USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 18
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
WILLIAM CRUIT.
William Cruit, now deceased, was born in Greenfield township, near Lancaster, May 8, 1832, and died in the same locality De- cember 2. 1894. His life span therefore covered sixty-two years and it was a period in which he accomplished much in a busi- ness way and at the same time manifested a loyalty in citizenship and a fidelity to all
that is honorable and right in manhood. He was a son of William and Hannah (Moon) Cruit. His parents were both na- tives of England and there spent the days of their chiklhood and youth, coming to the United States soon after their marriage. They located in Washington, Ohio, and in that locality the father engaged in farming
185
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for some time, but subsequently came to January, 1834, that he married Elizabeth Fairfield county, taking up his abode in Greenfield township, where both he and his wife spent the residue of their days and died at an advanced age, both being about ser- enty when called to the home beyond. They were faithful and earnest members of the Methodist church and their lives were in consistent harmony with their religious be- lief. In their family were eleven children, five of whom are yet living.
William Cruit, one of the number, ob- tained his early education in the district schools which he attended through the win- ter months, while in the summer season he assisted in the labors of the field and meadow, working upon his father's farm in Greenfield township. During the Civil war he responded to his country's call for aid, and enlisted for ten days' service. The occupation to which he was reared he made his life work and after his marriage fol- lowed that pursuit in order to provide for his family. It was on the 27th of March, 1855. that he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Kiger. a daughter of John and Eliza- beth ( Bolenbaugh) Kiger. The father was a native of Virginia and a son of Henry and Polly Kiger, who were married in 1802. They became the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters. The mother, Mrs. Polly Kiger, reached the extreme old age of one hundred and five years and passed away on Christmas day of 1884. while Mr. Kiger died in 1882, aged one hundred years. Their son, John Kiger, was born March 19, 1811, and died at the age of seventy-nine years, six months and twenty-two days. It was on the 16th of
Bolenbaugh, who proved to him a faithful companion and helpmate along the journey of life. He was long a resident of Fairfield county, settling in Amanda township, where he was at the time of his removal to this place. There he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred about eleven years ago. He was a very prominent man, not only in a business way but in political affairs, his opinions carrying weight on account of their practical and convincing qualities. His wife departed this life about a year previous to the death of her husband.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cruit was blessed with eight children, and five of that number are yet living. Edith died at the age of fifteen months. Alice is the wife of Israel Christ, a farmer and fruit grower of Bloom township, and they have four chil- dren : Ersie, Annie, Kirby and William. Elizabeth is the wife of Albert Heins, who is engaged in blacksmithing in Royalton, Fairfield county, and their children were Mamie and Ruth, at home, and Glenn, now deceased. John is a resident farmer of Greenfield township, who married Pauline Kemp, and their children are Hazel, Ure Agnes, Merrill and Frances. Anna is the wife of Dr. Monhank, of Royalton, and they have two children, Mary and Chester. Hetta is the wife of Jesse Hughes, a son of John Hughes, a prominent farmer of Amanda township. W. J. was born upon the farm where they are now living, and he married Sarah Lezenbe. Jesse Hughes re- sides upon the farm owned by our subject, and has two children, Freeman Cruit and
186
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Charline. Clara died at the age of four years and twenty-seven days. Hannah died at the age of four years and twenty-eight days. . All of the children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Cruit were natives of Fairfield county.
Mr. Cruit was a most earnest and con- sistent Christian man, and during the greater part of his life was a devoted worker and advocate of the Methodist church. . \t all times he was true to manly principles. was honorable in business dealings and straightforward in all his relations with friend or stranger. He owned and operate: one hundred and thirty-six acres of valuable land and throughout his active life carried on agricultural pursuits. Most of the im-
provements upon the place stand as momi- ments to his thrift and enterprise. He pro- vided liberally for his family in this way and was also a generous contributor to the church with which he was identified. He took an active interest in the rebuilding of Mount Zion church, and of all things tend- ing to promote the cause of Christianity. His widow still survives him and yet resides upon the old home farm, surrounded by all the comforts of life as a result of her hus- band's industry and care for her. Mr. Cruit also left to his family that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches, and though he has passed away his influence remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.
