USA > Ohio > Fulton County > A standard history of Fulton County, Ohio, an authentic narrative of the past, with an extended survey of modern developments in the progress of town and county, Vol. II > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76
ATTENTION: BAR CODE IS LOCATED INSIDE OF BOOK!
.
SEN
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
ยท
https://archive.org/details/standardhistoryo02reig
EN
7 ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02395 1400
L
Gc 977.101 F95r v.2 Reighard, Frank H. Standard history of Fulton County, Ohio
A Standard History
Fulton County, Ohio OF
An Authentic Narrative of the Past, with an Extended Survey of Modern Developments in the Progress of Town and County.
Under the Editorial Supervision of FRANK H. REIGHARD
Assisted by a Board of Advisory Editors
VOL. II
ILLUSTRATED
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY CHICAGO AND NEW YORK 1920
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
1131960
1
7
History of Fulton County
DR. ESTELL H. RORICK. It was September 1, 1842, that Dr. Estell H. Rorick of Fayette began his earthly career in Seneca, Michigan. He is a son of William and Phoebe (Bress) Rorick, the father from New Jersey and the mother from York state. The young man was reared on a farm in Lenawee county, and in 1867 he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor as a student in the medical department there.
The Rorick family history began in Michigan with the coming of William Rorick in 1836, and he owned a great deal of land in Lenawee county. He was in position to give superior educational advantages to his children, and when the Doctor was sixteen years old he attended the Medina, Michigan, academy. He later attended college at Kalamazoo, but lacking funds to continue at the time he engaged in teaching for two years. At Medina young Rorick formed the acquaintance of Doctor Weed, and it was through his influence that the young man decided to study medicine and surgery.
In 1864 the young man joined the staff of Doctor Weed, who was then an army surgeon, and he assisted the surgeon until the end of the Civil war. It was after the close of the war that he entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, and in 1869 he graduated with honor from that institution. Doctor Rorick began the practice of medicine at Spring Hill (Tedrow), but three years later he sold the practice and located at Fayette. He made a financial success of the practice of medicine, and he contributed much to the success of the Fayette College. A student of the college afterward wrote: "Those school days in the Fayette Normal back in the '80s are never to be forgotten," and Doctor Rorick is mentioned with others who helped to establish a school that would be worth while to those who attended it.
Doctor Rorick is identified with many of the business interests of Fayette. Since 1896 he has discontinued the practice of medicine, giving his entire time to business enterprises. He is a stockholder and director in the Farmers State Bank, and he owns considerable real estate in the community.
On August 20, 1868, Doctor Rorick married Mary P. Acker. She was a daughter of George and Minerva (Cottrell) Acker. Like her mother, she is a native of Gorham, while her father came from Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. The Ackers and Cottrells were among the pioneers of Fulton county. The grandparents were George and Lydia (Holbern) Acker, and Rea and Harriet (Stevens) Cottrell.
The children born to Dr. and Mrs. Rorick are: Clark Chappell, who died at the age of eight years; Georgia Agnes, who died at the age of twenty ; and Mabel Acker, who is the wife of F. T. Sullivan, of Fayette. While. Doctor Rorick has not been an active politician, when Governor Willis was elected in Ohio he named him as a mem- ber of the state board of administration with authority to manage
3
4
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY
the state institutions. For nine years he had been superintendent of, the Athens State Hospital, and it was here that he displayed execu- tive ability. It was at Athens that the Doctor had his first personal knowledge of the institutional life of Ohio.
While serving as a member of the state board of administration Doctor Rorick had opportunity of observation, and at his behest wards of the state were sometimes changed from one institution to another. Sometimes a prisoner was transferred to a hospital, and a hospital patient placed in prison -- the confinement best adapted to the needs in the case. A newspaper clipping says: "Dr. E. H Rorick has been a friend to the young inan, and many a boy owes his success in life to some word of encouragement or a start given him by Doctor Rorick."
