USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 3
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form his duty that when admitted to the bar collections were entrusted to him from many of the leading business houses in Philadel- phia, owing to the influence of Mr. Thayer. While a law student. Mr. Martin also acted as bookkeeper for Gilbert Devol for two years and to some extent he was interested in the tin business. For ten or twelve years after his admission to the bar he remained an active and prominent member of the profession. The zeal with which he devoted his energies to his profession, the careful re- gard evinced for the interests of his clients and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases, brought to him a large business and made him very success- ful in its conduct. His arguments elicited warm commendation not only from his as- sociates at the bar. but also from the bench. He was a very able writer and his briefs al- ways showed wide research, careful thought and the best and strongest reasons which could be urged for his contention, pre- sented in cogent and logical form, and illus- trated by a style unusually lucid and clear. He was employed upon many important cases with Brasee and Hunter as opposing counsels. In 1854, S. C. Stambaugh, his former associate, returned from California with some ready money and induced Mr. Martin to join him and P. B. Ewing in a banking enterprise. The Exchange Bank of Martin & Company was organized. The agreement with Mr. Martin was that he should spend one hour each day in the bank but he could not trust important matters for which he was responsible to others when he could attend to them himself and he found it necessary to spend his entire time
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in the bank so that he gave up his profes- sion. This bank did a profitable business until the year 1864, when it was merged into the First National Bank of Lancaster, and with the new institution Mr. Martin was connected, being chosen president. For thirty-two years he was a very active factor in the financial circles of this city and han- dled millions of money without the loss of a dollar to any man. Ile not only succeeded in establishing one of the strongest financial institutions in this portion of the state, but through his capable business management won prosperity and in 1886 he sold his in- terests in the bank to the late S. J. Wright, retiring permanently from business.
A man of resourceful ability he looked beyond the conditions of the moment to the possibilities of the future and did not confine his efforts alone to one line. For many years he was a partner in a dry goods store; es- tablished and was connected with two or three enterprises of that character. He was also largely engaged in the milling business and speculated in coal lands and engaged in mining and shipping coal on an extensive scale. Ilis connections with business inter- ests of Lancaster covered a period of sixty years, years of toil and anxiety, prosperity and adversity, but though discouragements and obstacles were encountered, he pushed forward with resolute heart and strong will and eventually gained a place among the most successful men of his community. The most envious coukl not grudge him his pros- perity, so honorably was it won and so worthily used. From penniless boyhood to an honorable old age, his career was ever worthy of commendation and furnishes
many examples for emulation. His sound business judgment was often sought and his advice was always faithfully given and was greatly appreciated by many men who acted upon it with profit. Senator Ewing had a high opinion of his ability and frequently sought his counsel.
In 1840 Mr. Martin was united in mar- riage to Mary Jane Herman, who died in 1870, leaving five children: M'rs. Clara McNeill, William L. and George E., who are residents of Lancaster; Edwin S., who is living in New Straitsville; and Charles B., who makes his home in Brice, Ohio. In 1872 Mr. Martin was again married, his second union being with Jane M. Becket, of Fairfield county, a lady of high scholarly attainments, being at one time principal of the Lancaster high school. She is still liv- ing. making her home in that city. Mr. Martin was a man of domestic tastes and found his greatest enjoyment at his own fire- side in the midst of his family. The de- clining years of his life were spent in the quiet of his home where he took great pleas- ure in his books occasionally, however, tak- ing summer trips to Middle Bass, Lake Erie, which outing he greatly enjoyed.
