USA > Ohio > Champaign County > A centennial biographical history of Champaign county, Ohio > Part 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47
373
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL IIISTORY.
his word as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature or seal. He wedded Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Urbana, July 30. 1825. and is still residing in this city, having here made her home ITot only through her entire married life, but also since her husband's death, which occurred in 1888. She was a daughter of Samuel Miller, a pioneer merchant of Urbana, and a most successful business man. He died, however, at a comparatively early age of about forty-seven. By her marriage Mrs. Mosgrove became the mother of six children, but three of the number died in childhood. Those still living are Mrs. Fannie Bacon, of Indianapolis : Samuel M. ; and Emma, who resides with her mother.
The Doctor was educated in the public schools and in the Sweden- borgian College in Urbana and with a broad literary knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the study of medicine when eighteen years of age under the direction of Dr. James M. Mosgrove, his uncle, a practicing physician of Urbana. Later he entered the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, in which he was graduated with the class of 1872 and after practicing for a few months in Urbana, he matriculated in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New York City, where he was graduated in 1873. Since then he has been actively connected with the profession here. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society and the Na- tional American Medical Association. He has strict regard for the ethics of his profession and anything that tends to bring to mind the key to that complex mystery which we call life elicits the deep interest and co- operation of Dr. Mosgrove.
In his political views the Doctor is a Republican and has been hon- ored with public offices. serving as health officer, also as county coroner for three terms, while for eight years he was a member of the pension board. Still higher official honors awaited him, for in 1893 he was elected
374
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
to the state senate, where he served for one term, representing Cham- paign, Clark and Madison counties. He is the author of Mosgrove's Medi- cal Bill, requiring the registration of physicians. Socially he is a Mason and he also belongs to Mosgrove Lodge, I. O. O. F., which was named in honor of his father. He served as surgeon of the Seventh Regiment. Ohio National Guards, and holds membership in the Episcopal church. In the year 1891 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Fisher. of Cincinnati, and they have two children. Louise and John. The Doctor is not so abnormally developed in any direction as to be called a genius, but has manifested deep interest in the various depart- ments of activity, which go to make up the sum of life. He is devoted to his family and friends and is a valued factor in fraternal circles. His political activity has reflected honor upon the party of his choice and in his profession he has won distinction. Honored and respected in every class of society he has for some time been a leader in thought and action on the public life of county and state and his career adds lustre to the history of this portion of Ohio.
ROBERT SANDERS.
It is with satisfaction that the biographer adverts to the life history of one who has attained the maximum of success in any vocation to which he has directed his thought and effort, whether it be one of calm but consecutive endeavor or of meteoric accomplishment, and such a life must ever offer both lesson and incentive. The subject of this review is a native of that fair land of hills and heather, bonnie Scotland, and that in his character abide those sterling traits which mark the individ- nality of the Scottish type is manifest when we come to consider the
Potr Sanders
377
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
more salient points in his life history, which has been one marked by constant application, invincible spirit, sturdy loyalty and unwavering honor,-attributes which have most naturally eventuated in securing to him a high place in the respect and esteem of his fellow men and in the attainment of a definite and worthy success in connection with the practical activities of life. He is known as one of the representative citizens and business men of the progressive city of Urbana Champaign county, where he has maintained his home for nearly half a century and where he has been consecutively identified with an industrial enterprise of no secondary scope and importance. He has achieved success through his own efforts, and now, as the shadows of his life begin to lengthen, he rests secure in the confidence and good will of those who know him and in the tangible rewards of honest toil and endeavor protracted over the course of many years.
Mr. Sanders is a native of Linlithgow, Scotland, where he was born on the 24th of January, 1826, being the son of Robert and Eliza- beth ( Forgie) Sanders, who passed their entire lives in Scotland. There the father of our subject followed the vocation of a glue manufacturer, and this fact had unmistakable influence in shaping the future career of his son and namesake, who learned the business in all its details, becoming identified with the same when but twelve years of age, so that it may be inferred that his early educational advantages were some- what limited in scope.
I11 1849, at the age of twenty-three years, Mr. Sanders severed the ties which bound him to home and native land, and valiantly set forth to seek his fortunes in America. He first located in Chillicothe. Ohio, where he remained two years, having there built and supervised the operation of a glue factory, which was owned by Alexander Fraser. Thence he proceeded to the city of Columbus, where he was identified with the same line of enterprise about one and one-half years, and in
378
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
1853 he came to Urbana, which has since been his home and the field of his honorable and successful business operations. Here he became associated with Messrs. Moore and Mosgrove in the establishing of a glue factory, the three being thus concerned in the enterprise for a period of two years, at the expiration of which our subject became the sole proprietor. and thereafter continued the business until 1900, when he ceased the manufacture of glne, but continued the production of soap, which had been made an important adjunct of the enterprise a score of years ago. The present factory, which is finely equipped was erected in 1884, and here Mr. Sanders continues to give his personal attention to the business, through the medium of which he has attained a competency, while the undertaking has been of signal benefit in con- nection with the industrial activities of the city. The enterprise had a modest inception, but correct methods of business and careful manage- ment have brought in their train a consecutive growth, and the attend- ing results have been most gratifying from every standpoint. In 1885 Mir. Sanders completed the erection of his handsome brick residence in College Way, the same being one of the most attractive homes in the city.