While in his young manhood Doctor Rorick stood ready to do anything necessary to help himself along, and when he needed money he worked in a brick yard for it. There were frequent jump- ing contests and his strong physique enabled him to win, having one time covered forty-one feet and eight inches at two hops and a jump and he won thirty dollars in cash in that way. Many honors have been accorded Doctor Rorick in connection with the institu- tional life of Ohio, but a friend sums it all up by saying: "The Doctor Rorick that will longest be remembered is that smiling, cheerful, kind physician who gave lectures on physiology and anat- omy to the classes of the old Normal School, who cured the boys and girls of their aches and pains, and broke up some of the worst cases of homesickness. Who inspired them to be something and do some thing in the world. Who with friendly help and kind words piloted the boys and girls who came under his influence, through the dark clouds of discouragement."
Doctor Rorick and his wife came much into contact with the students of Fayette College, and since the "thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts," they will be remembered for many years to come by some of those in whom they manifested a friendly inter- est. In contrasting present day conditions with the time when he began the practice of medicine, Doctor Rorick says: "You have only to remember that within this time the fever thermometer came into use. The temperature used to be estimated by the rapidity of the pulse and the touch of the skin. The appearance of the tongue in those days was a great indicator of what was going on internally. A hypodermic syringe was not in use for many years, and the antitoxin and serum treatments had not been thoughit of in those days.
"Bleeding for penumonia and typhoid fever was still in vogue, but this method of treatment was becoming obsolete, and the fever patient was allowed water and milk to drink. Pneumonia was sup- posed to originate always from taking cold. Malaria was a poison floating about causing fever and ague. The mosquito had not yet been discovered as an agency for the distribution of malaria and fever." The review of such a life covering a long period of years is indced a revelation.
Some one writing of the man says: "The great secret of Doctor Rorick's success lies in the fact that he makes no distinction between individuals. He has the same hearty hand-shake, the same warm smile, the same cheerful word for all alike," and when one has spent more than half a century in one community the people know all about him. Quoting again: "There are none who know Doctor Rorick as well as Fayette people. He has never sought other resi- dence and has not often left the town since he first came among us."
1
mary P. Porick
5
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY
JOSIAH COLLINS PAXSON. In looking back to the time when choice was made of a career in which they have become eminently successful, there are many men who are led to marvel at the youth- ful courage that then inspired them. In every line of useful effort there has always been so much to learn, and so often opportunity has been obscure and finances insufficient, and without this vitalizing- youthful courage ready to meet and overcome difficulties, the result might often been far different. Among the representative profes- sional men of Wauseon are those who have earned their own way to success and foremost among these is Josiah Collins Paxson, who is senior member of the prominent law firm of Paxson & Canfield.
Mr. Paxson was born in Chesterfield township, Fulton county, Ohio, May 27, 1866. His parents were John and Rebecca (Mason) Paxson. The English ancestors located in the northern part of Delaware. From there in 1845 the father came to Fulton county, going to Buffalo, New York, and whence by boat to Toledo, Ohio. He set up a woodworking shop near West Unity, and is said to have made the first coffin and the first wagon ever built west of Maumee. Later he settled on a farm in Chesterfield township, Fulton county, and there his life closed in December, 1894, a man respected by all who knew him. The mother of Mr. Paxson passed away in 1888. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters.
Josiah Collins Paxson was reared on his father's farm and assisted in its work during the summers and attended the country schools during the winter seasons. With a definite end in view Mr. Paxson so managed his affairs that he was able to enter the Fayette Normal College, from which he was graduated with credit in 1892, when he entered upon the study of law in the office of M. B. Cottrell at Delta, Ohio, completing his law course in the Ohio Northern Uni- versity, from which he was graduated in 1897. He immediately entered upon the practice of his profession at Delta, where he con- tinued until 1902, when he came to Wauseon, where he has been engaged in the general practice of law ever since.
