USA > Ohio > Hancock County > A centennial biographical history of Hancock County, Ohio > Part 33
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In the fall of 1865 Mr. Bowlby was married to Miss Sophia Thompson, the daughter of William and Mary Thompson. Two daughters were born of this marriage, but they are now deceased and Mrs. Bowlby died in 1882. In 1883 he married Miss Lucretia Southerland, daughter of William and Susan Southerland; no children were born. Mr. Bowlby is not only a practi- cal farmer but a practical man in the true sense of the word, and he has used his influence for the good of his community. He has been a member of the school board and through his efforts the beautiful schoolhouse has assumed its present appearance. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a trustee and past grand of the order. He is a member of the Methodist church and in state and national affairs uncompromisingly Repub- lican, but rather independent in local elections.
JOHN W. JACOBS.
Among the many handsome, highly improved and well cultivated farms which one sees in passing through Big Lick township, none are more worthy of notice than that owned by the subject of this sketch. It is not the largest by any means, consisting of only sixty acres, but in farming, as in other affairs of life, it is not always the biggest things that are most worthy of notice. "A little farm well tilled" has always been so popular that it led to a pretty
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RESIDENCE ERECTED IN 1849.
John In Decolo & family
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poem and a lovely song composed thereon in its honor. Such a farm is that of John W. Jacobs, and, it may be added in passing, its attractiveness is not diminished, at least from a materialistic point of view, by the fact that here and there may be observed spouting oil wells, to the number of eight, whose constant flow give sure promise of rich revenue to the fortunate owner. In fact, these wells give an income to our subject of an average of two hundred dollars per month, and he has received as high as thirteen hundred dollars per month. Still there are a number of especially promising locations on his farm for other wells, the two hundred dollars per month income being what is expected to be now continuous. Mr. Jacobs came to Hancock county when a baby and has been identified with its development for over half a century. His parents, Levi and Elizabeth (Bear) Jacobs, the former a Virginian and the latter of Perry county, Ohio, where his marriage occurred, removed from there to Hancock county in 1848. The father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which was still in its primeval condition, untouched by the plow, and this he proceeded by the usual pioneer methods to "whip into shape." Hastily erecting a rude log cabin, for temporary residence, he began the ap- parently endless task of grubbing, digging and clearing which were the inevi- table forerunners of that smiling beauty which now characterizes most Ohio farms, but which it cost many a weary blow to bring about. But nothing could resist the dogged perseverance and unflagging industry of the typical pioneer, and Levi Jacobs in time not only made his first purchase "blossom as the rose" but he was able to add to it one hundred and sixty acres more, which he also partly cleared. This land was situated in Big Lick township, and, with the progress of events and growth and development of the state, gradually emerged from the era when it was worth only a nominal price to the present day when it is assessed high up in the double column of figures. Levi Jacobs was a carpenter by trade and worked at this useful calling until middle life, after which he devoted his time entirely to his landed estate. He was a mem- ber of the Christian Union church, of moral and upright life and universally regarded as a good and righteous man. He passed away in 1884, when sixty- eight years old, at peace with all mankind, and the partner of his joys and sorrows, who passed away three years before, died in her fifty-ninth year. Of their eight children, those who grew to maturity and are still living are Alexander M., John W., Marion and Ellen. John W. Jacobs, second in age of the surviving children, was born in Perry county, Ohio, July 29, 1847, and as previously stated was an infant in arms when brought to this county by his parents. He grew up and was educated in Big Lick township, where he has ever since resided, thoroughly and energetically connected with the agri-
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cultural development of his community. His only occupation has been that of farming, all the practical details of which he has mastered and understands as well as any one in the business. The farm he now owns was purchased about 1882, since which time Mr. Jacobs has erected necessary buildings and greatly improved, while adding to the value of his property. October II, 1859, he was united in marriage with Sarah E. Jones, who was born in Mary- land, April 1, 1848, the daughter of Stephen T. and Mary E. Jones. This union resulted in the birth of six children, the five still living being : Harvey C. born in 1872; Willous J., born in 1874; Amanda O., born in 1877; Laura A., in 1878; and Nellie M., in 1884. The mother, who, as also her husband, was a consistent member of the United Brethren church, ended her blameless Christian life April 5, 1895. Mr. Jacobs inherits many of those excellent and strong traits of character which made his lamented father so popular, and these qualities have been effective in commending him to his acquaintances and securing for him general good will and esteem.
