USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 38
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EDWARD W. WORK.
Edward W. Work was born in Green- field township, Fairfield county, on the 24th of March, 1858. His parents, Robert and Mary ( Wilson) Work, were among the
early settlers and much respected citizens of this county. They resided upon a farm and under the parental roof the subject of this review spent his boyhood days, taking his
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place in the fields from the time he was old enough to handle a plow. He assisted in the wark of planting and harvesting and when the labors of the fields were practical- ly over for the year, he entered the com- mon schools of the neighborhood, thus lay- ing the foundation for his education. He was afterward a student in the schools of Lancaster for a time and remained upon the farm until his twenty-sixth year, when, determining to engage in other pursuits, he took up his abode in Lancaster, where he established a sale stable, conducting the same for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he purchased his present place, upon which he erected a large and substan- tial barn. eighty-two by one hundred eleven feet. This is constructed upon a modern
plan and the stable will accommodate seven- ty-five horses. It is also well equipped with vehicles of all styles, including buggies, sur- reys, hacks and road carts. He also en- gages in boarding horses for local parties, engages in buying and selling. and has the largest stable in Lancaster, doing the lead- ing business in his line.
In 1881 occurred the marriage of Mr. Work and Miss Mary S. Springer, of Lan- caster, and they now have one son, Robert, who is in school. Whatever success Mr. Work has achieved is due to his own en- ergy. His name might be considered the index of his career. for he has ever been noted for indefatigable industry and this. combined with his good business judgment,. has brought to him desirable success.
ISAIAH VORYS.
With the building interests of Lan- caster Isaiah Vorys is connected, and his thorough understanding of his chosen voca- tion, his workmanship and his fidelity to the terms of a contract have been potent forces in winning him success. He is to-day re- garded as one of the leading contractors and builders of Fairfield county and many of the substantial structures of Lancaster stand as monuments to his skill.
A native of this city, Mr. Vorys was born on the 26th of March, 1832, and is descended from good old Revolutionary
stock. His paternal grandfather was Abraham Vorys, who served as a soldier of the Revolutionary war, acting most of the time as teamster and general wagonmaster. being chief of the train. His son, Abraham Vorys. Jr., the grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia and for many years was engaged in teaming. driving from four to six horses to a wagon over the mountains to the markets. That was an important business in those days, prior to the building of the railroads, for all goods and produce had to be transported in that way. He mar-
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ried a Miss O'Neil, a native of Ireland and a representative of an old Scotch-Irish fam- ily. Among their children was Isaiah Vorys, Sr., who was born in Virginia on the 19th of December, 1796. In the place of his nativity he remained until he had at- tained to man's estate and in 1823 he ac- companied his parents in their removal to Columbus, Ohio, coming from the latter place to Lancaster in the year 1835. He married a Miss Worthington, of this city, who was a granddaughter of John Smith, a commissioned officer of the state militia. becoming captain of a company in the year 1803. Mrs. Vorys was born in Hagers- town, Maryland, February 4, 1804, and in 1822 came to Fairfield county with her par- ents. George Washington and Freda (Smith) Worthington. Mr. Vorys was a contractor and builder and throughout his entire business career was connected with that line of industrial activity, being a well known representative of the business in Lancaster in the first half of the nineteenth century. He followed his chosen pursuit until his death, which occurred in 1866. His wife, long surviving him, passed away in 1893.
Isaiah Vorys, whose name introduces this record, is the only son and living child of his parents. The common schools of Lancaster afforded him his early educa- tional privileges and in his youth he learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of his father, who saw that he was thorough and accurate in every department of the work. As his efficiency became recognized
tracts were awarded him for the erection of many of the best dwellings, business blocks, churches and school houses of Lancaster. His labors have also been sought in sur- rounding country and he has a wide repu- tation as a most capable contractor and builder.
