returned to Madison, where his death occurred November 8, 1883.

Major Meredith was a valued member of Fairchilds Post, G. A. R., of Madison, and enjoyed the pleasant meetings with his old army comrades, where they lived again in memory the scenes that occurred when they "wore the blue" and followed the starry banner on southern battle fields. In business he was very successful, having the ability to plan and execute the right thing at the right time. His labors were prosecuted earnestly and systematically and carried on with such diligence that they resulted in bringing to him a handsome competence. At all times his dealings were strictly honorable and his business reputation was thus unassailable. All who knew him greatly esteemed him for his sterling worth. He inspired warm personal friendship, and was held in the highest regard by reason of his many excellent qualities of head and heart.

 
MEREDITH, WILLIAM J.
Centennial History, Troy, Piqua and Miami County, Ohio and Representative Citizens
Edited and compiled by Thomas C. Harbaugh; Chicago [Illinois] : Richmond-Arnold Publishing, 1909

WILLIAM J. MEREDITH, who has had a wide and varied experience in business affairs, is a well known resident of Staunton Township and has been a resident of Miami County Ohio, since 1872. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana, in October, 1843, and is a son of John L. Meredith, a well remembered business man and banker of Troy.

John L. Meredith was born in Warren County, Ohio, and passed his early boyhood there. When sixteen years old he went to the northern part of Indiana to take charge of an Indian station, and in 1840 located in Lafayette, Indiana. He later engaged in the banking business there and became the head of the banking establishment of Barbee, Brown & Company. About the year 1863, he moved to Troy, Ohio, and was instrumental in the reorganization of the old State Bank into the First National Bank of Troy. He was made cashier and served capably in that capacity until his death in 1880 at the age of sixty-one years. He was married in Indiana to a Miss Margaret Carr, who died one year afterward.

William J. Meredith was reared in his native city and attended Hanover College until his junior year, when he left that institution to enter the army. In 1863 he was appointed on the general staff of the commissary department, and served with credit until May 1865. At the close of the war he engaged in lumbering, on the Chippewa River in northern Wisconsin, and later lost everything by fire. Then he engaged in the retail boot and shoe business at Milwaukee, and after a time acted as treasurer for a company for the construction of a railroad in Kentucky. He moved west to Lincoln, Nebraska, and became assistant cashier of the First National Bank, a position he resigned to become secretary of the old Troy Wagon and Spring Works at Troy, Ohio, He was identified with that company a period of twenty-five years and was one of its largest stockholders. After the death of his father he bought the interests of the other three heirs in the farm in Staunton Township, and for a time had it farmed, but has disposed of most of it to good advantage.

In January, 1873, Mr. Meredith was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Coles, who died in 1905. One son was born to them, namely, John C., who conducts one of the largest music stores in Dayton. Politically, Mr. Meredith is a Republican, and takes a deep interest in the success of the principles of that party.

 
MILWARD, JOSEPH
Biographical Cyclopedia of the Commonwealth of Kentucky; J.M. Gresham Co., Chicago, 1896

Farmer and Retired Merchant, was born near Baltimore, Maryland, August 22, 1803. He was the only son of a respectable merchant of Baltimore; his father died a few months before the birth of his son. When he had attained the age of four years, his mother removed to Lexington, Kentucky, where she remarried, and continued to reside until the date of her death. Joseph Milward attended the common schools of his home, and obtained a sound, practical knowledge of the most useful English branches. Obliged to leave school at the age of sixteen years, to commence the battle of life, he was bound to Thomas B. McGowen, of Lexington, as an apprentice in the furniture business. After mastering his trade, he left Lexington, to follow his trade as a journeyman in other places. He went to Cincinnati, working there for some time; from here, he came to Richmond, Kentucky; but, not being able to accomplish any thing, he left, and soon found his way back again to his native town. With the small capital of thirty dollars, he resolved to embark in business for himself; and, accordingly, opened a shop in the furniture business, on Broadway Street, in Lexington. Here he struggled along, encountering numerous obstacles, and meeting with many discouragements, until about the years 1836-7, that period of universal bankruptcy among merchants throughout the country, when he found himself about three thousand dollars in debt. With this heavy load to carry, in the depressed condition of trade on all sides, his future prospects did not look the most encouraging. But, taking heart, instead of being discouraged at the magnitude of the task before him, he set diligently to work to redeem himself from all obligations. In this work he was eminently successful; for, in ten years' time, he had not only paid every dollar of his indebtedness, but had accumulated ten thousand dollars clear profit, by his industry. With this increase of capital, he began to enlarge and extend his business, which continued to grow more and more extensive with each year. He changed his location, removing to Main Street, where he could have better accommodations for his increasing business, and finally removed to the spacious and commodious building now occupied by his enterprising sons, who have taken charge of their father's business.

When the war commenced, his sympathies were with the Union cause, and his sons entered the Union army; one of them, Charles Milward, losing his life in the defense of hiscountry. In 1865, after an active business life of nearly half a century, he purchased a farm near his native town, and decided to retire from business, leaving it in the hands of his sons, and seek the quiet and repose of a life in the country. In his politics, he was a member of the old Whig party up to the time of its disbandment and the organization of the Republican party, when he became an active supporter of that party. By his first wife, he had eleven children, of whom seven I have reached the age of maturity, and are honored members of society. He was remarried, in 1858, to Mrs. Keturah H. Grenell, daughter of Gov. Metcalfe. Two of his sons, Joseph and William, in partnership with a cousin, Joshua P. Shaw, are engaged in carrying on the original furniture business of their father in Lexington.

He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lexington, having joined it in 1834, and has always given his influence to the advancement and moral improvement of the community. Mr. Milward's path through life has been strewn with many difficulties, but, by his indefatigable industry and unbending determination, he has surmounted all obstacles, and may in his declining years look back with pride upon a career which is a shining example of what sterling integrity and perseverance may achieve, unaided by any brilliant inherent qualities or auspicious surroundings. He is a man of firm convictions and sound judgment; devoted to principle, he is always found on the side of justice, and his career has been marked by an unwavering adherence to right in all his transactions with his fellow-men.

 
MOSSMAN, ARCHIBALD
Past and Present of Hardin County, Iowa by William J. Moir. Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen, 1911; p.493-494

One of the leading farmers and stock men of Tipton township, Hardin county, and a man whom to know is to respect and confide in is Arch Mossman, who was born in Mercer county, Illinois, January 23, 1844. He is the son of George and Hannah (Brown) Mossman, an excellent family of the Sucker state, both natives of Virginia, where they spent their early lives, moving to La Porte County, Indiana. In 1850, they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, locating near Keithsburg, where Mr. Mossman followed his trade of blacksmith and also engaged in farming, having secured wild land in Illinois, where he cleared and improved. He became very comfortably established here and made his home here until 1854, when he moved to Hardin county, Iowa, and settled ten miles west of Eldora, in section 11, Tipton township. He obtained government land, bought and sold land for awhile, and made a success farming and stock raising, becoming well established and well known here, influential in the early days. He continued to reside on his farm until his death, on October 23, 1866, his wife dying in about 1888. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their family consisted of the following children: Eli, who married Louisa Van Etten and became a farmer in this county, is now deceased; Margaret lives in Mercer County, Illinois; Isaac is a retired furniture dealer, living in Portland, Oregon; George, who married Sarah Warington, became a farmer in Hardin County, Iowa, and is now deceased; Henry, who married Hester Southwick, is deceased; Samuel E., who was a farmer in this county, is now deceased; Arch, of this review; Andrew is farming in Tipton township, this county.

Arch Mossman, of this review, received only a limited education, but he has become a widely read man. He lived at home until his marriage, in March, 1874, to Julia Simplot, of Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Francis and Julia Simplot, the father a blacksmith who located at Iowa Falls, this state, and whose death occurred in about 1892; his widow is still living.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mossman; Lena May married Henry Palo, a farmer in Tipton township, this county, and they are the parents of four children, Harry, Cora, Frank and Willie; Frank Mossman married Daisy Wiseman, is living on a farm in this township, and they have one child, Barbara; Rosie Mossman married, on March 31, 1907, Henry Coomer, of Hardin County, the son of John and Matilda (Follet) Coomer, and his death occurred in 1897; his widow, who is now living in Wichita, KS and has one son, Loyd.

