USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 15
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time served as justice of the peace of Green- field township. Among his children was Rachel Wells, who on the 14th of October. 1802. became the wife of William Wilson. Their marriage took place at the forks of the Hocking in Greenfield township. His death occurred September 26. 1851. and his wife passed away in 1842 at the age of fifty- five years. . After their marriage they lived in a little log cabin in Greenfield township and in true pioneer style their early married life was passed. Unto them were born ten children : AAmanda. Minerva. Calista, Eliza- beth, Rachel, Louisa, Nathaniel. James W., William Harvey and AAmbrose. Only two of the number are now living. namely : James W., of this review : and Louisa. the wife of llenry Pence. a resident of Brad- ville, Page county. lowa.
James W. Wilson, of this review, was the seventh child and second son of the fam- ily and the only one still fiving in Fairfield county. Hle remained upon the home farm, where he is now living until twenty-one years of age, after which he spent two years in Indiana. On the expiration of that period he returned and has since remained upon the farm, giving his entire life to agri- cultural pursuits. He has ever been pro- gressive in his methods of farming and the fields have returned to him a golden trib- ute in return for his careful labors and act- ive management.
On the 17th of January. 1844. James W. Wilson was united in marriage to Rosann Wolf, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio. born on the ist of January. 1819. and a daughter of Philip and Rebecca ( Phillip) Wolf, the former a native of Pennsylvania
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and the latter of Maryland. Her father was becca, who are at home; and Lucretia, who twice married, Mrs. Wilson being the is deceased. Throughout his entire life Mr. youngest of eleven children. She was reared in Pickaway county, Ohio, and by her marriage has become the mother of seven children: George, who is living in Pick- away county; Gustine, who lives at home : John, of Pickaway county ; McLury, who resides south of Lancaster : Rachel and Re- Wilson has given his political support to the Democracy, but has had no desire for pub- lic office, preferring that his attention should be given to his farming interests, in which he has met with a very creditable degree of success, being numbered among the well- to-do farmers of his vicinity.
PHILEMON B. STANBERY.
The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished. and, as taken in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country. there is particular interest attaching to the career of the sub- ject of this review, since he is a native son of the place where he has passed his active life. and so directed his ability and efforts as to gain recognition as one of the repre- sentative citizens of Lancaster. He is act- ively connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or com- munity, and one which has long been con- sidered as conserving the public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and main- taining individual rights. For many years he served on the probate bench and no more capable officer has ever occupied that posi- tion.
An inherited tendency and environment
have both undoubtedly had much to do in shaping the career of Judge Philemon Beech- er Stanbery. His maternal grandfather was Philemon Beecher, a native of Virginia. who became an eminent member of the bar of Lancaster, of which Thomas Ewing was so long the acknowledged leader. His daughter married Henry Stanbery, who was the second member of that bar in point of ability and distinction. Among the five children born of Henry and Frances E. (Beecher) Stanbery was the subject of this review, and in his christening was perpetu- ated the full name of his maternal grand- father. His parents had become residents of Lancaster, where his father was prac- ticing law, and it was here that the Judge was born on the 5th of May. 1832. At the usual age he entered the public schools and later he spent four years as a student in the Kinsley Military Academy, situated on the Hudson river, one mile below West Point.
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where he remained between the ages of thirteen and seventeen years. Like his fa- ther he manifested special fondness for books and a desire to acquire a broad classical education. He mastered his studies with ease and rapidity and when seventeen years of age matriculated in Kenyon Col- lege at Gambier, Ohio, where he remained two years, that institution being one of the most reputable for higher education in the west, numbering among its students men who afterward attained marked distinction in various walks of life. The Judge. how- ever, completed his college course in the Ohio University in Athens, where he was graduated with high honors with the class of 1853.