In 1854 Mr. Vorys was united in mar- riage to Miss Anna Webb, of Hocking county, Ohio, a daughter of the Rev. Thomas Webb, who was a Methodist Epis- copal minister, devoting his life to the up- building of the church. He married Cath- erine Lindille. Mrs. Vorys' people removed from Virginia to Fairfield county in 1818, having previously been residents of Rock- ingham county in the Old Dominion. She lived to a very advanced age, passing away in 1886. She left the following children : Catherine, now the wife of the Hon. Clay H. Drinkle, the ex-probate judge of Fair- field county ; Alice, the wife of John R. Mc- Langhan, an importer of fine horses; and Arthur I. In 1886 Mr. Vorys was again married, his second union being with Miss May Wright, a daughter of John A. Wright, one of the early residents of Lan- caster who came to Ohio from Virginia. His wife bore the maiden name of Margaret Smith and belonged to one of the old pio- neer families which located in Lancaster in 18IO.
Mr. Vorys gives his political support to the Democracy and for several terms has served as a member of the city council, hav- ing first been appointed to fill a vacancy and then elected to that office. He has also his patronage constantly increased and con- been a member of the school board of Lan-
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caster for several years and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He is mummbered among the consistent and val- ned members of the Methodist Episcopal church and for a long period he served as one of the teachers of the Sunday-school. He has a comfortable and substantial resi- dence at No. 11O West Mulberry street and throughout the community is highly es- city.
teemed. He has made good use of his opportunities, has prospered from year to year, has conducted all business matters carefully and successfully and has thereby won prosperity. He always has a cheerful word and pleasant smile for all those with whom he comes in contact and is numbered among the valued residents of his native
JACOB J. WETZEL.
Jacob J. Wetzel, who for ten years has that position in 1892 and has served con- tinuously since through the different admin- istrations, discharging his duties promptlly. capably and with consideration for the patrons of the Lancaster post office and with marked fidelity to the government. Thus he has gained the public approval and has been retained in office to the present time. been in the government service, filling the position of postman in Lancaster, was born in the city which is still his home, his natal day being April 4. 1862. Almost thirty years before the family had been founded in America, coming to this country from the ancestral home in Germany. The parents of our subject were John and Elizabeth On the 17th of March, 1889. Mr. Wetzel was united in marriage to Miss Sally May Boast. a daughter of William and Fanny ( Faust ) Boast. Her father was a native of England but in early childhood came to America and in pioneer days in Fairfield county took up his abode here. His wife was born in this county and was a granddaughter of Andrew Faust, an old- time resident of Lancaster, who had mar- ried Rachel Drum and had removed from Pennsylvania to Fairfield county, settling in Lancaster about 1820. Later he removed Wetzel, who became worthy citizens of Fairfield county. In their home the sub- ject of this review spent his youth and en- . joyed the educational privileges afforded in the public schools. He completed his liter- ary education when in his seventeenth year and for several years thereafter was variously employed. He assisted his father in the hotel business and for nine years was in the employ of his brother, George Wetzel. in the drug trade, leaving the store to be- come connected with the mail service of this city as a postman. He was appointed to to a farm south of the city. The home of
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Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel has been blessed with four children: Addie, Clara. Charles and Sarah M. They reside on East Main street. Mr. Wetzel is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and also holds member- ship relations with the Woodmen of the
World. His business connections have brought him a very wide acquaintance and he is popular by reason of his considerate, obliging manner, while those who know him intimately entertain for him strong friendship.
THOMAS B. COX.
Honored and respected by all. there is no man in Fairfield county who occupies a more enviable position in business circles than Thomas B. Cox, not alone on account of the brilliant success he has achieved but also on account of the honorable, straight- forward business policies which he has ever followed. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution. It is true that he inherited much property, but in controling this and enlarging his business interests he has shown excellent judgment, industry and keen sagacity, and his career demonstrates the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius but the outcome of a clear judgment and experience.