The wife of Mr. Mossman was called to her rest on October 16, 1909. She was an excellent woman and had many friends in this township.

After 1874 Mr. Mossman located on section 11, Tipton township, this county, and has lived here continuously to the present time, retiring from active work in 1908. He is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable land. He has always been a farmer and stock raiser and has been very successful. He has been a breeder of short-horn cattle, Poland-China hogs and draft horses, his fine stock always finding a very ready sale. He is loyal to Republican policies and has held very satisfactorily many of the township offices.

 

MOSSMAN, ELI COOK
History of Hardin County, Iowa Springfield, Ill: Union Publishing Company, 1883.
Pleasant Township

E. C. Mossman was born in Grayson County, Virginia on January 22, 1825. When four years of age, his parents moved to Centerville, Wayne County, Indiana, where they remained until 1839, when they went to Mercer County, Illinois. In 1850 he caught the "gold fever" and went to California, remaining there until 1852, when he returned to Mercer county, Ill., and was married, October 30, to Louisa VanEaton, who was born in Sangamon county, Ill., November 11, 1834.

In 1854 he came to Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 30, in Pleasant township, where he still lives, and has a nice farm, containing 150 acres, valued at $30 per acre. In February, 1856, he experienced religion, and joined the M. E. Church. Two years after his conversion, he was licensed to preach, which call he still follows. In 1864 he was ordained a minister of the gospel, and, the same year, left the M. E. Church, and united with the Free Methodist Church, and organized a church of that denomination in Concord Township, being the first of that denomination in the county. His early education was limited, having only attended school about two months, but, after his conversion, learned to read, and has, through his own exertions, acquired a good, practical education. In politics, Mr. M. has been identified with the Republican party, and at different times has held positions of trust in his township.

Mr. & Mrs. Mossman are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living:Albert L., born August 7, 1856; John C., November 17, 1858; Elmer, March 28, 1860; Orlando, April 6, 1862; Lucy A., March 24, 1864; Hannah B., June 5, 1866; Ida, June 27, 1874.

 

MOSSMAN, GEORGE
History of Hardin County, Iowa; Springfield, Ill: Union Publishing Company, 1883
Tipton Township

George Mossman was born in Grayson County, Virginia on July 28, 1804. He was married there in 1822 to Hannah Brown, who was born in Grayson County, Virginia on June 22, 1805. They afterward moved to Wayne County, Indiana, and then to LaPorte County, Indiana, and St. Joseph County, Indiana. At one time he owned the present site of LaPorte, Indiana, and built the first frame house in that town. He came to Tipton, Hardin County, Iowa in the fall of 1854, and the spring following entered land in this township. He took an active part in the organization of the Hardin County Agricultural Society, being its first President. He died October 22, 1870.

 

MOSSMAN, SAMUEL
Past and Present of Hardin County, Iowa by William J. Moir. Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen, 1911; p.590-592

Few citizens who have lived in Hardin county of recent years have left a more indelible imprint upon the minds and hearts of the people here than the late Samuel E. Mossman, for he was a good and useful man and never failed to do the right as he saw and understood the right, in all the relations of life.

Mr. Mossman was born November 15, 1841, in Mercer county, Illinois, and he was the son of George and Hannah (Brown) Mossman, the father a native of England and the mother of Virginia, and they spent most of their lives in Indiana, the father being a blacksmith by trade; they were the parents of thirteen children, Samuel E., of this review, having been the seventh in order of birth. He received his education in the common schools and grew up in Illinois, being sixteen years of age when he came to Hardin county, Iowa, with his parents. They found pioneer conditions here, there being at that time only two houses in what is now the city of Eldora. After remaining in that place a short time, they settled one-half mile east of Hubbard n a grove, later entering one hundred and sixty acres of land five miles northeast of Hubbard in Tipton township. Here the elder Mossman made a home and lived until his death.

Samuel E. Mossman lived at home until he enlisted in the Union army, November 15, 1862, in Company F, Thirty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, at Eldora, Iowa, under Captain Edgerton. He was sent to St. Louis and later served under General Sherman and he was in the Red River expedition, during which he fell ill. He served very faithfully for a period of three years and nine months, during which he saw some hard service and was in many tight places.

On August 10, 1865, Mr. Mossman married Margaret A. Hough, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1846, the daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Cravens) Hough, the former a native of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Westmoreland County, that state. They came to Eldora, Iowa, in the spring of 1856, locating on one hundred and ten acres of land in Pleasant township, three miles east of Hubbard and there remained many years. Mr. Hough was always a farmer and politically he was a Republican, and a member of the Presbyterian church, while his wife was a Methodist. They became well known here and were highly respected by all. Six children were born to them, namely: William F. was in Company B, Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh; Peter, who married Sarah Sweet, is farming at Miller, South Dakota; Christian is farming near Hubbard, Iowa; E. R., whose sketch appears on another page of this work, is also farming here; George is in the insurance business at Hubbard; Margaret A., wife of the subject, was the fourth child in order of birth.

To Mr. and Mrs. Mossman eight children were born, namely: Byron, born July 5, 1867, died February 2, 1908; William L., born February 19, 1869, died July 6, 1896; Eliza Ellen, born June 28, 1872, is the wife of William Thompson, a farmer and at present assessor of Tipton township, this county; they have two children, Edna and Wade; Frederick Clifford, born January 1, 1875, who is farming in Pleasant township, married Bertha Boylan and they have three children, Floy, Blanche and Ella; Isaac A., born February 16, 1878, married Lulu Conklin; they live in Pleasant township and have two sons, Lowell and Wendell; Jasper J., born October 13, 1880, married Lottie King; they live in Grant township, this county, and have one child, Bernice; Miner R., born May 6, 1883, is living on the old home place; he married May Sheldon and they have two sons, Patrick and Warren; Edna L., born September 24, 1885, is the wife of Elmer Ridout, of Ellis township, and they have three children, Derley, Russell and Burley.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mossman located on their farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres in Tipton township. The land was all wild at that time and it required lots of hard work to develop a farm from it, but Mr. Mossman was a hard worker and succeeded and he lived here until his death, June 15, 1900. He was an excellent citizen and highly honored by all who knew him. His widow remained in the place until 1907, when she moved to Hubbard, where she has since made her home. She still owns one hundred and five acres of the old home place, desides her neat and substantial home in Hubbard. She is a woman of many fine characteristics and has a host of friends here.

Mr. Mossman was assessor of Tipton township and held many other offices always with credit and satisfaction. He was a Republican. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also the Methodist Church, having belonged to the latter from the age of sixteen. He was a good and useful man and honored by all who knew him.

PAWLETT OR PAULETT, THOMAS
Encyclopedia of the Virginia Biography Vol. I, under the Editorial Supervision of Lyon Gardiner Tyler, LL.D p.112-113

Pawlett or Paulett, Thomas, was born about 1585. In Aug., 1618, he came in the ship "Neptune" to Virginia, where he settled in the present Charles City county, and was a member of the first house of burgesses, assembled July 30, 1619. In 1623 he was living at "West Shirley Hundred." He was appointed a commissioner (justice) for Charles City and Henrico counties in Feb., 1631-32, and was a member of the house of burgesses for Westover and Flower de Hundred in February of the following, and again for Charles City in Jan., 1639. He was commissioned member of the council Aug. 9, 1641, and retained his seat as a member of that body until his death in 1643.

On Jan 15, 1637, "Captain Thomas Pawlett" received a grant of 2,000 acres of land in Charles City county, at Westover, which was bounded on the south side by the river, east by the land of Capt. Perry, and west by Berkeley Hundred. this land was declared to be due to Capt. Pawlett for the "personal adventure" into the colony of himself and his brother, Chidock Paulett, and for his transportation of thirty-eight other persons. By his will, dated Jan. 12, 1644, he left Westover to his brother, Sir John Lord Pawlett, then living in Manchester county Southampton, England.

