USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 33
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of the Union and followed the old flag on southern battle-fields. The success which has crowned his efforts is well merited, for without capital he entered upon his business career and steadily has he advanced until he is now the possessor of a comfortable com- petence.
JOHN P. HARMON.
John P. Harmon is a representative of one of the oldest families of Fairfield coun- ty and the farm upon which he lives on sec- tion 27, Pleasant township, has been in pos- session of the family for more than a cen- tury. In the house, which is still his home, three generations of the family have been born. His grandfather, John P. Harmon, came to this county from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1800, set- tling in Pleasant township about the same time as the Macklins, the Buchanans and the Bonseys. He purchased a large tract of land and latter erected a house which is still standing upon the farm and is now owned by John P. Harmon of this review. For about a century it has looked forth upon the conditions which have made the history of this portion of the state. It is one of the old landmarks of the county and is of peculiar interest to the family on account of the an- cestral connections with the place.
John P. Harmon, the father of our sub-
ject, was born in November, 1804, in this house and loved the spot so well that he was never far away from the farm throughout his entire life. His final resting place is in sight of the old home, for his remains were interred on the farm. He was united in marriage to Eliza Hudelle, who was born in Frederick county, Virginia, her father, An- drew Hudelle, having been a planter of that state. They became the parents of eleven children, of whom six are yet living : B. F., a farmer of Stark county, Ohio; C. B., who is in the teaming business in Lancaster ; John P. who resides on the home farm; Victoria, the wife of David Ruffner. a farm- er of Mercer county, Ohio : Medora, the wife of J. D. Spitler, also an agriculturist of Mercer county ; and Ella, the wife of Jesse Rose, a farmer of the same county.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for John P. Harmon during his boyhood and youth. He early became familiar with the work of
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the home farm and assisted in the cultivation of the fields from the time of spring plant- ing until crops were garnered in the autumn. During the winter months he attended the district schools. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Rebecca Ruffner and unto them have been born seven children : Ora. Ethel, Mabel. Fannie, Martha, Mary and Frederick. Mary and Martha are twins. All are still under the parental roof and are being provided with good educa- tional privileges to fit them for the practical and responsible duties of life.
Mr. Harmon comes of a long lived fam- ily, of quiet industrious tillers of the soil. and many of them have lived to be over
ninety years of age. The old homestead is improved with many modern equipments to facilitate the farm work. Upon the place is a pear tree which was planted by his father when a boy of about ten years. This would make the three over eighty years of age and the remarkable fact is that each year it bears fruit and appears still to be in a healthy con- dition. Our subject and his wife hold mem- bership in the United Brethren church and earnestly endeavor to follow the teachings of the Master, rearing their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Their genuine worth and fidelity to the principles in which they believe have won for him many friends.
HENRY BOYER.
In the days of his infancy Henry Boyer was brought to Fairfield county, where he has since resided. He was born in Schuyl- kill county, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1837, and it was the following year that his parents came to the Buckeye state. He is a son of John and Susana ( Radebaugh ) Boyer. who were also natives of Pennsylvania. Loading some of their household effects on a wagon they drove across the country to Carroll, Ohio, arriving in about the mid- dle of November. 1838. They took up their abode upon the farm where the subject of this review now lives and the father there reached the age of sixty-eight years, while
his wife passed away at the age of seventy years. In their family were eight children : Isaac, George and Jacob, who are now de- ceased; Charles : Mary Ann; Henry : Will- iam and Sarah.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Henry Boyer in his youth. The sun shone down on many a field which he plowed and plant- ed. as he assisted his father in the work of cultivating and improving the land. Throughout the years of his manhood he has carried on the occupation to which he was reared and his labors have resulted in bringing to him a very com-
