USA > Ohio > Hancock County > A centennial biographical history of Hancock County, Ohio > Part 42
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The birth of John Schoonover occurred in Franklin county, Ohio, March 8, 1827, and he was the third in a family of six children born to his parents, Abraham and Margaret (Baker) Schoonover, the former of whom was born in Virginia, in September, 1794, and the latter in Maryland, in May, 1803. They were of Dutch ancestry. In 1831 Abraham removed to Ohio and lo- cated on a farm north of Findlay, where he died in 1864, but his widow sur- vived until March 21, 1876. Both were worthy people and although they never accumulated large means, they taught their children industrious habits and set them examples of moral lives.
Although our subject was not surrounded by plenty in his youth and was forced to work for his possessions, he has never regretted this necessity, but can now point to his three great farms and thus show what can be ac- complished by frugal and persevering industry. Mr. Schoonover owns two hundred and eighty acres of as fine land as there is in Hancock county and is justly regarded as one of her most substantial citizens.
In 1851 he was united in marriage with Mary Comer, and to this union were born nine children, six of these still surviving, namely: Suffronia, born in 1852; Samilda, born in 1854; Amos P., born in 1862; William L., born in 1865 ; Harvey, born in 1870; and Clara, born in 1874.
Mr. Schoonover has been honored with many testimonials of the general esteem in which he is held. For twenty-eight years he was township treas- urer, was supervisor and school director. Both he and wife are leading mem-
Mary Schoonover
John Schoonover.
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bers of the United Brethren church and he is a liberal supporter of the same. Few men in his community stand in higher public esteem.
Mrs. Mary C. Schoonover was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1831, and is a daughter of Isaac and Hannah ( Burton) Comer, who were married October 25, 1830. Isaac Comer was born in Virginia, January 2, 1793, and died September 3, 1852. His first wife, Hannah Culp, was born in Ohio, September 9, 1803. His second wife, Hannah Burton, was born February 6, 1802.
Isaac Comer was one of the early settlers of Hancock county, coming hither in 1832 when wild beasts and savages still roamed the forests. He first settled on the farm which is at present the property of Jacob Wagoner. At the time of his death he owned two hundred and forty acres. Mr. Comer was the true pioneer, openhearted, frank and hospitable; he was not only re- spected but was much beloved. His home was the home of the Baptist minis- ter ; his was the hand that opened to the call of distress. He filled many of the township offices and was an important factor in the development of this section. His children numbered eleven, five of whom are living. Mrs. Schoonover is the sixth in order of birth. In politics Mr. Schoonover is a Republican.
JOSEPH BENSON CLAYTON.
Joseph Benson Clayton, who is one of the highly respected substantial and leading men of Van Buren, Ohio, is a worthy representative of an old colonial family, many of its members having been prominent in various walks of life. Henry Clayton, the grandfather of Joseph B. Clayton, was a captain in the Revolutionary war, who was captured by the Hessians, and his widow drew through life a pension from the government. The family was of English origin and probably first located in Virginia.
Joseph B. Clayton was born in Washington county, Maryland, in 1833, and is a son of Joseph and Louisa (Shawman) Clayton, the former of whom was born in Virginia, and the latter in Kentucky. Joseph Clayton was a civil engineer by profession, an experienced teacher, noted as a mathema- tician, and also succeeded as a merchant. He was a member of the Metho- dist church. His family consisted of nine children, eight of whom still sur- vive, but Joseph B. is the only one residing in Hancock county. He was reared and educated in Fairfield county, Ohio, learned the trade of a plasterer and for thirty-five years has been one of the most reliable workmen in his line in Hancock county, whither he removed in 1858. On account of his
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complete knowledge of his business, his care and exactness, he has always found his services in demand. Prior to coming to Hancock county he served as captain of militia. Mr. Clayton has been a provident man, and has ac- cumulated much property, owning one hundred acres in Van Buren town- ship. Hancock county.
