20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 63

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Clark County > Springfield > 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 63

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 (link on the Part 1 page).

Mrs. Wray passed ont of this life Au- gust 9, 1906, aged sixty-eight years, the mother of nine children, namely: For- rest, who is an electrical inventor, lives at Boston; Ella, who lives at home: Mary E., who is the wife of F. Cooksey; Theresa, who married William Prentz, has two children, Wilbur and Omer ; Will- iam Jason, who married Pearl Brown, has one child, Donald; Nora, who is the wife of Moses Peterson; Anna; and John A. and one unnamed child. died infants. Religiously Mr. Wray is a member of the German Baptist Church, as was his father.

Robert H. Foos prepared for college in the Springfield schools, and in 1872 was graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan U'ni- versity, at Delaware, Ohio. Following his university career came a visit to Enrope. where he not only became proficient in the German and French languages, but also devoted a large amount of attention to the study of agricultural and industrial con- ditions and also to foreign methods of do- ing business. Upon his return to his na- tive city, he became teller of the Second National Bank at Springfield, where he remained until he joined his father when the latter organized The Foos Manu- facturing Company, on January 1, 1884. This company began business with a cap- ital stock of $115,000, with Gustavus Feos as president, Robert H. Foos as vice president, and William F. Foos as treas- urer. On the death of Gustavus S. Foos. which occurred July 11, 1900, Robert H. Foos became president, and William F. Foos vice president and treasurer. the brothers thus serving until they sold ort the business. The Foos Manufacturing Company gave employment to 300 men and their manufactured product included special grinding machinery, scientific grinding-mills, portable forges. farmers' tools, corn harvesters, corn shellers and other implements of a like character.

ROBERT H. FOOS, formerly presi- Since retiring from the above men- tioned company, Robert H. Foos has been dont of the The Foos Manufacturing Com- pany, at Springfield, has long been identi- interested in mining and in a number of

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other industries. He is identified polit- ically with the Republican party, but his life is that of a business man and not of a politician. He belongs to the Lagonda Club, and was the organizer of the Country Club and has been its president from its inception. His home is in a beautiful resi- dence situated at No. 560 East High Street, Springfield.

JOHN E. HELFRICH, proprietor of the Green Lawn Farm, consisting of sixty acres of well-improved land, situated in German Township, on the Flick Turnpike Road, about one-half mile west of Law- renceville, was born on this farm, Feb- ruary 27, 1851. His parents were Mich- ael and Anna Barbara (Shafer) Hel- frich.

Michael Helfrich and his wife were both born in Germany, where they mar- ried and were the parents of five chil- dren when they emigrated to America and took up their residence in Clark County. For seven years they rented a farm sit- uated one-half mile south of Lawrence- ville, and then purchased and moved onto the farm now owned by their son, John. There they lived until the close of their lives, the father dying January 26, 1881, and the mother in March, 1900. They had eight children, five of whom were born in Germany, where two died, the other three being born in Clark County, Ohio.

back about one-fourth of a mile from the road, but in the summer and fall of 1901 Mr. Helfrich built his present commodi- ous residence on the highway and moved Iris barn and other buildings conveniently near.

Mr. Helfrich married Emma Ellen Meranda, daughter of Jefferson and Mary (Dillahunt) Meranda. Mrs. Helfrich was born and reared in German Township, as was also her father. Her grandfather, too, George Meranda, was a pioneer set- tler here. After their marriage on March 29, 1876, Mr. and Mrs. Helfrich settled down on their present farm, where they have since continued. They have reared a happy family of four children, the two younger sons, Clarence Michael and John Russell, still remaining under the home roof. The eldest son, Walter Jefferson, married Della Rust and they live at Law- renceville. The second son, Harry Ed- gar, married Catherine Xanders, and they reside in German Township. In politics, Mr. Helfrich is a Democrat. He is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics at Tremont City.

ADAM WESLEY FERREE, owner and operator of Grand View Farm, a tract of eighty-one acres, situated about six miles north of Springfield on the Ur- bana Turnpike, was born December 31, 1847, in German Township. Clark County, Ohio, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Baker) Ferree.

