USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 27
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age of eighty-seven years. She has long been a devout member of the Methodist church and is beloved by all who know her for her many excellent qualities of heart and mind. By her marriage she became the mother of twelve children, six of whom are yet living.
John W. Reynolds, the eklest of the family, remained in the place of his nativity until about thirteen years of age, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Hocking county, remaining with them un- til he had attained the age of twenty-two. Three years later he was married, and he was twenty-eight years of age when, in re- sponse to the country's call for aid to sup- press the rebellion, he enlisted May 4, 1864. in Company I, One Hundred Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until August 28, 1864. He was then dis- charged at Camp Chase, Columbus, and was appointed provost marshal, filling that posi- tion until the close of the war. When hos- tilities had ceased he was relieved from his. position through act of Congress just after the surrender of General Lee. During the greater part of his services with the army he was in Washington, being there stationed at the time Early made his raid into the north. At one time he went to arrest a party of dle- serters. They resisted, and in the fight which followed Mr. Reynolds had his shoul- der dislocated, the bones of his right wrist broken and his skull mashed. The attend- ing physician said he might live a month. but not longer. Owing to his wonderful constitution he rapidly recovered, but to this clay he suffers from the effects of the fight.
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Prior to his enlistment in the regular army. Mr. Reyuckls was a member of the State Militia and after the outbreak of war he was appointed enrolling officer, but just as the appointment came he enlisted and never served, but held the office just the same, as another man served in his place while he was acting as marshal. After his final dis- charge he returned to Fairfield county and has since been identified with its agricult- ural interests. Some time after he also erected the mill which he has since conduct- ed. It is a water power mill, operated by the head waters of the Hocking river, the supply coming from springs in its immedi- ate vicinity. Mr. Reynolds is well known in connection with agricultural and intel- lectual interests, and in business circles. He sustains an unassailable reputation, for his actions have ever been guided by the strict- est business ethics. Before and after the war Mr. Reynolds traveled all over Ohio, engaged in installing mill machinery and repairing steam engines, as he is one of the mest skilled mechanics in the state, but in recent years, owing to his poor eyesight, he has remained at home.
In 1859 Mr. Reynolds led to the mar- riage altar Miss Maria E. Baird, who was born in Hocking county, Ohio, and died about twenty-six years ago. She was the mother of nine children. all daughters : Sarah E. became the wife of Salem B. Pierce, a farmer of Ringgold, Ohio, by whom she has three children, Burley, Ray and Dorcas. Mary Dorcas died at the age of thirteen years. Elizabeth is the wife of Richard Hayden, of Richwood, Union coun-
ty, Ohio, where he is following farming. They also have three children, William, Pearl and Richard. Catherine is the wife of Peter Moyer, a resident farmer of Marion county, Ohio, and unto them have been born three children: Bessie, Floyd and Zelda. Electa is at home. Zelda is living in Co- lumbus. Minnie is the wife of James Love. Cora married Jasper Creiglon, of Lancas- ter. Alice is the wife of Samuel Pugh, of South Perry, Hocking county, Ohio. One child of this family died in infancy.
After the death of his first wife Mr. Reynolds was again married, his second wife being Miss Nancy Windland, who was born in Monroe county, Ohio, and passed away about thirteen years ago. She was a de voted and faithful member of the Christian church and her loss was mourned not only by her immediate family but by many friends. She was the mother of seven chil- dren : Thomas is a blacksmith, engaged in business in Lancaster, Ohio. He married Meda Howard and has one child. Elmer, whose home is in Buena Vista, Hocking county, is married and has one child. George Elwood, a twin of Elmer, is at home. He was a soldier in the Spanish- American war, being a member of Company I, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Miriam Vaughan, Marietta and Frank are still under the pa- rental roof, and an infant died unnamed.
