USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 29
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EDWARD M. GILLETT.
Edward Mithoff Gillett is now the sit- perintendent of the Fairfield County Chil- dren's Home of Lancaster and is one of the enterprising and respected citizens. He was born on a farm just at the edge of Carroll.
Ohio, on the 3d of December, 1867. His father, Amasa B. Gillett, was born in Cat- taraugus county. New York, in April. 1823, and with his parents emigrated westward to Illinois, where the family remained for a
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short time and then removed to Reynokls- burg, Ohio. At that place Amasa B. Gillett learned the carpenter's trade and after fol- lowing that pursuit for some time he came to Fairfield county, establishing his home in Carroll. Here he married Priscilla Jane Wilson, a daughter of Isaac Wilson, who as a wedding present presented the young couple with a farm on section 7. Greenfield township. It was there that two sons were born unto them: Isaac Wilson and Frank C. Shortly after the birth of the latter Mrs. Gillett died, and for his second wife the father of our subject married Sarah M1. Myers, the wedding taking place on the 8th of January, 1867. She was a daughter of Andrew Myers, a resident of Jefferson. Ohio, and by the second marriage was born one son. Edward Mithoff, whose name in- troduces this review. The father managed the farm and also engaged in general con- tracting and builling houses, barns and bridges. He was also county commissioner for six years and was an active and influ- ential member of the County Agricultural Society, of which he served as president for several terms, while for a number of years he was one of its directors. In his various business interests he met with suc- cess, and when the two sons of his first marriage had attained their majority he purchased their interest in the home farm, which had been given to their mother on her marriage. In his will, however, he be- queathed the farm to them in equal shares, which he had bought of them. In 1883 he was appointed superintendent of the Fair- field County Children's Home near Lancas- ter, being the first one to occupy that po-
sition. The board of directors made a wise choice when they selected Mr. Gillett and he was continued in position until the first of April, 1896, when he resigned and re- moved to Lancaster, where he lived retired until his death February 7. 1900. His widow still survives him and is yet living in that city. She is a member of the Pres- byterian church and is active in many good works. Her father, Andrew Myers, was a Pennsylvania German and died in Jefferson, Ohio, at the very advanced age of ninety- five years.
Edward Mithoff Gillett pursued his ed- ucation in the district schools and afterward attended the normal school in Lithopolis. On putting aside his text-books he accepted a position on the staff of the Columbus Daily Times and later he embarked in the whole- sale shoe business, owned by James Clay- pool. After two years he came to Lancas- ter and was engaged in clerking in a dry goods store for more than a year. He then obtained a position of engineer at the Chil- dren's Home, working under his father, un- til his appointment to the superintendency of the institution, as his father's successor. Ile has since remained in the position, giving satisfaction by the capable manner in which he manages its affairs. He not only super- intends the business interests of the place in an able manner, but his broad sympathy and kindliness have been active elements in his care of the children entrusted to his charge.
On the 30th of October, 1890. Mr. Gil- lett was united in marriage to Miss Clara Nichols, a daughter of George Nichols, the oldest wagon manufacturer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Gillett have no children of
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their own, but they take personal interest in each child under their care and this large- ly accounts for the good conduct of the little ones who have a warm affection for our subject and his wife, who indeed have made
the institution a home to the unfortunate children who would otherwise have 10 home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gillett are peo- ple of genuine worth and their circle of friends is very extensive.
GEORGE W. WELSH.
George W. Welsh, the successor of Mr. Spooner as superintendent of the schools of Lancaster, was appointed in February, 1869. Mr. Welsh had been a popular and success- ful teacher in the grammar schools of Lan- caster for the preceding two years. His high moral character, his kindness and un- obstrusive manners, and his ambition to ex- cell in his chosen field of labor, strongly recommended him to the board of education as a suitable person for superintendent of the schools. He was therefore elected to that position by a unanimous vote of the board. His successful management of the schools for the last seven years, and the advance- ment and proficiency of teachers and pupils indicate the wisdom of the board in his se- lection. Impressed with a sense of the re- sponsibility of his charge, he exerts to the utmost all his energies in qualifying him- self for the duties imposed upon him. Pos- sessing an ardent love of literary and scien- tific pursuits, he has, by assiduous study, at- tained to an eminence as an educator, alike honorable to himself and the schools un? der his charge. Under his administration the attendance is more regular, the modes of
instruction improved, and the schools have steadily advanced in the scale of excellence.