URIAH B. MOYER.
Uriah B. Moyer is one of Union township's substantial and enterprising farmers. He owns and operates sixty-one acres of valuable land and besides raising general crops he is a breeder of high grade registered live stock, his favorite breeds being Devonshire cattle and Poland China hogs; he is also an enthusiastic poultry man, making a specialty of White Wyandots.
The parents of this interesting gentleman were Edmond R. and Lucy A. (Greenawalt) Moyer, both natives of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, the for- mer being born January 1, 1821, and the latter July 21, 1826. Edmond was a shoemaker by trade and followed that ocupation during his residence in the state. It was in the spring of 1866 that he, with his family of ten children, located on the farm north of Mount Cory now owned by C. H. Smith. There were eighty acres of land in the place, much of it improved, but it was further developed by the mechanical hand of Mr. Moyer. After living on this farm for four years he sold out and bought another of one hundred and sixty acres, where he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1884. His wife survived until 1891 and came to her death by a very sad accident; while she was boiling a kettle of soap her clothing caught fire and before she could be rescued she was burned so badly that she soon died; she endured terrible suffering but her end was very peaceful. She and her husband were members of the German Reformed church. They had four-
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teen children, and nine of these are now living in this county engaged in various pursuits.
The birth of Uriah B. Moyer occurred in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, December 16, 1852. He was twelve years old when his parents removed to Ohio, and although his education had been begun in his native state, he received most of his stimulating influences in this county. He decided when yet a boy to devote himself to agricultural pursuits and he purchased his present farm in August, 1884. He has ever kept abreast of the times and has improved his farm so that it does not seem the same place it did when he took charge of it.
Mr. Moyer was married September 24, 1876, to Miss Alice L. Watkins, the daughter of Isaac and Esther Watkins, and born in Union township, Feb- ruary 29, 1856. Their three children are, Milton E., who married Olive M. Hubler; Clyde L. and Floyd J. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are members of the Methodist church, in which he is a trustee and held the office of steward for four years.
FREDERICK BROWNELLER.
Among the successful and representative farmers of Hancock county, whose industry and sagacity have triumphed over all difficulties and enabled him to reach the evening of life in prosperous circumstances, none stand out more conspicuous than the subject of this sketch. He comes of the best and sturdiest of the older population of the east, his parents, Samuel and Sarah (Slaughterback) Browneller, being natives of Pennsylvania of Dutch de- scent. They moved to Fayette county in the Keystone state in 1812, where the father owned and operated one hundred and eighty acres of coal land. Of his family of eight children, seven are living and two are residents of Han- cock county, Ohio. Samuel Browneller was an experienced farmer, a man of excellent sense and judgment in business affairs and a good citizen in every sense of that word. Born in 1810, he lived a life of usefulness until his death, which occurred in 1894. His wife, who was a noble woman of many ex- cellent traits of character and much beloved by all who knew her, was born in the same year as her husband and departed this life one year earlier, or in 1893. No children ever had more affectionate parents than those of this worthy couple and to the early lessons of sobriety, morality and thrift in- stilled by their father and mother, the surviving offspring attribute much of the success they have achieved in life. Frederick Browneller, one of their sons, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, July 28, 1835, and remained
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in his native state until 1870. During the formative period of his life he ac- quired a thorough knowledge of all kinds of farm work under his father's skillful tutelage and this training he put to most excellent use in after years. March 24, 1870, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Liberty township, Hancock county, Ohio, to which he soon added forty more, besides a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Wood county. From the time of his arrival in Ohio until 1887, Mr. Browneller made his home in Liberty township, but in the year last mentioned he removed to Findlay. At the present time he owns one hundred and eighty-two acres of good land, besides his comfortable residence property in Findlay, where he is leading a life of retirement in the enjoyment of the comforts acquired by a life of in- dustry and good management. He is much esteemed as a neighbor, citizen