USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 37
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of twelve summers when she crossed the briny deep to the new world in company with her father. John Hengst, who became an early settler of Lancaster. Mrs. Sny- der survived her husband for two years. passing away on the 8th of August, 1893. In the family were nine children who . reached mature years and seven are still living. In order of birth they were Cath- erine. Henry, William, John. Elizabeth, George W., Charles F., Louis J. and Sarah.
In the city where he still makes his home Louis J. Snyder was reared and edu- cated and on leaving school he entered upon his business career in the capacity of clerk. being employed by various parties. Ile first embarked upon an independent venture as a retail grocery merchant and as his finan- cial resources increased he began dealing in coal. Finally his business was merged into a wholesale venture and he became a jobber, selling his products in carloads along the line of the railroad. For some years he received his supply of coal by canal and now all business is conducted through the medium of the railroads. His trade has
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constantly increased and has now assumed extensive proportions, so that his large sales annually return to him a very grati- fying income.
Mr. Snyder is also largely interested in real estate and handled much property dur- ing the years of 1896-7. He was engaged in the sale of lots and city property and owns considerable valuable realty within the corporate limits of Lancaster and also some outside the city. For seven years he was a director of the Citizens' Loan & Building Association. His present place of business is on West Main street and he is regarded as one of the successful, progress- ive business men of Lancaster.
For fourteen years Mr. Snyder was the secretary and superintendent of the Lancas- ter city water works, during which time many of the principal improvements in the system were made. The new reservoir was
secured and the new water mains were ex- tended from six to fourteen miles. The system was perfected under his direction, new grades were established, new boilers and new machinery were secured and the plant thus became one of the most complete in this portion of the state. Of its water works Lancaster has every reason to be proud. Politically Mr. Snyder is a Demo- crat and takes great interest in securing the election of his friends and the success of his. party. He is a member of the board of equalization, but has not sought many fa- vors at the hands of his party. As a citi- zen he is alert and enterprising and co-op- erates heartily in all movements for the gen- eral good. In business affairs he is ener- getic, prompt and notably reliable. Tire- Jess energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose, joined to every-day common sense, these are his chief characteristics ..
JOSEPH P. GUNDY.
and afterward continued his education in
Joseph P. Gundy, whose efforts contrib- uite to the commercial activity of Carroll, the high school at Carroll and as a com- where he is engaged in grain dealing, was panion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Jessie Wilson, the marriage be- ing celebrated on the IIth of March, 1891. The lady was a daughter of William D. Wilson, a nurseryman of Illinois, who died in 1873. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gundy took up their abode on one of his father's farms, known as the Copman Nurs- ery Farm and his time was devoted to the born in December, 1867. His father, Isaac Gundy, was also born on the same farm and still resides there, at the ancestral home in which the grandfather. Joseph Gundy, first settled on coming to this locality, as a pio- neer. The subject of this review spent his early life upon the home farm. He attend- ed the district schools of the neighborhood
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cultivation of the fields and to dealing in live stock. He continued in this line of business until March, 1900. when he en- tered into partnership with his father un- der the firm name of Isaac Gundy & Son for the purpose of dealing in hay, grain and coal. They purchased the H. J. Knively elevator at Carroll, where they are doing a successful business, handling a large amount of grain annually and thus secur- ing a good income.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gundy has been blessed with two children: Fern, who was born November 25. 1802; and Neal. born January 30. 1897. Our subject and his wife ar well known in the com- munity and he is widely recognized as an enterprising and progressive business man, whose efforts furnish a market to the farm- ers of the community and at the same time brings to him a highly creditable degree of success.
HORATIO G. TROUT.
