USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 23
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children : Ray and Hughes. Their hos- pitable home is a favorite resort with many friends, and the Doctor is also a valued rep- resentative of the Masonic fraternity. He belongs to the blue lodge, chapter and com- mandery, and is also identified with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
In the line of his profession he is connected with the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. His strict regard for professional ethics, his broad humanitarian principles, his unfailing courtesy and genial manner, all combine to make him a successful and prosperous physi- cian whose high reputation is well merited.
GEORGE W. WYGUM.
George W. Wygum, who carried on gen- eral farming on section 24, Greenfield town- ship, is of German lineage. His father, George W. Wygum, was born in Baden, Germany, and when eight years of age ac- companied his parents on their emigration to the new world. They landed in New York, thence made the'r way to Pittsburg, and from the latter city proceeded by boat to Cincinnati. They continued their jour- ney through the state, seeking a favorable location, and two men, representing them- selves as having land to sell, induced Mr. Wygum to accompany them to inspect the property. When they had gone some dis- tance from the settlement they robbed him of all his mony, but fortunately his wife had five hundred dollars. Returning to his family, he then started with them for a Ger- man settlement in Rush Creek township, Fairfield county, and here he purchased a tract of land.
The son, George W. Wygum, Sr., was
bound out upon a farm to work for his board and clothing and was also to be allowed the privilege of attending school during the win- ter months. Being ambitious, he improved every opportunity, and by the time he was a young man had a good education for those days. He afterward engaged in teaching school with considerable success. Having learned the trade of a baker and confec- tioner, he established a bakery and grocery store in Lancaster, where he soon secured a very liberal patronage and made money rapidly. His surplus fund he invested in a farm in Pleasant township and thus became a factor in agricultural interests in the county.
After the inauguration of the Civil war, however, he manifested his loyalty to his adopted land and gave proof of his patriotic spirit by enlisting in the Sixty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, with which he served as quartermaster until the close of hostil- ities. He then went to Nashville, Tennes-
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sec. and established a furniture store, but after a few years he sold his business there and returned to his home farm in Pleasant township, Fairfield county. After a short period had elapsed he sold this property and once more removed to Lancaster, where he remained for two years. He then purchased one hundred and sixty-six acres of land on section 24, Greenfield township, and contin- ued its operation throughout his remaining days, passing away on the 20th of Decem- ber, 1894, respected by all who knew hin.
When a young man Mr. Wygum had married Margaret Geil, a daughter of Christian Geil, a German of Rush Creek township. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom two died in in- fancy; two of the sons went to the south to seek their fortunes, but no tidings were ever after received from them. Mary is the wife of William Fetters, a resident farmer of Pleasant township; George W., our sub- ject, is the second in order of birth; Mar- garet married John Fetters and their home is also in Pleasant township: Elizabeth married William Stahl, of Lancaster ; Charles is upon a part of the old family homestead; Kate is the wife of John Fitzer
and they now reside in Urbana, Ohio: Emma became the wife of Scott Keste, and lives in Columbus, Ohio; William follows carpentering in Lancaster; Frederick D., a graduate of Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, was engaged in the prac- tice of medicine in Maxville, this state, at the time of his death, which occurred July 23, 1890.
George W. Wygum, Jr., has never mar- ried. He managed the farm for his mother until her death, and since that time has con- tinued to operate it for the family. Close ties of fraternal regard bind the members of the Wygum family and representatives of the name have ever been people of sterling worth, enjoying in a high degree the confi- dence and respect of all with whom they have been associated. The father was a very prominent and influential man. Of marked business ability, keen foresight and executive ability, he carried forward to a successful completion whatever he under- took, and while winning prosperity for hin- self he also faithfully performed his duties of citizenship and co-operated in many movements and measures for the general good.
THOMAS H. DILL.