GEORGE W. KIGER.
George W. Kiger is the owner of a val- to throw aff all allegiance to the British uable farm of four hundred and fifty acres crown, joined the colonial forces and fought Ter national liberty. After the independence of the Union was won he came to Ohio and resided in Fairfield county until he had at- tained the very advanced age of one hun- dred and ten years, When he was called to his final rest. in Amanda township and is accounted one of the highly respected citizens of Fairfield county. He was born in Virginia on the 27th of October, 1818, and with his parents came to Ohio when six years of age, so that almost his entire life has been passed in this state. He is a son of Henry and Polly The father of our subject was a native of Virginia and in middle life came to Ohio. locating at once in AAmanda township. Fair- fieldl county, where he entered more than four hundred acres of land which was wild and unimproved. but he at once began to ( Waltuc) Kiger. His paternal grandfather. George Kiger, was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war who, when the cokm'es no longer able to patiently endure the op- pression of the mother country attempted
GEORGE W. KIGER
ยท
189
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
improve it and put it under cultivation and succeeded in making a comfortable home for his family. He engaged in farming in Amanda township until his death and was a very industrious and progressive man, whose well directed labors won him pros- perity. He accumulated much property and was therefore accounted one of the sub- stantial as well as one of the most highly esteemed citizens of his community. He. too, manifested his loyalty to his native land in times of war, becoming a soldier in the war of 1812. The family is certainly noted for longevity, for Henry Kiger had passed the one hundred and third milestone on life's journey at the time of his death, and his wife was in her one hundred and seventh year at the time she was called to the home beyond. She was a native of Germany, and to her husband she proved a very able help- mate and assistant. Both held membership in the Methodist church, and Mr. Kiger was a Democrat in his political views. In their family were six children, of whom George W. was the youngest. The only other sur- viving member of the family is Lewis, who is a retired farmer of Amanda township.
George W. Kiger, of this review, ob- tained his early education in the district schools near his home and remained under the parental roof until he was thirty years of age, when he started out upon an inde- pendent business career. He purchased a farm near Lancaster, on the edge of Amanda township, and there carried on agricultural pursuits for a number of years. At length he sold his property and purchased his pres- ent farm, then comprising one hundred and
thirty-eight acres, but since that time he has added to the property until within the boundaries of his farm are now comprised more than four hundred and fifty acres. He has lived at his present home for the past nineteen years and nearly all of the improve- ments upon the place are the work of his hands and stand as monuments to his in- dustry, and therefore everything about the place is kept in splendid condition. The buildings and fences are well repaired and the fields are highly cultivated.
At the time he left the old homestead Mr. Kiger was married to Miss Anville Shawen, a native of Fairfield county and a daughter of Josiah Shawen, one of the early settlers of this county. He was a carpenter by trade and became a prosperous man. Mrs. Kiger died about forty years ago at the Turkey Run farm, where they were then living. She was the mother of three chil- dren, two of whom survive her, Irvin hay- ing died at the age of nine years. Henry is a resident farmer of Amanda township, where he operates one hundred acres of land. He married Elizabeth Dunn. Rufus, the second son, resides in Van Wert county, Ohio, where he is engaged in the cultivation of two hundred acres of land. He married Ephema Elder, and they have five chil- dren, namely: Merty, Carrie. George, Laura and Omer. For his second wife Mr. Kiger chose Carilla Gallagher, a native of this county, and they became the parents of three sons and one daughter, all of whom are yet living. John resides at Villagrove, Colorado, where he is engaged in practicing medicine. He married Emma Neinhardt
1
190
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and they have one son, George MI. George portion of the state, having been a resident W., the second of the family, resides in of Fairfield county since 1824. There were Oregon, where he is engaged in the broker- age business. He married May Della Stur- geon. Charles was a farmer of Amanda township and wedded Letta Barr, by whom he had three children. Ethel, Fay and Des- sil, but Fay is now deceased. Alice is the wife of William Kiger, a practicing dentist of Columbus, Ohio, and they have one child, Dorothy Ruth. no railroads or pikes when he came and nearly the entire county was covered by a (lense growth of forest. He has witnessed its transformation from a wild region to one of the richest farming portions of this great state and has helped to make the county what it is to-day. He has been very suc- cessful in his business affairs and is very generous with his children, giving each a Mr. Kiger, whose name begins this re- view, gives his political support to the Re- publican party and is a member of the Methodist church. He has witnessed nearly the entire development and progress of this good start in life. His life has at all times been worthy of commendation and of emu- lation and no one more justly deserves the regard of his fellow man than does George W. Kiger.