There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which is universally accorded Horatio G. Trout. but through more than half a century's con- nection with Lancester's history his has been an unblemished character. With him success in life has been reached by his ster- ling qualities of mind and heart. True to every manly principle, he has never deviat- ed from what his judgment would indicate to be right and honorable between his fellow men and himself. He has never swerved from the path of duty, and now after a long and eventful career he can look back over the past with pride and enjoy the remain- ing years of his earthly pilgrimage with a consciousness of having gained for himself by his honorable, straightforward career the confidence of the entire community in which he lives.
lloratio Gates Trout was born in Milton. Pennsylvania. November 15. 1829. and there he mastered the tailoring trade. learn- ing the business in all of its various depart- ments. Ile was about eighteen years of age when he came to Lancaster and since that time he has been continuously identi- fied with the commercial development of the city. Ile arrived here on the 24th of July. 1847. and at once entered the employ of Henry Springer, for whom he continued to work until 1850. when he was admitted to a partnership in the tailoring business. This relation was maintained for ten con- secutive years, on the expiration of which period Mr. Trout withdrew from the firm and accepted a position as chief cutter for Philip Rising. His thorough under- standing of the work and his capability led to his retention in that position until 1867,
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when, desiring to engage in business on his own account, he resigned and entered into partnership with Orrin E. Peters and John Reber in the clothing and merchant tailor- ing business, under the firm style of Peters, Trout & Company. This relation was main- tained until 1876, when Mr. Reber retired from the firm and Messrs. Peters and Trout conducted the business, calling their store the Temple of Fashion. A salesman was employed to go upon the road, taking meas- ures and selling suits by samples, and this in addition to their local trade brought to them an immense business, which annually increased and for a long period fur- nished employment to seventy operatives in their shop, while their sales amounted to eighty-five thousand dollars annually. The business was first conducted in the Mar- cuson room and later they removed to a room in the MacCracken block and after- ward to a room in the J. C. Weaver block, but the constantly increasing business de- manded larger quarters and the firm erected what is known as the Temple of Fashion Building, at the corner of the public square and Broad street. removing thereto in the spring of 1882. This is one of the largest and most imposing buildings of the city and stands as a monument to the enterprise and business ability of the owners.
In the year 1880 Mr. Peters removed to Cincinnati, but did not sell his interests in Lancaster at that time. From 1865 until 1867 he was in partnership with the brothers Peter and Gerhard Miller, and it was in the latter year that the partnership with our subject was formed. Mr. Peters
now resides in Cincinnati and is the treas- urer of the King Powder Company and of the Peters Cartridge Company. In 1894 Mr. Trout purchased the interest of Mr. Peters in the real estate which they owned to- gether, thus becoming the sole owner of the Temple of Fashion Building, and in Janu- ary, 1896, he purchased his interest in the stock. thus becoming the absolute proprietor of the store and its contents. This is one of the largest substantial business interests of the city and the house has ever main- tained an unassailable reputation in com- mercial circles, both on account of the ex- cellent work furnished and of the honorable business methods pursued.
In September, 1849, Mr. Trout was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Card, and for more than a half century they have now traveled life's journey together. For fifty years Mr. Trout has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Lancaster and throughout the period has been con- nected with the Sunday-school either as a teacher or superintendent. He was ap- pointed to the former position in 1847 by John M. Creed, who was then serving as superintendent. Later Mr. Trout was elected to the superintendency, and his efforts have been continuous and effective in the advancement of educational religious training for the young. For forty-five years he has served in offices of the church and for twenty-four years he has been a trustee of the Lancaster Camp Meeting, this cov- ering the entire period of the existence of the organization. For six years Mr. Trout was also a prominent member of the school'
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bard. His interest in everything pertain- ing to the general welfare has been deep and sincere, as is indicated by his active co- operation in measures for the general good. Hlis unswerving purpose, his unquestioned fidelity, his unfaltering honesty and his un- kind.
changing will have commanded the highest respect of all. He has been a leader in the cause of liberty, of freedom and of progress, and his hearty co-operation has ever been given to that which tends to elevate man-
CLIFF O. BEALS.
