USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 17
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
176
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
companions during his leisure moments were Seneca's Morals, Pollock's Course of Time and Gibbons' Rome.
The Doctor was four times married, but his only surviving child is Mrs. Belle Graves, of Columbus, Ohio. His son. J. R. Flowers, who was a resident of the capital city, died a short time prior to the death of his father. There are now living eight grandchildren. eleven great-grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. E. A. Clayton, of New Salem, Ohio, who has reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years.
Politically the Doctor was a stanch Democrat. In early life he took an active interest in politics, but during the last twenty-five years of his earthly existence his attention was devoted in an undivided man- ner to his profession. His practice contin- ually grew in volume and importance and he was long recognized as one of the most capable members of the profession in this
portion of Ohio. He was an entertaining conversationalist and carried into the sick room not only the remedial restoratives that were administered but the sunshine of his own presence, which was also a helpful ele- ment in effecting cures. He was always hopeful and his own hope often inspired his patients. . As a man and citizen he was highly respected. His kind heart was always beating in accord with the unfortu- nate. He was indeed a faithful and loyal friend who could be counted on in times of need. To know Dr. Flowers was to esteem and honor him. His friendship was much prized and it could be won by an honest. upright life. When he passed away Lan- caster lost one of its best physicians, one of its truest and noblest citizens and a man whose integrity of purpose and honesty of dealing were beyond question. His mem- ory is still enshrined in the hearts of many- who knew him.
HENRY A. MARTENS.
The German clement in our national commonwealth has been a very important one, the sons of the fatherland coming to the new world having readily adapted themselves to the different conditions, cns- toms and habits of our people, and their enterprise, perseverance and reliability have made them valued citizens, who have con- tributed to the progress and advancement of
the land. A well known representative of this class is Henry A. Martens, recently closely connected with the industrial and commercial interests of Lancaster, but is now living in honored retirement from labor. his earnest and persistent efforts in former years having brought to him a handsome competence. He is what the world calls a self-made man, and his strength of char-
177
TIIE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
acter, his unflagging perseverance, relia- bility and activity have commanded for him the admiration and respect of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
Mr. Martens was born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, March 7. 1825. He as reared and educated in his native county, pursuing his studies between the age of six and fourteen years in accordance with the laws of his native land. After putting aside his text books he entered upon his business career as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade, serving faithfully for four years. He then traveled for a time as a journeyman, working at his trade in different important cities on the continent, but at length he de- termined to try his fortune in the new work!, believing better opportunities for advance- ment in business were here offered. In 1845 he sailed for the port of New York, but landed at Baltimore after a hazardous voy- age of nine weeks. At once he continued his journey by land until he had arrived in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he resided with his uncle, Frederick Martens, and there he was employed until his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment as a defender of his adopted land in the war with Mexico. He became a member of the Fourth Ohio Regiment under command of Colonel Charles Bruff and took part in a number of engagements. He was then discharged at the close of hostilities and returned to Cin- cinnati, Ohio, whence he made his way to Fairfield county.
Mr. Martens resumed work at the car- penter's trade and eventually became what was known as a "boss carpenter" or master
workman. His first independent venture. was in the line of merchandising. He pur- chased an interest in a hardware store in connection with T. J. Hansen, the firm be- coming T. J. Hansen & Company, a style. that was maintained for twelve years, on the expiration of which period Mr. Martens purchased Mr. Hansen's interest and the firm of H. A. Martens & Sons was organized. Practical, enterprising business men, the new firm was soon in the enjoyment of a large and constantly increasing business. In their store, located on Main street, they carried an extensive line of shelf and heavy hardware and farm machinery and buggies, and their enterprise, their honorable deal- ings and earnest desire to please secured to them a profitable trade. The business of Martens & Sons was long regarded as one of the leading mercantile concerns of the city, being successfully conducted by our subject and his sons until January. 1901, when the father retired from the active man- agement, leaving the younger members of the firm to control and extend their busi- ness interests. Since that time our subject has devoted his attention merely to super- intending his invested interests and to the enjoyments of life, which are afforded by his leisure, the companionship of friends, and the pleasures of home. A man of re- sourceful ability, he has not confined his ef- forts alone to one line. He was financially interested in and for several years was the president of the Hocking Valley National Bank and for an extended period served as one of its directors.
