USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 28
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
289
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
took up his abode on the border of Clear creek, where he improved and cultivated a farm until his death, which occurred in 1852. His wife, who survived him for a number of years, afterward married Conrad Hite. When the war of 1812 was in prog- ress Ulric Musser joined the American forces under Captain Sanderson, the com- pany having been raised in Lancaster. He was a loyal and valued soldier, remaining with his company until his services were no longer needed. It was in 1815 that he mar- ried Miss Frye, and throughout his remain- ing days he carried on general farming and stock-raising with good success, so at the time of his death he possessed four hun- (lred and twenty acres of rich land. Al- though his educational advantages were lim- ited, he possessed sound common sense, a strong purpose and force of character, which enabled him to acquire a handsome competence and also to win the respect of his fellow men. In his political views he was a Jacksonian Democrat, and his re- ligious faith was that of the German Re- formed church. His wife, who long sur- vived him, reached the advanced age of ninety-six years and died in 1889. By her first marriage she became the mother of seven children, namely: Henry, a prosper- ous farmer of this county : Daniel, who died in 1897; Abraham, who is engaged in busi- ness in partnership with our subject : Sarah, the widow of Thomas B. Warner : Elizabeth, now Mrs. Gilmore; and Mrs. Lydia Ashley. All are yet residents of Fairfield county.
In retrospecting one can see Andrew J. Musser as a little farmer boy making his
way from home in the morning to the dis- trict schools and returning in the evening. He also performed such a part of the farm work as his age and strength would permit. He lost his father when he was only four- teen years of age and thus was early thrown on his own resources, so that he was vari- ously employed in any way which would yield him an honest living until he was twenty-one years of age. At that time he entered into partnership with his brother Abraham and they began dealing in horses, which they prepared for the market. Later they turned their attention to hogs and cat- tle and became breeders and feeders of both, feeding one hundred steers annually and a large number of hogs. This business they conducted very successfully from 1851 until 1901, with the exception of four years when Andrew J. Musser filled the office of county treasurer. He was elected to that position in 1893 and entered upon his duties in Sep- tember, 1894. Chosen for the second term, he continued in office four years, acquitting himself carefully as a trustworthy and reli- able official. On his retirement from office he resumed active business in connection with his brother in feeding and dealing in hogs and cattle. Together they carried on their extensive farm, comprising more than five hundred acres under a high state of cul- tivation. They also have good dwellings, barns, sheds. feedyards and stock pens; in fact, their farm is supplied with all modern facilities for carrying on their business, is equipped with the latest improved ma- chinery and is justly accounted one of the best farm properties of the community. Our
290
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
subject also superintends another farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Bloom town- ship, which belongs to his wife.
Mr. Musser has been twice married. He first wedded Augusta Taylor, of Walnut township. a daughter of John and Catherine (Lamb) Taylor. She died in 1873. leaving three children: Clay: Nellie, the wife of Charles Lamb : and Joseph, now living in Montana. For his second wife Mr. Musser chose Elizabeth Courtright, of Bloom town- ship, where she was born and reared, her parents being Zepheniah and Sarah (Will- iams) Courtright. Six children have been born to this union, of whom five are yet liv- ing, namely: Zepheniah, who is clerking for the natural gas board of Lancaster: Ray and AAndrew J., who are actively con- nected in farming pursuits and are now feed- ing hogs and cattle; and Roderick and Fan- nie, who are yet in school.
Politically Mr. Musser has always affili- ated with the Democracy, and is often seen in the councils of the party. He takes an active interest in local, county and state poli-
tics but never to the neglect of his extensive business. He is prominent in Masonry, be- longing to Baltimore Lodge, F. & A. M .: Chapter. R. A. M .; and Lancaster Com- mandery. K. T. Since 1894, when he re- moved from his farm to Lancaster to enter upon the duties of the office of county treas- urer, he has continued to reside in the coun- ty seat and has a neat and comfortable home on East Main street. From the early age of fourteen years A. J. Musser has depended entirely upon his own resources for advance- irent and the success which is accorded his efforts is the merited reward of his labors. He has encountered obstacles and difficul- ties which would have utterly discouraged many men of less resolute spirit, but with determined purpose he has pushed forward, and his indefatigable industry and capable management have enabled him to become one of the substantial citizens of Fairfield county, while his straightforward business methods have commended him to the con- fidence and good will of all with whom he comes in contact.