John E. Helfrich secured his education in the district schools. He learned prae- Peter Ferree was born in York County, Pennsylvania, a son of Jacob Ferree, who died when his son Peter was about four- teen years old. Peter was reared on a tical farming under his father and has always resided on the homestead, where he carries on general agriculture. The first house on the present farm stood farm in York County, and when about

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twenty-two years old came to Ohio and exception of three years, during which located in German Township, Clark he resided one mile farther north, he has County, near Lawrenceville, where he and spent all of the past thirty-five years on his present farm. Mr. Ferree owns, in partnership with Edward Holman and James Caldwell, a corn husker and shredder, which they operate principally for themselves. his cousin, George Lautz, purchased a small farm. Shortly after his marriage he removed to Tremont, where he con- dueted a hotel for several years. About 1852 he removed to a farm one mile north of Tremont, on the Valley Turnpike, re- Mr. Ferree was married February 10. 1875, to Ella Brannaman, a daughter of Joseph Brannaman, and to this union have been born six children, namely: Glenna, Carrol, Lizzie, Oram, Anna Belle and Royal. Glenna is the widow of George C. Neff, who was employed on the railroad and was accidentally killed in 1906. She has two children, Howard and Virgil. Carrol is married and is em- ployed in an automobile shop in Dayton. Ohio. Lizzie lives at home. Oram. s plumber of Springfield, Ohio, is married and has two children, Pauline and Clara Belle. Mr. Ferree is a member of the First Lutheran Church at Springfield. maining there until 1865, when he re- moved to the farm now owned by his son, Adam W. Peter Ferree became a very prosperous and well-known farmer, and at one time owned three farms, but pre- vious to his death he sold two of these, one of 114 acres in German Township, and another of seventy-six acres, north of his son's present home. In 1896 he erected the comfortable frame house which is on the farm and died here three years later. Peter Ferree married Eliz- abeth Baker, who was also born in York County, Pennsylvania, and died in 1889. She came to Clark County, Ohio, when fifteen years of age with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Baker, who settled near Eagle City, in German Township. There were four children born to Peter Ferree and wife, namely: Susan, who died, aged seventeen years; Adam Wesley; Mary, who married Edward Fish, of Springfield, and Annie, who is the wife of Paul Grindell, of Springfield.

Adam W. Ferree was about five years old when his parents located on a farm north of Tremont, where he was reared and was instructed in practical farming. Since his marriage he has followed gen- eral farming on his present place, known as Grand View Farm, and is also exten- sively engaged in stock-raising, including horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. With the

WILLIAM F. FOOS, president of the Springfield National Bank, and a leading citizen of Springfield, has long been iden- tified with large business interests here. He was born in Springfield, Ohio, March 5, 1852, and is a son of the late Gustavus S. and Elizabeth (Houston) Foos. For many years the late Gustavus S. Foos was closely connected with Springfield's busi- ness prosperity and was rightly consid- ered as a representative citizen. He was the founder of The Foos Manufacturing Company, with which he continued to be associated as its president until his death in 1900.

After graduating at the Ohio Wesleyan

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University in 1873, William F. Foos be- Ohio, February 25, 1869, and is a son of came associated with his father and only James Todd and Sarah Jane (Hause) Garlough. brother, Robert H. Foos, in building up an enterprise which subsequently devel- oped into The Foos Manufacturing Com- pany. Of this he served as treasurer un- til the death of his father, when he also assumed the duties of vice president, his brother at that time becoming president. After a number of years spent in this branch of manufacturing, both brothers acquired other interests and, in 1905, sold out their holdings in the Foos Company. The business was one of large propor- tions, employment being afforded to some 300 workmen. William F. Foos was made receiver for the Springfield Malleable Iron Company.

Mr. Foos married Mary Stewart, who is a daughter of Col. James Stewart, of Springfield, and they have two children- Elizabeth and Gustavus Stewart. Mr. and Mrs. Foos are attendants at the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. They enjoy a beautiful home at No. 560 East High Street, Springfield. Politically, William F. Foos is a Republican. He belongs to the Lagonda Club, of which he was a char- ter member and served as president for several years. Mr. Foos and his brother have a country residence of 500 acres, known as "Twin Oaks Farm," on the South Charleston Pike, where he spends a good portion of his time.