Mr. Cox is numbered among the native sons of Fairfield county, his birth having occurred in the village of Greencastle on the 4th of March, 1826. He comes of a Scotch-frish ancestry, although the family has long been established in America. His father. Thomas B. Cox, was born in the vicinity of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in
1797, and in 1807 came with his father, James Cox, and the family to Fairfield county. The settlement was made near Pleasantville and there amid pioneer scenes the Cox family underwent all the hardships and privations incident to the establishment of a home upon the western frontier. Thomas B. Cox purchased a large tract of land which was then covered by dense for- est. the trees standing in their primeval strength. The work of progress and im- provement seemed scarcely begun when he became a factor in the agricultural interests of the community, but his efforts were not confined alone to this line, his labors prov- ing of value to the county in many ways. He was a man of large energy, force of character and keen sagacity and had great confidence in the future of Fairfieldl county and in the city of Lancaster, in which he spent the later years of his life. A part of his farm was platted and became what is known as the Cox addition to Lancaster. There Mr. Cox owned a number of houses and at his death he left to his family a large
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estate, for as the years had advanced he made judicious and extensive investments in farm and city property. In early man- hood he married Miss Elizabeth Van Pelt, and they took up their abode in Green- castle, where Mr. Cox conducted a store for a number of years. He also operated a tan- nery and was well known as a manufacturer of leather. His business interests were varied and important and he belonged to that class of representative American citi- zens who, while promoting individual .suc- cess. also advanced the general prosperity. In military affairs he took a great interest and was a major in what was known as the White Horse Cavalry in the days of state militia. In his political views he was a stanch Democrat and was a great admirer as well as a personal friend of Thomas Ben- ton. Thus active in commercial, industrial and agricultural interests, in military and political circles, he left the impress of his individuality upon the development and im- provement of his adopted county, and for more than sixty years was accounted one of its valued citizens. He passed away Jan- uary 9. 1871, and his wife died in 1875, in her seventy-ninth year. They were the par- ents of four children: William, now de- ceased: Thomas B., of this review: Rich- ard: and J. E., who has also passed away.
In the village schools of Greencastle Thomas B. Cox began his education, which he continued in a select school of Lancaster. prosecuting his studies for six years and thereby winning that broad mental culture and discipline which is the foundation of all business success. .After leaving school he
became superintendent of a grain business and also conducted a store in Greencastle. In 1857 he established a store in New Lexington, Perry county, and while there was elected a member of the city coun- cil, in which he served for six years, so that he was actively concerned with the government and control of that munici- pality. In 1865 he removed to Lan- caster to take charge of his father's af- fairs, and upon his father's death, in 1871, he was appointed administrator of the estate, which was valued at one hundred and seven thousand dollars. The farms comprise five hundred and fifty acres in Fairfield county and another farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Missouri, which is owned by our subject. He also owns twenty-five lots and a number of dwellings in Lancaster, which he rents. His own sub- stantial brick- residence was erected in 1879 and is one of the attractive homes of the county seat, being celebrated for its gracious hospitality.
In 1865 Mr. Cox was united in mar- riage to Miss Celia R. Ditto, of Perry county, Ohio, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (King) Ditto. She was born in Perry county in 1836 and by her marriage has become the mother" of six children, namely: Alice C., at home: Virginia, the wife of Harry Becker, a prominent dry goods merchant : Nellie B., who became the wife of Edward Roberts, of Davenport, Iowa, where she died in 1891 : Elizabeth, at home: Belle E .. who is also with her par- ents : and Thomas B., who is now foreman of Neeb's quarry, of this county, having
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under his supervision about one hundred men.
Although the property and business in- terest of Mr. Cox demands much of his time, he has yet found opportunities to de- vote some time to literary matters and is a writer of interest and force, his publications in some of the principal journals through- out Ohio attracting widespread attention.
He is also interested in medical rem- edies and has compounded a medicine which he claims as an infallible cure for rheuma- tism. He is a man of scholarly attainments and broad general culture, reads widely and is well versed on the topics of the day. He is courteous and affable in manner, always approachable, and those who know him per- sonally have for him a warm regard.
DAVID L. BRIGHT.