Cliff O. Beals, who is engaged in the practice of law in Pickerington and is num- bered among the native sons of Fairfield county, his birth having occurred on the 15th of August, 1871, is a son of W. G. and Nancy ( Bethel) Beals. His grand- father, George Beals, came to Ohio about seventy-five years ago, taking up his resi- dence in Violet township. He served his country as a lientenant in the Revolutionary war and became an active factor in the sub- stantial development of this part of the state. In his family were four children : Enoch, Wood, Amanda and William G .. but the only one now living is William G. Beals, the father of our subject. He has made his home in this county for three- quarters of a century, having taken up his abode, at the time of his arrival, in Violet township, but at the present time he is a resident of Pickerington. On reaching Ohio he located in Licking county, and dur- ing seventeen years he was in the gold fields of California. By trade he was a black- smith, but during much of his active life he
followed farming in Violet township. At the present time he is living retired in the enjoyment of a well-merited rest. He was united in marriage to Nancy Bethel, a daughter of John Bethel, who was a native of Virginia, where he spent his entire life. He was one of a family of eight children and was reared by Jonathan Edwards. Unto William G. and Nancy Beals were born ten children, nine of whom are yet liv- ing. namely : Merrill. Sadie, George, Meta and Mary ( twins ). John, Cliff O., Alva and Nellie. Harry died at the age of eighteen years, the result of an accident.
Cliff O. Beals, whose name introduces this record, pursued his early education in the district schools of Violet township and later continued his studies in the Reynolds- burg high school, in which he was gradu- ated. He then entered the Normal Uni- versity at Ada, Ohio, taking a scientific course in 1802-3. He is not only a self- made man but is a self-educated man, for at an early age he began to earn his own living and he worked for his board during his
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school life. He also did abstracting during his course in Ada and thus provided for the expenses of his college education. Subse- quently he engaged in teaching school in the country for five years and in the meantime pursued the study of law, being admitted to the bar of Ohio on the ist of March, 1894. He then began practice in Picker- ington, where he has since been located, and has met with gratifying success, having been connected with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of the locality.
In August, 1897, Mr. Beals was united in marriage to Miss Laura Painter, a daughter of J. S. and Ellen Painter, of in the future.
Canal Winchester. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of the Improved Order of Red Men and of the Woodmen of the World. For six years he has served as justice of the peace, and in his political views is a Republican, taking an active part in the work of the party, serving at the present time as a member of the executive and of the central committee. He is a young man, of large force of char- acter, of laudable ambition and strong mentality, and these qualities have already gained for him creditable success and will doubtless win for him still greater success
ROBERT WORK.
The life span of Robert Work covered seventy-eight years. His record was one of activity in business, of faithfulness in citizenship, of honor in all his relations with his fellow men and of marked fidelity to the cause of Christ. He was born April 12, 1817, in this county and died upon his farm near Lancaster on the end of November. 1890.
His parents, Joseph and Nancy Work, came to Fairfield county in 1810 and set- tled in Greenfield township in the vicinity of what was then called Wilderness Gap. The new district was an almost unbroken forest and the homes of the settlers were widely scattered. Blazed trees marked the
path through the forest, for there were no roads and the streams were unbridged. The settlers usually followed the old Indian trails as they made their way from one point to another and the red men were still found in this portion of the country, hunt- ing in the forests and fishing in the streams, following their nomadic method of living, but being pushed constantly westward by the encroachment of civilization. The Work family experienced all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer experi- ence. In the family were eleven children, all of whom reached years of maturity. were married and had families of their own, but none now survive.