and friend and is a fine type of the class of men to whom the west is indebted for its wonderful growth and prosperity. June 4, 1857, Mr. Browneller was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Springer. This union, which was one of unalloyed happiness and ideal in all respects, resulted in the birth of the following named children : Mary, Willian L., James P., Sarah J., Ann E., David P., Joseph (deceased), Martha C. and Flora A. Mrs. Browneller was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1834, and as mother and wife has enjoyed the esteem of all having the pleas- ure of her acquaintance. She and her husband have long been working mem- bers of the United Brethren church and contribute their full share to every movement which promises to advance the cause of morality and correct liv- ing. Mr. Browneller's whole life has been one of hard work and close at- tention to business, and the success which has come to him has been well earned. David P. Browneller, third son of this worthy family, is one of the prosperous young farmers of Liberty township, and in every way a worthy son of a worthy sire. In 1899 he purchased a farm of eighty acres, to which was added twenty-three more in 1902, and on this land Mr. Browneller is at present residing. His birth occurred in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, De- cember 7, 1863, and he was consequently seven years of age when his father removed to Ohio. He received his education in the schools of Hancock coun- ty, grew up to habits of industry and has steadily made headway in the acqui- sition of property since he began business for himself. November 10, 1887, occurred the marriage of David P. Browneller and Miss Amelia, daughter of William H. and Elizabeth Harpst and the children resulting from this union were Floyd and Cloyd (twins), born October 7, 1889, but now de- ceased, and Nellie, born January 11, 1891. Mrs. Browneller is a native of Hancock county, Ohio, the date of her birth being May 17, 1867, and her
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family connections are among the best the county affords. David P. Brown- eller is a practical farmer, cultivates his land by up-to-date methods and ex- hibits all those qualities which in the end bring success to their possessor.
WALLACE DORSEY.
Not only as a successful farmer but as a contractor and builder of more than usual skill and resourcefulness is the subject of this sketch known to the people of Hancock county. He comes of pioneer stock and the family have been connected with the county's growth and progress for nearly three quar- ters of a century. William Dorsey, who was born in Pennsylvania May 14, . 1804, came to Ohio in youth and after his location in Hancock county met Louisa Bryan, whose birth occurred in Kentucky, December 15, 1811, and whose father served in the war of 1812. He was married to this lady in April, 1835, and established a home on one hundred and sixty acres of land, situated partly in each of the townships of Allen and Cass. This tract was "entered" or purchased from the government in a wild state, but the new owner speedily developed and improved the same until it became a fine farm. William Dorsey rose to prominence and influence in his community, and held some offices of importance in the township. He affiliated with the Demo- cratic party, served as assessor and treasurer and was regarded as a man of good business qualifications. His wife bore him eight children, all of whom are living, the eldest being about sixty-six and the youngest forty-eight years old. Their names are Wallace, Elizabeth, William C., Amanda J., Cordelia, Edson, Winfield A., and Milton. The father died September 3, 1886, but his wife survived him ten years, not passing to her final rest until 1896. Wallace Dorsey, the eldest of the children and the subject of this sketch, was born July 5, 1836, in that part of Hancock county, Ohio, now known as Allen township. After the usual educational routine, he served an appren- ticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he subsequently followed as a busi- ness for twenty years. During that time he did much work as a contractor and builder and the result of his handicraft is now seen in many substantial buildings in various parts of the county, which fully attest the workman's skill. In the year 1863, Mr. Dorsey made his first investment by the purchase of twenty acres of land, which has been added to from time to time until his holdings amount to one hundred and sixty acres of valuable real estate. In time Mr. Dorsey found it necessary to abandon his trade and apply himself inore closely to the cultivation of his farm. In 1877 he entered into a new industry, manufacturing drain tile, and this has increased to large proportions
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in recent years. He supplies an extensive trade with tile of various sizes and quality, and the business has proved quite lucrative to the proprietor, as well as an accommodation to the large class in need of this indispensable aid to drainage.