Of his sons, McClellan and Albert, in IGOT, erected what is known as the Mar-
178
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tens block, a fine substantial three-story brick structure, fronting the public square and extending from Main street to the al- ley. It is forty-seven by one hundred and eighty feet and is a most modern and well equipped block. The first floor is used for stores and the second and third for offices. It is heated throughout by steam and lighted by gas and electricity, and the elevator is run by water power. This splendid build- ing is not only a credit to the city. but is a monument to the enterprise and progress- ive spirit of Mr. Martens and his three sons.
Mr. Martens was united in marriage to Miss Mary Shoemaker, of Fairfield coun- ty, Ohio, a daughter of Samuel Shoemaker. a native of Pennsylvania, who became an early settler and highly respected citizen of Fairfiel! county. He married Miss Martha Bixby, also a native of the Keystone state, and among their children was Mrs. Martens. U'nto our subject and his wife have been born six children : William L., who fellows agricultural pursuits : Albert H .. Mcclellan and Charles D .. who are associated in busi- ness as hardware merchants and occupy a leading position in commercial circles in Lancaster: Sarah, the wife of George Or- man, a member of the firm of Orman Broth- ers, prominent lumber dealers of Lancaster : and Ella, the wife of Charles D. Webb, who is now residing in Decatur, Illinois. The mother died in 1887, leaving many warm friends to mourn her loss: She was devot- ed to her family and was an acceptable and consistent member of St. Peter's Lutheran church. Mr. Martens has since married Mrs. Christina Nester, a daughter of
Charles and Elizabeth Baumann. In addi- tion to his pleasant home and other prop- erty interests in Lancaster, Mr. Martens owns a valuable and richly cultivated farm of two hundred and seven acres in Fair- field county, and the rental therefrom adds materially to his income.
To the Democratic party Mr. Martens gives his political support, believing firmly in its principles, and his fellow townsmen. recognizing his worth and ability, have fre- quently called him to public office. For twelve years he served as justice of the peace, his impartial rulings and fidelity to duty winning him high commendation. He was also clerk and treasurer of Madison township, having been appointed to the lat- ter position in 1870. In 1875 he was elect- ed treasurer of Fairfieldl county for a term of two years and filled the office so accept- ably that he was re-elected in 1877. his in- cumbency covering a period of four years, at the expiration of which time he retired from office as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of the public. His political career, like his private life, is above reproach. Possessing a philanthropic and benevolent spirit, many have reason to gratefully remember Henry Martens for timely assistance rendered in their hour of need. He was instrumental in establishing the Fairfield County Children's Home, which was organized in 1882. He became one of its trustees and was also president of the board, giving his services gratuitous- ly for the benefit of the institution, which is one of the most creditable in the county. its beneficent purpose making it worthy the support and co-operation of all those whose
179
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
humanitarian spirit recognizes the brother- hood of mankind. The most envious could not grudge Mr. Martens his success, so honorably has it been won and so worthily used. He came to this country in limited financial circumstances, but embracing every opportunity for business advancement he has worked his way steadily upward, his
perseverance, diligence and enterprise en- abling him to steadily advance toward the- goal of prosperity. He sustains an unas- sailable reputation in business circles and now in the evening of life he commands the respect, good will, confidence and appro- bation of his fellow townsmen to an unusual degree.
JOSEPH CHRISTY.
In the front rank of the columns which have advanced the civilization of Ohio, Mr. Christy has led the way to the substantial development, progress and upbuilding of Fairfield county, being particularly active in promoting its growth, especially along agricultural lines. His memory goes back to the time when this entire district was but sparsely settled, when the forests stood in their primeval strength, little of the land having been reclaimed for the pur- pose of civilization. It was just as it came from the hand of nature, and awaited the awakening touch of the plow and cultivator to become a productive tract.
