USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 10
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).
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
99-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-
the organization with which they are identi- fied. The family are also members of the Reformed church and Perry is serving as its tristee. Macklin, his son and grand-
son are likewise advocates of the Democ- racy, and the family sustains an unassailable reputation for all that is creditable in man- hood.
WILLIAM JAMES HUNTER.
William J. Hunter, now living a retired life at 403 East King street, Lancaster, was born on the 15th of March, 1838, five miles west of that city in Hocking township, Fairfield county. He represents one of the old families of this portion of the state. His paternal grandfather, James Hunter, was born in Pennsylvania and acquired his early education in the schools there. He after- ward removed to Virginia and in 1799 he came with the Reese brothers to Ohio, be- fore the admission of the state into the Union. Here he entered a grant of land and the following year he brought his family from the Old Dominion to the Buckeye state, settling in what is now known as Hocking township. Fairfield county, about one mile west of Lancaster. In the fall of 1799 he was married to Miss Margaret Reese, a native of Virginia, and they be- came the parents of four children, Thomas, James, Hannah and a child who died in in- fancy. On arriving in this county Mr. Hunter had entered one hundred sixty acres of land from the government and from the wild tract began the development of farm, which, as the years advanced, became a
valuable property. He engaged in teach- ing school for a number of years, being the first school master of the county, and dur- ing the summer months his attention was given to the work of the fields. After some years he sold his first property and bought another quarter section of land at, a dis- tance more remote from Lancaster. Upon the second farm he spent his remaining days. His political affiliations were with the Whig party and in religious faith he was a Meth- odist.
James Hunter, the father of our sub- ject, was born on the old family homestead one mile west of Lancaster, the place stand- ing near what is known as Hunter's Run. His natal day was October 25, 1808. At the usttal age he entered school, which was held in an old log building in Hocking town- ship. Educational privileges then were as primitive as the structure which was used as a school house, but his training at farmi werk was not meager, and at the early age of fourteen years he began to learn the trade of shoemaking, serving a seven years' apprenticeship. He became quite expert at the work, however, and when five years had
100
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
passed was put upon a salary. He contin- ued to follow shoemaking until his mar- riage. at which time he removed to a farm and carried on agricultural pursuits until 1862, when he sold that property and bought another tract of land three miles north of Lancaster. From the time of his marriage until his life's labors were ended he engaged in the tilling of the soil and the improvement of his farm and his labors brought to him creditable success. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Mr. Hunter chose Miss Abigail Gilmore, a native of Licking county, Ohio. Their marriage was blessed with eight children: Nancy, the widow of Jacob Lamb; Dilihla, the wife of Daniel Smith, of Pleasant township. Fair- field county : George, a resident of Bloom township; Emily, now deceased: William James, the subject of this review : John Amos, who has also passed away: Milton. a resident of Illinois : and Mary Jane, who has departed this life. The parents held membership in the Methodist church and were devoted Christian people, who early instilled into the minds of their children, lessons of industry and honesty. In his political views Mr. Hunter was a pro- nounced Republican and took a deep interest in the success and growth of his party prin- ciples.
In the common schools of Pleasant and Hocking townships. William James Hunter acquired his education and afterward en- gaged in teaching for two years in a little room sixteen by twenty feet. There were eighty-five pupils and when a spelling match was hekl they would have to stand
in front of one another, as there was not room enough to stand in a single row. When twenty-three years of age Mr. Hunter be- gan farming and seven years later he pur- chased a farm comprising ninety-three acres of rich and arable land, which is in a high state of cultivation and is now operated by his son Merrill. Mr. Hunter erected his residence, which at that time was one of the best farm houses in the country. On the Ist of April, 1902, he purchased prop- erty in Lancaster, where he now lives, re- tired from business cares.
