USA > Ohio > Hancock County > A centennial biographical history of Hancock County, Ohio > Part 22
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 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62
The lady whom Dr. Kmmell married is worthy of especial notice. Rose Evalyne, daughter of Ambrose and Annie Graber, was born in Findlay, Ohio, August 12, 1852. She spent her entire home life in that city, but was an extensive traveler, having seen most all parts of the United States and ac- companied her husband on a tour of Europe, the Holy Land and Egypt in 1890. She was given every educational advantage, and at one time was a
13
202
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
teacher of German, of which language she was a fluent speaker, and she also served as assistant superintendent of the Findlay high school. On the 12th of January, 1875, at the age of twenty-two years, she was married to Dr. J. A. Kimmell, by whom she became the mother of an only son, Alfred G., born January 4, 1877. Mrs. Kimmell was a member of several social and literary clubs of the city, among them being the Pauline Davies and Carpe Diem, and she was also a graduate of the Bay View Reeling Course. Her life was a model one; she loved her home and devoted her talents to the furtherance of its best interests. She thought of her family first of all, but being a woman of abundant resources and of a wholesome regard for the welfare of her fellow beings she found time to enlarge her field of labor. She was active in charitable work of every nature, and was foremost among the noble band of women who contributed so much toward the founding and maintenance of the Home and Hospital, being its first treasurer, which office she held for many years. She was a good woman, and these simple words contain the highest tribute to one who for twenty-five years was a devoted mother, a stanch and unwavering Christian and one whose life and deeds comprehend in the fullest measure that charitable instinct so seldom seen in its glorious maturity. Her charity was equal to her ability ; she was humane to an extreme; for the worthy in trouble her hands were ready with relief ; distress in every form met her ready sympathy; her desire to work for the good of others far exceeded her physical ability; and none knew her but to love her. Wherever she went all were happier for her presence, and although her life was not long in years it was full of that good which makes one better and life more worth the living. The measure is not how long she lived, but how much. She departed this life on the 13th of December, 1900, at the age of forty-eight years.
Dr. Kimmell has not only traveled much over various parts of the world, but he is a close reader and student, and these qualities make him a highly desirable as well as instructive companion. As late as 1898 he went to the Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York for the purpose of taking a post-graduate course and learning all the latest discoveries and improve- ments in medical science. This is a sample of the professional pride which will not allow him to fall behind in the march of progress, and few physi- cians can claim to be better informed or more strictly up-to-date than Dr. Kimmell. The Doctor is not only a fine talker but a brilliant writer and es- pecially fond of discussing the great problem concerning the future life which has puzzled man from the beginning. Though decidedly liberal in his re- ligious views, he is a firm believer in the immortality of the soul, and on this
203
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
theme has written several articles with unusual earnestness and acumenl. Taken all in all there is seldom found a man more deserving of esteem for what he has done or more interesting as a companion than Jacob A. Kimmell, one of the veteran physicians of Findlay.
JOSEPH P. REDFERN.
It is said that the noblest work of the pen of history is to state facts, de- scribe conditions and narrate events which illustrate the progress of the human mind; that in the coming age the hisory of wars, even when presented in the fascinating garb of brilliant achievements, will be read more with sorrow and regret than with satisfaction and delight. But who would obliterate from Grecian history the record of the heroism of those who drove the Persian hordes into the sea at Marathon? No Englishman desires to take from the liistory of his country the deeds of her Wellington or Nelson, and what pa- triot would rob the history of America of the record of the victories of our army and navy in the several wars which our nation has been engaged, and deprive the people of the benefits and results of those grand achievements ? Hancock county has among her citizens many of the noble boys who partic- ipated in the late Civil war, and it is not in the mind of the publisher of this volume to let their achievements go without mention. We present here in this gentleman one of the gallant soldiers who went to the front and distinguished himself in the service of his country.