 
PILCHER, JOHN, SR.
Transcribed and contributed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Sangamon County; Vol. 2; Munsell Publishing Co. 1912, p.1523

Some families have given more than their share in service to their country, their representatives having risked life and limb in more than one of the mighty conflicts which have convulsed the nation. This is the case in the Pilcher family, of Springfield, for both the War of 1812 and the Civil War profited by the heroism and patriotism of its members. John Pilcher, Sr., of this city, is a man who gave of his best to his country, and his grandfather on the paternal side was a private in the War of 1812, surviving to spend a long and useful life in Kentucky, where he died. His wife survived him, coming to Illinois in 1824, when this State was still in a somewhat uncivilized condition. John Pilcher, Sr. was born in Springfield, March 13, 1842, a son of Moses and Mary E. (True) Pilcher. The father was born in Lexington, Ky., in April, 1800*, while the mother came of old Virginia stock. A carpenter, the father found employment at his trade upon his removal to Illinois in 1824, and during his long life there was an upright and honorable citizen, dying on October 16, 1866, firm in his religious faith.

John Pilcher Sr. was educated in the public schools of Springfield, and until he was eight years of age lived on a farm, but then removal was made to Springfield, which has since been his home. He, too, is a carpenter, having learned the trade from his father, and has been employed upon some of the most important buildings in the city. For the past six years he has also been associated with a steam dyeing plant, and in all his operations he has shown business sagacity that has resulted in ultimate success. Mr. Pilcher served in the First Cavalry for three months, being mustered out at Mound City, Ill., July 14, 1861, and September 23, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, being mustered out November 22, 1865 at San Antonio, Tex., and receiving his final discharge January 6, 1866. He participated in the battles of Prairie Grove, Little Rock, Mulligan Bend, Cotton Hill and Mobile, as well as others of less importance. He is now a member of Stephenson Post G. A. R., of Springfield. The Christian Church holds his membership, while he is a stanch Republican politically.

Mr. Pilcher was married in Springfield, October 26, 1866, to Mary E. Hurst, born in Jacksonville, Ill., March 19, 1850. She comes of one of the most prominent families in Morgan County. Mr. and Mrs. Pilcher became the parents of the following children: Lucilla, born June 24, 1870; John W., born May 7, 1876; Robert E., born December 29, 1878, and Clara May, born December 5, 1881. Mr. Pilcher is a man of excellent habits, who has always been a believer in temperance, and his devotion to his family is a matter of comment. Quiet and unostentatious, he has made many friends for himself by his attention to business and fair dealing.

*Note: Moses older brother Ezekiel was born 04 Jan 1800, believe Moses was born in 1802.

 
REEP, WILLIAM ISAIAH
Past and Present of Hardin County, Iowa; by William J. Moir. Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen, 1911.

An enumeration of those men of the present generation in Tipton Township, Hardin County, who have won honor and success for themselves and at the same time have benefited the locality to which they belong, would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of William Isaiah Reep, who has sustained an enviable reputation in agricultural circles.

Mr. Reep was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1846, the son of William B. and Jane (Titus) Reep, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they grew to maturity and married, Mr. Reep devoting his life to farming. In 1854 he moved with his family to Davenport, Iowa, and later to Rock Island County, Illinois, remaining there until about 1863, when he moved to LeClaire, Scott county, Iowa, and after remaining there three years moved to Chickasaw, this state, and bought a farm which he operated three years, then came to Hardin county, securing one hundred and sixty acres in section 3, Tipton township. Here he improved his place, established a good home and remained until his death, in 1883, hiw wife having preceded him to the grave in 1875. He was a Republican and active in politics. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. They were the parents of the following ten children: Lewis died of the measles in Arkansas in the early sixties while in the Union army; Henry lives at LeClaire, Iowa; Mary Ann is the widow of Isaac Barnhart, of Tipton Township, this county; WIlliam Isaiah, of this review; Amos lives at Des Moines, Iowa; Sarah Jane lives in Tipton township, this county; Fannie married Joseph Wagner and they live in South Dakota; Lavina was the wife of Luke Taylor, both of whom are deceased; a son died in infancy; Hannah was the youngest child.

William I. Reep received his education in the rural schools and grew up on the home farm. As a boy he had to work hard during the crop seasons and walk two and a half miles to school during the brief winter months. He remained at home until his marriage, on April 10, 1867, to Margaret Jane Hall, of Wabash County, Indiana, the daughter of Joseph N. and Susan (Shoe) Hall, the father a native of Maryland and the mother of Ohio. Moving from Ohio to Wabash County, Indiana, they lived there several years, then, in 1863, went to Mitchell county, Iowa, locating on wild land near Osage, where they established a good home and in 1866 went to Chickasaw County, Iowa, and located near North Washington, later moving to Beloit, Kansas, where they got a claim and where Mrs. Hall died. In 1868 Mr. Hall came to Hardin County, Iowa, where he lived until his death in 1886, having been a very successful farmer. He was a Republican and he and his wife belonged to the United Brethren church. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Eli died of smallpox during the Civil war; Martha, who married James Simpson, is deceased; John is farming nearing Portland, Oregon; George is farming in Ellis township, this county; Nicholas is farming at Sidney, Nebraska; Margaret Jane, wife of Mr. Reep; Julia, who married John Smith, is deceased; Hannah is the widow of Asa Meeker, of Tipton Township, this county; Sarah, who married James Rogers, is deceased.

Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reep, namely: Laura is the wife of Ora Axtell, of Ellis township, this county; Mary is the wife of Homer Clinton, of Seward County, North Dakota, and they had eight children, Eugene, Calvin, Millard, Rosetta, Morilla, George, Luc and one daughter deceased. William Reep, who is farming in Mitchell County, Iowa, married Mary Shrodes and they have four children. Belle Reep married John Wood, of Seard County, North Dakota, and they have one child, Maude; Jennie married Miner Riley, of Pleasant Township, this county, and they had eight children, Ralph, Clarence, Ray, Calvin (deceased), Ida, Lucile, Leah, Grace.

About 1868 Mr. and Mrs. Reep located in Ellis Township, Hardin County, where they remained one year, then moved to Tipton township, where they have since made their home. Mr. Reep owns sixty-eight acres in section 3. He pays special attention to raising blooded stock, short-horn cattle, Chester White and Duroc-Jersey Red hogs, also Morgan horses. He finds a very ready market for his excellent live stock.

Politically, Mr. Reep is a Republican and he has held some of the offices of his township. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, of which has been head of the Bible class for ten years and is active in church work.

 
RICHMAN / REICHMAN, BENJAMIN
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH by Warner, Beers & Co.; Chicago (1884)
Warwick Twp.

Benjamin Richman,, farmer, P. O. Tuscarawas, was born in Warwick Township, March 25, 1842, and is a son of Henry and Lucy Ann (Keffer) Richman, the latter a native of Pennsylvania, the former born in Mill Township, this county, both of German descent. Henry Richman was born in 1815, and in early life followed farming; he is still hale and hearty, in weight 210 pounds, and is yet able to perform a good day's work; he is residing in this county. Of his family of nine children, six are now living, our subject being the second. The survivors are all married, and with families, four residing in this township.

Our subject was reared on a farm, and obtained a common school education, and learned farming, which has formed his occupation through life. He devoted one year to the carpenter's trade, and in 1862, during the rebellion, enlisted in Company K, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry; participated in a number of battles; was hit by bullets in three engagements. and at the close of the war was honorably discharged. In 1866, he was united in marriage with Almira G., daughter of George W. Brown, of English descent, to which union have been born a family of six children, five of whom are living-Addison Sherman, George Otto, Henry Clay and Jennie May (twins), Warren Dell (deceased) and Axie Bell (twins). Mr. Richman owns 112 acres of rich, fertile land, all secured since his return from the ar my, and as a farmer has been generally successful. In politics, he is a Republican; for several years has been a School Director.

 
RIDDICK, COL. THOMAS FIVEASH
Annals of St. Louis in its Territorial Days From 1804 to 1821 by Frederic L. Billon; St. Louis, 1888

Col. Thomas Fiveash Riddick, son of Thomas Riddick and Fanny Fiveash, was born at Suffolk, Nansemond County, Virginia, June 5, 1781, and came to St. Louis about the time of the transfer of the country to the United States in 1804, and during the first fifteen years of his residence here, filled at various periods a number of public offices of trust, such as Assessor, clerk of the Common Pleas Court, Deputy Recorder of Land Titles, Secretary of the Board of Land Commissioners, Justice of the Peace, etc., etc., second President of the old Bank of Missouri Territory, succeeding Col. Augustus Choteau.

For twenty years Col. Riddick was an active, influential businessman of St. Louis, and was the principal originator of our Public School System. In 1826 an Alderman of the City.

