USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 13
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On the 16th of November, 1882, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Orpha Spangler, who was born in Pickaway coun- ty, Ohio, a daughter of Charles and Betsey (Wolfard) Spangler. Her father was also a native of Pickaway county and resided there continuously until about fifteen years ago, when he came to Fairfield county, tak- ing up his abode in Hocking township, where he still carries on agricultural pur- suits. His wife has now passed away. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Evans has been blessed with four children, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Walter, the eldest, was born in Co- lumbus, Franklin county, March 24, 1884, and now conducts the home farm, mani-
festing excellent business ability in his work. Clarence, born March 1, 1886, is employed in a shoe factory at Lancaster ; and Myrtle, born September 22, 1889, and Nellie, Sep- tember 23, 1892, are attending the public schools.
Mr. Evans was a man of strong do- mestic tastes, a devoted husband, a kind and loving father and he found his greatest hap- piness at his own fireside. In all his busi- ness relations he was upright and honorable and his methods would bear the closest in- spection. He passed away April 23, 1900, and was laid to rest in Forest Rose cemetery in Lancaster, but he left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. His history proves conclusively that success is not a matter of genius, but is the legiti- mate outcome of persevering effort. His example is well worthy of emulation, for in all life's relations he shaped his course by honorable and moral principles.
WILLIAM W. WALKER.
The opportunities of business life are limitless in this free land where labor is not hampered by caste or class. Advancement depends upon a man's promotion, coming in recognition of skill and ability along a chosen line of endeavor. When one has attained to a position of responsibility, it is an indication of his diligence and capability and it is such qualities that have won Cap-
tain William W. Walker his present posi- tion as foreman of the carpenter depart- ment and as wreck master for the Cincin- nati & Muskingum Valley Railroad Com- pany.
The Captain was born upon a farm in Wayne county, New York, February 2.2. 1837. His father, George H. Walker, was a native of England and when in his eight-
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eenth year came to the United States, set- ber died in infancy, but thirteen reached tling in Wayne county, New York. He, years of maturity. They were: William H .: Frederick G .: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Thomas Mock: George H1., who re- sides in Clarksville: Mary J., who has passed away: Rose Ann: Florence: Benja- min and Edward L., twins, the latter now deceased : George W. and Benjamin F .. who were also twins and have passed away; Adelaide, deceased; and Martha, the wife of William Hummil, of Fairfield county. The father of this family passed away in 1882, and his wife, surviving him for a number of years, was called to her final home in 1891.
was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit to a greater or less extent through- out his business career, but also extended his efforts to other lines of industrial ac- tivity. He engaged in the manufacture of native lumber, operating a small sawmill in Wayne county, New York, for a num- ber of years. „At length he determined to seek a home farther west. believing that he might have better business opportunities in a less thickly settled region where compe- tition was not so great. Accordingly in October. 1841, he removed his family to Pike county, Ohio, where he remained for two years and then came to Fairfield coun- ty. He took up his abode in Berne town- ship in the vicinity of Sugar Grove, where he engaged in carpentering and at the same time operated a sawmill on the waters of the Hocking river. A fragment of the old mill is still standing there, a landmark si the early days. Mr. Walker was a public- spirited man, active in the support of all that he believed would prove of general good. Ile was very generous and liberal and was much respected throughout the community in which he made his home. While living in Wayne county, New York. Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Charlotte W. Lawson, a native of that county and a daughter of John Lawson. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walker hekl member. ship in the German Reformed church and their lives were in consistent harmony with its teachings and principles. They became the parents of fifteen children, eight sons and seven daughters. Two of the num-
Captain William 11. Walker, whose name introduces this record. spent his bay - hood days in the usual manner of farmer lads. The sun shone down upon many a field which he plowed and he continued his work in the fields until after crops were har- vested in the autumn, when he would enter the district schools in the neighborhead and there pursue his studies until returning spring again called him to the work of the fields. As soon as he was old enough to assist his father in the mill he also gave a part of his attention to its operation and under his father's direction he learned the carpenter's trade. Together they worked until the Captain was twenty-one years of agc.