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Robert Work was the eighth child in zen, Mr. Work was very active in support the family and amid the wild scenes of the frontier he was reared, sharing with the others many trials which beset pioneer exist- ence and at the same time enjoying pleas- ures which are only known amid such con- ditions. After arriving at years of ma- turity he wedded Miss Mary A. Wilson. the marriage being celebrated October 3. 1853. Her parents were David and Eliza- leth ( Brobst) Wilson, the former a native , i Bedford, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Washington, D. C. They became pioneer settlers of Fairfield county, prospered in their undertaking's here and were highly es- teemed by all who knew them. Their daughter. Mrs. Work, was born in this county. October 16, 1835, and pursued her education in a private school in Rushville taught by Mrs. Anderson. the wife of a Presbyterian minister. Later she became an assistant in that school. In his business dealings Mr. Work was always reliable. straightforward and accurate and his name was synonymous with integrity. As the years passed five children came to bless the home, but one died at the age of ten years and another in infancy. The three who still survive are Edward, who is engaged in the livery business in Lancaster: Carrie, the wife of Frank Hoffman, a retired farmer residing on the old homestead ; and Alice O., who married William Leiby, an agri- culturist living in Greenfield township. These three children still survive their fa- ther, as does Mrs. Work.
A public spirited and progressive citi-
of all measures which he believed would prove of general good. He was especially strong as an advocate of good roads, giving of his time, labor and money to establish and improve them. He built many of the roads of the locality, although opposed by his neighbors, who, however. afterward acknowledge their indebtedness to him in this regard. He was never hasty in form- ing his opinions, but when once he had be- come convinced that a course was right. neither fear nor favor could swerve him. He was temperate in his habits, hon- orable in all his dealings and was a kind and indulgent parent. He always had a smile and a hearty hand clasp for his friends and he was never happier than when surrounded by his wife and chil- dren at his own fireside. In early life he united with the Presbyterian church and was long one of its most faithful and con- scientious members, while for many years he served as one of its ruling elders. In his political views he was a pronounced Re- publican. yet he never sought or desired office. At all times he commanded the re- spect of his fellow men by his sterling worth and well does he deserve mention among the honored pioneers of Fairfield county, with whose history he was so long identified. Mrs. Work still survives her husband and in her seventy-seventh year is enjoying good health. She is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and her labors have been effective in pro- moting its growth and upbuikling. She is
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also untiring in her efforts to advance the temperance cause, and like her husband she enjoys the high esteem of all with whom she has come in contact, and it is with pleas-
ure that the writer presents to the readers of this volume-devoted as it is to the life rec- ords of representative citizens-the life rec- ord of two such worthy people.
JAMES T. POWERS.
James T. Powers has been connected with the fire department of Lancaster for a longer period than any other man and de- serves the gratitude and commendation of his fellow men by reason of his watchful- ness and his efficiency in times of danger. He was for a number of years chief of the department and at the present time is serv- ing as assistant chief.
Mr. Powers was born in the city of Lan- caster on the 2d of March, 1860, a son of Patrick and Mary (Lockery) Powers. The family is of Irish lineage and was founded in America by the paternal grandfather of our subject, who left the Emerald Isle and on coming to Ohio took up his abode in New Lexington but soon removed to Lan- caster and was numbered among the pioneer settlers of the village, which has since grown to be the thriving and populous county seat. Patrick Powers was born here in the year 1832 and throughout his life span of forty years remained a resident of his native city, passing away in 1872. His wife, who still survives him, is yet living in Lancaster.
James T. Powers was reared in this city
and attended its public schools and after- ward continued his education in St. Mary's parochial school. Putting aside his text- books in his fourteenth year he then en- tered upon his business career in the employ of Henry Harter, a merchant, with whom he remained for six years, and thus Mr. Powers became quite familiar with that business. He afterward entered the employ of the Hocking Valley Railroad Company and was in the baggage and freight depart- ment for a period of twenty-one years, his long connection therewith being unmis- takable evidence of his trustworthiness and efficiency. In 1878 he became a member of the fire department of Lancaster, and his service extends over a greater period than that of any one else connected therewith. He won promotion and for four years was chief of the department, while since August. 1901, he has served as assistant chief.