In 1827 Col. Riddick removed to the Sulphur Springs, below the Maramec in Jefferson County, of which he was part of owner, and where he continued to reside until his death on January 15th, 1830, at the age of 48 years, 7 months and 10 days.

Col. Riddick was married in 1813*, at Lexington, Ky., to Miss Eliza, daughter of Charles Carr, Sen’r, and sister of William C. Carr, of St. Louis. He left at his death his widow, who survived him a number of years, two sons, Walter and Dabney, and two daughters, Virginia and Frances, who in Dec’r, 1834, were married at one ceremony by the Rev’d Mr. Chaderton, to Edward Brooks and Chas. P. Billon, both now dead, but the two widows still survive.

Note: Early marriage records of Fayette Co., KY indicate Riddick married Eliza Carr on 08 Aug 1812.

 
ROBISON, JAMES
1878 Lick Creek Twp., Van Buren Co., IA | Biographical Directory of Citizens
Contributed by Danny Robison (2007)

James Robison, farmer, Sec. 25; P.O. Birmingham; born in Wayne Co., Ohio, April 5, 1818; in 1834, moved to Harrison Co., Ohio; in 1839, to Van Buren Co., and settled on his present farm. He served his township one year as Trustee. Married Sarah A.Wilbur April 18, 1844; she was born in Campbell Co., Ky., July 21, 1825; have had eleven children, eight living--George W., Isaiah W., Lorena E., Lemira S., James T., Mary A., Sarah B. and William R. Members of the Presbyterian Church. He has 425 acres of land, valued at $8,500.

 
ROTH, ALBERT
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH by Warner, Beers & Co.; Chicago (1884)
Warwick Twp.

Albert E. Roth, merchant, Trenton, was born in Warwick Township, November 21, 1849. His parents, Christian and Sarah Matilda (Simmers) Roth. were natives of Pennsylvania and England respectively, the former being of German descent. Christian Roth came to this State with his father in 1822: was educated in this township, and twice married, having a family of fifteen children.

The subject of this sketch was the second child born of the last marriage.and was educated at the common schools of Warwick Township. In 1870. he engaged at clerking, being for six years in the employ of John Blattner in a general store. and in 1876 embarked in business for himself, and for two years was a merchant in general produce. He is now proprietor of a general store, and has a good business, being well patronized. He was united in marriage with Lottie, daughter of Benedict and Anna (Fry) Kaderly, natives of Switzerland. Two children 'have blessed this Union -Clarence and Emma Adella. Mrs. Roth is a member of the German Reformed, Mr. Roth of the Lutheran Church, the latter being Sexton of his church. In politics, Mr. Roth is a Democrat; has served as Assessor two terms. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 107, New Philadelphia.

 
ROTH, CHRISTIAN
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH by Warner, Beers & Co.; Chicago (1884)

Christian Roth, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Tuscarawas, was born in Northampton County, Penn., September 12, 1813, and is a son of C. and Elizabeth (Mussulman) Roth, both of German descent. His father, grand father and great-grandfather were farmers, the latter of whom was scalped by the Indians, and the grandfather was a Commodore in the navy, a native of Pennsylvania. Our subject's parents settled in Trenton, Ohio, in 1821, and bad a family of seven children, our subject being the second child; his education was derived from the subscription schools held in log schoolhouses, and he was reared to farming. He aided in the building of the Ohio Canal, at which he worked steadily for two years. He is now employed in farming and stock-raising, and is the owner of a fine farm of 184 acres of well-cultivated land.

On May 7, 1837, he was married to Nancy Ann Knaus, to which union were born six children, namely: Benjamin, a coal merchant; John (deceased); Sarah, wife of Samuel Dell; Louise (deceased); Mary Ann, wife of Peter Ferst, and Emanuel (deceased). Mrs. Roth died on April 19, 1846, and Mr. Roth formed a second union, November 19, 1846, marrying Sarah Matilda, daughter of Henry Simmers, of German descent, the latter an early settler of this county. From this union there resulted a family of nine children, of whom the eight living are Rufus, married and living in Trenton, Ohio; Albert, merchant in Trenton; Cyrus; Martha; Ellen, wife of Franklin Moyer, a farmer in this township; Christian (deceased); Alexander and Henry. Mr. Roth is a member of the Lutheran Church, to which he and his wife belong. He is a Democrat in politics; has filled the office of School Director and Township Trustee, many times having the unanimous vote of the county.

 
SAWVEL, ADAM
Historical Collection of Harrison County, OH by Charles A. Hannah; NY 1900

Of German descent; came from Pennsylvania and settled in Rumley township, Harrison county, Ohio, 1815; served in the Revolutionary War; had issue: Mary; Christina; Michael, and Jacob who was born in York county, Penn., 1780 resided in Adams county, Penn., where he remained until 1827 thence located in Rumley township; removed to Hillsboro, Texas, 1857, where he died.  He married Margaret Epley; had issue:  1. Michael, settled in Arkansas; 2. John; 3. Jacob who died in infancy; 4. Jonathan born in Adams county, Penn., Dec 17, 1826; settled in Rumley township; married (1) Jan 16, 1851, Lydia A. Arbaugh, died in Iowa, 1863, daughter of John and Rosanna Wentz Arbaugh; married (2) 1863, Sarah Shambaugh, daughter of Philip and Catherine Arbaugh Shambaugh; 5. Emanuel who settled in Iowa; 6. Jeremiah; 7. Johanna who settled in Iowa; 8. Rebecca who married Joseph Martin and settled in Vinton county, Ohio; 9. Amy who married Isaac Kimmel, and settled in Darke county, Ohio; 10. Elizabeth who married Adam Arbaugh and settled in Iowa; 11. Lydia who married _____ Dillin, and settled in Iowa; 12. Sarah Ann who married _____ Marrow, and settled in Iowa; 13. Mary A. who married ____ Reniker and settled in Iowa.

 
SCHLUP, SAMUEL
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH by Warner, Beers & Co.; Chicago (1884)
Goshen Township

Samuel Schlup, a wholesale dealer in wines and liquors, and dealer in cigars at West High street, New Philadelphia, is a native of Auburn Township; and son of Mrs. Schlup, who came to this county from Switzerland about 1845. He is a cooper by trade, but a farmer by occupation, and now resides in Wyandot County, Ohio. He married Annie Raiser, also a native of Switzerland, who died in 1860, aged about thirty-five years. She was the mother of seven children, five living.

Our subject was reared mostly in Wyandot County. He learned the carpenter trade while young, and worked at it for two years. He then went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and engaged in the liquor business, remaining there for ten years. In 1876, Mr. Schlup located in New Philadelphia, where he has since resided. He owns and occupies a two-story brick building, 21x70 feet in size, well stocked with foreign and domestic liquors. This is the only wholesale liquor house in Tuscarawas County, and Mr. Schlup has met with very good success in his business. Politically, he votes with the Democratic party.

 
SHAFER, ELISHA T.
History of Tuscarawas Co., OH by Warner, Beers & Co.; Chicago (1884)
Clay Township

Elisha T. Shaffer, a blacksmith of Gnadenhutton, was born in this county December 10, 1846, the son of Henry and Hannah (Romig) Shafer, both natives of this county also. Elisha was reared to the manual labor of the farm and was afforded opportunity to attend the district schools. He acquired his trade at Lock 17, and in 1863 ho was in the Sixth Ohio Independent Battery, working eight months of the two years he was in service in the Light Artillery, Western Division. At Atlanta, he struck with his foot an old shell on the battle field, which exploded and burned him severely, tearing the flesh from his right leg.

Mr. Shafer was married in 1870, to Julia German who was born in Germany, and crossed the ocean when a year old. They have had six children: Fannie, Mary (deceased), Nora, Anna, Arthur (deceased), and Harry. Mr. Shafer is a member of the Moravian Church. He is engaged in the general blacksmith business in partnership with John Petry who is a native of this county, and is the son of Peter Petry, who camp from Germany in 1830.