Joseph P. Redfern is at the present time a farmer in Cass township, where he resides on a well tilled holding. In 1862, when the country needed brave and honest men to defend her honor, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private sol- dier. His courage was severely tested in the following well contested battles : Stone River, Huff's Ferry, Lenore, Campbell Station, siege of Knoxville, Ft. Saunders, Dandridge, Strawberry Plains, Rock Face, Resaca, Burnt Hick- ory, Lost Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Nickajac Creek, Decatur, Chat- tahoochee River, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Stone Mountain, Al- iatoona, Duck River, Franklin, Nashville, Ft. Donelson, Town Creek and Ralleigh. This is without question one of the best records of service that can be presented by any member of the G. A. R. of this day. He passed through all these battles without a scratch and was honorably discharged at Jonesboro, North Carolina, June 17, 1865. All honor to the boys in blue who risked their lives for the constitution! On his return to civil life he resumed his place at
204
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
the plow, which instrument he had left in the furrow when he took up the musket.
Joseph P. Redfern was born in Wood county, Ohio, November 30, 1843. He is the son of Joseph and Ann ( Phillips) Redfern, the former having been born in Meeker, Yorkshire, England, February, 14, 1812, being one of a fam- ily of six children, three of whom are still living. Joseph Redfern, Sr., is at the present time in his ninety-first year, Mrs. Goldsboro, a sister, is eighty- nine years of age, and Mrs. Levit is eighty-two. Joseph Redfern, when a young man of eighteen years, emigrated to America where he first located in Lorain county, Ohio, and afterwards in Hancock county, and where he has resided for a number of years. He was united in marriage to Miss Ann Phil- lips on the 8th of January, 1835. They resided in Bloomdale until 1837, after which they removed to Hancock county, in Cass township. To the mar- riage there were twelve children born, Henry, Frances, Peter, W. H., Matilda, J. P., J. R., J. O., Roda S., deceased, Margaret R., C. F., and E. T. The mother of this large family died while her son Joseph was at the front during the Civil war, the date being February 17, 1864. Mr. Redfern's father is a remarkable man for his age. His faculties are unimpaired and his memory is as good as when he was forty. He is revered by all as one of the living members of that noble band of pioneers which made Hancock county in its institutions and agricultural holdings one of the very best of the great state of Ohio. During all these years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has taken delight in entertaining the weary itinerant preacher. He has served his township in several offices, and in later years has been a sympathizer with Republican principles. His life has been a successful one, both temporally and spiritually. In his home he is hospitable and sociable, traits which have made for him a host of friends. His accumulation of real estate amounted to two hundred and forty acres in Hancock county, and seventy acres in Wood county. All this was made by hard, earnest and honest toil.
Joseph P. Redfern, the gentleman whose name honors this sketch, was born in Wood county, November 30, 1843. He was reared and educated in the common schools, and finished his literary education at the Fostoria high school. His life was without special event up to the time of the war, and after the war he set up an establishment of his own and has since been engaged as a successful and prominent agriculturist. He bought his present farm of eighty acres in 1869, to which he has added forty more. Mr. Redfern has been twice joined in marriage, his first wife having been Miss F. J. Callahan, whom he married in 1868. She became the mother of five children, Luticia,
205
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
deceased, Nellie, Jennie, Arthur and an unnamed infant deceased. Mrs. F. J. Redfern died on the 2d of August, 1897. She was a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, born there November 13, 1848. Mr. Redfern subse- quently called to preside over his home Mrs. Hallie Poe, the date of their mar- riage being April 12, 1899. This lady is a native of Portage township, Wood county, where she was born February 4, 1852. Her maiden name was Pres- cott, her father, Elisha Prescott, having been a gallant soldier in the Union army. He was a member of the One Hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country gallantly until 1864, when he was sacrificed to that horrible juggernaut car, the abominable southern prison. He was cap- tured in battle and spent a number of months at the noted Libby prison, after which he was paroled, but such had been his experience in the prison from lack of food his constitution broke down and he died as a result.
Joseph P. Redfern is a gentleman of considerable prominence in his community, where he has been honored with the various offices in his town- ship. He has always been exceedingly solicitous of the educational interests of his district, and has served as clerk of the school board for a period of eleven years. He was trustee of the township for two years and justice of the peace for eight years. He is an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of Uric Post, G. A. R., No. 110. Of this post he has been com- mander, and has acted as installing officer quite frequently.