In his political affiliations Mr. Martin was a stalwart Republican, unswerving in his allegiance to his party and was recog- nized as one of its leaders in this part of Ohio. He gave his services freely and gratuitously to the cause of Republicanism and his efforts were potent for the party's success. He was an excellent speaker. strong and deep and convincing in his rea- soning. He was a friend and associate of the great leaders of the Republican party
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and his influence was strong with the suc- cessive administrations. He delivered many public addresses at the time when the coun- try was involved in Civil war, when the boys in blue were upon the field of battle in the south. He was a very close friend of Secretary of State Sherman, who was born in Lancaster and during the stormy days previous to the resumption of specie pay- ment, when Sherman was secretary of the treasury in the Hayes cabinet, John D. Mar- tin was one of the closest advisers of the finance minister, and many of his sugges- tions were incorporated into law on the recommendation of Sherman. While an active factor in business and political circles Mr. Martin never neglected his duty to his fellow men and to his Creator. He regard- ed the former as a part of the latter, believ- ing that Christianity largely constituted man's treatment of his fellow men. He was one of the original organizers and main supporters, financially and spiritually, of the present English Lutheran church of Lancas- ter, Ohio. Always ready to help the cause of Christ in any and every way he could and being a man of much more than ordinary mental capacity, he soon made himself felt in all departments of church work. He commenced life with nothing but honesty, industry and perseverance. But these he used to the best possible advantage, and soon became a power in the community, religious- ly, socially and financially. Churches, schools and colleges would come to him for. aid and advice. He gave the first three thousand dollars toward the endowment of Wittenberg College; this he afterward sup- plemented by other donations, some of
which ranging as high as five thousand dol- lars. For years he paid a fourth of the past- or's salary and other things in proportion, in the church in which he worshipped. And so scrupulous was he in matters pertaining to the church and her institutions that in a time of financial crisis, when not having plenty of ready money, we would know him to pay the interest due on his college endow- ment notes and at the same time leaving his taxes go by default, preferring rather to pay the penalty on taxes rather than the in- stitution should suffer. He was unostenta- tious. He never tried to make a show of his benevolence or religion. He tried to see the hand of God in all his dis- pensations, whether prosperous or ad- verse. At every point in his career Mr. Martin seemed to have realized the possibili- ties at that point. In boyhood he was sur- rounded by many discouraging circumstan- ces but his strong purpose and indefatiga- ble enterprise enabled him to lay the founda- tion to success. He possessed keen foresiglit and sound judgment and moreover his un- faltering honesty was one of the potent forces in his prosperity. He regarded political ac- tion not as a man's for personal advance- ment but performance of the duties of citi- zenship and the paying of the debt whichi he owed to his country. His church rela- tions were largely ideal. His natural en- dowments were a quick and strong temper and a warm heart, a gentle manner and a quiet courtesy. To control the first and to make his life the flower and expression of the other traits was the task which nature had assigned him. We know nothing of the struggle but were daily witnesses of the
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victory. Kindness was the motive of his life. He had a well spring of affection and a quick and generous sympathy, which in- creases by giving, and became richer by be- ing a very spend-thrift. Like all who walk through life on a higher plain than the death claimed hin.
great majority of his friends, his companion- ship was select rather than large but the many who looked up to and respected him realized as fully as did the few who were nearer him that a true man had fallen when
ADELBERT V. LERCH, M. D.
Among the citizens that Pennsylvania has furnished to Ohio is numbered Dr. Adelbert V. Lerch, who is now successfully practicing in Pleasantville. He is yet a young man but has already attained dis- tinction that many an older physician might well envy. He was born in Walnut Grove. Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of September, 1869. His father. Amos B., became one of the leading, influential and active citizens of Morrow county, his labors contributing in large measure to progress along many lines. He was born in Jeffer- son county. Pennsylvania, August 24. 1843, and in early life followed merchandising and farming, the latter pursuit, however; being a side issue and consisting principally in trying to raise the best and largest of any crop in his vicinity, paying the expenses of this enterprise from his other revenues. He early received business training in his fa- ther's store. He was a graduate of a high school and commercial college and for some years he was upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing a Pittsburg house.