THOMAS J. MACDONOUGH.
Practical industry wisely and vigorously by simple means and the exercise of the or- applied never fails of success; it carries 1 man onward and upward, brings out his in- dividual character and acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest results in life are usually attained
dinary qualities of common sense and per- severance. The every-day life, with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunities for acquiring experience of the best kind, and its most beaten paths pro-
291
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
vide a true worker with abundant scope for effort and for self-improvement. It is along such lines that Mr. MacDonough has won a place prominent in business circles.
Thomas J. MacDonough is president of the city council as well as a recognized fac- tor in industrial interests in Fairfield coun- ty, and his life record cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. He was born in Marietta, Ohio, June 18. 1856. His parents were Laurance and Ann (Stan- kard) MacDonough. The father was born in county Galway, Ireland, and there was married to Miss Stankard, whose birth also occurred in that locality. Believing that they might have better opportunities for ac- quiring a competence in the new world, they sailed for the United States in 1848 with their family, then numbering five children. Taking up their abode in Marietta, Ohio, the father became a contractor on the Memphis & Cincinnati Railroad, which afterward became a part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad system. For a number of years Mr. MacDonough was thus engaged in contracting, constructing road beds, lay- ing ties and doing other such work neces- sary to the building of a road. After an active and useful business career he passed away in Marietta, in 1883, being survived by his wife for six years.
In the schools of his native city Thomas J. MacDonough pursued his early educa- tion and later attended a parochial school. On putting aside his text-books he began learning the more difficult lessons in the school of experience, his training being re- ceived at the carpenter's bench under the direction of his elder brother, Michael, in
Marietta. When he had mastered the busi- ness lie removed to Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he followed his trade for two years in connection with what was called the Danville but is now the Panhandle Railroad. In 1881 he came to Lancaster, where he en- tered the employ of the Hocking Valley Railway as a bridge carpenter, and soon afterward was promoted to foreman, while later he became superintendent of the bridge department, having charge of this branch of work along their various lines. He thus engaged in the constructing of bridges, cul- verts, depots and other necessary buildings, having supervision of some two hundred and forty-eight miles and ten gangs of men and bridge builders, carpenters and stone masons. It is also a part of his duty to supply engines for flag stations. His posi- tion is one requiring not only a compre- hensive knowledge of mechanical principles and practical skill along the various lines of construction, but is one involving great responsibility, for work which is not of a high grade might be very detrimental to the safe conduct of the trains over the lines, causing perhaps loss of life or property. Mr. MacDonough, however, is thoroughly com- petent to discharge the onerous duties which devolve upon him. He is an expert me- chanic himself and is thus capable of having charge of the work of the men and testing their, efficiency, and his long service in the employ of the company, covering twenty- one consecutive years, is an indication of the implicit trust and responsibility reposed in him.
In 1885 Mr. MacDonough was united in marriage to Miss Clara Zink, a daughter
292
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Sylvester and Mary (Raser) Zink, of Lancaster. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children, but only one is living. George Harold. In his political views Mr. MacDonough is a stalwart Dem- ocrat and takes great interest in the success of his party, using his influence and aid in behalf of its growth and progress. His fel- low townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. In 1896 he was chosen a representa- tive of the third ward in the city council. and so capably did he serve that he has been . whom he is associated.
three times elected to the position, acting as its president continuously since 1896. He has also served as president of the city li- brary, and his aid and co-operation are freely given to all measures for the general good. Ile has taken an active part in vari- ous enterprises that have promoted the material, social and intellectual upbuilding of his adopted city, and in the community where he has so long resided he has won the confidence and respect of his fellow men and the warm friendship of many with
GEORGE E. HOFFMAN.