Hle became deeply interested in the trou- bles which eventually involved the country in Civil war. In 1856 he went to the ter- ritory of Kansas, residing there a part of the time during the famons Kansas and Nebraska troubles. The unsettled state of business and politics there caused him to
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return to Fairfield county, where he con- returned to Lancaster and resumed car- tinned business with his father until after penter work. Soon after he entered the employ of the Cincinnati & Muskingum Raiload in the wood department of their various shops, and his diligence and capa- bility won him promotion step by step until he was made foreman of the wood depart- ment and master of wreckage, having con- trol of hundreds of miles and employing a number of gangs of men, who are employed in various ways. the inauguration of the Civil war. Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when he offered his services to the government, enlisting on the 19th of April. 1861. as a member of Company A, Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the first call of President Lincoln for seventy- five thousand men. John M. Connell, of Lancaster, was in command of the regi- ment, which was ordered to Virginia and In 1861 Captain Walker was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Mock, a daugh- ter of David and Leah (LeMott) Mock. She was born and reared in Fairfield coun- ty and died in 1876, leaving three children : Durben W., who is employed in the rail- road shops; Mina L., the wife of Michael Hankson; and Katie, who died at the age of eleven years. participated in the battle of Laurel Hill. On the expiration of the three months' term of service, September 30, 1861, Mr. Walker re-enlisted for three years, bcoming a mem- bei of Company I of the same regiment with which he first went to the front. This command was ordered to Kentucky and its first engagement was at Wild Cat Moun- tam. Captain Walker participated in thir- For his second wife Captain Walker married Jane Hamilton, of .Amanda, this county, the wedding being celebrated in 1879. She is a native of this county and a daughter of Jacob and Maria Hamilton. The children born of the second marriage are William Floyd, who is employed in the railroad shops ; and Maria E., at home. ty-six regular engagements, including the battles of Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, the siege and fall of Atlanta, and the celebrated march of Sherman to the sea. He was in many en- gagements and often in the thickest of the fight, and at the battle of Missionary Ridge received a gunshot wound in the right leg ; and again in front of Atlanta he was shot in both legs, which injury laid him up three months. During the battle of Kenesaw Mountain he was stabbed in the back of the head by a bayonet. In 1863 he was com- missioned second lieutenant and in 1864 he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, while in 1865 he was promoted to captain and when mustered out was breveted major.
When the war was over Captain Walker
The Captain gives his political support to the Republican party and is a firm en- dorser of its principles. He cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and the last up to this time for William Mc- Kinley. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to public office and for thirteen years he was a member of the city council, representing the fifth ward. Fraternally he is connected with Mlpine Lodge No. 566. T. O. O. F., and
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Hock Hocking Encampment, No. 28. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor : Benjamin Butterfield Post, No. 77, G. A. R .; Union Veteran Legion : and is chair- man of the board of trustees in the Odd Fel- low's lodge. As has been truly remarked after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the requirements which are
sought in the public schools and books, he must essentially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character and this. is what Mr. Walker has done. He has per- severed in the pursuit of a persistent pur- pose and has gained the most satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary in all re- spect and he well deserves representation in. this volume.
JESSE ALLEN.