January 2, 1860. Mr. Clayton was joined in marriage with Miss Caro- line Meyers, who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, in 1839, and to this union were born four children : Willis M., who for some time was president of the State Normal School at Ashland, Oregon, but now in California; Lottie; Louise ; and Georgiana, deceased.
Mr. Clayton is a valued member of the order of Odd Fellows, a man of whom his associates speak with respect, and justly regarded as a representa - tive citizen. He is a Democrat in national affairs, though locally he sup- ports the men whom in his judgment are best.
WILLIAM I. KIEFER.
One of the most straightforward, energetic and successful business men of Findlay is William I. Kiefer. In industrial circles he is an important factor, and liis popularity is well deserved, for in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that has never flagged. He is a public spirited and thoroughly interested in what- ever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of Find- lay, and for many years he lias been numbered among its most valued and honored citizens.
A native son of the Buckeye state, Mr. Kiefer was born in Wayne coun- ty, Ohio, on the 14th of July, 1857, which county his father, John Michael Kiefer, also claimed as his nativity, his birth there occurring in 1832. Throughout his entire business career the latter devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil, and he lived and died in Wayne county, being summoned into eternal rest in 1880. The Kiefer family trace their lineage to the father- land, the paternal grandfather of our subject having been a native of Ger- many. William I., of this review, remained in the place of his nativity until fourteen years of age, during which time he attended its district schools, and at that age he entered the high school at Smithville, Ohio, in which he continued his studies for three years. On leaving the school room as a pupil he again entered it as an instructor, being at that time seventeen years of age, and the profession of teaching school continued to claim his efforts for six years, his labors being confined to the county of Wayne. On the
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expiration of that period he purchased an interest in a mercantile establish- ment at Smithville, Ohio, where he remained for three years, while for the following five years he was engaged in merchandising in Sterling, this state. In the year 1885 he came to Findlay and entered the insurance and loan business, to which vocation he has since directed his efforts, and in his chosen endeavor he is meeting with a high and well merited degree of success. His reputation in all trade transactions has ever been above question, and to an unusual degree he enjoys the confidence and regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact through business dealings.
The marriage of Mr. Kiefer was celebrated in Findlay, in 1882, when Miss Gertrude Beardsley became his wife. In his fraternal relations our sub- ject is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and his political support is given to the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Kiefer keeps well informed on the issues of the day, both political and otherwise, and at all times has manifested a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the city of his choice. He is a man of genial tempera- ment and genuine worth, and is popular and respected in all circles.
JESSE L. DOZER.
The career of the soldier is always interesting, and in all local history the soldier's must have an honored place. There are yet living in Wash- ington township, Hancock county, Ohio, several ex-soldiers of the Civil war who are regarded with peculiar respect, but none of these is held in higher esteem than the subject of this notice. Mr. Dozer, at the breaking out of the Civil war, laid aside all personal interests to aid in defense of the old flag and what it represents. He enlisted in Company A, of the Twenty- sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Fifteenth army corps of the army of the Tennessee. He participated in all of the principal battles in which this army was engaged, following old glory while the bullets fell fast and thick above him, but luckily passing through the entire experience without being harmed. He was in the noted march to the sea with "Uncle Billy Sherman," and returned with his army through the Carolinas. He was honorably discharged on the 28th of July. 1865. He returned home to enjoy the blessings of an unsundered union, in the preservation of which he bore an honorable part.