Mr. Reynolds has figured in public af- fairs, having served as constable of Hock- ing township for some years. He votes with the Republican party and keeps well in- formed on the issues of the day, so that he is enabled to support his position by intel-
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ligent argument. He was formerly a mem- ber of the Methodist church, but is now unidentified with any religions denomina- tion. In matters of citizenship he is always loval to what he believes is upright and hesi- tates not in his support of any measure which he thinks will promote the weal of
county, state or nation. Wherever known he is highly commended and respected for his genuine worth. He is a man of pleas- ing disposition, courteous deportment and genial temperament and his circle of friends is almost co-extensive with his circle of ac- quaintances.
GEORGE MATT.
The Teutonic race has ever been one of years 1848 and 1854, and in September of progress and its representatives have stead- the latter year he accompanied his parents on their voyage. across the broad Atlantic, the family taking up their abode in Lan- caster, Ohio. For a limited period he at- tended the parochial school of St. Mary's church and afterward was a student in the private school taught by Professor Roscoe in Lancaster and also one taught by Pro- fessor Martin Hill, in the room now known as the Mitoff Parlor, then in the Swan Ilo- tel. Eighteen months covered his entire English school, but his knowledge has been greatly broadened through experience, ob- servation and reading. ily followed the star of empire westward. It has been an important factor in the col- onization of America and in the labor which has wrought to the general good along in- dustrial and commercial lines. The repre- sentative of this mighty division of the world's people is George Matt, whose name is so closely asociated with the varied busi- ness interests of Lancaster that no history of the city would be complete with extended mention of his life record. No other man has contributed in a greater degree to the general prosperity that has been secured through the establishment and successful control of important business concerns.
Mr. Matt was born in Ravensburg in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany. No- vember 6, 1842, and is a son of John and Maria ( Leser ) Matt, the latter a daughter of Joseph and Anna Leser, who were resi- dents of the same city. In his native land he attended the public schools between the
To give in detail a history of his business life would be to relate the story of the in- dustrial and commercial development of Lancaster, but it affords the historian pleas- ure to mention the many business enterprises which owe their development and success to him. It is true that the days have not always been bright, that he has witnessed the approach of clouds threatening disas-
Seo Matt
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THIE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
trous storms, but his rich inheritance of pluck and energy have enabled him to turn defeat into success. His principal business interest at the present time is that of fire insurance, for he is in control of the leading agency of Lancaster, a position which has been maintained by him through many years. He has placed more premiums on the tax duplicate than all agencies put together and he represents the leading American and English companies. He is president of the Lancaster Gas Light & Coke Company. In 1887 he became interested in the artificial gas plant in this city, in which he invested considerable money. Six months later nat- ural gas was discovered, making this ven- ture disastrous from a financial standpoint, though the company is still doing business in a modest way, awaiting for better results when the inevitable exhaustion of the nat- ural gas supply shall come. In 1883 he became a member of the Lancaster City Hall & Opera House Company, now known as the Hotel Martin. This was a financial failure. although money was lost to none except the stockholders, who met all obligations to the cent. The institution is now prospering and has become an important factor in Lancas- ter business circles. Mr. Matt is likewise president of the Lancaster Electric Light Company. He was formerly vice-president of the Old German Building AAssociation and at the death of Philip Nester succeeded1 to the presidency. He was president of the Mount Pleasant Savings & Building Com- pany from the time of its organization until the business was closed, each shareholder being paid in full. Of the Citizens' Loan
ecutive from its organization until it closed its business, in which also all shareholders were fully paid. On the organization of the Perpetual Savings & Building Company he became its president and as such continued to manage its affairs until August, 1901, when he resigned his office, leaving the com- pany in a most flourishing condition. He as- sisted in forming the New Plan Savings & Loan Company, of which he is a director. His keen insight into business transactions, the rapidity with which he takes cognizance of a situation and brings therefrom the best results and his marked ability in utilizing seeming obstacles to serve his purpose, have led to the prosperous conduct of many im- portant institutions.