Thus ends the record of one of Hancock county's most honored families, and we present it to our readers with full confidence that it will meet with the approbation of all.
G. W. ERNEST.
Among the German element which is so honorably associated with the history of Hancock county, none are more worthy of mention than the gen- tleman whose name we here present. He comes of one of the early pioneer families, and is himself a man of high repute in the community.
Jacob Ernest was the first of the family to remove to Hancock county, the date being 1836. He had been a resident of Perry county, Pennsylvania. where he was born. In that county he was married to Mary Moose. When he came to Hancock county he purchased eighty acres of land, to which he subsequently added forty-five. He proceeded to clear and improve this land, and such was his industry and the good business judgment which he displayed in business life, that he was able to accumulate a competence before his death.
206
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
He was a good practical farmer in his day, and was an extensive raiser of fine stock. Politically he believed in the principles of government as taught by Jefferson, and served his township as trustee at frequent intervals. In matters. of religion he favored and was a prominent member of the German Lutheran church. The family which he reared consisted of nine children, three of whom are living at the present time, G. W. Ernest, the subject of this sketch; Charles and E. J. The father of this family died in 1885, and his wife in 1876.
Mr. G. W. Ernest was born September 7, 1840, in Washington township, where he was reared. His early education was acquird in the schools of his native township. Like his father before him, he chose farming as an occu- pation, and such was his training and his own industry that he is looked upon. as one of the leading farmers of his county. He and his brother Charles oper- ate a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres jointly, besides a tract of one hun- dred and sixty acres which they own in Wood county. Mr. G. W. Ernest has never married. Charles, the other brother, was born in 1859, and married Miss Ida Kelley. The Ernests are of German descent as is also the Moose family. They were good citizens in the early days, and their sons continue to sustain the reputation which they enjoyed for probity and upright conduct. They enjoy the confidence and esteem of their fellow citizens in a high degree.
FRANK A. GRIFFIN.
Frank A. Griffin, who is engaged in the undertaking business in Mc- Comb, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, on the 8th of September, 1860. The Griffin family is from Vermont. The father of our subject was the Rev. Spencer A. Griffin, a minister of the Disciples church. He married Margery Johnston. Spencer A. Griffin's mother bore the maiden name of Alden and was a descendant in the seventh generation in direct line from John Alden, of Mayflower fame.
Because his father's pastoral work called him to various places Frank A. Griffin was reared at different towns in Ohio and acquired most of his edu- cation in Fostoria from the age of sixteen years. In early manhood he en- gaged in teaching in the country schools of Hancock county for about twelve years and in 1880 he came to McComb. In 1884 he established himself in the undertaking business, succeeding his father to the ownership of their under- taking parlors upon the latter's death, in June, 1900. He is prepared to do satisfactory work in his line and receives a liberal patronage from those in need of his services. He is also engaged in the insurance business, is a notary public and gives attention to writing wills and settling of estates.
207
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
In the year 1891, in Steubenville, Ohio, Mr. Griffin was united in mar- riage to Miss Hettie Holroyd, and unto them have been born five children, as follows: S. Alden, John Holroyd, Margery, George A., and Ralph N. The parents hold membership in the Disciples church, in which Mr. Griffin is serv- ing as an elder and in the work of the church he takes an active interest and contributes liberally to its support. He is quite prominent in political circles as a supporter of the Republican party, has served as mayor of McComb, and for three years was justice of the peace of Pleasant township, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. He was also a member of the McComb board of education, acting in that capacity for three years and serving as its clerk. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and his genial nature makes him popular in fraternal and other circles, where his worth is. also recognized.
CHARLES EDWARD WATSON.