In his political allegiance Mr. Sanders is arraved with the Repub- lican party, but has never had time or inclination to enter the domain of public life in any official capacity. More than half a century ago, on the 20th of February. 1850, while still a resident of Scotland, Mr. Sanders became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and he still retains his vital interest in the affairs of this fraternity, being an honored member of Urbana Lodge. No. 46, in Urbana.
Mr. Sanders has been twice married. In 1853 Maria Andover became his wife, she having been born in America, of Scotch ancestry. and her death occurred in 1869. there having been no issue of this union. In 1871 Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss Christina
379
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
McDonald, who was born in Scotland, whence she accompanied her par- ents on their emigration to America, the family locating in Chillicothe, Ohio. Our subject and his wife are both devoted members of the Presbyterian church, taking an active interest in its work. To them were born two daughters: Jessie, who died in infancy ; and Olive May, who is the wife of Charles Ernest Affeld, of Chicago.
JOSEPH K. MAST.
From pioneer times down to the present. Joseph K. Mast has been a witness of the growth and improvement of his county, and has taken an active interest in everything pertaining to its welfare. Ile now re- sides in section 14. Salem township, and his birth occurred in a log cabin upon this farm on the 30th of March, 1834, his parents being John and Elizabeth ( Trago) Mast, both of whom were natives of Penn- sylvania. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Mast. was born in Switzer- land and when a young man crossed the briny deep to the new world, taking up his abode in the Keystone state, where he followed the occu- pation of farming. John Mast, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and after arriving at years of ma- turity was married there in 1832 to Miss Elizabeth Brook, whose birth also occurred in that state and who was of Pennsylvania German line- age. They came to Champaign county and upon a farm in Salem town- ship Mr. Mast took up his abode. The land was then largely wild and unimproved, but by resolute purpose and determined will, together with unfaltering industry, he soon transformed his farm into a rich and arable tract. His political support was given the Whig party until the organization of the new Republican party, when he joined its ranks and
380
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
continued one of its supporters until his death. For many years he served as a member of the school board and the cause of education found in him a warm friend. He was also a helpful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, doing all in his power to promote its growth and upbuilding and also working earnestly in the Sunday- school. He died in Salem township in the seventy-sixth year of his age. In his family were eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom reached mature years, while five are still living. Mr. Mast of this review being the third son and sixth child in order of birth.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Mr. Mast in his youth. He was reared upon the old farm where he yet resides and at the usual age entered the district schools, where he mastered the common branches of learning. while later he spent two terms as a student in Delaware. Since old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields and assisted in the work of the farm until his marriage, becoming familiar with all the labors which constitute agricultural life. He was married in November. 1856. the lady of his choice being Katherine Eichholtz, a native of Pennsylvania, whence she came to Champaign county during her early girlhood in com- pany with her parents. Her death occurred in 1883. They were the parents of eight children. John. now deceased: Charlie, who married Mary Swisher: Frank, who married Malinda Instine: Emma, the wife of John Strasser: Elizabeth, the wife of Clark Mcleterff: Altha, at home : Clara, a teacher in the high school of Urbana : Cicero, at home; and Iva, who is pursuing her education in Delaware.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Mast located upon the old home farm where he still resides. He has made excellent improvements upon the place, including the erection of his present large brick residence, which was built in 1877. He now owns one hundred acres of land and at one time was the owner of three hundred and fifty acres, but has to
381
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
some extent retired from business, and now rents his land. He has also carried on agricultural pursuits and owns an interest in the agri- cultural implement business in Springfield, Ohio. His trade relations have ever been characterized by strict integrity and fair dealing. He is a member of the Grace Methodist church, is serving as one of its trus- tees and is deeply interested in all measures that tend to uplift mankind and to develop upright character. He votes with the Prohibition party, having always been a strong temperance man. His entire life has been passed in Salem township and those who have known him from boy- hood know that his career has been an upright and honorable one and worthy of the highest regard.