JESSE E. GARLOUGH, owner of seventy-five and one-half acres of farm land in Green Township, comes of one of Ohio's old and well-known pioneer fam- ilies. He was born on the old home place one mile south of Pitchin, Clark County,

James T. Garlough was born on the Jacob Garlough place, north of Pitchin, his parents, who were natives of Mary- land, having come to Ohio at an early period and settled on the farm now owned by B. F. Garlough. His parents died on this farm and were buried in the old cem- etery just across the road from the home place. James T. Garlough was one of seven sons born to his parents and re- mained at home until after his marriage to Sarah Jane Hause, who was born in Virginia and who, when four years old, came to Ohio with her parents, who lo- cated in the Buff settlement. James T. Garlough, who always followed farming, died in March, 1904. He is survived by his widow and by the following children : Mrs. C. F. Stewart, with whom the mother of our subject resides; A. T. Garlough ; S. G. Garlough; Jesse E., the subject of this article; W. F. Garlough, and R. C. Gar- lough.

Jesse E. Garlough grew to manhood on his father's farm and after attaining his majority worked out on various farms for five years. Subsequent to his marriage he farmed the home place for six years. He then purchased and located on his present farm, which was previously owned by John Otstot, and here he has since followed general farming and dairy- ing.

Mr. Garlough was joined in marriage with Cora May Hess, a daughter of T. M. Hess, who resides on the farm adjoining our subject's. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Garlough, namely : Nellie and Robert, who are attending

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school, and Fern and Owen, who are still in 1891, and (second) to Mary Stateler. at home.

In politics, Mr. Garlough is a Repub- lican and served one term as a member of the School Board. He is a member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church of Springfield.

GEORGE W. DAVISSON, whose fine farm of one hundred and fifty-nine acres is situated in Pleasant Township, is one of the representative citizens of this section. He was born in 1843, near Nation Chapel, Pleasant Town- ship, Clark County, Ohio, and is a son of Lemuel and Susan A. Davisson.

The Davisson family was established in Pleasant Township by the grandparents, Isaac and Sarah (Curl) Davisson, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio on horse- back, at a time when the present beautiful city of Springfield was but a collection of log huts. Lemuel Davisson, father of George W., was born in Clark County, in 1811, and died in 1862. His wife was born in 1812, and died in 1903. They had the following children: Isaac, Elizabetlı, Elijah, Mary A .. George W., Daniel, Isaac (2) and Thomas W. Of the above family, the two eldest children died in infancy. Elijah, born in 1840, is a promi- nent citizen of Pleasant Township, where he resides as do his three sons, Clifford, Clarence and Harry. Mary A., born in 1842, married (first) .John Hendricks, who left one son. Wilbur. She married (see- ond) Eli Adams. Daniel, born in 1845, died September 9, 1860. Isaac (2), born December 31, 1848, died in 1860. Thomas W., born in 1851, died in 1902. He was married (first) to Lizzie Stipp, who died

Both wives had one child and both diel in infancy.

George W. Davisson spent the entire period of his life until 1882, on the fara on which he was born, coming then to bi: present place, which he purchased frot: J. W. Ropp for the sum of $12,000, and here he has made many improvements. Mr. Davisson has turned over the latest amount of responsibility to his son, who carries on a general agricultural line here. The property is one of the most valuable in this section.

On October 24, 1865, Mr. Davisson was married to Elizabeth JJ. Jones, who was born July 6, 1845, and died March 2) 1906. She was a daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Ropp) Jones. To this marriage eight children were born, namely: Iu M., Lawrence E., Minnie, Myrta, Lunetta Elmer. Francis W. and Forest O. Ida M Davisson was born in 1866 and married Charles Bumgardner. Their oldest chill died in infancy, but they have three left. Minor, Willard and Evlyn M. Lawrence E. Davisson was born May 10, 1869, and on December 6, 1893, married Jessie Tar- button. They have four children: Ed- win, Florence, Eustace and Emily. Minnie Davisson was born in 1874 and in 1896 was married to Charles W. Ropp They have one son, Robert. Myrta J. who was born March 12, 1876, resides at home; Lunetta, who was born March 11. 1878, also resides at home : Elmer H., who was born November 5, 1879, resides in Champaign, Illinois. Francis W. Davis son, who was born September 17. 19 .- was maried, in 1901, to Millie West and they have three children, Marion L. Pisk and Marjorie. Forest O., residing $1

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MRS. ELIZABETH J. DAVISSON.

GEORGE W. DAVISSON.