The gentleman above mentioned, ex-mayor of Findlay, achieved this dis- tinction after a twelve years' residence, the preferment having been preceded by membership in the city council for two terms. Aside from his official ten- ures his business connections have been with the mercantile interests, but in both lines he has exhibited those qualities which usually attract attention and insure success. His family is of English origin and was founded in America by his grandfather, Joshua Watson, who came to the United States in the early part of the nineteenth century and died while a resident of Michigan. The latter's son, Samuel G. Watson, was born in New York state, in 1830, came to Huron county, Ohio, in 1850, and was married four years later to Abigail Burgess, by whom he had six children, the five survivors be- ing: Alice A., wife of Wesley Griffith, Charles E., Egbert N., C. Albert and Wilbur L. G.
Charles Edward Watson, second of the surviving children, was born on his father's farm in Huron .county, Ohio, July 12, 1858, and remained at home obtaining his education until he reached manhood. Leaving school after the completion of his twenty-first year he went to Lincoln, Kansas, and secured employment in a drug store as clerk, which posititon he held a year, after which he opened a drug store at Dansburg, Michigan. His establish- ment being shortly after destroyed by fire, he returned to his Ohio home and spent a short time on the farm. In February, 1888, he came to Findlay and was engaged as clerk in various grocery stores for several years. In 1897 he was eletced to the city council as representative of the Eighth ward and was
208
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
re-elected to the same position two years later. His resignation from the council was necessitated by his acceptance of the mayoralty, to which office he had been elected in 1900 on the Republican ticket. This closes his political career up to date, but the friends and admirers of ex-Mayor Watson predict that still further honors await him at the hands of his constituents.
In 1880 Mr. Watson was married, at Greenwich, Ohio, to Miss Minnie J., daughter of John Crouse, and has two children : Veva and Kenneth. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Watson's fraternal connections are with the Ancient Order of United Work- men and the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he is now district deputy of the territory embraced in the Fourth and Eighth Congressional districts.
ALLFREE H. RIAL.
Bravely meeting the duties of life as they arise, this representative of the farming interests of Hancock county has been devoting his time to stock- raising and general farming on an excellent tract of eighty acres in Cass township. Mr. Rial's birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1821, in which place he passed the period of boyhood and youth. He has never known anything but agriculture, a fact which no doubt has added its influence in bringing him to his present position as one of the leading farmers of one of the leading counties of one of the leading states in the Union. He has been a resident of Hancock county since the first of April, 1864, in which year he purchased his present farm. At that time it was but partially under cultivation, but he has brought it to such fine condition by the power of axe and plow and good management that it presents as fine an appearance as any farm in Cass township. It is in the oil belt of Hancock county and has upon it three producing wells, one of which has been especially prolific, hav- ing at one time emitted two hundred barrels of oil per day. At latest accounts another well was being drilled on this farm. In 1882 Mr. Rial constructed his modern home, which adds greatly to the appearance of his farm. De- cember 10, 1851, he celebrated his marriage with Mary E., daughter of Robert and Nancy A. Greer. While there was no issue by this union, they were both so fond of children that no less than five fatherless little ones were reared under their roof, a fact which is eloquent of their kindness of heart. Mrs. Mary E. Rial is a woman of beautiful character, and a lady who is loved and honored in all this section. She was born in Cecil township, Washing- . ton county, Pennsylvania, in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Rial have passed a long
Mary, Sselella, Orial
.
Allfree Harry Rial
209
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
and happy married existence and on December 10, 1901, amid the heartfelt congratulations of a gathered host of friends at their home, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding. Mr. Rial has always been deeply con- cerned in the advancement and progress of his section of the county. He has been active in the public life of the community, serving as supervisor for the township, being a director on the school board at frequent intervals, and serving as juror about seven times at intervals. He has been for thirty-five years a member of the Lutheran church, in which he served as elder and deacon.
Mr. Rial's parents were Daniel and Susanna (Allfree) Rial, the former born in New Jersey and the latter a native of Delaware. They were pros- perous farmers in the Keystone state. On the paternal side Mr. Rial is of English extraction, while the Allfrees are of German stock and the Greer branch of the family introduces Irish blood. Mr. Rial is a practical farmer, a good neighbor, a loyal citizen who believes in the principles of honest dealings between man and man. He believes in and carries out the principles of the Golden Rule, and he and his good wife are passing the declining years of their long and useful careers amidst the love and respect of friends and neighbors.