Jesse L. Dozer is at the present time proprietor and operator of the J. L. Dozer quarry in Washington township, which covers four acres and
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contains a stone deposit two hundred and seventy feet deep. It is one of the largest quarries in northern Ohio, and yields an excellent product, which is used largely in the construction of buildings throughout the northern part of the state. The product from the quarries is peculiarly valuable in macadamizing and concrete work, and for the latter use cannot be surpassed. Mr. Dozer was born in Muskingum county, Ohio. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Lefler) Dozer, were natives of Pennsylvania, and were among the earliest pioneers in Muskingumn county, Ohio. The father was a man of influence and prominence in his day, for a long period of years serving in the office of justice of the peace, and also as trustee of his town- ship in the above mentioned county. He was a Jeffersonian Democrat in political belief, originally a member of the Lutheran church, and died April 5, 1851, his wife surviving him until December 28, 1870. Their household at one time contained thirteen children, of which number, despite its sup- posedly unlucky character, but one has been claimed by death, and that fatality occurred in February, 1901. Jesse L. Dozer was educated in the schools of Zanesville, Ohio, and, as previously stated, no event of importance occurred to mar the monotonous character of his life until he entered the army. Upon his return from the war he devoted himself to learning the carpenter's trade, and subsequently drifted into the lumber business, in which he continued up to 1885. He then for a number of years caried on a well- drilling business, in which he became widely known, having the record of drilling two hundred and ninety-eight water wells in and around Fostoria. He had removed to Hancock county in 1883, in which time he has been a loyal citizen of the county. He is a worthy member of Norris Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church, whose interests he is always active in advancing. The marriage of Mr. Dozer was celebrated in Wayne township, Muskingum county, No- vember 3, 1869. Mary E. McGinness, whom he wedded, was the daughter of Samuel and Sophia (Morris) McGinness, and her children were five in number : Leonard A .; Clyde, deceased; Laura M .; Harold E .; Russell E. Mrs. Dozer was born September 8, 1851. Her father, Samuel McGinness, was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her mother, Sophia Morris, was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Morris, and was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania. December 15, 1823. She died August 18, 1902, having become the mother of seven children, two daughters and five sons, all living but the oldest son. Mrs. Dozer is the second child and eldest daughter. She was reared, educated and married in her native county. Her father was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1821, and
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by occupation was a farmer, and lived on the same farm seventy-two years. This farm was entered by his father, Johnston McGinness, who moved from Berks county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio in an early day. They were of Scotch Irish descent, and members of the Society of Friends or Quakers. Mr. Dozer is highly respected by his friends and is popular among his business associates.
JOHN HECK.
There is no class of people in the United States to-day which so well represents the independence and prosperity of our people as the retired farmers. After many years of strong and earnest endeavor and hard labor, in simple communion with nature, wrestling an existence from the soil, the farmer who sees his efforts crowned with success, and his occupation, once so humble, become one of the most dignified, its time-worn methods improved and extended, has many things to enjoy, and is entitled to high rank among his fellow citizens.
Mr. John Heck came of a line of farmers and was born on a farm in York county, Pennsylvania, October 11, 1836, though he passed his early childhood in Milltown, Cumberland county, in the same state. When he was eight years of age his parents removed to Liberty township, Hancock county, Ohio, where he was reared and received his education. In May, 1865, he moved into the city of Findlay, where he lived until 1867, when he moved to a farm in Findlay township, where he was engaged in farming until 1874, when he returned to Findlay, where he opened a hardware store, in partner- ship with other members of his family. He continued in the hardware busi- ness for eighteen months, when the farm again claimed him. He remained on his farm until 1887, at which time he retired and moved back to Findlay, where he has lived ever since, except one year spent at Carey, Wyandotte county.
Mr. Heck's grandfather was John Heck, who was born and died in Pennsylvania. The first John Heck was a farmer all his life. His father was George Heck, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1810, and died in Han- cock county in 1894; he also was a farmer. Mr. Heck was married in Hancock county, December 18, 1856, to Lydia Sherick. Mrs. Heck was born in Wayne county, Ohio, February 5, 1840, a daughter of Peter and Barbara (Funk) Sherick. Her parents both died in Liberty township, Hancock county, the father in 1886, and the mother in 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Heck have four children, of whom one is dead. Those living are Bar- bara Etta, wife of S. C. Shoup, whose children are Blanche and Ada M .;
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David, who married Ida Small, and whose children are Carl, John, Ira, Ralph, Saxon and Gladys; and William E., who married Nora Wagner, and . has three children, Howard, George and Clyde. Mr. Heck has one great- grandson, Maynard Cramm.