Subsequently he embarked in general mer- chandising on his own account at Ringgold, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, but the field of labor there was not broad enough for one of his energetic and enterprising nature and after a few years he sold his store and came to Ohio, thinking to find greater oppor- tunities in the new west. He located at Steam Corners, Morrow county, Ohio, where he purchased a steam sawmill and lumber yard, making the lumber into all kinds of building material required in the locality. But to a man of his resourceful ability this did not offer opportunities enough for his activity and he purchased a farm, devoting his attention to manufac- turing lumber and to agricultural pursuits. He became more and more attached to agri- cultural interests as the years passed by, the occupation proving one very congenial. At- cordingly, his first farm of eighty acres was too small and he sold his farm, mills and lumber yard, removing to the eastern part of Morrow county, where he purchased a large tract of land to which he devoted his
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energies and business talents. In a few to exercise his call, in showing how much less any subsequent administration of the infirmary has cost the county, he must not forget to credit these permanent improve- ments with their fair annual rental value." Along other lines, too, Mr. Lerch proved his deep interest in hvis county by promoting public progress. He was an active factor in educational circles and his efforts in this direction were instrumental in improving the schools and raising the standard of teaching. years he had won the reputation as one of the most progressive, enterprising and pros- perous farmers in that portion of the state. His capability attracted the attention of the infirmary directors, who induced him to ac- cept the superintendency of the Morrow County Infirmary. He was a good book- keeper, was the secretary of the board and made out their reports to the county com- missioners, and it is but just to say that from no department of the county govern- ment has there ever come a neater and more About 1865 Amos B. Lerch was united in marriage to Laura C. McFarland, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of three children: J. H. C .; R. W. C., who was a practicing physician ; and Adelbert V., of this review, but the last named is now the only one living. accurate report than that made by the in- firmary directors while Mr. Lerch was their secretary. A local paper in speaking of the services that Mr. Lerch rendered as super- intendent said : "The improvements on the infirmary farm, with all the aggregation of appliances for convenience and comfort known to modern science and mechanical skill, whereby the unfortunate poor and the helpless maniac might be better cared for ; with fine gravel walks and driveways like those on the lands of a lord; with a thrifty young vineyard ready soon to bear its luscious clusters ; with sloping front lawn toward sunset similar to those described in works of dreamy fiction ; with an iron fence apparently as permanent as granite, all were added by way of permanent improvements to our county farm without extra levy for the infirmary fund. Into each and every . where he has since built up a large practice, one of these Superintendent Lerch put his thoughts and his energy. If any future in- quisitor of the expenditures of the infirmary fund during Lerch's administration desires
Dr. Lerch, whose name introduces this record. pursued his early education in the public schools of Ohio, to which state he was brought by his parents during his early boyhood. When his literary course was completed he entered upon the study of medicine, having determined to engage in the practice as a life work. He matricu- lated in the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, and in 1892 was graduated in that institution with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immediately afterward he came to Pleasantville, Fairfield county,
for he soon demonstrated his skill and abil- ity and showed an accurate knowledge con- cerning the use of remedial agents. He closely studies and ponders all articles and
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works of value to the medical profession and is thus constantly broadening his knowledge and promoting his efficiency.
In 1893 the Doctor was united in mar- riage to Miss Eliza C. Chick, a daughter of William J. and Sarah P. Chick, her father having been a well known real estate dealer of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He belonged to an old time Virginia family of promi- nence and influence and was an only son and received excellent educational privileges, being a graduate of the University of Vir- ginia and also of the Poughkeepsie Com-
mercial College, of New York. For many years he was actively and extensively en- gaged in real estate dealing and negotiated many important realty transactions, this de- partment of business activity claiming his attention until his death, which occurred in 1894. The marriage of the Doctor and his wife has been blessed with one child, Will- iam Carlton, who is a bright boy and is the life and light of the household. The Doc- tor and his wife have many warm friends in the community and enjoy the esteem of all who know them.
REV. R. H. GRIFFITH, M. A.