GEORGE NELSON.
George Nelson, a prominent farmer residing in Cass township, Hancock county, Ohio, owns one of the farms which are doubly remunerative, being composed of fertile soil ready to yield abundantly to cultivation, and also lying in the oil belt, and having four fine wells located upon it.
The birth of Mr. Nelson was in Trumbull county, Ohio, on March 12, 1845, and he was two years of age when his parents, Thomas and Mary Nel- son, settled on a farm of eighty acres in Cass township, Hancock county. Thomas Nelson was born in 1808, in Pennsylvania. By trade he was a shoemaker, but was also an excellent business man and a capable farmer, as prior to his death, in 1877, he had accumulated a property comprising over three hundred and fifty acres of good farming land. His industry was notable, his life was that of a quiet, God-fearing man, one who was always ready to kindly assist a neighbor or do a charitable deed. He was twice married and had nine children born to him, those of his first marriage being : Cornelia, Calvin, John, Robert, George and James. Daniel F. was of the sec- ond marriage. John and Robert served their country as privates in the Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Robert dying before his term expired, and John being honorably discharged at the end of the war.
. 210
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
George Nelson was given the advantages of the district school, where he secured as good an education as could be obtained in the place. January 21, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, the daughter of George Stough, who was born January 21, 1850, and died December 9, 1876. The children of this union were: John E., born December 23, 1868; Ballard, born April 9, 1871; Porter, born January 18, 1873; and Carlton, deceased, born September 28, 1875. On March 10, 1881, our subject was married to Miss Faith Fisher, and the children born to this union were the following : Mertie, born December 24, 1881 ; Robert Z., born January 26, 1884; Howard T., born June 20, 1886; and Clyde F., born February 28, 1890.
The first purchase of land made by our subject was in 1878, when he became the owner of a part of his father's land, his original eighty acres being gradually increased until it has reached its present large amount. Mr. Nel- son is a practical farmer and understands every detail of agricultural work. His methods have brought him great success and he is one of the substantial men of the township. Like all the members of his family, Mr. Nelson is a Democrat. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of well im- proved land, and he does a general farming business.
THOMAS STACY.
Thomas Stacy, who is one of the leading farmers of Cass township, Han- cock county, Ohio, owns a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which he devotes to general farming. His birth took place in Mahoning county, Ohio, on July 12, 1833, and he is a son of Joseph and Jane Stacy, both of whom were natives of Mahoning county.
The parents of our subject located in Hancock county in 1852, on the farm which is now the property of their son Thomas. At that time the farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres, twenty of which had been cleared. The remainder came under improvement and cultivation during his lifetime. By trade Joseph Stacy was a stone-mason and brick-layer and he erected the present very substantial buildings. He was also a practical farmer and took a deep interest in public matters, holding a number of the township offices at various times. His political affiliation was with the Re- publican party, while in religious faith he was an Adventist. His wife died December 24, 1879, following his own decease.
Thomas Stacy secured his education in the common schools and has followed farming all his life. He is the only survivor of a family of five children born to his parents. In 1855 Mr. Stacy came to this county and
211
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
purchased one hundred and ten acres of land. Two years later, in 1857, he married Miss Nellie Duncan, who was born in 1837, in Mahoning county, Ohio, and a family of nine children was born to this union, namely : Cyrus; Matilda; Julia; Fitch; Lettie and Lottie, twins; Eva; Turhan; and Alta, de- ceased. Mr. Stacy is a stanch Republican and a loyal citizen. He belongs to no church, but he leads an exemplary life, and puts into practice what many others preach; and has a wide acquaintance and many attached friends. He still conducts his farm of one hundred and eighty acres, doing a general line of farming. He owns in connection with his one hundred and eighty acres, a farm of fifty acres, in section 27, forty acres in section 28, and twenty acres in section 27, making in all two hundred and ninety acres, three oil wells and one gas well on this tract of land.
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.