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fortable living. He was married in 1860 iam, a resident of Star City, Indiana; Cal- to Miss Katie M. Hummell, a daughter of Isaac and Magdaline (Miller) Hummell, who were natives of Pennsylvania and in whose family were sixteen children, as fol- lows: John; William; Solomon; Daniel; David; Elijah; Lonis; Lafayette; Polly, the wife of Charles Dilley; Savina, the wife of Erving Mason; Katie, who is now Mrs. Boyer; and five who have passed away, namely: Anna, Mary Ann, Isaac, Julia and Aaron. The father of this family was a shoemaker by trade and followed that oc- cupation in Bloom township near Salem church. He had come from Pennsylvania to Ohio with a one-horse wagon and had taken up his abode in Bloom township in pioneer days. There he spent the remainder of his life and was known as a consistent and loyal- member of the Salem church. His death occurred in 1884, when he had at- tained the age of seventy years.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Boyer has been blessed with five children: Will-
vin, who makes his home in San Francisco, California: Annie, the wife of M. E. Brett, of San Francisco; Franklin, who died at the age of sixteen months; and George, a resident of Bloom township. It was in De- cember, 1874, when Mr. Boyer and his fam- ily removed to the old homestead, where he has since remained. For twelve years he re- sided on the southwest corner of Bloom township and his attention has ever been given to the work of cultivating the soil, his labors being attended by a high degree of success. In 1864 he was in the gov- ernment employ, but during the greater part of his life he has given his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. His work is carefully conducted and he is systematic and methodical in all that he undertakes. As the years have passed his diligence has brought to him a comfortable competence and he is numbered among the well-to-do and up-to-date scientific farmers of his adopted county.
F. ASBURY HOLLIDAY.
Among the citizens of Fairfield county who have joined the great "silent majority." but who had been active factors in the af- fairs of this portion of the state, was F. Asbury Holliday, and his memory is yet cherished, not only by his immediate fam- ily. but by many who knew him and en- joyed his friendship. He was born in Rush Creek township May 29, 1827. upon the
farm which is yet the home of his widow. His father, Zebulon Holliday, was a native of Maryland and in pioneer times removed to Ohio and was here married to Elizabeth Kieser, a native of Rush Creek township. They became the parents of the following children : Wesley, William, Asbury, Sam- tel, Becky, Ann and Sarah. After the death of his first wife Zebulon Holliday married
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Miss Wilson, and they had three children : Harriet ; Mary, now deceased ; and Matilda. The father purchased a farm near Rush- ville and afterward purchased the land upon which Mrs. F. Asbury Holliday is now liv- ing. The tract then comprised one hun- dred and sixty-six acres, but at the present time two hundred and sixty-one acres are comprised within the boundaries of the farm. The pioneer home was an old log cabin, and in it the family lived in true frontier style, but they made the most of their opportunities and as the years passed the comforts known to the older east were introduced and enjoyed by them. In his political views Mr. Holliday was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he joined its ranks. He hekl membership in the Methodist church and was a most earnest Christian gentleman. serving as one of the exhorters in the church.
FF. Asbury Holliday, when a little lad of six summers, became a student in the schools of Rush Creek township. His advantages. however, were very meager, as he had the privilege of attending only for about one or two months each year. His training at farm labor, however, was in no wise lim- ited, for as soon as okl enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields and the sun shone down upon many a tract on which he turned the furrows. When he had left school permanently he joined his father in farming operations and practical experi- ence had made him well fitted for the work. .At the age of twenty-three years he was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Ruther- ford, of Rush Creek township, born in Vir-
ginia, whence she came to Ohio when a little maiden of two summers. They began their domestic life upon the farm which is still the home of Mrs. Holliday. All of the land was cleared but about thirty acres, and Mr. Holliday gave his attention to the further development and improvement of the farm. Unto him and his wife were born five children. The eldest, William, resides one mile north of Oak Fort. James A. is living one mile east of Pleasantville. Clara .A. is the wife of Arthur Kinsel, of Pleasantville. Francis .A. and Samuel B. are now operating the home farm in a highly creditable manner.