ANDREW A. BRADFORD, M. D.
The profession of medicine has elicited the energies of many men of marked ability and sterling worth. Many claim that the profession ranks first among the callings of men, and it is an undisputed fact that it stands among the highest, its purpose being to alleviate suffering and to restore to man his most prized possession-health. Its fol- lowers are usually men of strong mentality, keenly analytical, and with broad sympathy in addition to a love of scientific research. and without these qualities a member of the profession cannot rise beyond the ranks of mediocrity. Possessing the requisite quali- ties of the successful practitioner Dr. Brad-
ford is now enjoying a liberal patronage in Bremen, where he makes his home. and throughout the surrounding district.
The Doctor comes of an ancestry honor- able and distinguished. He is of English lineage and traces the line of descent back to Governor William Bradford, who came to the new world with the Plymouth colony and settled in Massachusetts. He became and long served as governor of the colony. Later generations of the family figured con- spicuously in connection with important events concerning the history of Virginia and Maryland. John Bradford, the great- grandfather of our subject, was born in the
-
191
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Old Dominion and emigrating westward settled in the midst of the green woods of Muskingum county, Ohio, becoming one of its pioneer settlers. His son, John Brad- ford, Jr., was born in Highland township, Muskingum county, and was the grandfa- ther of the Doctor. The latter was a son of Harvey Bradford, who was born on the okl home farm in Muskingum county, which was later the birthplace of the Doctor. There reared to manhood Harvey Bradford car- ried on agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. He married Eliza Jane Noble, who was born in Ireland and when four years of age was brought to America by her father, Henry Noble, who crossed the Atlantic with his family.
Upon the old home farm Dr. Bradford first opened his eyes to the light of day, Oc- tober 10. 1862, and at the usual age lie entered the districts schools, where he pur- sued his lessons, mostly through the winter months, for in the summer seasons he as- sisted in the work of the fields. Later he continued his studies in Bloomfield, Ohio, where he remained for several years, and when he had completed his literary course took up the study of medicine under the di- rection of Dr. J. Morris Lane, of that
place. Ile afterward entered the Toledo Medical College, of Toledo, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1884. He remained in the office of his preceptor until 1886, and then located in Oakland, Fairfield county, Ohio, where he remained three years, after which he spent two years in Stoutsville. In 1892 he removed to Lancaster, where he spent two years, and then came to Bremen, where he soon secured a large and lucrative prac- tice. In order to add to his proficiency, in 1892 he pursued a post-graduate course in the Chicago Polyclinic College.
On the 30th of June, 1881, Dr. Brad- ford was united in marriage to Miss Sarah S. Wilson, of Muskingum county, a daugh- ter of John and Martha (Sims) Wilson. This union has been blessed with three chil- dren, but Laura E. died in her seventeenth year. The surviving children are Ralph Emerson and Alda. The Doctor is a mem- ber of Stoutsville Lodge, No. 255. K. P., and in his political affiliations he is a Demo- crat. He has served for several years as a member of the school board and for one term was mayor of Bremen. He manifests a deep and active interest in everything per- taining to the general welfare and as a citi- zen, as well as a physician, takes high rank.
HENRY W. GEIGER.