In 1860 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hunter and Miss Mary Alice Grier, a na- tive of Pleasant township. Fairfield county, and to them have been born ten children, of whom seven are yet living: Cora, the wife of S. Ward, of Lancaster: Blanch, who married Charles Friend, of Richland town- ship: Lulu Mand, who married Colson Lin- ville, of East Rushville : Carrie, who became the wife of Frank MeFarland, of Lancaster; John Grier, a resident of Lancaster: Mer- rill, on the home farm: and William Relna. also residing in Lancaster. The oldest child. G. M. Hunter, spent the last ten years of his life preaching in the Ohio conference of the Methodist Episcopal church and died at the age of thirty-five years.
In his political views Mr. Hunter is a stalwart Republican and has firm faith in the principles of the party as being most conducive to good government. He has held a number of local offices, including that of trustee and school commissioner. He has also been executor and administrator in the settlement of a number of estates, and has
101
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been called upon to act as guardian. Throughout his entire life he has resided in Fairfield county and though his career has not been marked by any events of ex- citing interest he has yet been ever true to
his duty, to every trust reposed in him and to his obligations of citizenship, and as a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family he well deserves mention in this vol- time.
JABEZ HEDGES.
Jabez Hedges was formerly connected with agricultural interests in Fairfield coun- ty, but is now identified with building and real estate business in Lancaster. He pos- sesses the enterprising spirit so typical of America, has keen insight into business af- fairs, is progressive and energetic, and these qualities always form the foundation of suc- cess along such lines. Mr. Hedges has won a place among the substantial residents of Fairfield county.
He is numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred in Pickaway county, upon his father's farm near Nash- ville, September 4. 1846. His parents were Samuel and Lucinda (Hutton) Hedges. The former was born in Pickaway county in 1822, and there was reared to manhood and spent the greater part of his life, be- coming a prosperous farmer, who carefully tilled his fields, and as the result of his la- bors won prosperity. He died in Fairfield county in 1888, having removed to this por- tion of the state a few years prior to his death. His wife was a native of Green- field township, Fairfield county, born in is engaged in real estate dealing. He lias
1824. The Hutton family was for many years connected with Virginia, but her fa- ther, John Hutton, removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, becoming one of the pioneer settlers here. Unto Samuel and Lucinda Hedges were born five children, namely : Jabez. of this review: Evylin: Cynthia; Charles, residing in Jasper county, lowa ; and Edson.
A retrospective view of the early life of Jabez Hedges presents him as a student in the village schools of Baltimore. He en- joyed the pleasures of the play ground in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period, and after completing his education he engaged in stock business in Perry and Fairfield counties. Subsequently he spent some time in Iowa, where he invested in real estate, and upon his return to Ohio, he settled in Violet township. Fairfield coun- ty, where he purchased two hundred acres of land, which he still owns. This land is now rented and the rental materially in- creases his income. In 1889 Mr. Hedges took up his abode in Lancaster, where he
+
102
THIE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD).
also erected a number of houses, some of which he has sold, while others he rents. He has a broad and accurate knowledge of realty values, and keen discrimination and judgment enables him to make judicious in- vestments, whereby his financial resources have been materially increased.
In 1878 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hedges and Miss Lydia L. Shaffer, of Fairfield county, Ohio, a daughter of Har- rison Shaffer, who belonged to an old and well known family of this county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hedges are acceptable mem- bers of the First Presbyterian church; of Lancaster and the hospitality of many of the best homes is freely extended to them. They reside at No. IO11 North Columbus street. where they have a fine residence. In
his political views Mr. Hedges is a Demo- crat and while he has never sought or de- sired office, he is deeply interested in the success of his party and keeping well in- formed on the issues of the day, is able to support his position by intelligent argu- ments. All enterprises which have for their object the general good of the community receive his endorsement and many have benefited by his co-operation. Ilis business career has at all times been commendable. He has placed his dependence upon the substantial qualities of diligence, persever- ance and honesty, and steadily has he worked his way upward until to-day he is the possessor of a handsome competence and also enjoys the merited respect of his fel- low men.
DAVID BROBST.