At that time he entered upon his bus :- ness career as a member of a corps of civil engineers engaged in surveying the line and establishing the grade of the Ohio Central and of the Little Miami Railroads. Upon the completion of this work in 1856 he made his way westward to Fort Des Moines, which afterward became the capital of Iowa. and at that place he was admitted to the bar and entered upon the practice of law. for during his college course and subsequent thereto he had quietly and persistently pur- sued a course of reading and study of the law under the direction of his father, so that he was well qualified to become an active member of the profession. When two years had passed he removed to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he remained until 1860, but he had a stronger attachment for the state of his nativity than he did for the west and after four years spent beyond the Missis- sippi he returned to Ohio and took up his
abode in Pomeroy, where he entered into a law partnership with Captain S. . 1. Burnap, which continued for several years.
.At the opening of the Rebellion Mr. Stanbery became a patriotic advocate of the Union cause and manifested his loyalty to the national government by joining Com- pany E of the Fourth Regiment of West Virginia Infantry, of which he was made a first lieutenant in July, 1861. Immediately afterward he was appointed adjutant of the regiment and in 1862 was selected by Gen- eral H. B. Ewing as chief of staff, in which capacity he served until his return to his regiment in 1863. At the siege of Vicks- burg in that year he was severely wounded and in consequence of his disability occa- sioned by his injuries he was granted an honorable discharge from the service on the roth of September, 1863.
Upon his return home Judge Stanbery resumed the practice of law and his clientage gradually increased in volume and im- portance with the growth of the town. In public affairs he also took an active part and was elected mayor of Pomeroy, discharging both the administrative and judicial duties appertaining to the office with such popular approval as to command re-election again and again, and when at length his mayor- alty service was ended he retired from office as he had entered it .- with the con- fidence and good will of the entire public. In I8;o he was elected probate judge of Meigs county, and twice afterward was he chosen to that office, holling the position for nine successive years. . \ contenir rary biographer, in speaking of this period of his life, has stated : "All the rights and inter-
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ests of widows and orphans, heirs and the most artistically beautiful church edi- legatees were carefully protected. His fices in southern Ohio in architecture and official duty was performed in accordance adornment. with the law and his own sense of justice, without favor or prejudice. His intellectual integrity and moral honesty no less than the obligation imposed by his oath of office im- pelled not simply a financial accounting but also painstaking investigation to ascertain the right and the equity of every claim, whether of heir or creditor. Through it all he maintained the judicial acumen, the un- swerving impartiality and the discrimi- nating sense of justice which belong to the legal mind; the sensitiveness to criticism and the delicate appreciation of honor which are among the noteworthy character- istics of the noble and high-spirited man. In public office and in private life he has proved his fitness to be designated as the upright judge, the honest man."
On the 20th of November, 1867, Judge Stanbery was united in marriage to Miss Margaret M. Hart. Five children were born of this union, Cecilia, Henry, Phile- mon B., Hart and Louisa. All of them are living except the eldest daughter, Cecilia, who died at the age of twenty-three. She was a most charming young woman in all the graces of person and the attributes of mind. Her vivacity, sweetness of temper, and the loveliness of character lent a distinct attractiveness to the delightful home, and her early death brought to the hearts of doting parents the deepest grief. In re- membrance of her inspiring virtues, and as a fitting memorial, Judge Stanbery erected at Pomeroy a handsome rectory in connec- tion with Grace Episcopal church, one of
The Judge is an honored and active. member of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, belonging to Gamaliel Bartlett Post, of Pomeroy. He takes great interest in per- petuating the comradeship and the memory of the great achievements of the Civil war. In all his business affairs Judge Stanbery has been known as a man of sterling worth and unswerving integrity. He possesses ex- cellent executive force and keen sagacity and these elements have enabled him to make judicious investments which have proven a source of desirable profit and in- come. He has never engaged in speculation .. but along legitimate business lines has won a handsome competence. He has ever occupied a prominent position in the fore- most rank of the legal practitioners of Lan- caster. His life has been one of untiring activity and has been crowned with a high degree of success, yet he is not less esteemed as a citizen than as a lawyer, and his kindly impulses and charming cordiality of man- ner have rendered him exceedingly popular among all classes. The favorable judgment which the world passed upon him in his early years has never been set aside nor in any degree modified. It has, on the con- trary, been emphasized by his careful Con- duct of important litigation, his candor and fairness in the presentation of cases, his zeal and earnestness as an advocate, and the generous commendation he has received from his contemporaries, who unite in bearing testimony as to his high character and superior mind.