G. R. KISER.
G. R. Kiser was born in Shelby county, Ohio, December 10, 1829. llis father, Nicholas Kiser, was a native of Tennessee and was there reared and educated. After his marriage he located in Shelby county, where he followed the blacksmith's trade. He was a lifelong Democrat, earnest and unflinching in his advocacy of the principles of that party. He died in the sixty-fourth year of his age. His wife, Margaret Kiser, was a native of Pennsylvania, and with her parents removed to Clark county. Ohio. She died in her eightieth year. Her father, John Kiser. was a native of the Keystone state and was one of the pioneer settlers of Clark county, Ohio. Unto the parents of our subject were born thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity but one, while ten of the number were married.
G. R. Kiser was the seventh child and fourth son and in Shelby county was reared until sixteen years of age. when he started out to
382
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
make his own way in the world. He had a poor suit of clothes and a dollar and a half in money. He worked about a month as a farm hand, receiving eight dollars for his first month's wages and nine dollars per month throughout the remainder of the summer. He afterward oper- ated a sawmill for several years in the employ of others and was thus engaged until about twenty-two years of age, when, with the capital he had acquired through his own labors, he bought a steam sawmill, con- ducting it until 1864. He was in Adams township. Champaign county, buying, selling and shipping stock. In 1855 he shipped the first hogs to New York ever sent from Saint Paris and was the first shipper to transport his stock on a railroad. In all his business undertakings he prospered, owing to his carefully directed efforts and unfaltering in- lustry. In 1866 he removed to Saint Paris, where he remained for nine years, and in 1875 again took up his abode upon a farm, near Millerstown. Once more, however, he came to Saint Paris in the spring of 1886, and is now living a retired life, having in the meantime ac- quired a handsome competence. As his financial resources increased he has made judicious investments in real estate and now has about twelve hundred acres of land, two hundred of which lie in Shelby county. His property is divided into seven farms and all has been accumulated through his own efforts.
In December, 1856, Mr. Kiser was united in marriage to Margaret McVay, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Susan ( Stockton) McVay. The former was a native of Pennsyl- vania and the latter of New York. In their family were eight chil- dren, three sons and five daughters, Mrs. Kiser being the sixth child and third daughter. She was reared in Shelby county, going there with her parents during her early girlhood. By her marriage she has be- come the mother of two children : John William and Mary Belle, who are twins. John W., who went to Chicago in 1889, has been a leading
383
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
business man there since that time. Ile was first in the sewing machine business. then in the bicycle business and is now a member of the Phenix Horseshoe Company. He has made a fortune in Chicago. He mar- ried Theresa W. Furrow, and they have had two children: Riley C. and John F., who was accidentally killed April 29, 1902. Mr. Kiser has been a member of the city council for two terms. He has justly won the proud American title of self-made man and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well. Starting out in life at the age of sixteen years he has depended entirely upon his own resources and his efforts have been directed along the lines of labor leading to prosperity.
DR. A. B. PEARCE.
Dr. A. B. Pearce, whose success as a medical practitioner is indi- cated by his large patronage, resides in section 15, Salem township, Champaign county. He was born in Goshen township, of this county, on the 8th of October, 1836. His father, Harvey C. Pearce, was the first white child born in Urbana, his natal day being January 20. 1805. Ilis father was Thomas Pearce, a native of Virginia, who came to Cham- paign county in pioneer days and aided in the early development and progress of the county. He owned a section of land adjoining Urbana. securing his farm from the government. His labors resulted in reclaim- ing the land for the purpose of civilization. As the years passed his fields became very productive. He lived to be more than eighty years of age. His son, Harvey C. Pearce, was reared in this county, pursu- ing his education in a log school house, such as were common at that day. After arriving at years of maturity he married Beulah Barrette, who was born in Union township, Champaign county, in 1807, and was
384
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
there reared. Her father, Abner Barrette, was born in Kentucky and came to this county at a very early period in its development. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pearce located in Union township, where they remained until about 1863. The father died in his eighty-seventh year and the mother passed away in her seventy-sixth year. In their family were seven children, six sons and one daughter, as follows: II. C., who is a practicing physician of Urbana; L. E., who was also a member of the medical fraternity and died in Onarga, Illinois: . 1. B., of this review : John W., a business man of Chicago, Illinois : Richard S., of Urbana ; Mary E., now deceased ; and one who died in infancy.
Dr. Pearce of this review is the third child and was reared in Union township, his early education being acquired in the district schools near his home. Later he attended the Urbana high school, in which he was graduated when about twenty-two years of age. Ile afterward engaged in teaching school for four years and during the summer months devoted his time to the mastery of the principles of medical science. He then entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, and was graduated in 1863, locating for practice at Kings Creek, where he remained for fourteen years. Ile was also engaged in practice for six years in Ur- bana, and spent a similar period in Vincennes, Indiana, whence he came to his present home in Salem township in 1891. Here he has remained continuously since and his attention is given to his professional duties, which make heavy demands upon his time.