Jesse Allen is a prosperous farmer of can not give the surname. Their son, Sam -. Fairfield county, having more than three uel (the second) was born in 1632. . \ daughter, Sarah, was born in 1639 and mar- ried Joseph Standish, a son of Miles Stand- ish, of the Mayflower. This Sammuel (the second) married Sarah Partridge. Their son, Samuel (the third) was born in 1660. He married Rebecca Carey in 1685. Their son, Samuel ( the fourth ), was born in 1686 .. Thier son. Timothy, was born in 1691 and was the grandfather of General Ethan A1- len, of Revolutionary fame. Rebecca died in 1697 and Samuel ( the third) married Mary Alden, a daughter of Joseph, a son of Captain John Alden, made famous ly Longfellow in Miles Standish, and the first man to land on Plymouth Rock. To this union were born children, namely : Joseph, in 1701: Benjamin, in 1702: Mary, in 1704: Rebecca, in 1706: Mathew. in 1708; and Seth. in 1710. This family about the year 1727 moved to Connecticut and set- hundred acres of land in Amanda township. His is a valuable farm, attractive and pleas- ant in apperance, owing to the well kept condition of buildings and fields. He was born March 14. 1839. near Royalton, Ohio, and comes of an old New England family. The following we copy from "Pioneer Pe- ricxl and Pioneer People" of Fairfield coun- ty, published by C. M. S. Wiseman: "The Alien family has been prominent in Fair- field county for one hundred years. The pioneer. Dr. Silas Allen, was a man of ed- ucation and character, and his descendants were numerous, and throughout their long career have maintained the reputation of their distinguished ancestors. Samuel .\1- len (the first) came to America from Bridgewater, Somerset county. England, in 1620, and settled in Braintree, Massachu- setts. His wife's name was Ann, but we
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tled at Norwich. Later they moved to Cell- terbury, Connecticut. At Norwich Joseph Allen married Rebecca Fuller, of Preston. Their son, Barnabus, was born February 24, 1729, at Norwich. Barnabus married Elizabeth Fuller, daughter of Randolph Fuller, in 1752. Their son, Silas, was born in 1754. He was educated and studied medicine. He married Mary Cleveland, daughter of Samuel Cleveland, May 16, 1776. She was a fourth cousin of Moses Cleveland, the founder of the city of Cleve- land, Ohio. She was also related to Grover Cleveland's ancestors. Soon after their marriage, with others of their family, Di. Allen and wife moved to Middletown, Ver- mont. Their children were: Samuel, Ja- red, Rebecca, Anna, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Annie, Jedadiah, who was born in 1781; and Whiting in 1782.
In the year 1800 Dr. Silas Allen with family and others, in all, forty, left Middle -. town, Connecticut, for the west, intending to go as far west as the Mississippi river. Arriving at Fairfield county, they found the country on Toby creek inviting and they concluded to remain there and became per- manent settlers. In course of time Whit- ing and Benjamin Allen moved with fami- lies to Delaware county, Ohio, where they were prosperous and representative.
Whiting Allen married Mahitable Searle, one of a family of the forty emi- grants mentioned. A descendant of this Searle family married a daughter of George Ewing of Iowa City, Iowa, and resides there in charge of a newspaper. Amos S. Thomas, of Lancaster, Ohio, is a great- grandson of Whiting Allen. Mrs. Evira
Meeker was a daughter of Lemuel Allen and died aged ninety-three. Dr. Silas .\1- len lived a useful life in his new home, reared and established a family, and at the age of seventy-one years, September 7. 1825, died. His body lies buried at Royal- ton.
Jedadiah Allen, the fourth son of Dr. Silas and Mary ( Cleveland) .Allen, and the. grandfather of our subject, was born in Vermont, and at an early age came with his parents to Ohio, locating upon a farm i.1 Amanda township, Fairfield county, that is- now occupied by our subject. Here he- lived and died devoting his energies to ag- ricultural pursuits, engaging in stock rais- ing on a very extensive scale. He was not. only very successful but was also one of the most prominent and influential men of the community. He died at Royalten on the 5th of September, 1856, many friends mourning his loss while the community chronicled the death of one of its leading representatives. He married Sarah Buil about 1803 and the children born to them were: Rachel, born 1809; Howard, born ISII; and Lyman, born 1813. Rachel be- came the wife of Thomas Reber and died near Upper Sandusky, Ohio.
The parents of our subject were Howard and Sarah (Leist) Allen, the latter a daughter of John Leist. The former was born in Amanda township. Fairfield coun- ty, and throughout his life devoted his ener- gies to agricultural pursuits. He died at the comparatively early age of thirty-eight years. He was quite prosperous and left his family in comfortable circumstances. He held membership in the Methodist
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church. His widow survived him for many years, passing away on the 25th of June, 1895, at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years, eleven months and six days. She was the mother of seven children, of whom one died in infancy, while four are yet liv- ing.