To the energetic natures and strong men- tality of such men as Thomas H. Dill, who has been an active member of the state legis- lature, is due the success and increasing pros-
perity of the Democratic party in this state, and in the hands of this class of citizens there is every assurance that the best inter- ests and welfare of the party will be attended
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J. M.Dill
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B to. Given to the prosecution of active meas- ures in political affairs and possessing the earnest purpose of placing their party be- yond the pale of possible diminution of power, the Democratic leaders are putting forth every effort to promote their party's strength. One of the leading representatives in this portion of Ohio is Mr. Dill, who throughout his life has been a loyal citizen, imbued with patriotism and fearless in de- fense of his honest convictions.
Mr. Dill was born in Kent county, Dela- ware, February 7, 1839, a son of Philemon and Rebecca (Hurd) Dill, the former a na- tive of Kent county and the latter of Caro- line county, Maryland. The Dill family is of Scotch-Irish origin and the first of the name in this county were William, John and Ab- ner. The old family homestead in Maryland has been in possession of the family for almost two centuries, the first transfer of the property being on record in 1705. The tract, comprising three hundred acres, has never been out of the name. The original Golden Grove estate comprised twelve hundred acres John Dill, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Caroline county, Maryland, and the maternal grandfather was Thomas Hurd, a farmer of Kent county, Delaware, whose father, William, was a Revolutionary soldier, while Thomas Hurd served his coun- try in the war of 1812.
Mr. Dill, whose name introduces this re- ord, spent the first seventeen years of his life in the state of Delaware and then came to Ohio, where he entered Oberlin college, spending two years as a student in that in- stitution, pursuing his studies through the
winter months, while in the summer he fol- lowed farming. He also took up the study of law, which he followed for two years, but preferring agricultural work, he aban- doned preparation for the legal profession. For eight years he resided in Morrow coun- ty, Ohio, where he owned and cultivated one hundred acres of land. In 1866 he came to Fairfield county, but after a year returned to Morrow county, living upon the old homestead farm of one hundred and sixty acres, belonging to his wife. When six years had passed he removed to Westerville, Franklin county, Ohio, where he remained for four years and in 1877 took up his abode in Bloom township, Fairfield county upon a farm which remained his place of residence for ten years.
Mr. Dill has been very prominent in po- litical affairs, as a leader of the Democratic party. In 1888 he was elected on its ticket to represent his district in the general as- sembly by a majority of fourteen hundred and fifty and served so capably that in 1890 he was re-elected by an increased majority, amounting to eighteen hundred and fifty- six. During his term he was an instigator of important movements and was instru- mental in securing the success of the local option bill for the state of Ohio. By his vote for this measure he subjected himself to the danger of being ostracised by his party. He was the chosen delegate from Ohio to the western council congress, which met in Kansas City, April 14, 1891, and was made chairman of the committee on or- ganization, composed of seven members, who had the power of appointing the speak-
13
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er of the house and Daniel R. Frances was chosen. During his legislative career Mr. Dill was chairman of the agricultural com- mittee and served on other important com- mittees. He has been president of the school board of Bloom township for several years and for a period of six years was mayor of Lithopolis, his administration being prac- tical, progressive and business-like, and giving eminent satisfaction.
In 1858 Mr. Dill was united in marriage to Miss Marian, a daughter of Philemon and Jane (Needles) Harris. Their living chil- dren are: Willard, a resident of Lafayette. Indiana : Philemon C., of Harrisburg. Ohio; and Nellie, who is a teacher of Columbus. One daughter, Eravelda, died in 1877 at the age of eighteen years. Mrs. Dill is a repre- sentative of one of the oldest families of
Fairfield county. George Needles came to Bloom township, this county, from Dela- ware in 1803, and the following year made a permanent location. In 1806 he was the first tax payer of the county and the First Methodist Episcopal church in the county was organized in his home. He took an act- ive interest in public progress and advance- ment and his efforts contributed in a large measure to the general welfare. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dill hold membership in the Meth- odist Episcopal church and are people of the highest respectability, their circle of friends being almost co-extensive with their circle of acquaintances. His entire freedom from ostentation or self-landation has made him one of the popular citizens of Fairfield county, with whose history he has now been long and prominently identified.