February 28, 1861, Mr. Dorsey was united in marriage with Miss Lois, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Nelson, who became the mother of the fol- iowing named children: Luella, born January 7, 1862; Charles W., born July 26, 1863, now deceased; William W., February 21, 1866; Albert E., January 17, 1867; E. N., January 25, 1872; L. W., December 18, 1873; Mary B., May 8, 1876; Homer O., January 27, 1879; Milton L., June 20, 1881. The mother of these children was born in eastern Ohio in January, 1839, and died September 13, 1897. January 28, 1902, Mr. Dorsey took a second wife in the person of Mrs. F. E. Bennett, a native of the state of New York and a lady much esteemed for her excellent judgment and kindly disposition. Wallace Dorsey is well known throughout Hancock county and it is not too much to say that his friends are as extensive as his acquaintance- ship, as he is universally esteemed. Besides being a good business man, full of enterprise and energy, he is of a genial disposition and easy address. The people elected him for the position of township trustee and he discharged the duties of the office with much integrity and wisdom as to obtain universal commendation. In politics he is a Democrat. Mrs. Dorsey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he also attends.
ALVIN L. AND ROBERT B. WORDEN.
The family of Worden is one of the oldest and best known in Hancock county. They have been identified with the county's growth and progress for three-quarters of a century, and during that period no name was more hon- ored than that of Worden. The founder of the family came as an orphan boy to Hancock county in 1827 when only eight years old. Alvin C. Worden was born in New York state January 4, 1819, and had the misfortune to lose his father when only one year old. His grandfather, Norman Chamberlain, took charge of the little waif, and when he decided to locate in Hancock county, Ohio, brought the child with him and tenderly cared for him until he reached manhood. When he arrived at maturity, Mr. Chamberlain gave his grandson one hundred acres of land on condition that he should maintain and care for the former during the remainder of his life. This stipulation was dutifully and affectionately complied with by Alvin C. Worden and the land thus ac- quired constituted the basis of his business success. In 1840 he was married
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ALVIN C. WORDEN.
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to Rachel Hall, born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1821. They established their home on the banks of Blanchard river in Liberty township, where they lived over half a century in ties of affection which were increased rather than diminished by advancing years. The original gift of his grandfather was increased by thrift and good management until Mr. Worden finally owned three hundred and fifty-five acres of land, which he improved until it became highly cultivated and of great value. He was progressive and resourceful in his farm methods, kept fully abreast of all modern improvements and achieved rank as one of the foremost agriculturists of Hancock county. His political affiliations were with the Republican party and his loyalty and pa- triotism were unquestioned. He lent his aid to the cause of morality and good citizenship and set a good example as a conscientious and devoted member of the Presbyterian church. Alvin C. Worden, after a long and useful life, passed away in 1891, and within ten months was followed by his good wife, who closed her earthly career in 1892. Though this pioneer couple became the parents of sixteen children, only five of these grew to maturity. Of those now living, Robert B. was born in July, 1849; Alvin L., December 23, 1856; and Sylvia S., March 21, 1855. Sallie A., the youngest, is now the wife of M. Moore. Robert B. and Sylvia S., who are unmarried, reside on the old homestead, which is now the property of the former. In 1882 Alvin L. Worden was united in marriage to Miss Sophia W., daughter of Isaac and Mary Teatsworth, and Claud L., the only child of this union, was born Oc- tober 21, 1883. It was in 1881 that Alvin L. Worden made his first purchase of land, the tract consisting of forty acres, but this was increased at different times until Mr. Worden's real estate holdings amount to three hundred acres. On this land and what he owns in conjunction with his brother, Robert B., there are sixty-six oil wells, of which thirty-six are owned jointly by the two brothers. For six years Alvin L. Worden has held the office of township trustee, and he has been a member of the school board for twelve years. The Worden brothers are much esteemed both in public and private and fulfill every requirement of good citizenship in all the walks of life. In politics R. B. Worden is a Republican, as is also his brother, Alvin L., who takes an active part in the campaigns, both local and general.
WALTER H. KINDER.