ELIJAH G. COFFIN

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news dealer. In 1862 he bought the busi- in journalism; Roscoe, who operates the ness from Mr. Neff and conducted the Pierce Book Store; and Bertha F., who same in the lobby of the postoffice for a is the wife of Frank Sawyer, a partner time, later moving to King's Corner, now with Roscoe Pierce in the Pierce Book Store. known as Main and Limestone Streets. In the summer of 1863, having employed Mr. Pierce has served as a member of the city council, is a member of the Mitch- ell Post, G. A. R., and is an attendant at the Congregational Church. In politics. Mr. Pierce is a Republican. a man to conduct the business for him, on July 4 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mus- tered into service at Cleveland for a serv- ice of six months. He was with the com- pany on the march through Kentucky and CYRUS SHEIRICH HELMAN, a prosperous farmer of Pike Township, Clark County, Ohio, residing on a farm of thirty-three acres, located about ten miles west of Springfield on the north side of the Valley Pike, was born Decem- ber 30, 1847, in Lancaster County, Penn- sylvania, and is a son of John and Mary (Sheirich) Helman, and a grandson of John Helman, who followed farming throughout his life in Lancaster County. Pennsylvania, and died there at an ad- vanced age. Tennessee to Cumberland Gap, partici- pating in the siege and capture of same, after which the company was attached to the Army of the Cumberland and were also participants in the siege of Knox- ville, Tennessee, after which Mr. Pierce returned to Cleveland, where he was mus- tered out, after an absence of nine months. Upon his return to Springfield, Mr. Pierce again took charge of his news stand for some time, later buying out Gillette Brothers News and Book Store, which he operated for many years, and which has ever since been known as the Pierce Book Store, being now under the management of his son.

In 1885 Mr. Pierce, with other enter- prising citizens of Springfield, was instru- mental in organizing the Springfield Building and Loan Association, of which for the past twenty years he has been president. He is also a director in the Lagonda National Bank. Mr. Pierce is a man of great business ability, judgment and integrity and has settled numerous estates as administrator and guardian.

John Helman, father of Cyrus H., was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. and was one of seven children born to his parents, all of whom are deceased, except David, who is still a resident of Lancaster County. John Helman was a weaver by trade and followed his occupation the greater part of his life. His death oc- curred in Pennsylvania, at the age of seventy-one years, and his widow died at the age of seventy-five years. He mar- ried Mary Sheirich, a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jacob Sheirich, who was both a farmer and tailor. They had nine children. namely: Catherine, wife of Benjamin

Mr. Pierce was joined in marriage in 1864 to Maria T. French and they have three children: Walter, who is engaged Minick; Elizabeth, widow of M. Steffey:

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Henry, deceased; Jacob, deceased; Susan, wife of A. Kauffman; John; George; Mary, deceased, was the wife of P. Kag- ereise; and Cyrus S.

Cyrus S. Helman grew to man's estate on his father's farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and previous to coming to Ohio engaged for a short time in grist milling. At the age of twenty-two, in company with Tobias and Jacob Crider, he came to Ohio and located at Dayton, where for six months he drove one of the first horse street cars of that city. From there he came to Medway, Clark County, and worked for two years for Henry Har- nish, who later became his brother-in-law, and was the owner of the farm adjoining Mr. Helman's present one, and then spent one year following painting for Amos Harnish. On January 23, 1873, he mar- ried Emma Harnish, a native of Bethel Township, Clark County, Ohio, and a daughter of Rev. John and Esther (Bow- man) Harnish. Rev. Harnish, a native of years. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, fol- lowed farming some years in his native community and was ordained a minister of the Mennonite Church. In 1840 he brought his wife and family to Ohio and settled in the woods of Bethel Town- ship, near Medway, where the family sub- sequently became quite prominent, and owned a large tract of land. Mr. Harnish was one of the first to establish a Men- nonite Church in this vicinity and during his pastorate here extended a powerful influence for good. Rev. Harnish mar- ried Esther Bowman, also a native of Pennsylvania, and to them were born the following children: Henry, deceased; Mary, married Jacob Neff, both deceased; Esther, wife of J. M. Zeller; John, de-

ceased; Anna. married Levi Kauffman; Amos, a resident of Dayton, Ohio, and Emma. The sons all served in the Civil War and were stationed at the Block House settlement in the Cumberland Val- ley. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Helman, namely: Henry, a resident of Osborn, married Estella Weinland; Mary, who is the wife of Ed- gar McDonald, lives near her father; and John, who is unmarried, lives at home.