 
SHAMBAUGH, GEORGE
Ohio Valley Genealogies by Charles A. Hanna; NY, 1900

Born in Pennsylvania about 1745; died in Perry county, that State, 1827, son of George Shambaugh, a native of Germany, who emigrated to Pennsylvania; had issue:  1. George born in Perry county, Penn 1787; removed to Rumley township, Harrison county, Ohio, 1817, where he died Sept. 4, 1867; served in the War of 1812 and married in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown Wirt, a widow born 1777 who died about 1863; daughter of Michael Brown of German descent and had issue (Philip; Michael born in Perry county June 18, 1811 who died March 20 1863 and settled in Rumley township, married May 31, 1832 Hettie Hazlett born April 16, 1816 and died October 22, 1884 and had issue: i. James born March 5, 1833 who settled near New Rumley; ii. Elizabeth born Aug 1, 1834 who died in Iowa March 1864 and had married Abraham Fetroe; iii. Mary A. born July 27, 1836 who married John W. Finnicum of Rumley township; iv. Simon B. born Sept 7 1838 and died Oct 14, 1873; v. Adam H. born Sept 11, 1841 and married Mary Jane Scott, daughter of Samuel Scott of Rumley township; vi.  Charlotte born June 21, 1842 who died January 1879 and married in may 1873 Peter Overholt  who died February 1877; vii. Maria born August 22, 1844 who married on August 3, 1871 Harvey L. Thompson and settled in Archer township; viii. Jane born November 28 1846 who died October 30, 186; ix. John born October 13, 1848 who married Elizabeth Gutshall, daughter of Jacob Gutshall and settled near Des Moines, Iowa; x. Philip born February 18, 1851 who married March 15, 1881 Eliza Loretta Scott of New Rumley, daughter of John A. and Eliz Bivington Scott; 3. George; 4. Margaret who married Samuel Hazlett.

George's other children were: 2. Jacob who served in the Revolutionary War; 3. John; 4. Philip; 5. Mary; 6. Barbara; and 7. Catherine.

 
SHELDON, GEORGE W.
Past and Present of Hardin County, Iowa; by William J. Moir. Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen, 1911; p. 589-590

A man who possessed the respect and good will of all who knew him and was classed with the representative men of Hardin County, was the late George W. Sheldon, a man whom to know was to admire, for he led a most exemplary life and sought to do his full duty in all relations with his fellow men, being a man of honor, public spirit, charitable impulses and unswerving integrity and enterprise, consequently he is deserving of conspicuous mention in a history of his county along with other well known and worthy pioneers who did so much for the general upbuilding of the same.

Mr. Sheldon was born in Holmes County, Ohio, June 16, 1834, and he was the son of Thomas Sheldon and wife, a complete sketch of whom is to be found under the caption of T. J. Sheldon, appearing on another page of this work.

The subject attended the public schools in Ohio and he assisted with the general work about the home place until he was married, on November 4, 1854, to Aleva Sevilla Lohr, who was born in Holmes County, Ohio, June 20, 1834, the daughter of Henry and Eliza (Porter) Lohr, of the county mentioned above. Mr. Lohr was a tinner by trade and he spent his life in Ohio. He was twice married, his last wife being Rebecca Richardson, also of Holmes county, Ohio.

The following children constitute the family of the subject, two of whom are of the first union: Melissa A. married Walter Race, of Eldora township, this county; William H., who is farming in South Dakota, married Ada Biglow; Loretta J. married Jerry Hayden, of Jackson township, this county; Aleva Catherine died young; George D. is a merchant at Ratcliffe, Iowa; Leonard Lee is farming near Trenton, Nebraska; Ida May married Ralph Glidden, and they live near Ratcliffe, Iowa; John L. is farming in Hardin County, Iowa; Thomas L. is also farming in this county; Bertha Belle is at home.

It was about 1856 that Mr. Sheldon and his wife came to Hardin County, Iowa. They settled at Point Pleasant, Tipton township, when the country was new and undeveloped, and although they underwent many hardships and inconveniences, they persevered and succeeded. Later they bought a farm in Pleasant township and there they made their home until 1900, when they retired and moved to Hubbard, and there Mr. Sheldon lived until his death, on May 19, 1906. He had bought a neat and comfortable home there and had a small farm. His widow and daughter are living at Hubbard. He was very successful as a farmer and stock man and left a valuable estate to his family.

Politically, Mr. Sheldon was a Democrat, but he was not a politician. He was a member of the Methodist church, as is also his widow. No family in the county is held in higher esteem than the Sheldons, they having been prominent here from the days of the first settlers.

 
SHELDON, THOMAS J.
History of Hardin County, Iowa; Springfield, Ill: Union Publishing Company, 1883.
Tipton Township

T. J. Sheldon located at Point Pleasant in 1854, and engaged in general mercantile business; also engaged in farming. He remained in the mercantile business until 1858, when he removed to his farm on section 11, where he still resides.

T. J. Sheldon was born in Licking county, Ohio, August 31, 1828, where he received a common school education. In 1839 he came to Louisa county, Iowa, remaining a short time; thence overland to California, where he was engaged in mining two years. He then returned to Ohio, and after six months, once more went to California, where he spent two years.

In the fall of 1854 he came to Hardin county, and in the spring of 1855, opened the first store in Point Pleasant. In 1857 he turned his entire attention to farming, and now owns 1,400 acres in this county. He was one of the county commissioners during the county seat war. He was married November 1, 1856, to Miss Henrietta Majors, a native of Knox county, Ohio. They have nine children, all living.

 
SHELDON, THOMAS JEFFERSON
Past and Present of Hardin County, Iowa; by William J. Moir. Indianapolis: B. F. Bowen, 1911; p. 635-638

The subject of this review, a prominent and well-known early settler of Hardin County, now living in Eldora, was born in Licking County, Ohio, near Zanesville, August 31, 1828. His ancestors were pioneers in that country. His parents were Thomas J. and Huldah (Thorpe) Sheldon, both natives of New Jersey, where they were married. They settled in Ohio before the war of 1812, and the father entered the service from that state. They cleared up a timber farm in the wilderness. About 1831 they moved to Holmes County and opened up another timber farm and lived on it about eighteen years.

In 1849 Thomas J., of this sketch, came to Iowa, traveling the entire distance across the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois on foot, and arrived at the home of a married sister in Louisa County, Iowa. In the spring of 1850 five men started from his sister's home for California, by the "overland route," with an ox team and one cow. The entire summer was spent in crossing the plains, and the caravan arrived at Placerville, California, in the fall. Of course it is understood that the subject of this article was one of the five men in the party. He had but fifty cents in money, a meal cost a dollar, and there was no "trust"! But a sequel to this dilemma resulted from one of the party picking up an old broken-down horse abandoned to die and trading him for a set of mining tools. He and Sheldon went to the then new "diggin's" on Weaver Creek, and in time relieved their pressing needs. After working two weeks, and demonstrating that there was gold in sight, they hired out for five dollars a day, boarded themselves and slept in an old wagon box. Finally they built a cabin, but an extremely dry winter was upon them and they were unable to get water for their "washings," hence they were unable to accomplish much in the way of separating the gold from the refuse material with which it was mixed. Meeting an old schoolmate from Ohio, Mr. Sheldon was urged to join him for a trip to the Feather River country. At Sacramento they purchased two mules and loaded them with supplies and provisions, and spent a year mining on Feather River. They were well-equipped and lived well, having a tent for their home. They found an abandoned "diggin's" from which they took out one hundred and twenty-five dollars in a day, and many other days were nearly as profitable. But they tired of the rough life and isolation from friends, and at the end of a year returned to Ohio. Mr. Sheldon took about four thousand dollars home with him. But the spirit of adventure, combined with the "gold fever," was upon him, and after spending a few months at home, he again (in 1852) fitted out at St. Louis for another trip across the plains. There were four "Buckeyes" in this party. They went direct to the American River country, where the party took our five hundred dollars in a single day. They remained there a year, when they returned to Ohio, via the Nicarauga route, but returned again to the mining regions by way of the Panama route. The final return to the East was made in 1854, and the beautiful prairie country of Iowa was explored on the return.