On the 6th of April, 1863, was celebrat- ed the marriage of Mr. Matt and Miss Hel- ena Hite, a daughter of Joseph and Mary ( Buechler) Hite, of Lancaster. Their union has been blessed with six children : Frank, who is in the insurance business : George L., who is a graduate of the electrical engineer- ing department of Armour Institute in Chi- cago, Illinois: Edward, a twin brother of George L., who attended St. Mary's Insti- tute at Dayton, Ohio, and is now secretary and general manager of the Lancaster Gas & Electric Light Company, while previous to the assumption of the duties of this of- fice he was superintendent of the Paducah Gas Light Company, of Paducah. Kentucky ; Harry B .. who represents the farm depart- ment of the Home Insurance Company and acts as his father's stenographer ; and John and Helen, who are attending school.
Mr. Matt is a man of recognized abil- & Building Company he was the chief ex- ity. is public-spirited and progressive, and
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
stands high in both business and social cir- cles. He takes a commendable interest in promoting the welfare of his city, encourag- ing and financially aiding all enterprises tending to benefit the public, and enjoys in a high degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. In politics Mr. Matt has always been a supporter of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and was elected trustee of the city water works. for six years the same being owned by the city, and was the secretary three years of the time. For six years he was a member of the board of health of Lancaster and dur- ing a portion of that time acted as its sec- retary. He is a member of the Board of Trade and is its treasurer. In all public offices he has discharged his duties in such a prompt and capable manner that his course has won high encomiums from the people. For the past twenty-five years he has been
a member of the board of trustees of St. Mary's Catholic church and its secretary. He has been and now is an honorary mem- ber of the Young Men's Institute, a Cath- olic organization. Social, intellectual, ma- terial and moral interests have received from him substantial support and co-operation, while his business affairs have been of such an important character that they have con- tributed not alone to his individual suc- cess but have been a leading element in pro- moting the general prosperity and in ad- vancing the upbuilding of the city in which almost his entire life has been passed, his resolute character brooking no obstacles that could be overcome, and that determined and honorable position has been of the greatest benefit to the county and his name is en- rolled high among those whose lives have ever been along the lines of the greatest usefulness.
FRANKLIN P. STUKEY, M. D.
The life history of Franklin P. Stukey sets at naught the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for in the county of his nativity the Doctor has won distinction, gradually ad- vancing to a prominent place among the representatives of the medical profession. He was born upon a farm in Fairfield coun- ty. February 10, 1853. Ilis father. John Stukey, was a native of Pennsylvania, bern
in the year 1810, and there he spent his boy- hood days. In 1828 he came to Fairfield county with his parents, Samuel and Mary ( Freeman) Stukey, who settled upon a farm comprised of one hundred and seven- teen acres. John Stukey became identified with agricultural pursuits in this locality and for many years followed general farm- ing and stock raising. He was a prosperous citizen, a good neighbor, a faithful friend
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and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. For twenty-one years he capably served as justice of the peace, his fair and impartial decisions "winning him golden opinions from all sorts of people." Many cases were brought before him and his opin- ions were seldom reversed. In early life he engaged in teaching school and was closely associated with the development and prog- ress of the county in many ways. His politi- cal faith was that of the Democracy and he strongly endorsed the principles of the party. He married Mary Ann Friesner. who was born in Fairfield county in 1821. on the farm which is known as the old homestead, and is still in possession of the Stukey family. Her father, Andrew Fries- ner, was one of the pioneer settlers of Berne township. Unto the parents of our subject were born five sons: Franklin P. ; Samuel A .. who is a building contractor and resides in Franklin county, Ohio; George W., who has made Alaska his home for the past fif- teen years and has large interests in three rich gold mines in that territory; Jesse MI .. a practicing physician of Lancaster; and John H., a dentist of that city, both enjoy- ing lucrative practices. The father of this family was called to his final rest in 1896, at the age of eighty years.