Seventy-five years ago Joseph Christy first opened his eyes to the light of day, his birthplace being Amanda township, Fair- field county. His paternal grandfather, Henry Christy, was born in Pennsylvania, and about 1790 came to Ohio, locating in this county, where he spent his remaining days. He entered a large tract of government land
lying in Amanda and Clear Lake townships, and at once began to clear it and make it ready for the plow. In the midst of the for- est he built a log cabin and developed a good home for his family, his residence be- ing located in the edge of Clear Creek township. There he lived until his death, which occurred in the home of his son Hen- ry, the father of our subject. The grand- father was a prosperous and progressive man, who aided in laying deep and broad the foundation for the present development and advanced condition of this portion of Ohio. His well directed efforts in business resulted in bringing to him very creditable and gratifying success. He accumulated a large amount of property, which he event- ttally divided among his children.
Among his sons was Henry Christy, the father of Joseph, our subject. He was born in Maryland, near the site of Hagerstown, and about 1800 was brought to Ohio by his parents. He was a resident of Fairfield'
180
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
county, residing upon the land which his fa- English learning. while under his father's ther had purchased. After arriving at years of maturity he devoted his attention to gen- eral farming and stock raising, and found in that branch of business activity a source of income, which compensated him well and enabled him to provide a comfortable com- petence for his wife and children. He owned and cultivated two hundred acres of land, which was given him by his father, and his place was ever noted for its neat and thrifty appearance and for the splendid fields of grain, giving promise of abundant harvests. His fellow townsmen recognized his worth and ability, frequently calling him to pub- lic office, and among other positions which he filled, he served as justice of the peace. He voted with the Democracy, strongly en- dorsing its principles. His able co-opera- tion was ever given to movements for the general good and he was accounted one of the valued and representative men of Fair- field county. He manifested his loyalty to his country by enlisting in the war of 1812, serving until the close of hostilities. Both he and his wife belonged to the Lutheran church. His death occurred in 1835. when Joseph Christy was eight years of age, while the mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Firestone, died on the old home place in 1869 at the ripe old age of seventy years. Twelve children had been born of that union.
Joseph Christy, the ninth in order of birth, was the youngest of six sons and is the only one now living. At the usual age he entered the public schools of his district, therein mastering the common branches of
direction he became familiar with farm work in its various departments. He remained on the old homestead until after his mar- riage, which important event in his life oc- curred in 1850. The wife of his choice was Miss Hannah Steward, a daughter of Charles Steward, a prominent farmer of Amanda township, who died about fifteen years ago: Mr. Christy brought his bride to the old home and there carried on farm- ing for some time, after which he pur- chased a tract of land in Clear Creek town- ship, belonging to the estate of his brother. For a few years he resided on that place and then bought his present farm in Aman- da township, making his home thereon con- tinuously since 1858. It consists of one hundred acres of rich land, all of which is under cultivation, and well tilled fields re- turn to him golden harvests. Nearly all of the improvements upon the place are the work of his hands. He has a large and substantial frame dwelling, good barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He uses the latest improved ma- chinery in cultivating the fields and facili- tating the farm work, and intelligence, in- dustry and thrift characterize all depart- ments of this country home. Mr. Christy has given his time and attention throughout the years of his manhood as well as his youth to general farming and stock raising. and creditable success crowns his efforts.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Christy has been blessed with twelve children, of whom two died in infancy. Ten of the number are still living, as follows: Nancy Anin is
181
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the wife of Amos Aldenderfer, a farmer of Amanda township, and their children are Laura, Dora, Arthur and Joseph. Charles H., a resident farmer of Amanda township, married Martha Griffith, a daughter of James Griffith, by whom he has nine chil- dren : Milton, Kirby, Bert, Orpha, Alpha, Millard and Willard, twins, John and Mary. Lewis F., who carries on agricultural pur- suits in Amanda township, married Ma- linda Boucher, and they have three children, Florence. Thomas and Ruth. Jemima is the wife of Eli Aldenderfer, who carries on ag- ricultural pursuits in Clear Creek township, and they have three children-Edward, Nora and Clark. Alice is the wife of Frank Wilson, a resident farmer of Amanda town- ship, and their children are Stella, William, Bertha, Marie, Ray and Ada. Emma is the wife of John Myers, a tile manufacturer of Amanda township, and their children are Effic and Helen. James, a railroad engineer of Kansas City, is married and has three children. Harold, Howard and an infant daughter. Sherman, a resident farmer of Amanda township, married Miss Ellen Huffman. Minnie is the wife of Albert
Marion, who resides upon her father's farm, and they have one daughter, Clara. Lucy is the wife of Charles Barr, an agriculturist of Amanda township, by whom she has three children-Selina. Elmer and Sherman.