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REV. GEORGE W. HALDERMAN.
The stamp designating true nobility of character must ever find its ineffable tracery on the brow of one who sets himself apart from the "madding crowd's ignoble strife" and dedicates his life to the uplifting of his fellow men. More than superficial investi- gation is demanded when one essays to de- termine the mental struggle and the spirit of unselfish devotion that must animate the man who gives all that he has and all that he hopes to be to service in the great vine- yard ci life, seeking reward only in that realm "where moth and rust do not corrupt and where thieves do not break through and steal." Preparations for labors in the priest- hood are perforce exacting. demanding an ever ready sympathy, a broad intellectuality and an unswerving fidelity. Scoffing synic- isin and careless irreverance would often be silenced if only the inner life of those who ministered in holy places might be laid open for inspection. Honor is due and honor will be paid when once there comes a deeper in- derstanding of the truth.
We are led to this train of thought through reflecting upon the life record of the Rev. George W. Halderman, D. D., who for twenty-two years was pastor of the First English Lutheran church of Lancaster, and whose influence was of no restricted order. for he was one of the most distinguished representatives of his denomination in this part of the country. His birth occurred in Center county, Pennsylvania, March 1. 1833. his parents being Samuel and Mar- garet t Kellmeyer ) Halderman, both of
whom were natives of Germany. The Doc- ter acquired his early education in Sunbury. Pennsylvania, but he had to depend largely upon his own resources in order to secure more than a common school training. He taught school in Germantown, Kentucky for two years, being principal of the Boys' Pre- paratory School there. He afterward con- tinued his studies and was graduated in Wittenberg College of Springfield. Ohio, as one of the honored men of his class. He then served for a short time under General J. Warren Keifer, in the Civil war, and aided in the capture of the noted rebel leader Morgan. He then again took up his college work and was graduated in the theo- logical department of Wittenberg College. after which he was assigned to his pastorate at Van Wert. Ohio. Subsequently he went to Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, and in the spring of 1870 he came to Lancaster as pas- tor of the First English Lutheran church. remaining in charge for ten years, during which time he also preached every Sunday afternoon in the Boys" Industrial School from the time of its establishment. He labored untiringly and won the respect and esteem of all people of all denominations as well as those of his own congregation. Per- haps there has been no more popular minis- ter in this city than was the Rev. George W. Halderman. His scholarly attainments. his deep understanding of the wellsprings of conduct and of human action as well as his comprehensive knowledge of Christianity and his oratorical ability made him a most
G. W. Halderman
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eloquent, pleasant and entertaining preacher. In 1879, however, he resigned his pastorate at Lancaster, and accepted a call from the Lutheran church at Polo, Illinois, wherein he remained for three years. He afterward spent one year in Europe, and in the Holy Land, both for the benefit of his health and for the purpose of further study and re- search. On his return he accepted a pastor- ate in Washington. Illinois, where he re- mained four years, but at the end of that period he again accepted a call from the First English Lutheran church of Lancaster, continuing as its pastor until up to the time of his death.
Dr. Halderman was married on the 26th of April, 1864, to Miss Mary Dallas Croth- ers, who died October 29, 1866, and on the 16th of July, 1873, he was again united in the holy bonds of matrimony, the lady of his choice being Miss Philecta Griswold. daughter of Samuel A. and Ethelyn ( Kel- ley) Griswold, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. Unto Dr.
Halderman and his wife was born one son, John Crothers Halderman, who is now a banker of Pawnee City, Nebraska.