Mr. Sheldon came to hardin county in November, 1854, his sister having remained here during all the family exploits in the mining country of the far West. He settled on the South Fork of the Iowa River, in Tipton Township, but soon thereafter located at Point Pleasant, where he built a log house and put up a log store building, and opened the first store in the place. From the first Mr. Sheldon took an active part in the public affairs of the new county, and was one of the most aggressive workers in the county-seat contest of the late fifties. The question was decided in favor of his town, Point Pleasant, and he at once took active part in the building of a court house, and otherwise providing for the "guest" whose prospective coming had cost him so much time and effort. But when it was sought to remove the records and other county property from Eldora to Point Pleasant, an injunction was filed which brought the matter into the courts, and Eldora still held the prize! Mr. Sheldon succeeded in selling out his stock of merchandise to advantage, and he engaged in farming his lands near the village of Point Pleasant, where he had entered eight hundred acres. This he divided into three farms, and considered himself "land poor" for many years. Finally he was able to make a few trades which brought him some ready cash, and this he used in stocking the balance of his land. He was one of the early stock farmers in that locality. In this business he was prosperous, and as a stock raiser, buyer and shipper, a business which he followed for more than thirty years, he became wealthy. His principal business during these years consisted of rearing, fattening and shipping cattle and hogs, the grain for this purpose being raised on his own farms. But he also carried on an extensive business as a buyer and shipper of live stock. He retired from farm life in 1890, and took up his home in Eldora, where he still lives, and owns a good farm nearby. Up to the time of locating in Iowa Mr. Sheldon was unmarried, his sister being his housekeeper for a time after locating in the Hawkeye state. He wrote a letter to his "girl" in Knox county, Ohio, and asked her if she "would like to come to Iowa and keep his house and live with him"! The reply soon came, in which she stated that she would have to see him again before deciding such a momentous question! (Sensible girl!) He adjusted his affairs and left for the old home place country, where he married Henrietta Majors, thus closing a "contract" which neither party has ever had occasion to regret having made! Nine children, who are now living, were born to this union, all being married and happily engaged in life's struggles on their own account. These are Isabella, who is the wife of John Lynn, of Thompson, Winnebago County, Iowa; Huldah R., who became the wife of Daniel Blair, of Hubbard, Iowa; Malinda A., wife of Frank I. Stowe, of Winnebago County; Evans Hayden Sheldon, a retired farmer living in Eldora; Thomas C., engaged in operating the parental farm in Eldora Township; William C., a farmer at Iowa Falls; Viola, wife of Lem. Harris, cashier of the Citizens Bank, Eldora; Frank, a farmer in Jackson Township, near Eldora, and John P., who owns the old home farm near Point Pleasant.

Mr. Sheldon has been an active Democrat in political affiliations and now stands with the "progressives" on questions of internal politics. Throughout his extensive business and political career he has come in contact with the people in every sphere of human effort. He is a reader of men, as well as of current literature, and is thoroughly well informed. He has served as a member of the county board of supervisors, as justice of the peace, etc., and is the present Democratic candidate for the office of county treasurer. In point of religious affiliations, Mr. Sheldon has been a member of the Baptist church for thirty-five years. The "would-be" court house at Point Pleasant was merged into a house of worship, and in this building, erected for an entirely different purpose, several early church organizations held their services.

 
SLAYBACK, LEVI
Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, 1888, pp. 612-613

Levi Slayback of Sheffield Township, is a worthy representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of Tippecanoe County. The Slayback family were originally from Holland, three brothers, one of whom was the great-grandfather of our subject, having emigrated from that country to America before the Revolutionary war. The father of our subject, Levi Slayback, Sr., was a son of William Slayback and was born in 1789 at Trenton, New Jersey, and lived there until reaching manhood. He then removed with his father's family to Lexington, Kentucky, the object of their removal being to save their slaves, as New Jersey had recently passed a gradual emancipation act. The family lived in Kentucky many years, and there became acquainted with the great Kentucky statesman, Henry Clay, for whom Levi Slayback, Sr., worked many a day.

William Slayback removed from Kentucky to Hamilton County, Ohio, while his son Levi was still a young man, where the family settled on a large tract of land containing about 1,200 acres, where they improved a large farm, spending many years on the frontier. Both William and his son Levi Slayback, were fond of fishing and hunting, and the chief cause in coming to Indiana was so they might enjoy the pleasures of frontier life once more. In 1827 they came to Tippecanoe County, William being then quite an old man. His wife died many years before they came to Indiana, and he continued to live with his children until his death, which occurred at Thorntown, Boone County, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. On coming to the county in 1827 Levi entered land in Sheffield Township, which is now occupied by his son Levi, the subject of this sketch, and also entered a half section in Montgomery County. They returned to Ohio the same year, and in 1832 made a permanent settlement in Tippecanoe County. William Slayback reared a family of seven children, all of whom married and had families of their own, and all finally became residents of Indiana.

Levi Slayback, Sr., was married in Hamilton County, Ohio, to Miss Dorcas Andrews, a native of Ohio, and to them were born twelve children, all natives of Ohio. Ten of the children accompanied the parents to Tippecanoe County, and the following year a married son and daughter came. Levi settled on the land in this county entered by him in 1827, which was a beautiful prairie farm, and here he made his home until his death. Mr. Slayback was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was a representative citizen, and one of the well known pioneers of Tippecanoe County. In politics he was a Jackson Democrat, and in religion a Baptist, both he and his wife being faithful and consistent members of that church for many years. He died July 16, 1855, in Richland County, Wisconsin, where he had gone in the interests of his children. His widow survived him until the year 1870. Eight of their children are yet living--Abel, Alsha, Ann, Amanda, Levi, Wilson T., Phoebe and Caroline. Guittee, Hezekiah and William, the three eldest children, and Jane, the sixth child, are deceased.

Levi Slayback, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on the homestead farm, which he now owns and occupies, from his sixth year, and after the death of his father he purchased the interests of the heirs in the farm. He has grown up with the township wherein he resides, and has done his part toward developing its material resources, and is numbered among the enterprising and public-spirited men of the county. His farm which contains 200 acres of choice land, is one of the finest on Wild-cat Prairie or elsewhere. He has here a fine brick residence, erected in 1868, where he and his family are surrounded with all the necessary comforts of life, and everything about the places betokens care and thrift. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Catherine Vance, was born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1832, a daughter of John and Mary (Stinespring) Vance, her father being a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of Ohio. In her childhood she was taken by her parents to Clinton County, Indiana, where she was reared. Her mother died in Clinton County many years ago, and her father subsequently married Miss Sarah Martz, by whom he has three daughters: Elizabeth, widow of Isaac Lambert, residing in Decatur, Illinois; Melinda, wife of James Hays of Madison County, Iowa; and Lydia, wife of Joseph Barnes of Wellington, Kansas. Mr. Vance is now living in Decatur, IL being in his eighty-first year. By his first marriage he had seven children, of whom one son died in infancy. The six who reached maturity are as follows: Nathaniel, living in Huntington, Indiana; John, of DeWitt County, Illinois; Sarah Catherine, wife of our subject, died December 31, 1887; Eliza married Ira Mattix and died in 1880; Susan, wife of William Shifferd, now of DeWitt County, Illinois; and Mary, who married Wilson T. Slayback, brother of our subject, and died in the spring of 1880.

To Mr. and Mrs. Slayback were born nine children, but five now living: Emma Keturah, Kosta, Alice May, Marvin Vance, and Minnie Aurelia. Their four eldest children died of scarlet fever, their names being as follows: Emit Lerondo, Leona Ann, Sally Jinks and Narrell. In politics Mr. Slayback is a Democrat, having cast his first presidential vote in 1848 for Lewis Cass.

 
STAGG, HANNAH (DAVIS)
Encyclopedia of the History of St. Louis, The Southern History Co., 1899

Stagg, Hannah Isabella, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, daughter of John and Hannah Davis. Her parents were worthy members of the Society of Friends, whose place of nativity was Bedford County, Virginia, from which they removed to Cincinnati when that place 'w-asa small village on the western border-line of civilization. Her father engaged in merchandising and assisted in laying the foundations on which the Ohio village afterward rose to the honor and eminence of the "Queen City of the West." At Cincinnati Mrs. Stagg was educated under the tutorage of a private teacher and at the school of Mrs. Mary Tallant, and there, too, she was married, in the year 1842, to Henry Stagg.