LOUIS ROSEY.
Louis Rosey, a wholesale dealer in liquors at Lancaster, was born in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1850. He was educated in Seymour, Indiana, to which place he removed with his parents, AAbner and Bertha (Mode) Rosey. For a number of years his father was engaged in mer- chandising in Seymour, but later in life re- moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1800. His wife is still living in her sev- enty-first year. In their family were four
sons: Louis, of this review ; Max. a whole- sale merchant; and Hy and Samuel, who are in business in Cincinnati and are pros- perous citizens.
After completing the high school course in Seymour, Indiana, Mr. Rosey, of this review, entered upon his business career, being first employed in a dry goods and clothing store as a salesman. When his diligence and economy had brought to him sufficient capital he embarked in business on his own account, and in 1889 he came to
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Lancaster, where he began merchandising at No. 164 West Main street, making a spe- cialty of Kentucky rye whiskies, and also rye whisky manufactured in Pennsylvania.
In 1882 he married Miss Clara Wernke. of Cincinnati, in which city she was born and reared. Her parents were natives of Germany and for many years resided in much success.
Cincinnati. In his political views Mr. Rosey is a Democrat and fraternally is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Royal Arcanum. He has gained a wide acquaintance in Lancaster and in his business interests is meeting with
WASHINGTON MAGEE.
When the tocsin of war sounded it awak- ened the patriotism of brave men throughout the north. They came from the work-shops, from the fields, they came from their of- fices and counting rooms imbued with one desire-to preserve the Union at whatever personal sacrifice it might cost. Washing- ton Magee was among the number who took his place beside the standard of the nation and fought valiantly in its defense. He is now living a retired life in the vil- lage of Oakland, Fairfield county, where he has long made his home, respected by ail who know him. His birth occurred in Tarl- ton, Pickaway county, February 19, 1819. his parents being George W. and Catherine Magee. The father conducted a tavern dur- ing the greater part of his life. His death occurred in Tarlton at the age of sixty-two years, while the mother of our subject passed away in Circleville, but was laid to rest by the side of her husband in the former place. She was the mother of twelve children, four of whom are yet living.
Washington Magee spent the days of his minority in the county of his nativity, and his educational privileges were those afford- ed by the common schools. His time was largely occupied in assisting his father, and when twenty-one years of age he removed to Circleville, where he remained for about three years, at the expiration of which period he became a resident of Tarlton, but after a short time took up his abode in Oakland, Clear Creek township, which has since been his place of residence. He is a mechanic and has followed mechanical pursuits dur- ing the greater part of his life. He learned both the tinner's and harnessmaker's trade. His business career, however, was inter- rupted by his service as a defender of the Union. He enlisted on the 13th of Feb- ruary, 1864. as a member of Company H, Fifty-second Ohio Volunteers, with which he continued until the cessation of hostil- ities. At Camp Chase, near Cincinnati, he received an honorable discharge. At the close of the war he returned to Oakland,
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and for a time lived on the farm. He now draws a pension of twenty-five dollars per month because of impaired health occasioned by his army experience.