Politically Mr. Christy is a Democrat and while he believes that the principles of that party will best serve the public welfare, he has never sought or desired office. He has witnessed many changes and improve- ments in Fairfield county, taking an inter- est in all that has worked toward the same, and bearing his part in developing what is now one of the richest farming districts of the state. Few men are more widely or more prominently known in the enterpris- ing county of Fairfield than Joseph Christy. He has been an important factor in agri- cultural circles and his popularity is well de- served, as in him are embraced the charac- teristics of an unbending integrity, an in- dustry that never flags, and a remarkable degree of energy. He takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends, is always courteous, kindly and affable, and those who know him personally have for him a warm regard.
NEWTON PETERS.
For more than seventy years Newton Peters has traveled life's journey in Fair- field county, and although he has passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten,
he is yet an active factor in agricultural cir- cles, being a prominent farmer of Green- field township, his home being located on section 35. He was born in Amanda town-
182
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ship, Fairfield county, on the 19th of Sep- tember, 1829. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Peters, was one of three brothers who came to America from Russia. Later no news of the location of one of the brothers coull be received; one died in Baltimore, while the grandfather of our subject spent his last days in Amanda township, where he passed away in 1829. He was one of the honored pioneer set- tlers of Fairfield county and took an active interest in the early development and progress of this portion of the state. In his family were thirteen children and two of the number were married and had thirteen children each.
Robinson J. Peters, the father of our subject, was born in Maryland in 1797, and in 1812 came to Ohio with his parents, first locating in Richland township, where he was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life. The work of progress and develop- ment had scarcely been begun at that time and many hardships and trials had to be en- dured by the early settlers, who sought to establish homes in the midst of the forests. Robinson J. Peters was united in marriage in Amanda township in 1823 to Miss Eliza- beth Gallagher, who was born in that town- ship in 1802, her parents having removed from Pennsylvania to this county at a pio- neer epoch in its history. The Gallagher family was of Irish lineage and in colonial days was established in America. Unto the parents of our subject were born seven chil- dren. five of whom reached years of ma- turity, namely: Zebulon, a resident of Hocking township; Mary, the widow of Thomas Cochran : Sarah Jane, the widow of
-
Thomas D. Whiley; and .Alvira, who died after attaining womanhood. Two of the children died in infancy.
Newton Peters was the third child and second son of the family and when he was about eleven years of age his parents re- moved to Lancaster. He acquired his edu- cation in the district schools and spent his youth in the usual manner of boys of that period, his time being devoted to the duties of the school room, the pleasures of the playground and to various business cares.
On the 12th of November. 1857, New- ton Peters was united in marriage to Lydia Eversole, a native of Berne township. Fair- field county, born August 1. 1840, her par- ents being David and Elizabeth ( Miller ) Eversole, who were early settlers of this county, coming to Ohio from Virginia, in which state they were born, reared and married. In their family were five sons and five daughters, Mrs. Peters being the sixth child and third daughter. She was reared in her native township and there remained until she gave her hand in marriage to Newton Peters. They began their domes- tic life upon a farm, which is still their home, and seven children came to bless their union: Preston, who married Catherine Groom and resides in Pickaway county, Ohio: Charles, who married Nannie Trim- ble and is living in Greenfield township: Elizabeth P., the wife of James Claypool, of Greenfield township; Robinson J .. who wedded Ida E. Compton and lives in the same township; Martha P., the wife of Charles A. Stropel, of Lancaster; Gaylord Clark, who married Nellie Eda Timbers and is living in this county ; and Jessie, who.