Shortly after their marriage they came to St. Louis, Mr. Stagg engaging in the business of financial and insurance agent, and Mrs. Stagg entering at once into the active charitable and church work which has since been, in large measure, the occupation of her life. Mrs. Stagg maintained his agency business until his death, in the year 1887. Mrs. Stagg was prompt to take part in enterprises in which she could do most good, and her zeal and intelligence in counsel and action soon caused her to be recognized as a leader among other good women in the work of building up the churches and charitable institutions of St. Louis. When the Civil War broke out she took a firm stand on the Union side, although it involved a severance of the ties that bound her to many Southern friends, and when an organized effort was called for to make provision for the sick and wounded soldiers in St. Louis, Mrs. Stagg became a charter member of the Ladies' Union Aid Society, formed at the suggestion of Mrs. John C. Fremont after the battle of Wilson's Creek, in which General Nathaniel Lyon lost his life. Throughout the trying period that followed she was one of the most active workers in this organization, and in 1864 she served as a member of the executive' committee, under whose admirable and efficient supervision and management the great Mississippi Valley Sanitary Fair was held in St. Louis. The purpose of this fair was to raise funds with which to provide for the better care of the disabled sick and suffering Union soldiers, and it was owing to the active sympathy and liberality of the people of St. Louis, directed by the intelligent and patriotic women of the Ladies' Union Aid Society, that the enterprise proved so great a success. When the restoration of peace relieved the patriotic women of their duties and responsibilities as auxiliaries of the Union Army, Mrs. Stagg turned her attention again to church and charitable work. She has been a member of the board of managers of the St. Louis Protestant Orphan Asylum for more than forty years, and for several years has filled the office of secretary of the board. All enterprises and reforms that sought to improve the condition of the weak and unfortunate could claim her sympathy and enlist her assistance, and in many of these she is gratefully remembered.

Mrs. Stagg became a resident of St. Louis when it was a small city, located in what was at that time considered the "Far West." and when Indians were a common sight on the streets, though their hostility never took a more dangerous form than appropriating articles that excited their barbaric fancy. The western limit of the city was Seventh Street, beyond which were forests and farms. She has witnessed its amazing growth and shared its trials of flood and fire, of war and pestilence. She remembers the great flood of 1844, when the river rose to a greater height than it has ever reached since; and the double calamity of fire and scourge in the year 1849, when the conflagration on the levee and in the harbor was followed by a visitation of cholera, which decimated the population.

She has a vivid remembrance of the tragic events in the history of the city - the falling of Laclede Hall and the disaster at the Gasconade bridge; and on the other hand, she has pleasant memories of happier things - the opening of Shaw's Garden to the public, the dedication of Forest Park and the other parks, and the building of the Eads bridge. She has been contemporary with many whose names are associated with the growth and prestige of the city-of men who have advanced its manufacturing interests, built its churches, estab1ished its schools and founded its libraries and charities; and she has been associated with women whose graces and culture have adorned our social life, and whose names are imbedded in the history of our benevolent institutions. She has been a dose observer and student of events in which she took part, and when she indulges in reminiscences of the more than fifty years which she has lived in St. Louis it is equally a charm and a profit to listen to her. She has been an active writer all her life, and the productions of her pen betray the woman of wide observation, culture and taste. In church work she was associated with Rev. T. M. Post, the Congregational clergyman so well known and warmly esteemed in his life time for his benign character and scholarly attainments, and some of her most pleasant recollections are connected with this association.

Of the five children born to Mrs. Stagg, two were living in 1898 - Virginia Isabella Stagg, wife of M. S. Forbes, of St. Louis; and William Lewis Stagg, a resident of Springfield, Illinois.

 
STAGG, HENRY
Saint Louis: The Future Great City of the World : with Biographical Sketches of the Representative Men and Women of St. Louis and Missouri by L. U. Reavis, C. R. Barns, 1876.

Henry Stagg is one of our oldest and most respected citizens. He was born in Cincinnati, December 5, 1819. His father, Daniel Stagg, from New York, and his mother, from New Jersey, were early settlers in that city, having arrived there about the year 1812.

Before he had reached manhood, Mr. Stagg entered the General Agency Office of the Protection Insurance Company of Hartfort, under the management of Ephraim Bobbins, one of the most cultivated men of his day. Mr. Stagg became the head clerk and book-keeper of this establishment, which position he filled for a number of years, until in December 1842, he came to St. Louis, accompanied by his bride, the daughter of John Davis, a member of the Society of Friends, and a highly estimed citizen of the Queen City. On his arrival, Mr. Stagg opened an agency office of the old "Protection" of Hartford, and commenced the business of fire and marine insurance. He was also agent for the Aetna, Fire Insurance Company, of Hartford, and with these two popular companies, did a large and flourishing business for a number of years. In 1848, when life insurance was comparatively new, he was appointed agent for the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company of Hartford, which company he faithfully represented for fifteen years, doing a large business. And it may be said that Mr. Stagg is justly entitled to the honor of being the pioneer agent for fire, marine and life and insurance in St. Louis.

In 1859, Mr. Stagg formed a partnership with his brother Warren, in the business of financial brokerage; and. by their strict fidelity and prompt attention to business, secured the confidence of capitalists and of the community. In consequence, they were enabled to loan millions of dollars on real estate and other first-class securities.

Mr. "Warren Stagg met a sudden death by accidental drowning at Helena, Arkansas, in September 1864; since his death Mr. Henry Stagg has continued the business of financial brokerage, under the old firm name of "Stagg & Brother."

In 1864, Mr. Stagg was elected by the Republicans a member of theCity Council from the Seventh Ward, and was chairman of the delegation from that body, that was appointed to attend the funeral of President Lincoln at Springfield, Illinois, in the spring of 1865.

Mr. Stagg is a gentleman ofculture and refinemeut, which, coupled with his genial manners and the warmth of his attachment towards friends, have secured for him a high place in the affections and esteem of his circle of acquaintances. His heart is ever in sympathy with the sorrows of the unfortunate, and his hand ever ready to contribute to the alleviation of distress. But perhaps the richest and most beautiful traits of his character are his strong domestic sentiments and habits, which impel him to seek his highest happiness in the family circle, and render him its joy and its light.

Mr. Stagg is a man of strong and clear convictions, which are the result of independent thought and careful study. Reverential and conscientious in his nature, he is naturally religious in his tendencies; yet he forms his religious opinions for himself, being careful only to be right, without regard to the general or popular beliefs, and is satisfied with his religious views only when they are in accord with his own highest convictions of truth.

 
TEBBETTS, LEWIS BATES
Various Compiled Clippings

L.B. Tebbetts, who is vice-president and treasurer of the Mansur & Tebbetts Company, was born in New Hampshire in 1834, and removed to Lowell, Massachusetts, when ten years of age, where he was educated. he resided in Lowell until he reached his majority and then removed to Baltimore. He returned to Lowell, where he married in 1856, after which he removed to Baltimore, where he successfully engaged in the foundry and machine business until nineteen years ago, at which time he removed to St. Louis, and entered the firm which is still prominently identified. Mr. Tebbetts is today a director in the Continental National Bank, and is also president of the St. Louis Traffic Commission.

The Mansur & Tebbetts Implement Company is the successor to the old and well-known firm of Deere, Mansur & Co., and their St. Louis headquarters are at Tenth and Spruce streest, where extensive salesrooms and warehouses occupy a spacious and elegantly finished building. The company as now exisiting was incorporated on September 1, 1839, and it has a capital stock of $250,000, with a surplus of about the same amount. The following are the officers: President, A. Mansur; vice-president and treasurer, L.B. Tebbetts; secretary, G.S. Tebbetts. The company is extensively engaged in manufacturing and dealing in farm machinery and vehicles, carriages and buggies, and to conduct the business of the concern rewquires, in addition to the central house and many agencies throughout the country, branch houses at Dallas, Texas, and Nashville Tennesee, and their shipping facilities are unexcelled, requiring three tracks running to their immense St. Louis warehouses, with a capacity of twenty cars, from which goods are shipped in enormous quantitites throughout the West, South, Southwest, East and North. One of the founders of this house, A. Mansur, organized the first jobbing house in the West for the sale of agricultural implements, at Kansas City, twenty-five years ago. A branch of that house was established in St. Louis nineteen years ago.

 
THOMPSON, WILLIAM R.
History of Hardin County, Iowa; Springfield, Ill: Union Publishing Company, 1883
Tipton Township

To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy persistence, the unswerving perseverance and the wide economy which so prominently characterize the farming element of the Hawkeye state. Among this class may be mentioned William R. Thompson, who, by reason of years of defatigable labor and honest effort, has not only acquired a well merited material prosperity, but has also richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he is associated, as is shown by the fact that he has been entrusted with important official positions, the duties of which he has most faithfully and ably discharged, thus eminently meriting the high esteem in which he is universally held.