David L. Bright, who follows farming on section 26, Greenfield township, was born May 31, 1858. His father, David Bright, was born in Greenfield township in March. 1813, and was a son of a pioneer farmer. He operated his father's land until his marriage to Miss Arnold. They be- came the parents of seven children : Charles : James : Samuel : Emma, who married Adam Fisher, a farmer of Pleasant township; and Julia, the wife of William Spangler, a resi- dent farmer of Walnut township. After the death of his first wife the father married Mrs. Crawford, a widow, whose maiden name was Susan Gissell. . By this marriage there were two children, John Reber and David Luther. At the time of his first mar- riage David Bright. Sr., was given a tract of woodland by his father. This he cleared and soon had a good farm, to which he kept adding by purchase from time to time until
at his death he owned four hundred and eighty-six acres of valuable land in the homestead place on section 26, Greenfield township. This was divided between the two sons of his last marriage. He had previously given to each of his other chil- dren one hundred and sixty acres of land, and at his death in 1890 he also left a large estate in personal property.
David Luther Bright, whose name in- troduces this review, pursued his education in the public schools and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After arriving at years of maturity he married Almeda Brandt, a daughter of Jacob R. Brandt. a farmer, contractor and bridge builder, who was widely known for his engineering ability. The Brandt family was established in this part of Ohio at an early date by representatives of the name
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who came from Pennsylvania. The mar- riage of our subject and his wife was cele- biated March 21, 1883, and they have two living children, Jacob Leroy and James Brandt, who are being carefully educated. The parents are members of the English Lutheran church, and, as the middle name
of our subject indicates, his ancestors were sturdy and courageous soldiers of the Reformation, At all times Mr. Bright is known as an honorable, straightforward man, reliable in business as well as enter- prising, progressive and perserving in all he unclertakes.
GUSTAVE A. HAMBERGER.
In reviewing the life history of Gustave A. Hamberger one must yield a tribute of respect and admiration in learning of what he has accomplished through his own un- aided efforts. Without extraordinary fam- ily or pecuniary advantages to assist him, he took his place in business life as a humble employe, but his is a nature that could not content itself without advancing. and grad- ually. through earnest purpose, unfaltering diligence and probity, Mr. Hamberger worked his way upward until he occupied an enviable position on the plane of affluence. The success which he has achieved has made it possible for him to now enjoy a well merited rest and thus he is living in honorable retirement at his home in Lancaster.
Gustave Adolph Hamberger was born in Landau, Bavaria, Germany. December S, 1843. Five years later his parents. Bar- tholomew and Gertrude ( Betzler ) Ham- berger crossed the Atlantic to the new world, taking up their abode in Utica, New York,
where the father died in 1858. leaving the- mother with seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely: Fannie, who was born in 1837: Sebastian, born in 1839: Jo- seph, born in 1841 ; Gustave AAdolph, born in 1843; Frank, who was born in 1846 and died in 1856; John. born in 1849; and Annie, born in 1853. When the Civil war broke out Sebastian, Joseph and Gustave .1. went to the front, and although all suffered from wounds they returned home at the close of the war in 1865. The mother long survived her husband and passed away in 1884.
Gustave AA. Hamberger was only five years of age when brought by his parents to the United States, and in the Christian Catholic parochial schools of Utica, New York, he began his education, which was afterward continued in St. John's Academy. where he completed his literary course. He then entered upon preparation for his busi- ness career as an employe in the Globe Woolen Mills of Utica, New York, where-
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he remained for four years. Subsequently he secured employment in another factory, where he remained until after the inaugu- ration of the Civil war in 1861.
Mr. Hamberger had watched with in- terest the progress of events in the southi and resolved that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would strike a blow in its defense. Accordingly at the first call for seventy-five thousand men he joined the Second New York Heavy Artillery and took part in the first battle of Bull Run. The regiment had been enlisted for two years' service and on the expiration of that period he returned home, but as the war progressed and it seemed doubtful whether the Union troops would be victorious, he once more offered his services to the gov- ernment, enlisting in 1864 as a member of Company A. Fifth Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery, participating in nineteen regular engagements. He was always found at his post of duty, whether in the thickest of the fight or on the picket line. On the 22d of June. 1865, he was honorably dis- charged. He declined to accept a commis- sion after being discharged, as the war was over.