Mr. Magee was united in marriage to Polly Walters, and unto them were born four sons and one daughter. William H. has been a member of the standing army since the age of sixteen years. Elmira is the wife of Jacob Bender, of North Balti- more. Henry K. resides in Indiana. George makes his home in Chicago, Illinois. New- ton is deceased. The mother of this fani- ily was called to her final rest and Mr. Magee afterward married Becky Westen- barger, by whom he had one child, John L., who is now in England. Following the death of the second wife Mr. Magee was married, in 1870, to Mrs. Aquilla Westen- barger, whose maiden name was Aquilla Bentz. She was born in Maryland and is a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Horn- baker) Bentz. Her father was born in Maryland and was a weaver by trade. He came to Ohio when Mrs. Magee was about two years of age and settled with his family in Berne township, Fairfield county, where
both he and his wife died, the former at the age of sixty-five years, the latter at the age of ninety years. Mrs. Magee was born about April 7, 1829, in Maryland, and after arriving at years of womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to David Westenbar. ger, who was born August 27, 1828. Their children were: Martha Jane; Samuel, de- ceased; Charles; Margaret E .; David; and Henry, who has also passed away. Mr. Westenbarger was born in Sugar Grove, Fairfield county, and was a farmer by occu- pation. He enlisted in Company I, of the Ninetieth Ohio Regiment, during the Civil war, and after serving for about six months died in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mr. and Mrs. Magee now have a pleas- ant home in Oakland, where he has so long resided that he is known to almost all of its citizens, and he also has a wide acquaint- ance throughout the county. He is now liv- ing in honorable retirement from labor at the ripe old age of eighty-three years, and he receives the veneration and re- spect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on the journey of life.
M. C. MILLER.
In public office M. C. Miller has won high commendation by reason of his loyal service in behalf of the public. He was at one time treasurer of Fairfield county and
over his record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. He has always resided in Fairfield county, and those who have known him longest and best entertain
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for him the highest regard, showing that his life history is one which will bear closest investigation.
Mr. Miller was born October 2, 1841, on the old home farm in Berne township. five miles east of Lancaster. His father, Michael Miller, was a very prominent and influential citizen at an early date, widely known throughout the county by reason of his many excellent characteristics. He was also a self-made man and the success which he achieved came as the reward of his own labors. He was born in Rockingham coun- ty, Virginia, in the year 1813, and at an early date he was left an orphan. He ac- quired his education in the schools of the Old Dominion and when about twenty-three years of age emigrated westward, casting in his lot among the pioneer settlers of Berne township, Fairfield county, Ohio, where he lived until called to his final rest at the age of seventy years. Farming was his life work, and through that industry he was en- abled to provide a comfortable home for himself and family. In 1837 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Stoneburner, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, and they became the parents of seven children : Ann Maria, now deceased; Elizabeth, who married J. B. Turner; M. C., the subject of this sketch; John E., of the Lancaster Bank; Abraham, who has also passed away ; David E., a resident of Illinois; and Frank P., residing in Mechanicsville, Iowa. Thie father of this family was a stanch advocate of the Democracy, and for thirteen years he faithfully served as an infirmary director. At that time the salary was about eighteen dollars each year, while now it reached into
the hundreds. Mr. Miller was a member of the Menonnite church and from early youth until his death his life record was honorable and straightforward. AAll that he possessed came to him as the reward of his earnest and honorable labor, and throughout Fair- field county he was held in high esteem.
M. C. Miller, whose name introduces this record, is indebted to the district school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed, which, however, were somewhat limited. At that time goose quills were used for pens and the teacher was required to give instruction in but three branches known as the three Rs-readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic. When about twenty years of age he put aside his text-books and continued to work upon the home farm until his mar- riage, Miss Emma Reed becoming his wife. She was a native of Lancaster and to them were born two children: Stella, who mar- ried James A. Berry, of Columbus, and Rob- ert, who married Abbie Trout, daughter of H. G. Trout, of Lancaster, and makes his home in Lancaster. In August, 1894, the mother of these children passed away, and in 1900 Mr. Miller was again married, his second union being with Charlotte Bowes, a native of Berne township.
After his first marriage he purchased of his father a farm upon which he resided un- til 1889. In that year he was elected county treasurer and removed to Lancaster. So acceptably did he care for the county finances that he was re-elected for a second term, and when he retired from office he enjoyed the confidence and good will of all. His selection for the position was indicated by the largest majority ever given in that coun-
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THE BIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD.
ty. Early in the 'gos he built the home in which he now resides. He has of recent years been engaged in the stock business. together with the superintendence of his farm, and in both branches of his enterprise he is meeting with prosperity. In politics he is a stanch Democrat when state and na- tional issues are involved, but at local elec- tions he regards only the capability of the
candidate. At different times he has served as township trustee, and for a number of years was a member of the school board. The qualities which go to make up an up- right manhood are his, and through the past decades of his residence in Fairfield county he has enjoyed the friendship of those who have known him intimately, and the respect of all with whom he has been associated.