Mr. Holliday voted with the Democratic party. He served as a school director and as supervisor, and in public office, as in business and social life, he was true to the duties devolving upon him. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church and his life was at all times guided by and permeated with Christian principles. Ile passed away in 1885 and in his death the community lost one whom it had come to know as a reputable citizen, devoted to the publie good. The sons, Samuel and Fran- cis Holliday, now engaged in the operation of the home farm. The latter was born in 1861 and acquired his early education in the public schools of Rush Creek township. while later he continued his studies in Pleas- antville, Ohio. On putting aside his text books he resumed work on the farm and is now associated with his brother in agricult- ural pursuits whereby he has gained a com- fortable competence. They make a specialty of the raising of stock, raising only grain
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enough to feed their domestic animals. They have horses, cattle and sheep and their sales are large and bring to them a good re- turn.
In 1880 Francis Holliday was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Bunworth, a na- tive of Perry county. They now have one child, Charles Oatley. Mr. Holliday has followed in the political footsteps of his fa- ther, endorsing the men and measures of the Democracy, and is a member of the Methodist church.
Samuel Holliday, the younger brother,
was born in 1868, and after becoming fa- miliar with the branches of learning taught in the district schools, he went to Pleasant- ville, where he continued his studies for some time. On his father's death he began work upon the home farm and both he and his brother are recognized as young men of good business ability, energetic and pro- gressive. All of the modern equipments and accessories of a model farm are found upon their place, and in the management of the property they have shown themselves to be honest and trustworthy.
DANIEL GIESY.
Daniel Giesy was for a number of years a prominent representative of mercantile in- terests of Lancaster, but is now living re- tired. He was born in this city May 3, 1833. His father, John Ulric Giesy, was a native of Switzerland, born in 1787. In the land of the Alps he was reared to man- hood and acquired a good common school education. When a young man he emi- grated to the new world, believing that he might have better business opportunities in the United States, the year of his arrival being 1805. Taking up his abode in Lan- caster, Ohio, he here established a bakery, which he continued to successfully conduct for a number of years. He was also en- gaged in the hotel business and erected what became known as the old Giesy House, which was the first hotel erected in Lan-
caster. During that period he bought a farm southwest of the city, to which he re- moved in the early '50s, and there died in 1856. He was very successful in all his business undertakings and when lands were cheap he purchased a considerable amount, which rose in value with the growth of the county and the improvements placed there- on. Mr. Giesy also owned and operated a flouring mill and carried forward to suc- cessful completion whatever he undertook, being a man of resolute purpose and un- flagging enterprise. His political support was given the Democracy and he strongly endorsed the principles advocated by Jeffer- son. He and his wife were devoted mem- bers of the Grace Reformed church, to which he contributed liberally.
John U. Giesy was married in Lan-
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caster to Miss Magdalene Hensel, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Lancaster with her parents, John and Martha Hensel. Nine children were born of this union, six sons and three daughters: Mary, born May 4. 1816; Susan, born July 30, 1820; Eliza- beth, who was born May 3, 1822, and is now deceased : John U., born February II, 1824. Samuel H., born August 26. 1826, and Jacob H., born March 28. 1828. all three deceased : William, who was born September 24. 1830. and died in infancy ; Daniel. of this review ; and Henry H .. who was born February 17, 1836, and was killed in battle during the Civil war while a mem- ber of the Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry.
Daniel Giesy pursued his education in the private and district schools of Lan- caster. He then entered Capital University at Columbus, Ohio, where he spent one year. and on leaving school he entered upon his business career as a clerk in the store of . Reber & Kutz. He was afterward em- ployed in other mercantile establishments until 1856. when he began business on his own account as a dealer in boots and shoes on Main street. For three years he con- ducted that enterprise, but in 1859 disposed of his stock and engaged in the manufac- ture of vinegar, carrying on that industry for some time. He met with success in the undertaking, for the excellence of his product secured for him a ready sale. Sub- sequently he spent two years in Cincinnati. Ohio, as a salesman for Shillito & Com- pany. Returning to Lancaster, he became interested in merchandising in connection
with Reber & Kutz, and this relation was maintained until 1870, when he retired to private life, enjoying a well merited rest.