Mr. Heck has always been a progressive citizen, and has been identified with the important movements of his chosen place of residence. In 1887, when gas was discovered on his farm, he had the first well sunk in that vicinity, which started the boom. He is a prominent member and a trustee of the Church of God. His generosity and benevolence are well known, as was evidenced by his gift of eleven hundred dollars to Findlay College. In politics he has been a life long Republican.
CHRISTOPHER GARBER.
France, though not so famous as some other countries in the matter of colonization, has contributed some valuable emigration to the new world, included in which is the family to which this biography is devoted. Peter Garber, who was born in France in 1811, learned the blacksmith's trade and supported himself by this occupation as long as he remained in his native land. In early manhood he married a young French girl, named Barbara Saltzmann, and in 1851 the young couple concluded that they could better their fortunes in the rising republic across the sea. Accordingly, they came over in that year, made their way to Hancock county, Ohio, and found a location in Big I.ick township. Peter Garber was a poor man when he arrived, with no other reliance for success than his brain and muscle, backed by a willingness to work and good sense to guide his operations. He secured possession of one hundred acres of land, which he cultivated in summer, while his blacksmith shop was kept busy during the winter season. By this continued occupation, kept up with unceasing industry and judicious man- agement, our worthy French emigrant succeeded in accumulating a hand- some property, which supported the family in comfort during the lifetime of the parents, and eventually made a valuable legacy for the children. Peter and Barbara Garber lived to a venerable age and passed peaceably away within a few years of each other, the former's death occurring January 25, 1892, and that of the latter December 15, 1894. Their three children, Peter, Ellen and Christopher, were all born in the old country before the emigration to America. Christopher Garber, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born at his father's humble home in France February 2, 1847, and hence was but four years of age when the long voyage was undertaken
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across the Atlantic. He received all his education in Big Lick township, attending the public schools and assisting his father in his various occupa- tions. Being brought up to habits of industry and economy and taught the practical details of agriculture, he possessed thie needed equipment for the success he achieved in after life. It was in 1872 that he made the first busi- ness venture on his own account by the purchase of forty acres of land, which he cultivated assiduously and, as prosperity came, increased at different times until his entire estate amounted to one hundred and thirty acres. When it is said that all this land, besides some city property in Findlay, was ac- cumulated by Mr. Garber within ten years, it is not necessary to furnish further proof either of his untiring industry or his good management. He has devoted himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits and ranks amon" the most progressive and enterprising of Hancock's farmers. That he is popular in his adopted country and that he stands well as a business man, is fully attested by his election as county commissioner in 1891. The manner in which he discharged the duties of this important position during his term left no cause for regret on the part of his friends for the confidence they had reposed in him. Besides the commissionership Mr. Garber has also filled the offices of justice of the peace and trustee of his township in a manner entirely satisfactory to those most concerned. Both in public and private life Mr. Garber is always found safe and reliable and an advocate of all those things which, in the language of Matthew Arnold, "make for righteous- ness." Besides his general farming, which he carries on extensively, he deals in stock on a large scale and is one of the large shippers of the county. December 5, 1872, Mr. Garber was married to Miss Elizabeth F., daughter of Samuel and Isabelle (Curry) Leonard, and this union has proved in every way a congenial and happy one. Their only child is a son, Leroy E., whose birth occurred November 21, 1876, and whose character and career has been such as to justify the affection bestowed upon him by his fond parents. He is engaged in the wool and seed business at Findlay with his father, and has already established a reputation in business circles which gives promise of great future success. Leroy E. Garber was married some years ago to Miss Ora Enfield, member of an old and respected family, and their household has been brightened by the birth of two children: John W., born March 7, 1899; and Frances, born April 1, 1901. Mrs. Garber was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for forty years, but for the last few years has been a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Gar- ber, although not a member of any church, lends his influence towards morality and all that is good.