After ten years of service as superin- tendent Mr. Welsh resigned in 1879 to ac- cept a position with the publishing house of Harper Brothers, of New York. He re- mained with this firm one year and then re- signed and was elected superintendent of the schools of Xenia, Ohio. After two years of successful work in the Xenia schools lie resigned to accept again the superintendency of the Lancaster schools, succeeding S. S. Knabenshue, who had efficiently filled the place since February, 1879. After one year's service Mr. Welsh's health having failed, he was succeeded by J. J. Burns, former state commissioner of common schools. In 1884 Mr. Burns resigned to accept the superin- tendency of the schools of Dayton, Ohio, and Mr. Welsh was appointed as his suc- cessor, and remained in charge of the schools eight years. In 1892 he was succeeded by Elijah Burgess, who held the position un- til 1898. For one year following the prin- cipal of the high school, T. C. Coates, was acting superintendent. In 1899 Mr. Welsh was again chosen to take charge of the
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schools, and is the present superintendent.
Mr. Welsh was born and reared in Fair- field county. At the beginning of the Civil war he was teaching in Royalton, the place of his birth. In July, 1862, on the recom- mendation of the military committee of this country he received a lieutenant's commis- sion from Governor David Tod, and with Alvah Perry and J. M. Sutphen recruited a company for the Ninetieth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry. His regiment was sent to Ken- tucky in August, 1862, and was attached to the Army of the Cumberland, with which it marched and fought until the close of the war. Mr. Welsh was severely wounded at the battle of Stone River, Tennessee, on the last day of the year 1862. After the war he resumed his chosen profession, and with little interruption has continued in educa- tional work to the present time.
OBED BROWN.
His wife was also born in Pickaway county and died about thirteen years before her husband's demise. By her marriage she be- came the mother of seven children, five of whom are yet living, Obed Brown, the subject of this review, being the third in order of birth.
For forty-one years Obed Brown has six years, his birth having occurred in 1815. resided in Fairfield county and for sixteen years has filled the office of township trus- tee, which indicates the unmistakable hon- or, confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He was born in Pick- away county on the 4th of May, 1843, his parents being Elisha and Hannah ( Ether- ton) Brown. His father was also born in Upon the old farm homestead where he first opened his eyes to the light of day Obed Brown was reared until his had attained the age of eighteen years, when he came to Fair- field county. In the meantime he had ac- quired a good English education in the com- mon schools and had become familiar with farm work, and has never desired to change his occupation. Upon arriving in Fairfield county in 1861 he located in Amanda town- ship upon a tract of land which he cultivated for a time, then purchased his present farm of eighty acres. It has been his home con- Pickaway county and throughout the years of his active business career devoted his time to farm work, in which he prospered as the years passed. He closely applied himself to his duties, and through his capable manage- ment and unremitting diligence met with gratifying success. He voted with the De- mocracy and though he never cared for of- ficial preferment was a public-spirited man and endorsed all measures and movements for the general good. He died at the home of our subject in 1901 at the age of eighty-
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tinuously since, and its neat and thrifty ap- pearance is an indication of his thorough understanding of farming methods and his earnest desire to make his property an at- tractive and valuable one.
The year 1869 was the one in which was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Caroline Crites, a daughter of Samuel Crites, one of the early settlers of Fairfield county. His birth occurred in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and he afterward became a prominent farmer of the Buckeye state, his thorough worth win- ning for him the esteem of all with whom he was associated.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brown has been blessed with five children: Alice is the wife of Edson Groce, a farmer living
in Walnut township, Pickaway county. Maggie is the wife of Joseph Bitler, a resi- dent farmer of Amanda township. They have one child, Lauren O. Bitler. Etta died at the age of five years. Bertha is the wife of John A. Bowman, a resident farmer of Clear Creek township. Emmett resides upon the old home place and assists his fa- ther in the cultivation of the fields. Mr. Brown believes that the principles of the Democracy are best calculated to promote ยท good government in state and nation, and therefore endorses the men and measures of that party. He is at present serving as township trustee, having filled the office for the past sixteen years. No higher testi- monial of capable service could be given than this.