he went to Circleville, Ohio, where he be- came superintendent of the Circleville Woolen Mills, occupying that position until October, 1869. In that year, owing to ill health, he returned to Fairfield county, and in March, 1870, purchased a half interest in the Somerset Woolen Mills of Perry county, retaining his connection therewith until 1871. During the fall of 1870 he established a new woolen mill for Gladhill & Sons at Mansfield, Ohio, where he re- mained until Christmas of that year, when he returned to Somerset. In the spring ( f 1871 he went to Hemlock, having previ- ously dissolved partnership with Mr. Wil- son at Somerset and leased the Hemlock Wochen Mill, owned by Stall, Smith & Sanders. In the fall of 1871 he opened a general store, which he operated in con- nection with the mill, and also bought a half interest in a sawmill owned by John Lyons. He also became a partner of Rieber, Kutz & Ulrich in buying wool, carrying on this business at Hemlock, Ohio, with head- quarters in Lancaster, but Mr. Hamberger had charge of the business in Hemlock. He was appointed first postmaster of Hemlock in 1872. In the fall of 1872, on account of being so far from church and good schools, he removed to Lancaster, severing all his connections in Hemlock. In Lancaster he
Returning to Utica, New York, Mr. Hamberger was employed as designer in the steam woolen mill at that place. In September. 1865. he went to Covington, purchased the grocery store of George W. Kentucky, to superintend the work of Brock & Company. In May. 1873. he pur- chased a half interest in the Lancaster Woolen Mills, becoming a member of the firm of MeAnespie & Hamberger in the manufacture of woolen goods. In 1875 our subject invented a peculiar kind of blanket placing in position the machinery in a woolen mill in that city. On January 15. 1866. he came to Lancaster and put in new machinery in the Olds & Rabb'ts woolen mill, remaining here until June, 1869, when
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which was sold to the various state institu- tions, being so firm in its texture that it was indestructable and could not be torn by human hands. This blanket had an exten- sive sale in different states. This partner- ship continued seven months, at the end of which time Mr. McAnespie died. Subse- ·quently Mr. Hamberger formed a partner- ship with the widow, which continued for eleven years, the firm being continued under the old name. Two months after the first partnership was formed the firm sustained a heavy loss by the great flood of July, 1873. which was a severe blow. but through the efforts of Mr. Hamberger the business was continued and success crowned his efforts. Soon after he accepted the position and for two years was superintendent of the ma- ·chine department of the Ohio penitentiary, serving under the administrations of Gor- ernors Hoadley and Foraker. At the close of Governor Hoadley's administration there was a re-organization of the prison system of the state, the Democrats being super- ceded by Republicans in the various offices connected therewith. At this time Mr. Hamberger was the only Democrat who re- tained his position under the Republican ad- ministration, receiving an appointment for two more years. This was indeed an honor and a compliment-and one which was well deserved,-but at the end of six months, because of business reasons, Mr. Hamberger resigned. In Governor Hoadley's report re- garding the woolen industry in prisons was the following: "This grante:l, then we as- sume that its prosecution with prudence and care should follow. Under these views it
was apparent that an experience 1, practical superintendent must be selected, one who had the capacity to take personal supervis- ion of a varied industry of this character and manage it with prison lalor. Our choice fell on Mr. G. A. Hamberger, of Lancaster, Ohio, and the wisdom of our selection has been proven by the skill and ability with which he has surmounted all difficulties and brought his industry to a business success." Mr. Hamberger was the only superintendent in the state that was mentioned in these reports. Under the piece-price plan this was the only industry in the entire prison that showed a financial success. Mr. Hamberger returned to Lan- caster and opened a knitting mill at the Boys' Industrial School, entering into a contract with the board of directors. At times he had in his employ from seventy- five to one hundred and thirty boys. Here he continued in active business for nine years and then moved his knitting mill to Lancaster. He was one of the first to or- ganize a company for the sinking of gas well No. I, and was largely instrumental in securing the subscriptions to meet the ex- penses of this undertaking. When the well had been sunk to a depth of two thousand feet the money gave out. A meeting was held and through the efforts of Mr. Ham- berger more was raised and drilling con- tinued less than one hundred feet farther, when gas was struck. It created a great deal of excitement at the time, showing that the gas belt of this district had been found. Had it not been for the resolution Mr. Hamberger offered at a meeting by the
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