Dr. Franklin P. Stukey spent his boy- hood days upon the home farm and in his youth attended the district schools, his study being alternated by the pleasure of the play- ground and the work of the fields, for at an early date he assisted in the development and cultivation of the home place. When only seventeen years of age he began teach- ing in the district schools and followed that
profession through eight winter terms. He further continued his own education as a , student in the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and when he ended his work as an instructor in the schoolroom he took up the study of medicine, reading under the direction of Dr. S. S. Scoville, of Lebanon. He was afterward graduated in the Ken- tucky School of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1881, and after his graduation he located in Lancaster, where he engages in general practice. Soon his business in- creased in volume and importance and to- day he is accounted one of the most success- ful and capable physicians of the city, but he has not confined his attention alone to his professional duties. His inventive turn of mind won for him the "Reward of Genius," a gold and silver medal of 1896. He is the inventor and patentee of several useful and novel devices, the latest of which is a frame to be used in operating and holding storm curtains on buggies and other vehicles, and he is now establishing a malleable iron plant in Lancaster for the purpose of manufactur- ing these frames and doing malleable work generally. This plant promises to be one of the most valuable additions to the manu- facturing industries of the city.
In 1882 occurred the marriage of Dr. Stukey and Miss Mary E. Schwenke, of Sugar Grove, Ohio, a daughter of Henry Schwenke, a native of Germany and an early settler of Fairfield county. Unto the Doc- tor and his wife have been born three chil- dren : Grace Evylin, who died at the age of eight months : Frank Il. ; and Raymond E. Fraternally Dr. Stukey is connected with the Modern Wordmen of America, the Fra-
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ternal Mystic Circle and the American In- surance Union, and politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, but has no time or desire to seek public office, preferring to give his attention to his business interests. In connection with his profession he most creditably served one term as physician to the Boys' Industrial School, and for the past eight years has been physician to the Fair-
field County Infirmary. He has always been a close student. interested in the profession not only because of his love for the science but because of his earnest desire to aid those who are suffering from disease. His com- prehensive study and broad reading and the accuracy with which he adapts his knowl- edge have made him a very successful and prominent physician of Fairfieldl county.
WILLIAM H. MYERS.
As long as history records the deeds of valor and bravery enacted on the battlefields of the Civil war so long will the men who wore the blue in the defense of the Union be honored for what they accomplished in behalf of their country. William H. Myers was one of the loyal sons that Ohio sent to the front. and. although but a young man. he was most true to his duty and most faith- ful in its discharge.
tion to other valuable traits, he was also familiar with the tanning business, and for a number of years operated a tannery in Rush Creek township, in connection with agricultural pursuits. The leather which he made was of a superior quality and was in great demand to be used for half-soleing and also manufacturing shoes. He was thus closely associated with the business in- terests of the county at an early day. His death occurred in 1853. while his wife passed away in 1859. In their family were five sons and four daughters, namely : John: Michael: Joseph: Francis: Jacob; Margaret : Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Snyder: Christina, the wife of John S. Sny- der : and Catherine, all of whom are now «leceased.
A native of Rush Creek township. Fair- field county, he was born March 17. 1843. Ilis father, Francis Myers, was a native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where his birth occurred in 1816. When two years old he was brought to Fairfield county. Ohio, by his parents, Francis and Catherine Myers. who settled in the vicinity of Bremen in 1818. The grandfather of our subject was Francis Myers, the father of our subject. was reared amid pioneer conditions on the old home farm in this county and when he had attained to man's estate he sought as a a farmer by occupation and entered a tract of land from the government, becoming the owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 21. Rush Creek township. In addi- companion and helpmate for life's journey
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Miss Elizabeth Hutchinson. She was born in Rush Creek township in 1820 and was a daughter of James and Margaret Hutchin- son, who removed from Virginia to Ohio in 1818, taking up their abode near Salem and after a short time locating in Rush Creek township, where the mother of our subject was born. After his marriage Francis Myers located upon a farm. where. in con- nection with the cultivation of the crops best adapted to the soil and climate. he also en- gageil in stock-raising. In politics he was an old-line Whig and later he became a Prohibitionist. He died on his eighty acre farm in October, 1896, having for a number of years survived his wife, who died in Sep- tember, 1879.