In 1854 MIr. Giesy was united in mar- riage to Miss Ellen Hauffer, of Lancaster, the eldest daughter of Jolin C. and Mary (Hunter) Haufler. Her father was a na- tive of Germany, but her mother was born in Lancaster, being a daughter of Captain Joseph and Dorothy Hunter, who were pio- neers of Fairfield county. Unto our sub- ject and his wife have been born seven chil- dren : Helen L., the eldest, is now de- ceased : Henry H., born January 31. 1858. is engaged in the lumber business, the firm being composed of himself and two brothers, under the name of H. II. Giesy : Edward H., born October 22, 1859, is con- nected with his brother in the lumber busi- ness at Columbus ; John C., born August 11, 1862, is deceased : Frank M., born July 31. 1866, died in infancy: Ella C. was born March 8. 1869: and Robert M., born Janu- ary 7. 1871. is also engaged in the whole- sale lumber business.
In 1862 Mr. Giesy entered the employ of the government as abstract clerk in the quartermaster's department, with which he was connected for about eight months. He then returned to Lancaster. but in 1864 again accepted a position in the quarter- master's department, where he joined his brother. He had just reached his post when he was captured by the rebels and was held a prisoner for four months and a half, being confined at Cahaba, Alabama. At the end of that time he was exchanged and returned home. Mr. Giesy strongly endorses Re-
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publican principles and has always sup- ported the party, although he has never been an office seeker. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Grace Reformed church and are
people of sterling wortli, whose circle of friends is only limited by their circle of ac- quaintances. Mr. Giesy is an ardent sup- porter of the free school system.
HENRY HENSEL GIESY.
Among those who offered up their lives to which he belonged was the Forty-sixth on the altar of their country during the Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was provost on the staff of Brigadier General Hugh Ewing, commanding the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, in November, 1863, and was by him recommended for promo- tion. The colonel of the regiment having command of the brigade during Sherman's. great battles on his way to Atlanta, Major Giesy had command of the regiment. Dur- ing the engagement at Dallas, May 28, 1864, he was mortally wounded, and died the following day.
dark days of the Rebellion was Henry Hen- sel Giesy, who was born in Lancaster, Ohio, February 17, 1836, and was the seventh son of Jolın Ulric and Mary Magdalene (Hen- sel) Giesy. He was graduated with honors from Frank Marshall College in 1857 and was a member of the Goethean Liter- ary Society. After making the needed prep- aration he was admitted to the bar, and when the Civil war broke out was engaged in the practice of his profession in his na- tive town.
As one of the first to respond to his country's call for troops, he enlisted for three months in the volunteer service and was chosen captain of his company. Dur- ing that term he was on duty in West Vir- ginia. On his return home he raised a new company and re-enlisted for three years on the 26th of December, 1861. On the 9th of the following August he was promoted to major for gallant conduct, being chosen to that position over three captains whose commissions antedated his. The regiment
Brigadier General Charles C. "Walcott in his official report of the battle of Dallas says: "This battle, severe as it was upon the enemy, cost the country the lives and services of many valuable officers and men. Colonel Dickerson, One Hundred and Third Illinois, and Major Giesy, Forty-sixth Ohio, fell mortally wounded and have since died. They were both brave and efficient officers and received their wounds during the heat of the engagement while at the front en- couraging their men." He was made brevet brigadier general "for gallant and meritor-
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ious services" at the battle of Dallas. of Shiloh, Corinth, Jackson, Missionary Georgia, where he was killed. He engaged Ridge. Knoxville, Dalton, Resaca and Dallas. with distinction and bravery in the battles
JAMES HILLS.
James Hills, now deceased, was num- bered among the early settlers and highly respected citizens of Fairfield county, and whatever tended to promote the growth. progress and improvement of this favored section of the state won his approval and support. His life was ever upright and honorable and commended him to the con- fidence and regard of all with whom he came in contact. He was a native of Bill- inghurst, England, born August 24. 1824. and his parents spent their entire lives in that land. Mr. Hills came to the United States in 1852, locating in Fairfield county. taking up his abode in Lancaster, where he engaged in gardening and farming. He also conducted a greenhouse until a short time prior to the Civil war. when he pur- chased a farm upon which his widow now resides, and here made a good home for himself and family.