George E. Hoffman, now deceased, was for many years a respected citizen of Fair- field county and though he lived a quiet and retiring life, he enjoyed in high measure the confidence and good will of many friends. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsyl- vania, on the 29th of March, 1825. Ilis fa- ther, Jacob Hoffman, was also a native of Pennsylvania and removed to Ohio when his son was only four years of age, taking up his abode in Fairfield county, so that our subject acquired his education in the com- mon schools of this portion of the state. He attended. for about three months each year -the winter seasons. The temple of learn- ing was a little log school house. lighted by a window as long as one side of the room. for it was made by omitting one of the logs
in building the structure. The floor was made of puncheon and slab benches without backs were used as seats for the children, the feet of the little ones lacking several inches of touching the floor. . After the primitive manner of the times George E. Hoffman continued his education until about eighteen years of age. In the meantime he had become familiar with the various de- partments of farm work upon the old family homestead, situated about three miles west of Lancaster. The place comprised one hundred and forty-eight acres of good land and there our subject remained with his fa- ther until his marriage, when he purchased the farm upon which his widow is still liv- ing and which was his home for a half a century. Within its boundaries are com-
293
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
prised one hundred and thirty-seven acres of land, which through the passing years has responded to the cultivation and im- provement of Mr. Hoffman, whose efforts transformed it into a richly developed home- stead.
In 1850 occurred the marriage of George E. Hoffman and Miss Marietta Peters, a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and a daughter of Wesley and Elizabeth (Ingmau) Peters; the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Virginia. In her parent's family were nine children : Samuel G., deceased; Henry William, who is living in Hocking township; Mrs. Hoff- man; James, a resident of Berne township: Isabelle, the wife of Thomas Strode, of Hocking township; Silas P., who has passed away; Sophia, the wife of Henry Ewalt, of Kansas; John Wesley, living in Springfield ; and Sarah Elizabeth, who became the wife of James Davidson, of Champaign, Illinois. Mrs. Hoffman was born November 21. 1829, and by her marriage became the moth- er of ten children, as follows: William Henry, a resident of Berne township;
George Milton, who died in Kansas; Mary Ella. the wife of Henry Pearce, of Wash- ington C. H., Ohio; John Wesley, who lives in Lancaster: Laura Elizabeth, who became the wife of Charles Embich, of Berne township: Ida May, who has departed this life : Emma Catherine, the wife of Will- iam Stuckey, of Mount Sterling. Ohio; Grant N., a resident of Chicago; Fanny. who is at home with her mother; and Clark P., also at home.
Our subject and his wife held member- ship in the Lutheran church and their Chris- tian belief permeated their daily conduct. In his political views Mr. Hoffman was a stanch Republican and had firm belief in the principles of the party and the ultimate good that would be attained through the adoption of these principles, but he never sought or desired office and would never allow his name to be used in such a connec- tion. He was of a retiring disposition, but his sterling worth was manifest in an up- right life, and when he was called to his final rest in 1900 many friends mourned his loss.
JOHN C. RITCHIE.
John C. Ritchie is a prosperous farmer residing at Amanda. He was born in Hock- ing township, Fairfield county, March 22, 1860, his parents being Creed and Sally ( Schleich) Ritchie. - The father was born in 1830 in this county; the mother was a
daughter of John D. and Mary (Halder- man) Schleich, the former an old resident of Lancaster. Mr. Ritchie was for a num- ber of years employed by the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad, serving in various departments, and at length was
294
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
killed in a railroad accident at Indianapolis. Indiana, in 1877, while acting in the ca- pacity of yard master. The mother of our subject passed away in 1864, and their daughter, Mary, the eldest of their three children, died in 1901. Kate, the second daughter, is the wife of C. E. Brenelle, of Marion, Indiana.