In 1887 our subject purchased a fine country home on the Cedar Hill Pike, about two miles west of the city, and the place is known as "Hallelujah Heights." The resi- dence is a most beautiful one, with tasteful surroundings and is now occupied by Mrs. Halderman. The Doctor was only ill for a few days, holding communion in the church just six days before his death. His usefulness therefore continued until the last, and this was as he would have it. He passed away July 17, 1899, and his remains were interred in the Forest Rose cemetery. Na- ture bestowed upon him many of her rarest gifts. He possessed a mind of extraordin- ary compass, an industry that brought fort!i every spark of talent with which nature had endowed him. He was in every way a most superior man, and moreover he used his abil- ity for the benefit of his race, for his town, his state and his nation.
VAN S. BURTON.
Van S. Burton, now' deceased, was a man whom to know was to respect and honor, and throughout his entire life he lived so as to win the confidence and high regard of all with whom he was associated. He was born in Pleasant township, Fairfield county, in 1806, and always resided within
its borders. He was a son of Jacob and Mary (Swearingen) Burton, who were married June 6, 1790. It was in 1800 that they came to Ohio from Maryland, taking up their abode in Fairfield county, where the father spent his entire life, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits. He be-
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came the owner of eight hundred and it a good home for himself and family. forty acres in . Hocking township, one which was his place of residence until 1844. when he returned to Fairfield county and purchased the farm in Hecking township upon which his sen Isaac now resides. This was a tract of one hundred acres and upon it he made all the improvements. for when it came into his possession not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. He erected a large, substantial frame residence with a big barn and added other equipments, denoting the owner to be a man of progres- sive spirit. in touch with the most modern methods of agriculture. Throughout his remaining days he here carried on farming and his labors were crowned with a high de- gree of success. Ile was also a millwrigh! by trade and in his early life carried on that pursuit. but after removing to Hocking township his attention was given entirely to farming and stock-raising. His business methods were ever honorable and straight- forward and gained for him the regard and confidence of all with whom he was asso- ciated. hundred and sixty acres in Greenfield township and also owned land in Lan- caster. He was a very prominent and in- fluential citizen, a recognized leader in public thought and action. A man of strong mentality and keen insight, he also pos- sessed a patriotic spirit, was deeply inter- ested in the welfare of his community and put forth every effort for its advancement and improvement. That he enjoyed in a high measure the regard and trust of his fellow men is shown by the fact that he was chosen one of the associate judges of his district during the early part of the nine- teenth century and was also elected to repre- sent his district in the territorial legislature, where he took an active part in framing the laws and measures that shaped the policy of Ohio at an early period. He died in 1841 and his wife passed away some years pre- viously at the age of seventy-six years. In their family were ten children of whom Van S. Burton was the ninth in order of birth. Mrs. Burton was widely known as a mid- wife throughout the whole country.
In taking up the personal history of Van S. Burton we present to our readers the life record of one who was widely and favorably known in Fairfield county. He remained in Pleasant township until 1812 when his parents purchased land in Hocking township and removed to that farm. Hle then centinved under the parental roof until his marriage, after which he removed to Hancock county and purchased land from the government. Hle developed his claim into a rich farm and located thereon, making
In Greenfield township, Fairfieldl county, Mr. Burton was united in bonds of wed- lock to Lydia Rice, a daughter of Michael and Rachel ( Kester) Rice. Her father was a native son of Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in ISon, before the admission of the state into the union. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis. When the country became involved in the second war with England he joined the American troops and fought for the rights of the nation. He acted as a teamster also, and hauled the baggage of General Harri-