When his adopted country became in- volved in hostilities between the north and south he espoused the Union cause. serving for nine months and twenty days. Then. the war having ended, he received an hon- orable discharge and his loyalty to the coun- try was ever one of his marked character- istics. He was deeply interested in its in-
stitutions and in the extension of its power and influence. At the close of the war be returned to his home, but his health had be- come impaired during the service and he was never a well man after that.
On the 15th of October. 1868. Mr. Hills was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Davey, a native of England. She is now living upon the old homestead in Hocking township and is a most estimable lady. The marriage of this worthy couple was blessed with nine children. Edward Henry. born in Harsham. England, on the 9th of December. 1849. is now extensively en- gaged in the raising of wheat in California. devoting one thousand acres to that prod- uct. He married a Miss Carter. Rhoda . ... the second of the family, is the wife of Jacob Walters, a resident farmer of Pleas- ant township. Fairfield county, and they have three children: James, Flora and Charles. Thomas, born in Lancaster. March 16, 1854. now resides in Columbus. Ohio, where he is engaged in business as a contractor. He married Sophia Berrens. and they have three children, Dora. Carrie and Mattie. Sarah J., born in Lancaster, January 8. 1856, is the wife of Samuel Nel- son. of Zanesville, a brick maker. They
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have six children : Fannie, the widow of Edward Alford; George; Carrie; Harry; Hattie and Edna. Mary A. is the widow of Samuel Pickering and resides in Lancaster. Her children are: Edward, Carrie, Martha and Elsworth. John A., born in 1860, is connected with a cracker factory in Colum- bus, Ohio. He married Lena Creggs, and they have one child, Nettie. George B., born January 24, 1863, died in infancy. three months. Margaret E., born in April, 1864, was married and left one daughter. who is residing with her grandmother and is a bright and attractive young girl. She is known by the name of Bertha May Hills.
Henrietta, his twin sister, died at the age of ' desired and gained not only a comfortable
Throughout his business career Mr. Hills carried on agricultural pursuits and
his labors were carefully directed by sound business judgment and keen discrimination. His enterprise would brook no obstacle that could be overcome by determined and honorable purpose, and gradually he worked his way upward to success, becoming the owner of a valuable farm. He never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for in his broader opportunities he found the advantages he competence but also a large circle of friends. He died at his home in Hocking township, May 10, 1869, respected by all who had known him. His widow enjoys the high esteem of all with whom she has been brought in contact, and she still lives upon the farm left to her by her husband.
HENRY BALTHASER.
Like many of the valued citizens of Fair- field county, Henry Balthaser came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, taking up his abode in Fairfield county at an early day. He now resides in Clear Creek township, where he owns and occupies ninety-one acres of rich farm land just south of the village of Amanda. He was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania. October 13, 1832, and is a representative of one of the old families of that locality. His paternal grandfather, Henry Balthaser, lived and died in Berks county, being a well known farmer and prominent man there.
The father of our subject, Henry Balt- haser. was born in Berks county, learning the carpenter's trade and following that vo- cation throughout his residence in Pennsyl- vania, and after coming to Fairfield county he engaged in the operation of a sawmill and also devoted a portion of his time to agri- cultural pursuits. For a number of years he continued the manufacture of lumber. He put all of the improvements upon his farmi and there made a good home for him- self and family, living at that place until his death, which occurred when he was eighty- two years of age. He passed away on the
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anniversary of his birth, which occurred on the 22d of January, 1803. He held member- ship in the Lutheran church and his life was permeated by honorable principles and Christian teachings. In politics he was a Democrat but he never aspired to office. pre- ferring that his attention should be given to his business interests, in which he prospered. He was an advocate of all that tended to in- prove the community along social, intellect- ual and moral lines. Ilis worth as a citizen was widely recognized. He married Sarah Warner, who was also born in Berks county. Pennsylvania, and there lived until coming to Ohio with her husband. Both were mem- bers of the Lutheran church. Mrs. Balt- haser survived her husband but a short time, passing away on the oldl homestead. June 25, 1886. She was the mother of eight chil- dren, five of whom are now living, the sub- ject of this review being the second in order of birth.
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