Their only child was William H. Myers, of this review. He attended the village schools at Bremen, afterward continuing his studies in Rush Creek Academy and later in the Lancaster Normal School, where he prepared for teaching, being first employed in Bremen. where he remained for two terms. For eighteen years he was identified with educational work, his labors in that direction being extraordinary through their private influence. He spent five years as a teacher in Bremen and the remainder of the time in Rush Creek township. When the country became involved in civil war he felt that his first duty was to the Union and in 1862 enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company B. Fifty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Captain Henry S. Abbot and Colonel L. J. Jackson. He had joined a three months' regiment, which was sent to Virginia, serv- ing there for four months. On the 30th of
July, 1864, however, Mr. Myers re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company D. One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio Volun- teer Infantry. In a skirmish at Resaca, Georgia, his command captured twenty-two hundred persons under General Wolford. They were soon after paroled on account of the termination of the war. On the 9th of February, 1866, Mr. Myers received an hon- orable discharge from army service and re- turned to his old home on the farm in Rush Creek township.
At about that time our subject was united in marriage to Miss Mary Cook, of Athens county, who was born in Morgan county, Ohio. They became the parents of two sons, but one died in early childhood. The other, Charles E., has married Miss Mary M. Nisley, of Rush Creek township. and is a resident of this county. The mother has also passed away. Mr. Myers, of this review, gives his political support to the Re- publicans, and is a member of Rushville Lodge. No. 211. F. & .A. M. He likewise belongs to Joe T. Toland Post, G. A. R., and to the Union Veteran Union, and with his comrades takes delight in recounting the scenes and incidents of the late war. His efforts in behalf of educational interests were of great value. He had the ability to impart clearly and concisely to others the knowledge he had acquired, and inspired his pupils with his own zeal and interest in the work. He did much to promote intellectual progress in the community and his worth was widely acknowledged in educational circles. At the present time he is living re- tired, enjoying a rest which he has richly carned.
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ANDREW J. MUSSER.
Extensive agricultural and stock raising interests claim the attention of Andrew Jackson Musser, whose operations along this line have brought to him splendid success. He has also been prominent in public ai- fairs and at one time served as the treasurer of Fairfield county. Ile was born in Wal- nuit township, this county, on the 2nd of July, 1832, and is of Swiss lineage. His paternal grandfather. John Musser. was born in the land of the Alps and with his family crossed the broad Atlantic to America in 1794, establishing his home in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, at which place his wife died. A few years afterward he re- moved from the Keystone state to Fairfield county, Ohio, where he arrived in 1799. The trip was made down the Ohio river and up the Hocking river in a flat boat, in which was loaded all of the family belongings, the boat being pushed along by poles. John Musser and his family took up their abode in what is now known as Walnut township in the midst of a tract of dense timber land. Indians were far more numerous in this re- gion than the white settlers and stalked through the forest engaged in hunting and in other pursuits common to the red race. Arriving at their destination, Mr. Musser erected a small log cabin and with the aid of his sons at once began to clear and develop the little farm, purchasing a tract of eighty acres. This he afterward sold and removed to Berne township, where he ireproved a small tract of land, spending his remaining days thereon. His entire life was devoted
to agricultural pursuits. In his family were three sons and a daughter, namely : Henry, John, Ulric, and Catherine.
Ulric Musser, the youngest son, was the father of our subject. He was born in Switzerland and was only seven years of age when the family emigrated to the new work !. The greater part of his youth was passed in Walnut township, where he at- tended the subscription schools, for at that time the public school system was not es- tablished. His educational privileges, how- ever, were limited to a few months attend- ance during the winter season for through- out the remainder of the year his services were needed in the work of clearing the home and developing crops, which brought to the family a livelihood. When he had at- tained to man's estate, he married Eliza- beth Frye, who was born in Rockingham county. Virginia, in 1793, and was a little maiden of six summers when brought to Fairfield county by her parents who settled on the Hocking Flats, bordering the Hock- ing river, their home being in the neighbor- hood known as the Stukey settlement. Many were the hardships and privations endured by these pioneer farmers, far from civilization. Their homes were small and they had to depend upon what they could raise for a living. After their marriage Ulric Musser and his wife took up their abode in Fairhell county, where he was act- ively engaged in clearing a farm, which he afterward soll preparatory to removing to Walnut township. In the latter locality he
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