HENRY ZIMMERMAN.
Henry Zimmerman is well known in teaming and in the transfer business for a mercantile circles in Lancaster, where he number of years and at the same time de- voted his attention partially to the opera- tion of a small farm near Lancaster. His industry and careful management through his active business career provided him with a comfortable living. His wife died in 1890 when about seventy years of age, and he has since made his home with our subject. In his family were eight children, all of whom reached mature years, while George, Jacob, Louisa, Charlie, Henry and Mary are still living. is conducting a retail grocery business. He has been a resident of this city from early boyhood, but was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 8th of January, 1844. His parents were Gotlieb and Barbara ( Biechler) Zim- merman, natives of Wittenberg, Germany, the former born on the 9th of December, 1821. When in his tenth year he was brought to the United States by his parents, William and Sarah (Silver) Zimmerman. After removing from Cincinnati to Fairfield county Gotlieb Zimmerman engaged in
In the public schools of Lancaster Henry
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Zimmerman pursued his education and left school in order to assist his father, but when the Civil war was begun he put aside all business and personal considerations in or- cler to aid his country in the suppression of the rebellion in the south, becoming a mem- ber of Company .A. Seventeenth Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry, under the command of Col- onel John M. Connell. Mr. Zimmerman was mmistered in for three years' service, and. although in his seventeenth year, he was a brave and loyal soklier, his valor being equal to that of many veterans twice his years. He participated in the engagements at Wild Cat, Millspring. Stone River, Perryville, Corinth, Pittsburg Landing and the battle of Chickamauga. At the last named place, on the 20th of September, 1863, he was cap- tured. After being held as a prisoner, how- ever, for ten days he was exchanged. He had been shot through the elbow and the bone being shattered he was disabled for a time. Sent to the field hospital, he was afterward transferred to Nashville. Tennessee, then to New Albany and later to Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, Ohio. Recovering his health, he rejoined his com- mand and took part in the battle of Kene- saw Mountain, and when his time had ex- pired he was mustered out at Atlanta, Georgia, in October, 1864.
Returning to Lancaster, Mr. Zimmer- man then engaged in the grocery business. In 1872 he purchased the store of Basset. Allen & Gardner, where he continued until 1875. when he purchased his present busi- ness block on North Columbus street. Here
he carries a large and selected stock of staple and fancy groceries and his reason- able prices and honorable dealing and his earnest endeavor to please have secured to him a liberal patronage.
In 1867 Mr. Zimmerman was united in marriage to Miss Pauline E. Breternetz. of Chillicothe, Ohio, a daughter of William and Minerva (Ludwig) Breternetz. She was born in Germany and when a little child of two summers was brought by her parents to the United States. By her marriage she has become the mother of nine children, but the youngest died in infancy. The others are: Minnie B., the wife of .A. G. Byers ; Addie, who married Joseph Hooker, of Lan- caster : Charles, now of Columbus ; Robert I., who is also living in Lancaster; Hattie, the wife of William Stuckey, a wholesale dealer in cigars in Lancaster: Emma, the wife of Edward McManany: Ollie P .. at home : and George W. M.
The parents hold membership in St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran church, taking a very active and earnest part in its work. Mr. Zimmerman is now serving as one of its deacons and for three years was secre- tary of its board of trustees. His political allegiance is given the Democracy. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Union Veteran Legion, belonging to the Encamp- ment, No. 112, and to the Mystic Circle, No. 57, of which he is the worthy ruler. As a citizen he is true to his country and her best interests to-day as when he followed the nation's starry banner upon southern battle fields.
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JACOB WHITEHURST.