John Creed Ritchie, whose name forms the caption of this review, was reared upon the home farm, and during the winter months attended the district schools. At the time of early spring planting he took his place in the fields and was thus largely employed until the crops were harvested in the autumn. He is a half owner of a good farın of one hundred and ninety-seven acres in Hocking township. His attention is de- voted to the cultivation of the crops best adapted to the soil and climate and also to stock-raising, in both departments of his business meeting with good success. He is accounted one of the thrifty and enterpris- ing agriculturists of his neighborhood. and
whatever he has achieved is the result of his own efforts and a strict adherence to business principles.
On the 18th of April, 1891, Mr. Ritchie was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Baugher, of Greenfield township. Fairfield county, a daughter of Samuel and Caroline (Fisher) Baugher, both of whom were na- tives of Greenfield township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie has been blessed with the presence of a son and daughter, Edgar and Mildred. The parents hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of Aman- da, and in 1901 Mr. Ritchie built a fine residence which he and his family occupy, his farm being situated a few miles south of the village. The occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work, hav- ing no desire to change his pursuit, for he has found that success may be attained along that line. His work also leaves him ample time to faithfully perform the duties of citizenship and to enjoy the pleasures of the home.
GEORGE NICHOLS.
George Nichols is actively identified with industrial interests of Fairfieldl coun- ty, being a well known carriage and wagon manufacturer, whose home is on section 34. Pleasant township, near Lancaster. He was born on the ist of May, 1832, in Berne township, this county. His father, John Nichols, was a native of Cumberland, Mary-
land, born AAugust 8, 1783. The grandfa- ther of our subject was a planter, and when John Nichols attained his majority he in- herited a large estate. Later both he and his father sold their real estate in the south and removed to Ohio in 1804, settling in Fairfield county, where he remained until his death, which occurred on the 19th of
295
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
December, 1867. His father hunted and trapped and also dealt with the Indians, be- ing able to talk with them in their own lan- guage. The grandfather of our subject also engaged in hunting and trapping, trading in furs to a considerable extent at an early day. Later his attention was given to ag- ricultural pursuits. Through some unfor- tunate speculation he lost most of the for- tune which he had brought with him from Maryland. He was united in marriage to Catherine Keys and they became the parents of two sons : Henry was killed by the cars ; and John became a wealthy farmer and died in Lake county, Indiana, at the age of eighty-three years. For his second wife the father chose Mary Lantz, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and of this union there were born eleven children, nine sons and two daughters, seven of whom are yet living. Mrs. Nichols was a daughter of Martin Lantz, who came from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and purchased a large tract of land in Pleasant township, near the city of Lancaster, Ohio. There he established the first tannery of the county and for many years he continued its operation, con- trolling the largest business of the kind in this portion of the state.
George Nichols, whose name introduces this record, was the seventh son. He left the home farm in order to learn a trade and chose that of carriage and wagon making. He became a thorough and expert workman. mastering the business in the blacksmithing, wood working and trimming departments. Having some capital, he determined to en- gage in business for himself. but wished first to thoroughly understand the pursuit
which would occupy his attention, as he realized that a thorough knowledge of the work would prove the foundation of his success. When his apprenticeship was ended he returned to Fairfield county, embarked in business on his own account and has since been very successful. His patronage in- creased from the beginning and at times he employed from seven to ten men in his shops. His books show that he has manu- factured over eight hundred wagons and more than one thousand carriages and bug- gies of various descriptions, besides doing a large amount of repair work. He estab- lished his business at his present location on January 5, 1855, and is probably the largest carriage and wagon manufacturer of Fairfield county.
In 1848 Mr. Nichols was united in mar- riage to Mary Ramsey, a daughter of Rob- ert Ramsey, who was extensively engaged in the teaming business in Groveport, Ohio. Four children have been born unto our sub- ject and his wife. Edward is deceased. John W. resides at home, manages the farm and deals in horses. Like his father, he possesses considerable mechanical ability, is one of the expert horseshoers of the coun -- ty and is master of all the branches of wagon. and carriage manufacturing. Cora Alice is the wife of Perry Vorys, a clothing mer- chant of Lancaster. Clara E. is the wife of Edward M. Gillett, the superintendent of the Children's Home of Fairfield county. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols are supporters of the. Albright church and through the long years of their residence in this portion of the state they have been highly regarded for the pos- session of those qualities which in every land and clime demand respect.