The Rev. R. H. Griffith, who devoted many years of his life to the active work of the ministry and who is now well known as a representative of real estate and other business interests in Fairfieldl county, was born in Marshall, Highland county, Ohio, on the 17th of October, 1849, his parents being W. 11. and Margaret D. Griffith, both of whom are now deceased. His collegiate education was obtained in the Ohio Wes- levan University and some years afterward the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by the Taylor University. De- termining to devote his life to the ministry, that he might aid in uplifting humanity. Mr. Griffith became identified with the Methodist Episcopal church in the Ohio an- nual conference in the year 1872. He was
then twenty-three years of age, and for a long period he was connected with the Ohio annual conference, but in January, 1895, le was transferred by Bishop J. M. Walden, D. D., LL. D., to the Des Moines annual conference, and stationed at Humeston, Iowa, serving as pastor of the church of that place for four years. He was then stationed by Bishop J. H. Vincent, D. D., LL. D .. at Stuart, Iowa, but resigned his pastorate there about the middle of the sec- ond year because of his wife's health and also because financial interests in other sec- tions of the country demanded his personal attention.
In the year 1873 Rev. Griffith was united in marriage to Miss Susan C. South- ard, a daughter of Rev. J. W. and Mary J.
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Southard, the Rev. H. B. Westerbelt, D. D., officiating. After ten years of married life, one Sunday in September, 1883, in Deaver- town, Morgan county, Ohio, a daughter came to bless the union and to her they gave the name of Floy Inez.
Mr. Griffith is a senior partner of the firm of Griffith & McCurdy, owning a large general store in Bremen. He is also a mem- ber of the Bremen Lumber Company of the same place. Investigation into the history of the town would show that Mr. Griffith has had no little to do with the rapid and splendid growth of the beautiful village. He was instrumental in laying out what is known as the Griffith & McCurdy addition and in placing in this district a number of good homes. Though he has large business
interests in Bremen he maintains his old home in Basil, in the same county. His house, with its environments consisting of brick walks, broad and velvety lawns and ample shade and fruit trees makes a de- lightful home, and there Rev. Griffith and his wife spend many happy hours. He loves to contribute to the welfare of the Basil Methodist church. and says: "There are not many of us, but like every Methodist Episcopal church, we are here to stay." Although not now actively connected with the ministry, his interest in the welfare and progress of his church is no less deep and abiding, and his influence and labors are continuously given for the promotion and upbuilding of his denomination.
GEORGE W. BOERSTLER, M. D.
In the death of Dr. George W. Boerst- ler, Lancaster and Fairfield county lost one of her most prominent and highly respected citizens. As the day, with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its evening of completed and successful ef- forts, ending with the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man. His career was a long, busy and useful one. and although he was earnest and active in business, he never allowed the pursuit of wealth to warp his kindly nature, being to the end of his life a kindly, genial
friend, one whom it was a pleasure to know and meet under any circumstances. He at- tained the advanced age of seventy-seven years, retaining to the last those qualities of the mind and heart which had endeared him to everyone throughout his life.