In 1890 Mr. Paxson was married to Miss Mary Hallett, who died in November, 1907. She was a daughter of Ephraim and Lydia (Hall) Hallett, of Wauseon. Two children were born to that mar- riage, Florence and Edwin Lewis. The daughter is the wife of F. H. Allen, of Toledo, and Mr. and Mrs. Allen have a daughter, Mary. Edwin Lewis Paxson is a yeoman on the United States Steamer Hannibal. He entered the navy in June, 1917, at Cincin- nati, after being graduated from the Wauseon High School. From there he was sent to the training station at Newport, Rhode Island, detailed to the Louisiana for further training, sent with the armed guards to Newport News, Virginia, and then went to France on the transport Kentuckian that carried supplies. After the signing of the armistice he was made a yeoman on the battleship Indiana, later being transferred to the Hannibal. His entire record is one of duty well and bravely performed, and it reflects credit upon him- self, his family and his country.
In 1908 Mr. Paxson was married to Mrs. Martha J. Brewer, widow, and daughter of Peter Van Rennsalaer, of Ottawa county, Ohio. Mrs. Paxson died in 1913. In 1915 Mr. Paxson was united in marriage to Mrs. Nellie Bell, a daughter of Ira and Betsey (Dun- can) Welsh, of Metamora, Ohio.
In additoin to attending to an extensive practice, Mr. Paxson is interested to some extent in the cultivation of his farm of seventy- three acres. He has long been quite prominent in the political field,
1
6
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY
and in 1901 was the republican candidate for the office of mayor of Delta. During the progress of the great war he displayed unselfish concern in all movements of a patriotic character, giving his services as a member of the Legal Advisory Board in the selective draft, and working and contributing in all Red Cross and government bond drives. In all that affects the welfare of Wauseon he is sure to take part, and the city has many times profited through his deep interest and sound advice. For eight years he has been a member of the school board at Wauseon.
ALLEN M. BARBER. There are few names that are held in higher esteem in Fulton county than that of Barber, one that for years has been prominent in educational and professional activities, not alone in this but in other sections. Originally of Scotch-Irish stock, its sturdy qualities and intellectual strength developed together on American soil. In New England, in New York, in Michigan and in Ohio descendants of this family have become distinguished. From this strong intellectual family, through marriage, came Louisa Yale, the grandmother of Judge Allen M. Barber, who fills the Probate Bench in Fulton county. She was a granddaughter of Elihu Yale, the founder of Yale College.
Allen M. Barber was born in Gorham township, Fulton county, Ohio, February 9, 1885. His parents were Miles Allen and Bertha (Baker) Barber, the former of whom was born near Syracuse, Onon- dago county, New York, a son of Cordon T. and Louisa Barber. They moved as pioneers to Morenci, Michigan, later coming to Gorham township, Fulton county. The grandfather was educated in the law and for many years he, his son, and Judge Barber's four uncles were educators of note. Allen M. Barber attended the public schools under very favorable circumstances, later completed the teach- ers' course in Favette Normal University. and still later a business course in a commercial college at Fort Wayne, Indiana, following which he became deputy under his uncle, Probate Judge Fred A. Bar- ber, until 1916, at Wauseon, when he succeeded his uncle on the bench and on the republican ticket was elected probate judge for a term of four years. His long association with the business of the office was an excellent preparation, and his performance of his duties has been careful, able and satisfactory. An unusual amount of business, occasioned in part by the general disturbance caused by the great war, has come before Judge Barber and has been dispatched with the greatest efficiency. While he devotes the greater part of his time to his work on the bench, he is interested also in the proper cultivation of his model farm of eighty acres.
In 1909 Judge Barber was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Imes, who belongs to an old pioneer family of Fayette that has been of great importance in Fulton county. Her parents were John Q. and Lucretia (Ely) Imes of Fayette. Judge and Mrs. Barber have had four children, namely: William Allen, who was born in 1911; Jeannette Grace, born 1912; Harry Eugene, who died in 1918; and Eugenia Lucille, who was born May 21, 1919. Judge Barber and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he has always been an uncompromising republican and is an influential factor in party councils in Fulton county. During the great war he cheerfully shouldered many responsibilities and found hours from a busy life to work for patriotic measures as he felt to be his duty. He belongs to Wauseon Lodge. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Knights of Pythias and to various social bodies and benevolent organizations.