16
296
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ANDREW W. SHAW.
The landed possessions of Andrew W. Shaw aggregate three hundred and sixty- one acres. At one time he owned in addi- tion to this a valuable tract of five hundred acres and all was acquired through his own labors. Ile started ont on a business career with no capital save a strong heart and will- ing hands, but his determination enabled him to overcome difficulties and obstacles while indefatigable energy proved the means of bringing to him a creditable success which he is now enjoying and which is evidenced by his splendidly developed farm. Mr. Shaw was born in Rush Creek township. Fairfield county, on the farm which is yet his home, his natal day being March 26, 1832. Ilis paternal grandfather. John 'Shaw, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came with his family to Ohio, but died soon after his arrival in this county.
John Shaw, the father of our subject. was born in the Keystone state, but at an carly period in the development of this por- tion of the state of Ohio took up his abode within its borders, accompanying his par- ents and the family. He had acquired his early education in the schools of his native state and here he received ample training at farm work. The family located upon a tract of land adjoining the farm upon which our subject now resides. It comprised one hundred and sixty acres, the greater part of which was still covered with the native growth of timber. At a later date John Shaw, the father of our subject, became the owner of the farm upon which Andrew is
now living, first purchasing a quarter-sec- tion and afterward adding to it a tract of sixty acres. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Stewart, a native of Fairfield county, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom only two are yet living, John W. and Andrew W., the former a resi- dent of Ohio, his home being near Rush- ville. In his political views the father was a Democrat, believing firmly in the prin- ciples of the party, but never seeking office as a reward for his loyalty to the organiza- tion. He held membership in the Presby- terian church and was interested in every movement calculated to prove of general good. In his business affairs he prospereil as the years passed by, and in addition to general farming he made a specialty of the cultivation of tobacco, which he shipped on quite an extensive scale.
Andrew W. Shaw obtained his educa- tion at home and though his advantages in youth were so extremely meager he added to his knowledge as the years passed by, and in the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons that have made him a successful business man, reliable and prac- tical in all of his work. In early youth he assisted in the labor of the fields upon the home farm and was thus engaged up to the time of his marriage, when, in order to have a home of his own he purchased eighty- three acres of land, beginning agricultural pursuits on his own account. He built there a comfortable residence, but after two years sold the property. Ilis father desired him
297
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to return to the old homestead and take charge of the farm. This Mr. Shaw did. and became the manager of an excellent tract of land of two hundred and fifty-six acres. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres near Bremen, and to-day he is the owner of three hundred and sixty-one acres of land in Fairfield county, the rich and well developed fields returning to him a golden harvest. At one time he, in partnership with his brother J. W., also owned land to the extent of six hundred acres in Indiana. on the Wabash river, retaining it in their possession for thirteen years, when they sold out. Our subject's place is a very desirable one, being classed among the best farms of Rush Creek township, and the owner is known as a progressive, wide-awake and practical agriculturist, who has made farm- ing a science.
Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Elmira Walten, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and a daughter of Thomas and Cath- erine Walten, who were also born in the Keystone state. In the family were ten chil- dren, but the only one now living is Mrs. Shaw. By her marriage she has become the
mother of seven children, but four of the number have passed away. Those who still survive are: Ida M., at home: J. C. and George E., who are also under the parental roof.
Since age gave to Mr. Shaw the right of franchise he has supported the men and measures of the Democracy, and while he has never sought or desired office he has nevertheless kept well informed on the issues of the day, being able to support his posi- tion by intelligent argument. The cause of education has found in him a warm friend, and for twenty-four years he has served as a school director, doing everything in his power to promote in this way the intel- lectual standard of the community. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, with which his children are also identified. His residence in the county covers seventy years -the psalmist's span of life-and although his career has been one of unfaltering in- dustry Mr. Shaw is still actively concerned in business affairs and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, having been the architect and builder of his own for- tunes.
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.