183
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is still with her parents. . All of the children were born upon the home farm where our subject now resides.
Mr. Peters has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. Hle built his present brick residence in 1868 and has made many substantial improve- ments upon his land. As his financial re- sources have increased he has also added to his property and is now the owner of two hundred and thirty acres of valuable land on the home tract, while in addition he has two hundred and thirty acres in Pick- away county, a farm of two hundred acres in Bloomfield township and one hundred and fifty-six acres in Greenfield township, adjoining the farm of Joseph W. Wilson, while another farm in the same township. , which he owns, comprises eighty acres, so that his landed possessions altogether ag- gregate nine hundred and sixty acres. All
that he possesses has been acquired through his own industry, and his diligence and per- severance have been leading factors in his successful career. Mr. Peters cast his first presidential vote for Winfield Scott and supported the Whig party until the organi- zation of the Republican. He voted for President Lincoln in 1860 and 1864 and cast his last presidential vote for the la- mented William McKinley. He holds men- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Lancaster and his life has ever been in consistent harmony with its teachings and principles. Through almost three-quarters of a century he has witnessed the develop- ment and progress of his county and at all times has borne his part in the work of im- provement. He takes great interest in what has been accomplished and has long been regarded as a valued and representative citizen.
DAVID E. KISSINGER.
In a review of the life history of many of the leading and enterprising citizens of Fairfield county, we note that quite a large proportion are native sons of this section of Ohio. Mr. Kissinger was born on a farmi in Amanda township, July 6, 1864, and comes of an old family of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Isaac Kissinger, was born in the Keystone state and was married there to Elizabeth Dindore. Later they sought a
home in Ohio, becoming early settlers of Amanda township. The father, Richard Kissinger, was born in Reading in the Key- stone state, in 1830, and when quite young accompanied his parents to Ohio, the fam- ily settling on a farm in Amanda township. Fairfield county. To his father he gave the benefit of his services for many years and after the death of his parents he continued to reside on the old homestead, where he
10
134
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
carried on general farming and stock-rais- ing, his efforts being so discerningly direct- ed along well defined lines of labor that he became a prosperous farmer of the county. He gave to the Democracy his political sup- port and was identified with the Evangeli- cal church and one of its active workers and elder -. Ile married Miss Sarah Bell, a native of Fairfield county. She was born in Amanda township and was a daughter of Samuel Bell. a representative of an old and honored family that came from Pennsyl- vama to this portion of the state at a very clay. Mrs. Kissinger was born in 1842 and became the mother of three children, Emma J., David E. and Dora B., but the last named is now deceased.
David E. Kissinger was reared upon the old home farm, working in the fields from the time of early spring planting until the harvests were garnered. He then entered the district schools, pursuing his studies un- til the following spring. Coming to Lan-
caster he began studying photography 1111- der the direction of J. H. Tobias, from whom he learned the business, remaining with that gentleman for four years. In 1894 he opened a gallery of his own, and equipped his studio with all the latest ap- pliances required in the art. His methods are modern, his work satisfactory and his patronage is constantly increasing.
Mr. Kissinger has been twice married, his present wife having borne the maiden name of Adelia Humphreys. She is a daughter of Samuel Humphreys, who was born in Virginia, but became a resident of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Kissinger is a wor- thy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, be- longing to Amanda Lodge. No. 509, F. & A. M. He has chosen as a life work a vo- cation for which he is well suited, and, keep- ing in touch with the progress which is be- ing continually made in the profession. he has already gained an enviable reputation and merited prosperity.
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.