An important event in the life of Mr. Powers occurred in 1882, when he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Otney, of Lancaster, a daughter of John and Laura Otney, who were early residents of this city. They now have two sons, Patrick H. and
21
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Joseph Lewis. Their home is in the third ward, and in the city where they have always resided Mr. and Mrs. Powers have many friends. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy but has never sought or desired office, his atten-
tion being fully occupied by his business cares. He has a wide acquaintance in Lan- caster, including many who have known him from boyhood. His circle of friends is extensive and all have a good word for James T. Powers.
RICHARD HOLMES.
Richard Holmes, a retired farmer and stock dealer, living in Carroll, has now passed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, as he was born on a farm in Bloom township in 1829. His paternal grandfather was James Holmes, a native of Pennsylvania and one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war who fought from the commencement of the struggle till its close. Hle married and passed the most of his life in Pennsylvania, but his last years were spent in Ohio, where he died at his home in the northern part of Fairfield county. He became the father of thirteen sons and one daughter. Four of the sons were in the government service as civil engineers.
Thomas Holmes, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1778, and in about 1804 came west. While on his way here he looked fer land where now stands the city of Columbus, Ohio, but he did not consider it a good tract for farming purposes, so he continued on his way until he found a place where about ten acres had been cleared by
the Indians, who had used it for a long time, having cultivated corn there. Hle found, too, that the squatters had taken pos- session of the land, but he paid the man a small amount of money to leave it and it was then that Mr. Holmes became the owner of a tract on section I. Bloom town- ship. Fairfield county. Upon this farm he reared his family of five sons and five daughters. He married Rachel Wells, who was a daughter of George Wells, one of the honored pioneer settlers of the community, who had come to the west from Virginia. The family located near Hebron, where he lived until his death. He belonged to a family noted for patriotism and loyalty and with eight of his brothers he served his country in the war for independence. join- ing the army when the attempt was first made to throw off the yoke of British op- pression and continuing with the colonial troops until the freedom of the nation had been won. He and his brothers were all mistered out of the service at the close of the war in good health. They were sons of
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Alse Wells, whose family numbered alto- gether twenty-two sons and one daughter, including the nine Revolutionary heroes. Some of their descendants still reside in and near Rockingham county, Virginia. The marriage of Thomas Holmes and Rachel Wells was blessed with ten children, but our stibject is now the only one living. The father engaged in farming and stock-rais- ing, and as there were no railroads at that time he would drive his stock across the country to Baltimore. The country was so wild that the path which he followed was scarcely more than a trail and bad condi- tions of the roads made travel very slow, as is evidenced by the fact that it required from three to four months to make the trip from Ohio to Baltimore and return. Mr. Holmes continued to reside upon his farm until the time of his death, which occurred in 1847.
In the usual manner of farm lads of the period Richard Holmes spent the days of his boyhood and youth. On the 9th of June, 1874, he was united in marriage to Catherine Miller, a daughter of Peter Mil- ler, a resident farmer of Liberty township, Fairfield county. Mr. Holmes had acquired his education in an old-time log school
house, where the methods of instruction were almost as primitive as the building oc- cupied. He remained with his father until the latter's death in 1847, at which time he inherited a part of the old homestead. Two years later he sold his share to Samuel Kistler and the same year he purchased a farm from his brother Thomas. In 1855 he sold this tract of land to his brother George and his brother-in-law. Deacon Whiticar, who divided the property. For many years Mr. Holmes was a buyer and shipper of stock, sending his stock to Pitts- burg, Philadelphia. Baltimore and New York. His life, although quietly passed, has been a busy and useful one, and through legitimate channels of trade he has won a comfortable competence, which now en- alles him to live retired. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, firm in his support of the party, and in religious faith he is a Pres- byterian. At the age of seventy-three years he can read and write without the use of spectacles and is a well preserved man. He always has a good word for his neighbors and by them is held in the highest esteem. No man deserves in a greater degree the warm regard of their fellow citizens than does Richard Holmes.
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