Henry W. Geiger, who devotes his time field county, for his birth occurred in Rush- and energies to agricultural pursuits, his ville on the 22d of May, 1848. He comes of an old Virginian family. His paternal home being on section 3. Pleasant township, is numbered among the native sons of Fair- great-grandfather, Adam Geiger, was a na-
192
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tive of Woodstock. Virginia, and in 1806 came west with his family, being numbered among the pioneer settlers of Fairfield county. Here he purchased six hundred and forty acres of land in Pleasant town- ship, and a part of this is now included within the corporation limits of Pleasant- ville. Throughout his remaining days he engaged in the development and improve- ment of his land.
His son. David Geiger, the grandfather of our subject, accompanied his parents in their removal from the Old Dominion to Fairfield county and resided with them upon a farm near Pleasantville until his marriage in 1807 to Catherine Winegardner. They began their domestic life upon a farm in the locality and unto them were born two sons: Johns who resided upon a farm in Indiana until his death; and Herbert. A few days after the birth of the younger son the mother died. and later David Geiger mar- ried Elizabeth Howdyshell. They became the parents of three children : David. Mary and Elizabeth, all of whom are now de- ceased. Throughout the years of his busi- ness career the grandfather of our subject followed agricultural pursuits near Pleas- antville and there died in 1826.
gaged in business for himself. When twenty-five years of age he entered into partnership with Mr. Reed in conducting a general store in Rushville. After a few years Mr. Reed sold his interest to George Crawford and the firm became Geiger & Crawford. Later the senior partner pur- chased the interest of Mr. Crawford and then conducted the business alone until 1845, when he sold the store and he and his uncle, Henry Winegardner, established a tannery in Rushville. Two years later he purchased his uncle's interest and was sole owner and manager of the enterprise from 1847 until 1856, when, his health having become impaired, he closed out the tannery business and purchased a farm of two hun- dred and sixty-four acres south of Rush- ville. He had also inherited one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 12, Wal- nut township, from his mother, and to this farm he removed. In 1873 he took up his abode at New Salem, Fairfield county, and there practically lived retired save for the attention which his property demanded. Ilis death occurred in that place in 1892. .As before stated, he married Sarah Lamb, who was born December 28. 1821. a daugh- ter of William Lamb, a farmer and stock- raiser of this county and a representative of one of the earliest families here. Unto Her- bert and Sarah Geiger were born two chil- dren: Henry W. and .Vwilda C .. the lat- ter the wife of Professor William M. Wikoff. They reside in New Salem, Ohio.
Ilerbert Geiger, the father of our sub- ject, was born at Pleasantville on the 16th of September, 1810, and when the days of his boxhoud and youth had passed he was mar- ried on the 8th of April. 1847. to Sarah Lamb. He had been reared by his grand- mother, Mrs. Catherine Winegardner, who In the usual manner of farm lads of the period Henry W. Geiger was reared and lived en a farm near Rushville. There he continued to make his home until he en- educated, and when he had attained to man's
193
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
estate he chose as a companion and helpmate are mostly well-to-do farmers and good citi- for the journey of life Miss Clemantine E. zens. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with three children, who are yet living: Emmitt C., who wed- ded May Bugh and is a farmer of Pleasant township: Edward H., who married Ger- trude Friend and resides in Walnut town- ship; Alwilda H., who is a member of her parents' household and is pursuing her edu- cation. Berry, the wedding taking place October 2. 1870. Her father, Edward Berry, was a farmer of this county, as was her grand- father, who also bore the name of Edward Berry and was among the early settlers of the county, coming from Maryland to Ohio in 1805. A large number of his descendants are living in various parts of the county and
1
HENRY CONRAD.