Mr. Helman does general farming and also grows three acres of tobacco each year. He has made many improvements on the place, which is part of the old Har- nish home property, having erected sub- stantial buildings and planted two rows of shade trees along the drive to the house, adding much to its tasteful ap- pearance. Mr. Helman and wife are both meinbers of the Reformed Mennonite Church, in which he is deacon and of which he has been a member for twenty

JOHN GERMAN, owner of a fine farm of one hundred and eighty-two acres, situated about seven miles northwest of Springfield on the Clark and Miami Pike, has been a resident of Ger- man Township since the spring of 1897, having purchased the land in the fall of 1896. He was born September 22, 1864, in Springfield Township, Clark County, Ohio, and is a son of Peter and Margaret (Geron) German.

Peter German was born and reared in Germany and at the age of sixteen came to America with his brother Balse. They first located in Pittsburg, where they re- mained for one year, then came to Clark

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County, Ohio, and worked for some time ers and stock dealers for many years. He on a farm, subsequently buying a farm of was born in Moorefield Township. Clark County, Ohio, June 24, 1835, and is a son of William and Eliza ( Foley) Yeazell. ninety-four acres in Springfield Town- ship on the National Pike, where Peter German and his wife both passed the re- mainder of their days. The latter, in maidenhood Margaret Geron, was also a native of Germany who came to this eoun- try after reaching womanhood.

John German was reared in Springfield Township and has always followed farm- ing, also operating a dairy until he came to his present farm. Here he has been engaged in general agriculture since 1897 and also sells milk to the Pure Milk Com- pany of Springfield, keeping about six- teen cows. He is also extensively en- gaged in raising horses, making a spe- cialty of the Belgian breed, and is a mem- ber of the Christianburg Horse Protective Association. Mr. German has made nu- merous improvements on his farm, having erected a fine seven-room frame house in the fall of 1902. He has also made an ad- dition to his barn, which is now 114 by 36 feet in dimensions.

Mr. German was married in 1888 to Mollie Ellinger, who died three years later, leaving no children. His second marriage was with Mary Rader, a daugh- ter of Philip Rader, and to them have been horn five children-Henry, Mar- garet, Balse, Minnie and Helen. Mr. German belongs to the Knights of Pythias at Springfield.

WILLIAM M. YEAZELL, one of Springfield's most esteemed retired citi- zens, residing in a pleasant and comfort- able home at No. 905 East High Street. was one of Moorefield's successful farm-

The Yeazell family originated in Ger- many and the characteristics of the fam- ily have been those which mark that sturdy race. The first of this family to settle in Clark County was Abraham Yeazell, the grandfather, who came to Moorefield Township from Virginia. William Yeazell, father of William M .. was born in Virginia, and he accompanied his parents to this section, where he spent a long and useful life which he mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits. He died in 1862, at the age of sixty-one years. He married Eliza Foley, whose death took place in March, 1881. They were most worthy people, members of the Presby- terian Chnreli, kind, helpful and efficient in every relation of life. They had eight children born to them, William M. being the fourth in the order of birth.

William M. Yeazell was educated in the district schools of Moorefield Township and in the Springfield High School. He was about twenty years of age when he began to assume many of the duties per- taining to the management of his father's large property, and after his father's death he acquired the farm which he con- tinned to operate, together with consider- able activity in buying and selling stock, until 1871, when he retired with his wife to Springfield. He still retains his val- uable farm of over 200 acres in Moorefield Township and he has also a large body of land in Illinois. Mr. Yeazell belongs 10 that class of citizens who, after setting an example of nseful industry for many years, in their ripening age retire from

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the active field, leaving further effort to eumulating a sum sufficient to give him a those who, younger, may profit by their example and learn of their wisdom.

On December 11, 1866, Mr. Yeazell was married to Anna E. Clark, who was born in Moorefield Township and is a daugh- ter of John D. and Susan ( Foley) Clark. John D. Clark was born in 1805 and from boyhood lived in Moorefield Township, where he died in May, 1886, aged eighty- one years. The mother of Mrs. Yeazell died in 1876. Both the parents of Mr. and Mrs. Yeazell rest in the quiet shades of Springfield's beautiful Ferncliff cem- etery. Of their four children, Mrs. Yeaz- ell was the youngest born and the only surviving daughter. She is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church at Springfield, which Mr. Yeazell also at- tends, taking a practical interest in its various benevolent agencies. In his polit- ical preference he is a Republican.

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20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 63

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993