JOHN J. STUKEY, D. D. S.
Dentistry may be said to be almost unique among other occupations, as it is at once a profession. a trade and a business. Such being the case, it follows in order to attain the highest success in it one must be thoroughly conversant with the theory of the art, must be expert with the many tools and appliances incidental to the practice of modern dentistry, and must possess business qualifications adequate to dealing with the financial side of the profession. In these par- ticulars Dr. John J. Stukey is well qualified. and therefore has attained prestige ameng the able representatives of dentistry in Ohio.
The Doctor was born in Berne township. Fairfield county. September 9, 1868, and is a son of Jesse and Lucinda (Armstrong) Stukey. His mother was also born in this county, being a daughter of John Arm- strong, who resided in Baltimore, Ohio. The parents resided upon a farm and un- der the parental roof the Doctor was reared
and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri- culturist. Through the winter months he pursued his education in the district school. and later spent some time as a student in the Sugar Grove high school. After putting aside his text-books he began to learn the more difficult lessons in the schools of experience. His first position was in the office of the county auditor. R. F. Brown, and afterward served as deputy auditor, acting in that capacity for three years. Subsequently he was employed by Dr. Eymn, a druggist, with whom he re- mained for two and one-half years, and on the expiration of that period he became a student of dentistry in the Ohio University at Columbus, where he remained for three years, being graduated in 1896.
Dr. Stikey then returned to Lancaster. where he opened an office supplying it with all the latest and most approved appliances
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belonging to the profession. Although he is a young man his ability does not seem to be limited by his years, his excellent work- manship has secured to him a very large and constantly growing patronage. In 1897 Dr. Stukey was united in marriage to Miss Susie Miesse, a daughter of Noah and Catherine (Swartz) Miesse, of Colfax, Ohio. This
union has been blessed with two children : Marsalette Lucinda and John Russell. They have a pleasant home in Lancaster and en- joy the hospitality of many of the leading households here. The Doctor is identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and in the line of his profession is connected with the Ohio Central Dental Society.
CHRISTOPHER CLUMP.
Christopher Clump, who carries on gen- eral farming on section 35, Pleasant town- ship. was born in Lancaster on the 17th of January, 1835. His father, Christopher Clump, was a native of Germany, born in the year 1798. By trade he was a carpenter, and in his native land he was married. Sub- sequently he crossed the Atlantic to the United States. landing at Baltimore, Mary- land, where he remained for six months. During that time he learned of the oppor- tunities in the great west and also received information concerning the cheapness of land. This was the inducement which brought him to Ohio, and after a short resi- dence in Lancaster he became identified with agricultural interests of Marion town- ship. Hocking county, where he purchased fifty acres of land, to which he afterward added a small tract, making a nice farm of eighty acres. To the development and cul- tivation of his place he devoted his energies until his death, which occurred in 1845. In
his family were several children, three of whom are yet living: John, a farmer of Hocking county, Ohio; Julia Ann, the wife of Joseph Mangold, of Columbus, Ohio; and Christopher.
Christopher Clump, of this review, is the youngest, and in his youth he attended the common school and at an early age he learned the carpenter's trade, which he con- tinned to follow until he had saved enough money with which to purchase eighty acres of land in Hocking county, Ohio. He had resided thereon only a year, however, when he had an opportunity to sell it at a good advance. He then came to Fairfield con- ty, taking up his abode in Walnut township, and resided there one year, at the end of which time he moved to Pleasant township, where he purchased his present farm of one hundred and fifteen acres on section 35. The last carpenter work which he has done was the erection of his own fine home that stands as a monument to his skill. ability
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and enterprise. He is a progressive and wide-awake farmer, practical in his methods and conducting his business affairs so that he is annually adding to his income.
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