David Brobst. deceased. was for many years an honored and highly respected citi- zen of Fairfield county, Ohio. He was born on the toth of March. 1821. in Bloom town- ship, where he spent his entire life, and rep- resented one of the first families in the county. He established the postoffice at Marcy and there engaged in merchandising. building up an extensive trade, his patron- age steadily increasing as the years passed by. He also engaged in buying wool on a very large scale, controlling that trade through a wide area. He also dealt in clover
seed and in the various branches of his busi- ness he met with excellent success, his ef- forts being attended by a high degree of prosperity. In politics he generally support- ed the Republican party and in religions be- lief was a Lutheran, holding membership in Trinity church of Marcy. Mr. Brobst passed away in 1895, at the age of seventy years, and in his death the community real- ized that it had lost one of its valued citi- zens. He was a very active and influential man and his efforts had been of practical benefit to the community as well as to him-
DAVID BROBST
105
THE BIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD.
self and family, while his life was at all times consistent with upright business prin- ciples and manly conduct.
Mr. Brobst was twice married, his first wife being Leigh Culp, and to them were born eight daughters, namely: Manerva, Malinda, Pauline, Emma, Alice, Sarah, Mary and Fannie. On the 19th of Septem- ber, 1876, Mr. Brobst was united in mar- riage to Miss Cilicia Dove, who was also born in Bloom township in 1846. and is a representative of one of its old and re- spected families, being a daughter of Elijah and Mary (Small) Dove, the former a na- tive of Bloom township and the latter of Pennsylvania. Her paternal grandfather was Henry Dove, who possessed a most wonderful memory. The family was found- ed in Fairfield county at an early period in its development and became one of promi- nence in Bloom township. The parents of Mrs. Brobst were people of religious con- victions and earnest Christians, command- ing the respect of all with whom they were associated. Mr. Dove carried on agricult- ural pursuits and was well known in po-
litical circles, holding a number of town- ship offices, in which he discharged his duties in a very prompt and faithful man- ner. He died in December, 1896, at the age of eighty-four years, having survived his wife, who passed away on the Ist of September, 1884, at the age of sixty-four years. She became the mother of fifteen children, thirteen of whom reached years of maturity, and ten of the number are now living.
Mrs. Brobst spent her girlhood under the parental roof, where she became fa- miliar with the duties of the household. Since her husband's death she has conduct- ed the business which he left and is now enjoying a good trade. She carries a com- plete stock of merchandise and her earnest desire to please, her fair prices and good business methods have won for her very gratifying and creditable success. She also has charge of the postoffice. She is a lady of unusual ability, possessing business and executive force as well as the graces of so- cial life, which render her a favorite in so- cial circles.
JOSEPH D. SHUMAN.
Joseph D. Shuman is extensively en- perity coming to him as a direct return of gaged in farming and stock-dealing, his his own well directed labors. He was born on the 22nd of September, 1851. in York county, Pennsylvania. His father, Joseph Shuman, was also a native of the Keystone home being on section 28. Pleasant town- ship, Fairfield county. His has been an honorable and successful carcer, his pros- 6
105
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
state, his birth having occurred in Chester county en the 21st of June. 1814. During his boyhood his parents removed to York county. Pennsylvania, where he was reared and married, the lady of his choice being Elizabeth Deitz. They became the parents of six children: Maria, Phoebe and Eliza all died in early womanhood : Magdalena became the wife of David Spitler, but is now deceased: and William H. died in 1899.
Joseph D., the other member of the fam- ily, was reared under the parental roof until fifteen years of age, when he left the home farm and went to York, Pennsylvania. There he learned the carpenter and cabinet maker's trade, serving a three years' ap- prenticeship, during which time he gained an accurate and comprehensive knowledge of the business. The year 1869 witnessed his arrival in Ohio. He took up his abode in Lancaster and worked at the builder's trade for five years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to farming. At a later date he also en- gaged in the butchering business, but after eight years he abandoned the latter pur- suit and in addition to farming engaged in buying and shipping cattle. He is one of the largest dealers in live stock in this por- tion of the state. On one occasion he had five hundred cattle contracted for, these to be delivered within thirty days. He and his partner shipped as high as twelve hun- dred and fifty-nine cattle inside of sixty days and their business in this line reaches two hundred and fifty thousand dollars annually. Mr. Shuman is an excellent judge of stock.
as well as a progressive and enterprising business man and his efforts have resulted in bringing to him a large measure of suc- cess.