Henry Conrad, one of the highly re- tent himself to remain in Ohio while his spected citizens of Fairfield county, was country was endangered, and re-enlisted as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty- ninth Regiment of National Guards, with which he went to the front, serving for one hundred days. He was then mustered out in August, 1864, at Zanesville, Ohio, having spent the one hundred days' service at Balti- more. During this time he held the rank of second sergeant in his company. born in Clear Creek township on the 10th of July. 1841, his parents being Henry and Sarah ( Walters) Conrad. At the usual age he entered the public schools and through the periods of vacation assisted in work on the home farm, where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age. Upon the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in Company I, Ninetieth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, joining the army on the 13th of Au- gust, 1862. He was wounded at the battle of Stone River on the 31st of December of the same year, and was sent to the hospital at Nashville and afterward to Cincinnati and thence to Camp Chase, Ohio, where, on account of his injury, he was honorably dis- charged on the 4th of April, 1863. He then returned to his home and farm, but when he had recovered his health he could not con-
Taking up his abode in Fairfield county, Mr. Conrad resumed farming. In 1870 he purchased his present place in Clear Creek township, comprising eighty-five acres of rich land, on which he erected a large and attractive frame residence and has made many excellent improvements, having a well kept farm supplied with all modern accessor- ies and conveniences. In appearance it is neat and thrifty, and everything about the place indicates the careful supervision of the
194
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
progressive and practical owner. The home is presided over by a most estimable lady, who in her maidenhood was Miss Sophia Peters, daughter of George Peters, one of the early settlers of Fairfield county, who owned the farm upon which Mr. and Mrs. Conrad are now living. He died forty years ago. The marriage of our subject and his wife was celebrated in November, 1864, and has been blessed with three children, all of whom are yet living. Adelle is the wife of W. W. Doner, by whom she has three chil- dren : Harry W., Arthur H. and Ralph C. Minnie is the wife of V. V. Cuckler, of Lan- caster, Ohio, an employe in a shoe factory there. George S. is employed in Cincinnati, Ohio, and married Miss Stella Theiring, by whom he has one child. Mildred. All of the children were born upon the oldl home place in Clear Creek township, and attended the district schools, while George was a student in the college of Delaware, Ohio, and like- wise pursued a commercial course in differ- ent business colleges.
Mr. Conrad is now serving as school
director, which position he has filled for three years. He has been a judge of elec- tions for the past six years and in politics is a stanch Republican, but while he has held some offices, he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. Socially he was connected with the Grand Army post at Amanda during its ex- istence. For forty-two years he has been a member of the Methodist church, taking a most helpful part and being very much in- terested in its work. He has served as trus- tee, steward and class-leader, filling all of those offices at the present time, together with that of Sunday-school superintendent. He puts forth every effort in his power to advance the cause of Christianity and his labors have not been without effect. So honorable and upright is his life that he commands in a high degree the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been as- sociated, and well does he deserve mention in this volume, devoted as it is to the lives of representative citizens.
FRED L. MAUGER.
In Democratic circles Fred L. Mauger in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of February, 1840. In the year 1854 his father and mother, with their four sons, emigrated westward, taking up their alle in Fairfield county, Ohio, in April of that is widely known and on the roster of public officials of Fairfield county appears his name, for he is now capably serving in the position of auditor. He is a native of the Keystone state, his birth having occurred year. His father was a carpenter and build-
195
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
er and throughout his entire life engaged in business along those lines. His political support was given the Democracy and he was a member of the German Reformed church. Unto him and his wife were born four sons : Eli, who is living in Etna, Lick- ing county, Ohio; Fred L., of this review ; Jacob L., who is a farmer of Pataskala, Licking county ; and Daniel, who was born February 22, 1848, and is now engaged in farming near Baltimore, Fairfield county.
All departments of life are being contin- uously recruited from the farms. The boys reared amid the surroundings of rural life displaying strength of character as well as of physical manhood, make their way to the cities and become active factors in the vari- ous pursuits which constitute activity in the various lines that contribute to upbuilding and prosperity there. Fred L. Mauger was reared upon the home farm in the usual man- ner of boys of the period, working in the fields through the summer months, while in the district schools he acquired his early education. He was thus engaged until twen- ty-one years of age, after which he became a student in a select school taught by Pro- fessor Isaac Johnson in Reynoldsburg. Later he began teaching, following that pro- fession at Wagram. He then attended Central College in Franklin county for two terms and while there was elected major of the Third Ohio Militia of Licking county, the commission being signed by Governor Tod. In September, 1862, Mr. Mauger joined the Squirrel Hunters in response to the call of the governor for men to aid in the defense of Cincinnati, which was threat-
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.