On the 17th of September, 1867, Dr. Pearce was united in marriage to Miss Ella Sheperd, a native of Montgomery county, Ohio. whence she removed to Clark county. Her parents. Jacob and Elizabeth (Grimes ) Sheperd, had a family of four daughters: Effie C., the wife of M. S. Seaton, of Salem township: Minnie M., the wife of Rufus Detwiller, of Urbana: Mattie L., who is engaged in teaching in Nine-
385
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
ceheltcer : and Jessie, who is also a teacher. They also lost one son, who died in infancy.
Dr. Pearce is a member of the Champaign County Medical Society and always keeps abreast with the progress of the times, especially along the line of his profession. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to King's Creek Lodge, and is also identified with W. A. Brand Post, G. A. R., of Urbana, being entitled to membership therein because of his military service in the Civil war. In May, 1864, he enlisted for one hundred days, entering the army as a private, but being made surgeon of his regiment. In politics he is a stanch Republican, unswerving in his allegiance to the party and its principles and in religious faith is a Methodist, serving as trustee of the church to which he belongs and in the work of which he takes an active part. He is a valued representa- tive of an honored pioneer family of Champaign county, which through an entire century has been represented in this portion of the state, its members taking a very active and creditable part in the work of im- provement, progress and upbuilding.
WILLIAM M. GEHMAN.
The life record of William M. Gehman is deserving of a promi- nent place in the history of Champaign county. He has represented his county in the state legislature, has been actively connected with educational interests and is also known as a progressive farmer. His connection with all these important departments of life has made him a valued citizen and at all times he has commanded uniform confidence and respect by his loyalty to public duty and his liberality in all life's relations. lle resides in section 16. Salem township, and it was upon 20
386
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
this farm that he was born, October 22, 1852. His father. B. W. Geh- man was a native of Pennsylvania. while the grandfather. Benjamin Gehman, was born in Hanover, Germany, where he spent the days of his boyhood and youth, coming to America when a young man. He then located near Reading, Pennsylvania, where he followed the occu- pation of farming. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-two years, while his wife reached the extreme old age of ninety-three. Among their children was B. W. Gehman, who was reared in the Keystone state and in 1837 journeyed on horseback from Pennsylvania to lowa. ln the latter state he purchased the tract of land upon which the city of Des Moines now stands, buying it from the Indians. He then returned by the same method of travel to Pennsylvania and was there married. It was his intention to take up his abode upon his Jowa land and with his bride he started for the Mississippi valley, but on reaching Cham- paign county his wife became ill. They resolved to spend the winter there and during that period Mr. Gehman was persuaded to buy the old Walker homestead, the place upon which our subject now resides. Accordingly he gave up his anticipated western trip and the land event- ually returned to the Indians or to the government. Throughout his re- maining days the father resided upon the farm which is now the home of our subject and there lived until called to his final rest at the age of sixty-three. He was a prominent Methodist and served as a local preacher, taking an active part in religious work in many ways. His life was so upright and honorable that his example was well worthy of emulation and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him. In politics he was a Republican from the organization of the party and prior to that time gave his support to the Whig party. He married Elizabeth Morris, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William Morris, a merchant of that city. Her father re- movel to Morgantown, Pennsylvania, and was there engaged in mer-
387
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
cantile pursuits for some time. He was of English descent. Mr. Geh- man died in the sixty-third year of his age, while his wife passed away in her sixty-sixth year. They were the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom reached adult age, namely: Ella A1., a resident of Kansas : Anna M .. now deceased ; Benjamin F., a stock farmer of Hutchinson, Kansas; and William M.
Mr. Gehman, of this review, is the youngest of the family, and was reared upon the home farm where he now resides, attending the district schools in his youth and later supplementing his early educa- tional privileges by study in the academy at Lancaster, Ohio, and in the State University at Columbus. He was also a student in the high school at Urbana at one time and afterward engaged in teaching school in order to earn the money for his more advanced education. This was indicative of the elemental strength of his character and gave promise that the future has fulfilled. He remained in the university for about three years and after leaving that institution engaged in teaching school for more than eleven years proving a most capable educator, imparting clearly and concisely to others the knowledge he had acquired. In 1880, however, he gave up school work and turned his attention to farming upon the old homestead where he is now living.
On the 26th of October, 1882, Mr. Gehman led to the marriage altar Miss Hattie E. Chance, a native of Union township, Champaign county, and a daughter of William and Henrietta ( Jones) Chance. Mrs. Gehman was engaged in teaching school for some years in Urbana un- der the superintendence of Professor A. C. Duel, one of the leading educators of Ohio. Mrs. Gehman attended Professor Duel's schools and afterward engaged in teaching under him. She was also a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Morris, Walter, Ruth and Ralph.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.