Dr. Boerstler was born on the Atlantic ocean in 1792, at the time his people emi- grated to America, and passed away at his home in Lancaster, Ohio, on the both of October, 1871. Excellent educational privileges were afforded him. It was the (lesire of his parents' hearts that he enter
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the ministry of the Lutheran church and quainted with them .- Nathan Potter. M. when his preparatory education was suffi- D., Professor Theory and Practice of Medi- cine, University of Maryland, March 4, 1820." cient to enable him to take up study fitting him for the ministry, he did so, but his own choice of a profession was not that made The professional career of Dr. Boerstler was one of distinguished honor. A perfect master of the construction and functions of the component parts of the human body, of the changes induced in them by the on- slaught of disease, of the defects caused upon them as a legacy of progenitors, of the vital capacity remaining in them through- out all the vicissitudes, Dr. Boerstler was well fitted for the practice in the profession in which he made steady advancement. He succeeded because he desired to succeed. He was great because nature had endowed him bountifully and he had studiously and carefully and conscientiously increased the talents that had been given him. Splendid success attended his efforts to relieve the ailments of suffering humanity and for many years he occupied a position of dis- tinction as a leading member of the med- ical fraternity in this portion of Ohio. Ile was always a student, reading widely, think- ing deeply. studying broadly. for him by his parents, although it was one which is of the greatest benefit and import- ance to his fellow men,-that of the prac- tice of medicine. His father was a physi- cian of pronounced ability and the son be- came imbued with an irresistible desire to follow in his footsteps. At length, the ob- stacles being removed, he entered upon the study of medicine and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Medicine of the University of Maryland, in Baltimore, in 1820, when he received from Professor Potter the following commendatory cer- tificate, which, coming from such a broadly known and eminent source, was to young Dr. Boerstler a credential letter, introduc- ing him in flattering terms, to the confi- dence of the medical faculty anywhere in the United States or in Europe : "The bearer hercof. Dr. George W. Boerstler, has been duly examined by the professors of Mary- land, and acquitted himself to the entire sat- isfaction in every department. No man The Doctor was married to Elizabeth Sinks, and removed from llagerstown, Maryland, to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1833, ac- companied by his wife, their daughter and his son-in-law, Dr. Tom O. Edwards, who was associated with him for many years in the duties of his profession. They had not long been established in Lancaster 1111- til a large practice was accorded them and the skill and ability which they manifested ever left the faculty of Physic with more eclat. He carries with him as much knowl- edge as has ever fallen to the lot of any man since the establishment of the insti- tution. His capacity is not excelled by any man, and his industry is equal to his ca- pacity. His sterling integrity and moral worth will always recommend him to the consideration and patronage of the wise and virtuous, as soon as he becomes ac- in solving the intricate problems of dis-
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ease, gained for them a constantly growing in rags, or disease in tapestry; he went to patronage. The Doctor had not long re- sided in his new home until he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in 1838. Later he married Elizabeth Sculir, who survived him for a number of years, but passed away in May, 1900.
Dr. Boerstler was a valued member of the Fairfield County Medical Society and also belonged to the Ohio State Medical Society, which he assisted in organizing and twice served as its president, and to the American Medical Association, joining the latter in 1850. A member of the pro- fession who knew' him intimately said of him:
"The medical reputation of Dr. Boerst- ler was built upon a foundation of solidity, and this grew up into vigor and public ap- preciation more and more with his advanc- ing years. He was a medical student to the end of his life; kept uniform step with onward progress with his profession: was familiar with all its signalized specialties ; was well posted in its scientific expositions : was cognizant of every public valuable cura- tive discovery, and was therefore fully pre- pared for every existing emergency in his own immediate practice. His diagnosis of disease, in its subtle and more complicated forms, was always received by his profes- sional brethren with confiding and com- manding respect. As an experienced and learned consulting physician he acquired a wide reputation. To accomplish the great- est good in the practice of his profession was the passion of his life. No one ever sought his aid in vain, rich or poor, misery
all, to comfort all. and, if practicable, to re- lieve all. In whatever household he was summoned as a physician, he left it as a dear and confidential friend. In his intercourse with his medical brethren he was governed ever by the strictest formulas of honor; no one man understood more sensitively than himself the delicate obligations of his pro- fessional code of ethics, and no one was more courteous and punctilious in observ- ing them."
Dr. Boerstler's activity continued up to the time of his death. No wearing illness wasted him and almost up to the moment when the final summons came, he was seen passing to and fro through the streets of Lancaster, greeted everywhere by friends who entertained for him the highest re- spect, regard and veneration. The same source from which we have already quoted, gives us the following : "On the day pre- ceding his death. he appeared, to those who saw him, in his customary health; during the evening of that day he had a long and very pleasant intercourse with a friend from abroad, who communicated to him some very gratifying intelligence respecting an absent member of his family, long loved and very dear to him. With a father's full heart. he immediately prepared a long, consoling, paternal letter, which he intended to have copied early the next day, and dis- patch as early as possible to this distant one. The ensuing morning found him up, happy with hope, and glowing with good inten- tion; loving and loved, at peace with God, and in charity with man. While standing
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