In 1874 occurred the marriage of Jo- seph D. Shuman and Miss Julia Macklin, a representative of one of the oldest families of this portion of the state. Her paternal grandfather. Jacob Macklin, was born in Pennsylvania and in the fall of 1799 came to Ohio, where with a land warrant he secured a large tract of land, including a one-hun- dred-and-thirty-five-acre farm, which is now the home of our subject and his wife. After entering this land Mr. Macklin returned to Pennsylvania and in the spring of 1800 came to Ohio, accompanied by the Harmon and Bonsey families. They arrived in Fair- field county and settled in what is now Pleas- ant township. Here Mr. Macklin married Catherine Foster and they became the par- ents of six children : Polly married Ben- jamin Huber and both died in Findlay. Ohio: Sarah became the wife of Emanuel Arnold and they reside on the Maumee river, near Grand Rapids, Ohio: Phoebe be- came the wife of Benjamin Deitz, a farmer. but both are now deceased : Lydia married Eli Shaeffer, an agriculturist, and they too have passed away: Jesse carried on agri- cultural pursuits and is now deceased. The youngest member of the family was Benja- min S. Macklin, the father of Mrs. Shu- man. He was born on the farm where our subject now resides on the 12th of Septem- ber, 1821. Here he led a quiet, industrious life, actively engaged in the tilling of the se il until called to his final rest on the 8th
107
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
day of May, 1901. He married Maria Frank, a daughter of Jacob Frank, who was a farmer of Lancaster county, Penn- sylvania. and was of German descent. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Macklin three chil- (ren were born: Sarah, Benjamin F., a farmer now residing on section 28, Pleas- ant township; and Julia A., the wife of Mr. Shuman.
lie M. and Gertie Dell, both of whom are young ladies residing at home. The family is one of prominence in the community and the circle of their friends is extensive. From the age of fifteen years Mr. Shuman has made his own way in the world and truly deserves to be numbered among the honored self-made men, for he has placed his depend- ence upon energy, perseverance and indus- try and these qualities have made him one
The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with two daughters; Nel- of the substantial citizens of the community.
WILLIAM C. LEWIS, M. D.
Dr. Lewis has long maintained a lead- ing position in the ranks of the medical fra- ternity of Fairfield county and is also known! as a valued citizen and a man whose social worth is widely recognized. He was born in Rushville, in the year 1834, his natal day being the ist of June. Ilis father, William Barnes Lewis, was born in Lancaster coun- ty, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1799. The grandfather John Lewis, was born in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He became one of the early settlers of Lancaster county and there was born unto him and his wife the fol- lowing children : John W., Frank, Wilson, William B. and Eliza Ann. Removing to Ohio the grandfather settled in Rushville at an early day. For many years he kept the toll-gate and was a well known figure in the public life of this county. his ac-
quaintance being very extensive while his friends included almost all with whom he came in contact. He lived to the very ad- vanced age of ninety-two years, and at his death the county lost one of its honored pio- neer settlers. The father of our subject pur- sued his early education in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in one of the old-time log school houses, but his privileges were not very extensive and his knowledge was largely acquired through extensive reading after leaving the school room. He was a man of good mind and excellent ability. In 1818 he became a resident of Fairfield county, Ohio, settling in Rushville and there he met with splendid success in his un- dertakings, accumulating a large capital. He was a carpenter, contractor and bilder and among the residences which he erected in Rushville are some which are still stand-
108
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing to-day. During the financial panic of 1839 he loaned much money and lost a large amount because of the stringency of the times. He made strenuous efforts, however, to regain his lost funds and from 1841 1in- til 1844 was engaged in the tobacco busi- ness, meeting with creditable success in that undertaking.