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A word or two concerning the venerable parents of Mrs. Garber will prove of interest. Samuel Leonard was born in Pennsylvania, but his wife, Isabelle Curry, was a native of Ohio, where the former became a successful farmer. Both are living, and celebrated their eighty-seventh birthdays in 1902, his occurring in March and hers in November of that year. John Curry, father of Isabelle Leonard, was born in Ireland and came to the United States when fifteen years old. He was a weaver by trade, and also farmed, was a life-long member of the Presbyterian church, and died at a good old age, respected by all who knew him. Robert Leonard, father of Samuel, was born in Pennsylvania, of old Holland Dutch stock, but re- moved to Hancock county about 1838, where he followed farming. He was a ruler in the Presbyterian church for half a century, and died at the age of seventy-six years.
SAMUEL SWAB.
Among the prominent and substantial citizens of Cass township, Han- cock county, Ohio, must be mentioned Samuel Swab, whose great estate of three hundred and fifty-eight acres is not only well situated for farming and stock-raising purposes, but it is also valuable on account of containing twenty- four oil producing wells.
The birthplace and home of our subject until he was nine years of age, was in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he was born on August 5. 1845, and is a son of George and Mary (Rodabaugh) Swab. His educa- tion was acquired in the schools of Cass township and his subsequent life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits.
George Swab, the father of our subject, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1813, where his wife was born in 1826. She died in the winter of 1848, their family consisting of four children, namely : Mary, deceased; Barbara E., deceased; David and Samuel. In his young manhood George Swab worked at various occupations, principally teaming, but later learned the distilling business which he followed for sixteen years. He thus accumulated means with which to move to Hancock county, Ohio, and purchase a farm of eighty acres, twenty of which had been cleared. He was born of most worthy parents, George and Barbara (Coder) Swab, and as they were in limited circumstances, he assisted in their care. His residence now is on his fine farm in Cass township, still in the enjoyment of health despite his advanced years, and he has always been respected in his com- munity.
Barbra Swab.
Samuel Swal.
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Such were the honorable ancestors of our subject. In 1872 he received a gift of forty acres of land from his father and his own energies enabled him to add to this until it is the large and productive estate mentioned above. Here he erected commodious and suitable buildings, on modern lines, and is surrounded with all of the comforts of life. He has taken an active part in politics, being like his father, an ardent Republican, and he has been called upon to serve his township in a number of offices, as trustee and supervisor, and as a member of the school board. He was also township treasurer, being a man of such reliability that his fellow citizens have been glad to so honor him.
In 1872 Mr. Swab was married to Miss Barbara Kagy, born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1847, and a daughter of Samuel and Hannah Kagy. To this union there were born: Blanch, who married John Nusser; Delora, who married Charles Harry; Samuel K., who married Bessie Ullery ; and Pearl A.
Mr. Swab is generally regarded as a thorough business man, known to be of strict integrity and is truly a representative citizen. His residence, one of the best in Cass township, is situated upon ground sufficiently elevated to lend a commanding view of the surrounding country. The house and barn, which were built about forty years ago, were remodeled eight years ago by Mr. Swab.
JAMES W. KELLEY.
The descendants of the Irish race have long been noted for their adap- tability and quickness in grasping opportunities. Where another man would fail, the man with Irish blood in his veins will see the chance of a lifetime, and proceed to make the most of it in the shortest time.
Of such stock has James W. Kelley descended. His father. William Kelley, was born in Ireland in 1812, and came to America in 1839 to seek new fortunes. He died in 1875, leaving a widow, who died in 1895, and eight children, five sons and three daughters.
Mr. Kelley was born in Allegany, New York, in 1866, where he lived until he was twenty-three years of age. He obtained his education in the public schools and at St. Bonaventure's College, and from 1888 to 1891 taught in the public schools of that place. With the view of enlarging his horizon and engaging in some business enterprise, he followed his brother, T. C. Kelley, to Findlay, Ohio, who had preceded him about two years and was already established in the oil business. Mr. Kelley decided to hazard his fortunes in the same manner and at once went into the oil producing business, in which he is now actively occupied.
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