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son, who was in command of the troops in this portion of the country. Ilis entire life was passed in Greenfield township after his arrival in Fairfield county, and there he died at the age of eighty-nine years. He was a prosperous farmer, whose unremitting dili- gence and unflagging industry were the means of enabling him to acquire a very handsome competence.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Burton were born ten children. of whom eight are yet living, as follows : Jacob resides upon the old home farm. Isaac and Michael are also living upon the farm and are associated in its operation. Rachel died at the age of sixty- one. She was the widow of Elijah Milli- gan, a blacksmith of Clear Creek township. Shipman N. resides upon the old home place. He is married and has a family. George died in 1876, at the age of thirty- one years. Hannah is also upon the old homestead. Van resides in Greenfield township with his wife and family. Lydia is the wife of Daniel Sifford, a retired lumberman of Lancaster. Mary, who com. pletes the family, is also upon the old home- stead. The father of this family passed! away on the IIth of July, 1888, at the age of eighty-two years, and his death was widely and deeply mourned for he was long accounted one of the most honored and rep- resentative citizens of Fairfield county. Through much of the century he witnessed its growth and took an active interest in all that pertained to its welfare and advance- ment. He saw its wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms, while splendid pikes took the place of Indian trails and the railroad, telegraph and telephone
were introduced. He served as justice of the peace while living in Hancock county, filling the office for eight or ten years, bat he was never a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring that his attention should be given to business affairs and to the discharge of his duties of citizenship without regard to office. His political sup- port was given the Democracy and he was fearless in his defense of what he believed to be right. His wife died upon the old home- stead farm in 1891, when nearly eighty-one years of age. She was a member of the Lutheran church. Both were people of the highest respectability and wherever known they won friends who esteemed them for their genuine worth.
Isaac Burton was born in Hancock coun- ty December 29, 1835, and was nine years of age when brought by his parents to Fair- field county. Since his father's death he has been associated with his brothers, Jacob and Michael, in the conduct of the old home farm, and all are well known agriculturists of unfailing honor and unremitting dili- gence. Michael was infirmary director of Fairfield county for six years. Jacob has been assessor of the township for a number of terms and at all times each of the brothers "has been found loyal to his duties of citi- zenship and to the right. Jacob Burton was born April 21. 1833. in Hocking township and in early life learned the trade of cor- penter, which he followed for some years, after which he turned his attention to gen- eral farming, which business now claims all his time and energy. Michael Burton was born in Hancock county, Ohio, November 7. 1837, and when seven years of age he
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accompanied his parents to this county. The three brothers are now associated in the ownership and operation of the old home farm, which is kept in splendid condition and is supplied with all the equipments and
accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. The family is one of prominence in the community and its members have ever enjoyed in a high degree the friendship and confidence of their fellow men.
JOHN BLAUSER.
That the family of which our subject is a representative is one of the oldest in Fair- field county, is indicated by the fact that his grandparents took up their residence here. They cast in their lot with the citizens and bore their part in the work of primitive de- velopment and progress. John Blauser, of this review, now living about two miles north of the village of Baltimore, in Liberty township, was born upon the farm which he yet occupies, July 10. 1846, his parents being John and Susan ( Staller ) Blauser. His father was a native of Virginia, born September 28, 1794, and the grandfather. AAbraham Blauser, was of German lineage. Susan Blauser, the mother of our subject. was born January 2. 1811, and the marriage of the parents was celebrated March 4, 1830. John Blauser, Sr., came to Ohio when a young boy, in company with his parents, the family settling in Licking county, where the grandparents of our subject both died at a ripe old age. After his marriage, in 1830, John Blauser, Sr., removed to the northern part of Liberty township, Fairfield county, taking up his alle in an old log
cabin. After about two years he removed to the farm now occupied by the subject of this review, then comprising one hundred sixty acres of timber land, which he pur- chased for one hundred and twenty-five dollars. When the time came to make the first payment he killed his only hog and gave one-half of it in order to meet the in- debtedness. There was not a single im- provement upon the place when it came into his possession, but with characteristic energy he began clearing the land, cultivating the crops and placing it under a high state of improvement. The pike which now extends in front of his house was then but a little wagon road scarcely more than a trail lead- ing through the woods. It was very crooked, having been directed in this way because of the trees which stood throughout the district. John Blauser. Sr., started upon his business career without a dollar, but he came one of the extensive land owners of the county, his home farm comprising three hundred and forty acres of very rich and arable land, substantially developed, all har- ing been accumulated through his own ef-
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