In the year 1831, William Barnes Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Susan Coul- son, a native of Pennsylvania, born of Quaker parentage. She later joined the Methodist church, however, and was act- ively identified with that determination for many years. Her husband was a member of the same church and both lived earnest. Christian lives. Unto them were born nine children and with one exception all are yet living: Caroline is the widow of .A. D. Fink, and resides in Somerset. The Doctor is the second of the family. Lydia is now deceased. Louisa R. is the widow of George Flegel. John W. is living in Rushville. Virginia is the wife of George Book, of Rushville. Frank resides near the town. Emma is living in northern Ohio. Susan is the widow of Doctor Hite, of Thornville. and is now remarried. The father of this family built the residence in which the Doc- tor is now living, but spent his last days in a' residence opposite which he also erected in 1831. In early life he was identified with the Whig party, but subsequently became a Democrat. For a number of years he filled the office of justice of the peace, was also col. lector, and served for two terms as mayor of the village, his political record being a most creditable one. Ile was also loyal to
public interests when not filling any political. position and co-operated in every movement for the general good along the lines of sub- stantial progress. His life was ever hon- orable and upright and he was found as a worthy member of the church and also of the Masonic fraternity, which is based upon the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God.
Dr. Lewis of this review is indebted to the common-school system of this neighbor- hood for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He was a student in the district schools of Richland township until he was twelve years of age. After that time he had no educational privileges, but to a mind as alert and receptive education comes oft- times without the aid of school instruction. and through reading, observation and inves- tigation the Doctor continually added to his knowledge and has long been recognized as a gentleman of more than the average intel- ligence. At the age of twelve he began working with his father, with whom he re- mained for four years, and then commenced teaching school at the age of seventeen. Hle was the teacher of the first high school of Rushville. He had a thirst for knowledge which he gratified by reading and study in the evenings after the work of the day was done. As an educator he was successful, his methods of instruction being such as to impress the minds of his pupils. While engaged in teaching he also took up the study of medicine, being at that time twen- ty-three years of age. For about six years he devoted his evenings to proper reading along that line under the direction of Dr.
109
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Hyde, and subsequently matriculated in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. In 1869 he was examined by the Ohio State Medical Society, was graduated with hon- ors and became an honorary member of the society. The Doctor began practice in Perry county. In 1867 he returned to Rush- ville, where he has since remained. He soon secured a large patronage and for many years has been the loved and trusted family physician in many a household. He has ever continued a close and earnest student of his profession. and has written largely for the magazines, giving to the medical fra- ternity the benefit of his own investigations and knowledge acquired through active practice.
In 1858 the Doctor was married to Miss
Flora P. Friend, a native of Fairfield coun- ty, Ohio, and to them have been born three children : Dr. W. G. Lewis, of Mount Sterling, this state: Frank E., who is liv- ing in Rushville and is engaged in the gen- eral mercantile business ; and Ella, the wife of A. L. Baker, a resident of Lancaster. Throughout his entire life Dr. Lewis has resided in Rushville, with the exception of seven years spent in Perry county. His his- tory is therefore largely familiar to many of its citizens and in the record there are no turned down pages. It is a book which all may read. Prominent in his profession, well liked in social circles, he is now es- teemed and honored throughout the com- munity in which he has made his home for so many years.
WILLIAM H. STRODE.
William II. Strode is a native son of Fairfield county, a valued citizen and repre- sentative agriculturist, and at the time of the Civil war was a loyal defender of the Union cause. His birth occurred in Hock- ing township, on the 17th of March, 1840, his parents being George H. and Rebecca (Arnold) Strode. The father was born January 19. 1799. in Berkeley county. West Virginia, and with his father, Edward Strode, who was born November 3. 1764. came to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1804. The latter was a son of Jeremiah Strode.
who was a native of Virginia, where he was born July 4, 1732. After arriving at years of maturity George H. Strode mar- ried Rebecca Arnold a daughter of Daniel Arnold, the wedding being celebrated Sep- tember 6. 1829. The following year the young couple removed to Lancaster and Mr. Strode entered the tanyard of his father- in-law, there learning the tanning trade. After two years' apprenticeship he removed to his father's farm in Hocking township and carried on the tanning business in con- nection with the cultivation of the fields.
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.