The above named gentleman, who is the junior member of the firm of Ross & Kinder, of Findlay, comes of one of the pioneer families of Ohio. He is a lawyer of fine ability, and a citizen whom any community might well be
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proud to own. Born in Hamilton, Ohio, on October 12, 1856, he was there reared and educated, graduating from the high school of that city in 1874. For a year he taught school in Putnam county, Ohio, and then entered the famous book store in Cincinnati, Ohio, of Robert Clark & Company, where he clerked about a year. In 1875 he commenced the study of his profession with ex- Governor James E. Campbell, and on the 31st of March, 1879, was admitted to the bar at Hamilton, Ohio. He began practice in the town of Ottawa, Ohio, where he remained until 1887, when he located in Findlay, and has since engaged in the practice of his profession at that point. There was, however, a period of three years, from 1890 to 1893, when he was engaged in the service of the state, Governor Campbell, his old law preceptor, having appointed him state superintendent of insurance. When he returned to Findlay, after laying down the duties of the office of insurance commis- sioner, he formed the present partnership with George W. Ross. May 29, 1902, at Tiffin, Ohio, Mr. Kinder was nominated on the Democratic ticket for judge of the court of common pleas for the first subdivision of the Tenth judicial district, which subdivision is comprised of the counties of Hancock, Seneca, Hardin and Wood. The domestic life of Mr. Kinder dates from the 26th of August, 1886, when he was joined in marriage at Ottawa, Ohio, with Helen F., who is the daughter of Dr. Charles E. Tupper (deceased). Four children have been born to the marriage: Tupper, Margaret V., William Randall and Charles Edward. As before mentioned, the family of which Mr. Kinder is an honored member is one of the pioneer families of the state. His father, William Ross Kinder, was born in Franklin, Ohio, in December, 1826, and died in Hamliton, Ohio, in 1860. He was a lawyer by profession, having studied law under ex-Governor John B. Weller, who was an ex- governor and ex-United States senator from California, and had lived in Hamilton, Ohio. He was appointed a member of a commission to ascertain the boundary between California and Mexico, and in the pursuit of this object, he appointed our subject's father his private secretary. After the work had been completed, William R. Kinder went with Mr. Weller to San Francisco, and there they formed a partnership in the practice of law, but two years later, in 1852, Mr. Kinder returned to Hamilton, Ohio. Here he bought the "Hamilton Telegraph," a weekly paper, which he conducted until 1858. In that year he was elected probate judge of that county, Butler, and it was while serving in this office that his death occurred on the 10th of February, 1860. He married in 1852, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Agnes, the daugh- ter of Jacob and Maria (L'Hommedieu) Long, and to this marriage were born children as follows: William R., now deceased, who was at the time of
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his death states attorney of Waseca county, Minnesota; Charles L. H. Kin- der, who died in infancy; Walter H. Kinder, the subject of this sketch; Stephen L. H. Kinder, living at Toledo, Ohio. The grandfather of our sub- ject, George Kinder, born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1800, and died in 1863. For many years he was a farmer, and owned and operated a line of boats on the Miami and Erie Canal. The great-grandfather, Abram Kinder, was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he was born, but in later life emigrated to Warren county, Ohio. In 1800 he entered the original Kinder farm, and continued to operate it until his death. Passing now back to the great-great-grandfather of our present subject, we find that his name was George, but that no further information is given concerning him. His father was Philip Kinder, born in Holland, a son of Valentine Kinder, who emi- grated from Holland, and in 1756 came to Berks county, Pennsylvania. Philip Kinder was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
WILLIAM E. STEPHENSON.
The subject of this sketch, whose name is above given, has been pro- minently connected with two of the most important industries of Hancock county, those of glass-making and the production of oil. They are both modern, having grown up since the war, and their operation has contributed greatly to the development and building up of the sections where they were located, at the same time employing many thousands of laborers besides furnishing abundant opportunities for fortune making to bold and enterpris- ing spirits. Mr. Stephenson has at different times been connected with both these notable industries of the gas and oil belt, and few men are better in- formed on all matters connected therewith. He is descended from John Stephenson, a Pennsylvania man who settled in Knox county, Ohio, in the early part of the nineteenth century, and died there in 1850. His son, Will- iam Stephenson, was born at Martinburg, Ohio, in 1823, removed to Han- cock county in 1854, where he farmed until 1887 and died in 1898. He married Mary Anderson, who deserves special mention on account of her distinguished and patriotic ancestry. Her great-grandfather, Patrick Ander- son, was a captain in a regiment of Pennsylvania infantry during the Revolu- tionary war, and after independence was achieved assisted in organizing the famous order of Cincinnati, of which he was a charter member. His son, James Anderson, was also a Revolutionary soldier, being a lieutenant in Colo- nel Stephen Meylan's Fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Light Dragoons. The latter's son, William Anderson, became the father of Mrs. Stephenson, and
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