7
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY
T. RALPH ROBINSON. Fulton county has some very energetic young men in its public offices, who have brought to the conduct of affairs an enthusiasm which is infectious, and in consequence the records and conduct of these matters are beyond any criticism. One of these alert public officials worthy of special mention is T. Ralph Robinson, county recorder, and one of the representative men of Wauseon. He is a son of Thomas R. and Sarah G. (Worley) Robin- son, and was born on a farm near Pettisville, Fulton county, Ohio, on November 7, 1882, coming of Irish and Welsh stock. His ancestors having been generally people of culture and education. On his mother's side were the Van Dykes, too well known to mention further. On his father's side were some of the prominent doctors of Dublin.
After attending the public schools of Pettisville, including the high school course, Mr. Robinson learned the fundamentals of busi- ness in the college conducted by Vories Brothers, at Indianapolis, Indiana. Subsequently he attended the Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio, during 1907 and 1908, taking the literary course. In the interval he was engaged in farming, and then in 1910 he took a business and literary course at the university at Valparaiso, Indiana.
Returning to his home district, Mr. Robinson was elected town- ship assesor and held that office for four years, and his record in that office was such as to bring him before the public as candidate for that of county recorder in 1916 on the republican ticket. His election following, he located at Wauseon, although he still lives on and manages the home farm at Peterville. In 1911 Mr. Robinson took the civil service examination and received an opportunity as collector of internal revenue at Trenton, Michigan, but declined the appointment. He has always been very active in politics, and is recognized as one of the leading republicans of the county. Mr. Rob- inson is unmarried.
In his fraternal relations he maintains membership with Fulton Lodge, F. & A. M., and with Wauseon Chapter and Council of the Masonic order, and also with the Wauseon Lodge, K. of P. The First Methodist Church of Wauseon is his religious home. All that Mr. Robinson has he has made through his own efforts. He has always been very ambitious, and although he has reached heights others aspire to in vain, he is not satisfied, but is making plans for advancement in the future, for he knows his own abilities and what he can accomplish if he puts his mind to it. Those who have fol- lowed his progress feel proud of their talented young fellow citizen, and judging the future by the light cast by events in the past, there is no doubt but that he will receive a strong support from his con- stituents if he desires to remain in public life. The country needs just such men as Mr. Robinson, dependable, capable, patriotic, real Americans, whose pride in their country inspires them in making a strong effort to preserve its liberties and put down the foreign radical element which is so undesirable a factor in the United States today.
CLARENCE GEORGE WEBER. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a course of action when once decided upon. She is never known to bestow her largess upon the indolent and ambitionless, and only those who seek her untiringly are recipients of her blessings. In tracing the history of the influential business man and representative citizen whose name introduces this sketch it is plainly seen that the prosperity which
8
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY
he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities, and it is also his personal worth that has gained for him the liigh esteem of those who know him.
Clarence George Weber is a native son of Fulton county, Ohio, having been born in German township, on September 28, 1887, and he is the sixth in order of birth of the seven children born to the union of Daniel and Catherine (Fetzer) Weber. The subject's pater- nal grandfather, Peter Weber, was a native of Germany, where he was reared to manhood, when he came to the United States and settled on a tract of government land in Fulton county, Ohio, and here he devoted himself to the establishment of a home and the rear- ing of a family. He spent the remainder of his life here engaged in farming and stock raising. His son Daniel, the subject's father, followed in his footsteps and also devoted his life to agricultural pursuits.
Clarence G. Weber attended the common schools and was reared to the life of a farmer, to which he devoted his labors until the eom- pletion of his common school education. He then went to Toledo, Ohio, and took a commercial course in the Metropolitan Business College. Returning then to Archbold, Fulton county, he bought a half interest in the Schnetzler Drug Store, the business being run under the firm name of Shibler & Weber for two years. Then, Mr. Shibler's health failing, his interest in the business was pur- chased by Bert R. Moll, the firm title becoming Weber & Moll. Four years later, in 1918. Mr. Weber bought his partner's interest and has since operated the store alone. He carries a large and well selected stock of drugs, and also accessory lines, such as jewelry, wall paper and paints, as well as conducts a soda fountain. By his eonr- teous treatment, prompt service and the high quality of his goods, he has gained a fine trade throughout this section of the county and is numbered among the leading merchants of Archbold.