Mr. Thompson was born on September 5, 1868, in Pleasant township, Hardin county, Iowa. He is the son of Matthew and Louisa (Ray) Thompson, the father born in Steubenville, Ohio, and the mother at Blandinville, Missouri. The paternal grandfather came to America from Ireland in an early day. His son Matthew came to Sangamon county, Illinois, when he was a young man and was living there at the time of his marriage. He came to Hardin county, Iowa, in 1863 and bought a farm two miles north of where the town of Lawn Hill now stands, paying fifteen dollars per acre, most of the land being yet unbroken prairie, and the land in the vicinity of the present town of Hubbard was supposed to be worthless in that day. Mr. Thompson began life here as a pioneer and underwent the usual hardships incident to the lives of first settlers. He was a hard worker, a man of rare foresight and business ability, and, prospering from year to year, became the own of two hundred and twenty acres and he has lived there to the present day, having developed one of the best farms in the township. He has been instrumental in the upbuilding of his community and is well known and highly respected throughout this part of the county. There are five children in his family, namely: Mary, who married John Wasson, lives east of Point Pleasant about a mile; William R., of this review; Annabelle married George Ellerding and they live at Lawn Hill; Edward is on the old homestead with his father; Maggie is a teacher in the city schools at Marshalltown. The wife and mother was called to her rest in June, 1911, after a long and mutually happy wedded life. She was a woman of many estimable characteristics.

William R. Thompson grew to maturity on the home farm and assisted in developing the same during the summer months, attending the common schools in the winter time until he was twenty years of age. When about twenty-two years old he rented land near the home farm and began farming for himself in a small way. He continued renting land until he was twenty-five years old, getting a good start in the meantime.

Mr. Thompson was married on September 1, 1894, to Eliza Mossman, daughter of Samuel E. and Margaret A. Mossman, an excellent family of this county, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. After his marriage Mr. Thompson continued to rent land two years longer, then bought eighty acres in Tipton township. After living there five years he sold it and bought the excellent farm where he now resides, four miles north of Hubbard, his place consisting of three hundred and thirty acres, all well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He has a very productive and desirable farm, on which stand an attractive and comfortable home and substantial and convenient outbuildings. In connection with general farming he raises various kinds of live stock. He has been very successful and is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished, for it has been done in an honest manner, through hard work and good management. When he married he had four "plug" horses, two cows, no farming machinery of his own, in fact very little to show material wealth. But being persistent along modern and approved methods of farming, he has reaped large rewards, adding to his original purchase from time to time and keeping his acres well tilled and well improved.

Politically, Mr. Thompson is a Republican and is always loyal to his party. He has been assessor of Tipton township for a period of twelve years, which is evidence enough of his high standing in the township. He has filled the office in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Hubbard and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. And Mrs. Thompson have two children, Edna and Wade.

 
THOMSON, DR, METHVEN S.
Biographical Souvenir of the States of Georgia and Florida, F.A. Battey & Co., 1889

Dr. M.S. THOMSON was born January, 7, 1815, in Perthshire, Scot1and, and came to this country in 1836. His parents remained in Scotland until their death, which occurred during our civil war. On his arrival in this country the doctor had but three cents, in British coin. His first permanent business was as clerk in a drug store in Augusta, Ga. He began the study of medicine in his native country, and while on board ship volunteered his professional services whenever needed, and cured an epidemic of dysentery among crew and passengers. After practicing in several different places he moved to Macon in 1841, and since that date has resided there.

He was married in 1848 to Miss Mary, daughter of A. R. Freeman, of Macon, and of the four children born to them two died in infancy. Those yet living are Thomas F. and Mary Eunice. The former is cashier in a national bank in Savannah, Ga., and is an excellent business man. He married Miss Maggie Meldrim, of Savannah, and to them have been born six children - Ralph, Thomas, Robert, Edward, Maggie and Meldrim. He and his wife are members or the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mary Eunice is the wife of William H. Whitehead, of Macon, and they are the parents of six children - WiIlie, Eunice, Henry, John, Mary and Kittie. Mrs. Whitehead is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Few men have been more successful in business than Doctor Thomson, the subject of this sketch. Before he was in this country long he was paying tax on $100,000 worth of property, in land, houses, slaves, etc. War came on, and many persons were owing him, and his property was destroyed by fire, and as he never sued anyone, his exchequer grew gradually low. Since the war, however, he has been accumulating wealth, mainly by his practice, being a remarkably successful man in business affairs. In 1879 the doctor burst an artery in the popliteal space, producing an aneurysm. An attempt was made to arrest that by a ligature of the artery in the middle third of the femoral, which destroyed the circulation in the foot. Mortification soon followed, making an amputation below the knee necessary. It is needless to say his sufferings were very great. During his convalescence he read a great deal, thus injuring his eyes, producing cataract on both. .His eyes were operated on, but the sight is entirely gone in the left one. In 1883 he became paralyzed. At present he is in a very good state of general health, and says he has plenty even yet for which to be thankful. Notwithstanding his affliction there are few persons who carry more sunshine, or show more christian patience and resignation under severe affliction than does the doctor. He was bereaved by the death of his wife, which occurred January 26,1887, in her sixty-fourth year. She was a loving wife and mother, and an earnest Christian - a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Thomson was elected mayor of the city three times, about the time the war opened. He has been a member of the .Methodist Episcopal Church for the past fifty years. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F.

 
TROUTMAN, JOHN E.
Pictorial story of America, special edition for Fulton County, Indiana by Elia Peattie, 1896

Born in Fulton County, Ind., April 17, 1851, is a son of John and Amanda (Blandin) Troutman. The father was born in 1828 in Kentucky. He died in Fulton County, Ind., in 1851. He was a son of Ambrose Troutman, also a native of Kentucky, and a son of Michael Troutman,who was born in Germany and emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where he died. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in 1830, in New York and died in Fulton County, Ind., in 1875. She was a daughter of Jesse and Maria Blandin, who were of German lineage. Her parents removed from New York to Ohio, thence to Indiana, settling in Fulton County, near Leiter's Ford in 1840. Ambrose Troutman, the paternal grandfather of J.E. Troutman, removed from Kentucky to Attica, Ind., in 1828. In 1839 he settled in Fulton County, near Kewanna.

The marriage of John Troutman and Amanda Blandin occurred in Fulton County. The subject of this mention is their only child. His father died in the same year the son was born. His mother remained on the farm and the management of the farm was assumed by John E. when he was but eleven years of age. His mother's second husband was William Mossman, who served in the civil war for four years. During his absence, while in the service, John E. took charge of the farm. Hard work and perseverance, therefore, he shared very early in life. He had but little time for going to school, but attended the country schools a little and while at home by the fireside he applied himself to his books, and at the age of twenty years he became a teacher in the district schools. For twenty-three years he taught in the schools of Fulton County. He has always had farm interests and lived on the farm till 1886, when he became a resident of Rochester. He was elected justice of the peace in 1884, but on removing to Rochester he resigned the office. In 1894 he was elected justice of the peace again and is the present incumbent of that office. He is a republican in politics, is a member of the Evangelical church of Rochester, member of the order of Red Men and of the I.O.O.F. In 1884 Mr. Troutman married Malina Neff, of Fulton County. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Troutman have two children: Chloe and Earl.

 
TRUSHEL, JOHN
Historical Collection of Harrison County, OH by Charles A. Hannah; NY 1900

Born 1802; died 1884; son of Solomon Trushel, an old settler in Harrison county, Ohio; m. Frances Little, b. 1796; d. 1876; had issue: 1. Solomon; 2. Eli, settled in Tuscarawas county, Ohio; 3. Peter, settled in north township; 4. David, settled in Carroll county; 5. William; 6. Valentine, b. Oct 17, 1846; settled in North township;m. 1875, Rebecca Stearns, daughter of William and Susan Stearns, of Carroll county, Ohio; 7. Abraham; 8. Joshua; 9. Mahala; 10. Elizabeth, m. James Morgan, of Carroll county; 11. Susanne; 12. Mary, m. Thomas Rea, of Monroe township; 13. Sarah.

 


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