Jesse Allen was reared upon the old frunily homestead, his youth being passed in a manner similar to that of most boys of the period. He obtained his education in the common schools of the district. His fa- ther died when the son was only five years of age and Jesse Allen then assisted his mother in the work of the home farm until he had attained his majority. He then started out upon an independent business career and was employed as a farm hand by the month for two years. He afterward purchased the farm of Thomas Reber, in Amanda township, consisting of one hun- dred and sixty acres, for which he paid nine thousand five hundred dollars, and soon af- terward he solt this property for thirteen thousand five hundred dollars. He next purchased the property upon which he now lives, comprising one hundred and eighty- six acres, the price being fifteen thousand dollars. He added to this until he now has over three hundred acres of land under a very high state of cultivation. Many im- provements upon this farm are an indica- tior of his enterprise. capable manage- ment and progressive spirit. His is indeed one of the model places of the county and as the years pass it approaches more nearly to perfection. He also owns a number of village lots in Royalton. His time and at- tention have always been given to general
farming and stock raising and his thor- ough understanding of the business, his adaptation of improved methods to his work, and his unfaltering industry have brought to him very gratifying prosperity.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Allen joined the army in 1864. as a member of Company 1, One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for one hundred days' service, and was mustered out at Zanesville on the expiration of his term. In his political views he is a Republican and while firmly endorsing the principles of the party has never been an office seeker. al- though he has held a few minor positions. A prominent and consistent member of the Methodist church, for a number of years he has been one of its trustees.
No history of Mr. Allen could be com- plete without mention of his estimable wife. Ile was married on the 30th of December. 1869. to Elizabeth P. Strayer, who was born in Royalton, Ohio, a daughter of Abram and Ellen M. ( Cross) Strayer. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Ohio during the pioncer epoch in its history, locating in Royalton, where he established a mercantile store and car- ried on business along that line for many years. Ilis death occurred in Royalton September 19. 1866, when he was aged fit- ty-seven years, nine months and twenty-five days. His widow survived him for a long period, passing away in 1902, at the very advanced age of eighty-eight years. In their family were eight children, four of whom are yet living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen have been born but two children : Viola, horn December 13. 1871, in Royal-
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ton. is now the wife of Leroy G. Silbaugh. They were married September 17, 1895, by the Rev. S. D. Priest. Mr. Silbangh is an attorney-at-law and the present mayor of the city of Lancaster. They have two sons, Allen and John. Ralph Allen, the only son
of our subject, was born in Royalton. Au- gust 3, 1873. and now resides with his par- ents, carrying on the old home farm. He is justly recognized as one of the progress- ive and enterprising young business men of the county.
WILLIAM L. BUCHANAN.
William L. Buchanan, of Baltimore, Thomas Irick. James K. was living in Texas at the time of the Civil war and when about fifteen years of age was drafted for service in the rebel army. He and two con- panions crossed the bay in an old molasses box and thus made their way to the north. James is now deceased. George W., who resides in Pleasantville, was for years en- gaged in the hotel business there, but is now retired. He served in the Union army as a member of the Eighty-eighth Ohio In- fantry. Mary A. is the wife of L. L. Nor- ris and resides in Thurston. William L. is the next in the family. Darlington is de- ceased and the youngest died in infancy. The mother of this family was an active member of the Methodist Protestant church. The father gave his political support to the Democracy and was at one time deputy sheriff of the county. He became a char- ter member of Pleasantville Lodge, No. 163. I. O. O. F., and passed all of its chairs. He was a self-made man and one who deserved Ohio, was born in Walnut township, Fair- field county, on the 3rd of July, 1850, and is a son of William and Catherine (Huff- man) Buchanan, the former a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, while the latter was born near Baltimore, Maryland. The paternal grandfather and the great-grand- father both bore the name of William and the family is of Scotch-Irish descent. The father of our subject was a shoemaker by trade and followed that occupation in con- nection with farming and the manufacture of brick, and later engaged in the hotel business in Pleasantville, Ohio, in 1853 and died in 1854. An old brick church near the Indian fort, in Perry county, was built of brick which came from his kilns. He died when he was forty-four years of age, his wife living for some years after. In their family were eleven children, of whom three are yet living. Sarah became the wife of M. W. Mock, and both are now de- ceased. Catherine is the deceased wife of great credit for what he accomplished. He
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was not only industrious and energetic, but his business methods were also such as to commend him to his fellow men.
William L. Buchanan attended the pub- lic schools of Pleasantville, and at the age of fourteen began making his own way in the world. When he was twenty years of age he commenced conducting a hotel at Plesantville.
tober 19. 1890, and has been blessed with two children-Russell K. and Clara Ruth.