In 1915 Mr. Weber was married to Ida. Moll, the daughter of Adam and Fanny (Baumgardner) Moll, of near Archbold. Mr. Weber in 1920 was nominated for the office of township treasurer on independent ticket. Fraternally he is a member of West Unity Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Archbold Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a splendid example of the virile, progressive man who believes in doing well whatever is worth doing at all, observes sound business ethics in his dealings with others and enjoys the esteem of the entire community.
CHARLES F. HOFFMAN. The life of Charles F. Hoffman, well known merchant of the town of Archbold. Fulton county, Ohio, has been characterized by industry, honestv and steadfastness of purpose, seldom if ever mistaken in matters of business. He is essentially a man of affairs, careful of his plans and exercising a judicions fore- sight, for he possesses energy, concentration of purpose and a dis- cernment that causes a large degree of success to result from his outlav of labor. He is public spirited and lends his aid in the furtherance of all movements having for their object the general upbuilding of the community whose interests he has ever had at heart.
Charles F. Hoffman, who conducts a prosperous dry goods busi- ness at Archbold, is a native son of the old Buckeye state. having been born at Napoleon. Henry county, and is the son of William and Katherine (Wall) Hoffman. He received his educational train- ing in the public schools of Napoleon, graduating from the high
9
HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY
school. Then for eight years he engaged in the dry goods business in his native town, after which he became connected with the dry goods store of Brown & Meyerholtz of that city as a salesman, remain- ing with them for six years. He then went to Bryan, Ohio, and for a year was in charge of the dry goods store of Cronin & Boothman Company. On March 26, 1918, Mr. Hoffman enlisted in the United States Army at Camp Sherman, where he remained for three weeks. He was then sent to Camp Merritt, New Jersey, and a week later he enibarked for France. He landed at Brest on June 5, 1918, and was assigned to the Twenty-sixth Division, one of the famous fight- ing divisions of the American Expeditionary Forces. With this division he took part in the historic battles at Chateau Thierry and the other engagements incident to that drive, and later was at the Argonne Forest. During this period he was a member of Com- pany K of the One Hundred and First Regiment. He took part in the famous St. Mehiel drive, followed by the engagements at Troyon, Verdun and Argonne Forest. He then remained inactive after the Armistice until April 19, 1919, when he went to Brest and embarked for home. Upon reaching the United States he went to Camp Sherman at Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was mustered out on April 28, 1919. He has an honorable war record and received a citation for valor on the field of battle.
On July 19, 1919, Mr. Hoffman came to Archbold and bought the dry goods business of Rupp Brothers, which he has continued to operate to the present time. He carries a large and well selected stock, thoroughly up-to-date, and his dealings with the public have been such as have gained for him the confidence and good will of all who have patronized him. His trade covers a wide range of surrounding country and he is recognized as one of the leading business men of Archbold.
1
Politically Mr. Hoffman is independent, reserving the right to cast his vote as his conscience dictates, regardless of party lines. While advancing his individual interests he is not unmindful of bis obligations to the community and earnestly supports all meas- ures for the general welfare. Because of his success and his genuine personal qualities he is deservedly popular throughout the locality in which he lives.
?
EDWARD AND PETER RUPP. Clearly defined purpose and con- secutive effort will inevitably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in following out the careers of those who have attained success by their own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic indi- viduality by which such accomplishment is possible. The qualities which have made Edward and Peter Rupp, of Archbold, successful have also brought them the esteem of their fellow men, for their careers have been characterized by well-directed energy, strong deter- mination and honorable methods.
Edward and Peter Rupp, who comprise the well known firm of Rupp Brothers Furniture and Undertaking Company at Archbold, were born on their father's farm near Archbold, and are the sons of Rev. Daniel and Magdalena (Gerber) Rupp. the former of whom was a minister of the Defenseless Mennonite Church in his locality and most highly respected throughout the community. Edward Rupp was born on September 27, 1879, and secured his early educa- tion in the common schools of German township, which he attended until eighteen years of age. The remainder of his time was given to the work of the home farm, where he remained until he had attained
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.