Jacob Whitehurst was born March I, 1830, in Bloom township, Fairfield county, his parents being John and Margaret ( Shio- walter ) Whitehurst, who were natives of Rockingham county, Virginia. The grand- father. Jacob Showalter, was also born in Rockingham county, and it was for him that our subject was named. In his family were eight sons and eight daughters. The father came to Fairfield county in the fall of 1829 and first located in Bloom township, near Greencastle. In the spring of 1845. however, he removed to the farm upon which Jacob Whitehurst is now living. The father was a carpenter by trade and at one time conducted a furniture shop in this coun- ty, but subsequently gave his entire atten- tion to agricultural pursuits. He was a man of high moral character and strict principles, was industrious and energetic, and his life work was such as to commend him to the esteem of all. He served as school director and also as supervisor. By his marriage to Margaret Showalter, John Whitehurst be- came the father of eleven children. Those still living are: Joseph, born in 1823; Nor- ton, born in 1825; Jacob in 1836; Eliza- beth in 1837; and William in 1846. Those who have passed away are: Hannah, born in 1827: Sophia, born in 1832; Susana, in 1835; Mary Ann, in 1840; one who died in infancy; and John, born in 1843. Of this family John served in the Civil war as a member of the Union army. He was wounded in the left lung and died from the effects of his injuries a few years later. The
father died March 17, 1856. at the age of fifty-five years, and his wife passed away September 5. 1879, in her seventy-eighth year.
Jacob Whitehurst, whose name intro- duces this record, pursued his education in a log school house such as was common during the period of his youth. When twen- ty-one years of age he began operating the old homestead, remaining with his father until the latter's death, when he purchased the interests of the other heirs, having since continued upon the farm which has so long been his home. He gives his attention in an undivided manner to his agricultural in- terests and his practical knowledge of farm- ing, accompanied with his capable manage- ment, has resulted in bringing to him very desirable success.
As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Mr. Whitehurst chose Miss Mary Powell, their wedding being celebrated on the 13th of January, 1859. The lady is a daughter of Daniel Powell, of Bloom township. Her mother bore the maiden name of Eliza Beaty and both were natives of Pennsylvania, but in the early part of the century they took up their abode in Fair- field county. Mr. Powell became an ex- tensive and prosperous farmer of Bloom township. He died in his seventy-seventlt year, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-one years. He had served his country in the Civil war and was ever a loyal and patriotic citizen. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Powell were born eight children, of
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whom seven are yet living : Bateman, Mary, Alexander, Sarah, Daniel, Elizabeth and John. Peter, who was the third in order of birth, is now deceased.
Mr. Whitehurst, of this review, has served as supervisor of his township and is a public-spirited citizen, ever interested in the welfare and progress of his commu- nity. In politics he has always supported the Democratic party, but he has never
sought or desired political office to any great extent, though he withholds his co-opera- tion from no movement which he believes will contribute to the general good. His en- tire life has been passed in Fairfield coun- ty, and he has witnessed much of its growth and upbuilding, and has watched the changes which have transferred it from a primitive section of the state until it now ranks with the best counties of the commonwealth.
REV. NICHOLAS E. PILGER.
The Rev. Nicholas E. Pilger is pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church of Lancaster. He has devoted the years of his manhood to the work of the ministry and under his guidance the church of which he now has charge is making satisfactory and substan- tial advancement. He was born May 2, 1842, and after attending the parochial school decided to enter the priesthood. Ac- cordingly he made his preparatory studies at St. Thomas' College, Bardstown. Ken- tucky, and finished his ecclesiastical studies at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary of Cincinnati. He was ordained on the 3d of June, 1865, by Bishop Rosecrans, the then coadjutor bishop of Cincinnati and who was afterward appointed first bishop of Columbus, Ohio.
Father Pilger's first charge was at Mil- tonsburg. Monroe county, where he was sent July 1, 1865, and there remained for seven years, until July 1, 1872. In the meantime he built a new church at Woods-
field and repaired the churches of his dif- ferent missions, of which he had four be- sides the church at Miltonsburg. During those years he practically lived in the sad- dlle, but was young and robust and did his work with a will and accomplished much toward carrying the gospel of Christ into the newly settled towns of his circuit. Ile relates many very interesting stories of his early pastoral work, some of which are amusing. His accounts of his efforts to combat the ignorance of the people in those days and their bitter prejudices against the Catholic faith are of a highly entertain- ing nature.