On the 24th of March, 1894. Mr. Buchanan removed to Baltimore, where he purchased a hotel and has since conducted business there, being the popular and genial host of the Baltimore House, which is re- ceiving a liberal patronage and is a popular resort with the traveling public. In his po- litical views Mr. Buchanan is a Democrat. Socially he is quite prominent. He belongs to Fairfield Lodge. No. 163. I. O. O. F., which he joined on the 5th of May, 1877, at Pleasantville. On the 28th of June, 1880, he became a member of Walnut Valley En- campment. No. 218, and is now a past patriarch. He also belongs to Canton Ivan- hoe. No. 10. at Lancaster, and is quarter- master sergeant of the Fifth Regiment. He is a charter member of the Rebecca lodge known as Chico Lodge, No. 196. Of this his second wife was a charter member and his present wife is also a member. Mr. Buchanan was a charter member and one who filed the application for the establish- ment of White Arrow Lodge, Knights of Pythias, No. 341. at Pleasantville, on the 2Ist of May, 1880, and for three years he has been its representative to the grand lodge. Hle is also a charter member of Baltimore lodge, Knights of Pythias, No. 673, and for three years was its representa- tive to the grand lodge. He is likewise a charter member of Chickasaw Tribe. No. 100, 1. O. R. M., at Thurston, Ohio. Hc is a man who has gained a wide acquaint-
As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Buchanan chose Miss Clara Lamb, the wedding being celebrated Sep- tember 26. 1872. The lady was a native of Walnut township and a daughter of Jacob and Anna Lamb. One child was born of this marriage. Claude Lamb, who is now secretary for the Twin City Paper Com- pany, at Baltimore. He was born January 14. 1874. On the 30th of October, of the same year, the wife and mother passed away and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Pleasantville. For his second wife Mr. Buchanan chose Miss Clara Embora Fink, a native of Pleasant township and a daugh- ter of William and Mary Fink, both of whom are now deceased. Her mother died when she was only three years of age. By that marriage there were three children : Anna May, now deceased. Frank W., who is employed as a clerk in the Kirk House at Zanesville, and Thomas Whitney, de- ceased. The mother of these children died May 3. 1889, and the father afteward mar- ried Cassie May Ketner, a native of Walnut township and a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Ketner, both of whom are still living. This wedding was celebrated Oe- ance throughout this county and possesses
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the qualities which render him a capable and successful hotel man. He gives close and earnest attention to the needs of his guests. looks after their comfort and con-
venience and by his genial, social manner he has gained a large circle of friends, not only of this community, but amid the trav- eling public.
JEROME D. HUMMELL.
Jerome D. Hummell is a self-edu- cated and self-made man, who has stead- ily progressed in life because of his strong character, his indomitable will and his laudable ambition. He is now owner of one of the best farms in Fairfield county and well does he merit his suc- cess. Mr. Hummell was born December 3. 1839, on the farm where he now resides and near the spot on which the house now stands. His parents were John and Mary (Dove) Hummell and the family is of Ger- man lineage, the great-grandfather of our subject having been born in Germany, whence he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, taking up his abode in Pennsylvania. where he probably spent his remaining days. His son, Frederick Hummell. the grandfa- ther of our subject, removed to Fairfield county after his son, John, had located here and took up his abode in Bloom township. where he carried on agricultural pursuits and spent the remainder of his life. In his family were ten children, of whom the fol- lowing are remembered: Hannah. Eliza- beth. Isaac. David, John and Leah, the last named being the widow of Daniel Allspaugh and a resident of Bloom township.
John Hummell, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Berks county, Pennsyl- vania, and in his youth lived in a wild dis- trict of the Keystone state. At one time he encountered a panther and on account of the unsettled condition of the locality he endured many hardships and privations. In the year 1827 he first came to Fairfield county, making the entire distance on foot. He did not make a permanent location but in 1832 returned to this county. He was a carpenter by occupation and at first took up his abode in Lithopolis, where he followed his trade. Later, however, he turned his attention to farming and pur- chased land, upon which our subject now resides. This was in 1837. He paid eleven hundred dollars for the tract, securing the farm from the Widow Rickits. He bor- rowed fifty dollars, which he added to the one hundred dollars he already possessed, and this was able to make his first payment of one hundred and fifty dollars, Subse- quently he became an extensive land owner for as his financial resources increased he in- vested in property until his possessions were very valuable. As a companion and help- mate for the journey of life he chose Mary
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