In 1872 Father Pilger was transferred as pastor to St. Francis De Sales church at Newark, Ohio, where he remained until first coming to Lancaster in 1874. but at that time he remained here less than a year, his next pastorate being at Delaware, Ohio, where he spent nine years. During his stay
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at that place he purchased the ground on which Father Steyle afterward erected a handsome church. In 1884 he returned to Lancaster, where he has now labored for eighteen years, now having an assistant in Father Teipe. His congregation is a large one, the membership being sixteen hundred, and there is a large attendance at the Sun- day-school. In 1886 Father Pilger was ap- pointed dean of St. Mary's by Bishop Wat- terson, and through his untiring efforts he now has one of the best organized churches in the diocese, with no jars or discord to disturb its peace. He is greatly beloved by his parishioners and is much respected by
people of other denominations. He labors zealously for the temporal and moral wel- fare of his people and under his guidance his church has increased numerically and spiritually. There is a fine school in con- nection with the church under the charge of seven Dominican Sisters. There are. fourteen grades with an average attendance of two hundred pupils, and the school is now in a thriving condition. The Catholic so- cities here are as follows: The Catholic Knights of Ohio, the Knights of St. George, the Knights of St. John, St. Joseph's Benev- olent, the Young Men's Institute and the Ladies Auxiliary.
JOHN H. BELLERMANN.
John H. Bellermann, who is manager of the Lancaster Medical Institute of Lancas- ter, Ohio, is one who is devoting his whole time and energies to the office. This insti- tute can be looked upon as a great benefit to the human race and those responsible for its management are entitled to great credit for the good it has done for those who have become slaves to the use of intoxicants. They have restored to them the will power and strength of an upright manhood, enabl- ing them once more to take their place as workers in the business world unhampered by the discased conditions brought on by in- temperance.
Mr. Bellermann is a native of Maryland, his birth having occurred in the city of
Baltimore on the 2d of March, 1858, his. parents being Emanuel and Henrietta (Wegwerth) Bellermann. He was edu- cated in the public schools of his native city, and for several years thereafter was con- nected with the drug business in Baltimore. Subsequently he became a salesman for the firm of Sharp & Dohme and later was with the firm of Parke, Davis & Company, man- ufacturing chemists of Detroit, Michigan. He represented that house upon the road. traveling in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and a part of Iowa, his attention being thus occupied until 1888. The following year he came to Lancaster and began to manufacture- proprietary medicines, having his laboratory in connection with the Lancaster Medical
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Institute. In 1891 in connection with others he organized the Lancaster Medical Com- pany for the manufacture of medicines to be used by the institute, which is located in what is known as the Hocking H. Hunter residence. The grounds comprise five acres and the place is most attractive in appear- ance. The utmost care is given to sanitary conditions and the home is well lighted and ventilated. The institution is attended by two of the most prominent physicians of Lancaster-Dr. G. W. Boerstler and Dr. George Orman Beery. The home is well furnished and equipped for the accommoda- tion of its numerous patients and the grounds and surroundings are especially attractive. As manager of the institution Mr. Beller- mann has contributed not a little to its success.
In December. 1889, was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Ida Webb, the third daughter of Nimrod and Sophia ( Shade) Webb. Mrs. Bellermann was born and reared in Lancaster and spent her entire life in this city. Mr. Bellermann belongs to the blue lodge, chapter and com- mandery of the Masonic order, of Lancaster, also to the Royal Arcanum and the camp of the Modern Woodmen. In April, 1901, he was elected a member of the city school board and the cause of education found in him a warm friend, for he believes it to be the bulwark of our nation and recognizes its importance for the preparation for life's responsible duties. In manner he is always kindly and courteous, and his social qual- ities have rendered him popular with a large circle of acquaintances.
REV. WILLIAM L. SLUTZ, D. D.
Dr. William Leonard Slutz was born in est. In 1788 Mrs. Slutz died and sometime afterward he was united in marriage with Miss Catharine Welsh. Of this marriage fourteen children were born. Thus did the great-grandfather, John Slutz, become the happy father of twelve sons and six daugh- ters. Fifteen of these children grew to ma- turity, were married and reared families of their own. Monroe township, Carroll county, Ohio, February 22, 1840. His great-grandfather, John Slutz, was born in Germany in 1755. of German-Holland parentage, and emigrat- ed to this country sometime prior to the Rev- olutionary war. John Slutz served for a considerable time in that struggle, being on a man-of-war. At the close of the war, in 1782. he was united in marriage with Miss The grandfather. Samuel Slutz, was Margaret Howe, and of this union were born in Frederick county, Maryland, March born four children. Samuel being the eld- 6, 1783. He was united in marriage, Oc-
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