USA > Ohio > Hancock County > A centennial biographical history of Hancock County, Ohio > Part 57
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Isaac Waldo Marvin, son of the last mentioned, was born at Findlay, Ohio, November 17, 1855, and as he grew up was educated in the usual way in the county schools. At the age of twenty-one he took possession of a farm in Hancock county belonging to his father, and spent nine years in its cultiva- tion and management. Returning to Findlay at the expiration of this time, he later joined his brother Cloyd in the ownership and management of a plan- ing mill, which occupied his attention for the five following years. He then retired from active business and is now spending his time looking after farm- ing at Findlay.
In 1881 Mr. Marvin married Lucy Bish, who died in 1886, leaving a daughter named Frances. In 1890 he took a second wife, in the person of
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Miss Ada Anthony, by whom he has four children: Bernice, Stephen, Mary and Ada Gertrude. Mr. Marvin's religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church and in politics he is a Republican.
HARVEY G. CLARK.
The gentleman above mentioned is a native of Findlay, has spent all of his life in and around that city, and has done his share in developing its in- dustries and aiding in its growth. Commencing hard work at a very early age, he rose step by step until he became a producer of oil and prospered rea- sonably in that business. Though of Pennsylvania origin, the family had representatives among the early pioneers of Ohio, and several generations have grown up on the soil of the Buckeye state. Daniel W. Clark, grand- father of our subject, was born in Hancock county, during the first decade of the nineteenth century, passed his life in its borders, and died there in 1866 when about fifty-eight years of age. His son, Harvey G. Clark, was born in Hancock county in 1838, became a soldier of the Civil war and sacrificed his life in the cause of his country. He was among the first volunteers in 1861, enlisting as a private in Company G, Ninety-Eighth Regiment of Ohio Infan- try, and died in 1863, while in the service. He married Mary Todd, by whom he had two children, the eldest being John E., at present a resident of Colum- bus, Ohio, and the other, Harvey G. of Findlay, who is the subject of this sketch.
Harvey G. Clark, his father's namesake and youngest child, was born at Findlay, Ohio, in 1863, the same year that his father's death occurred. while serving in the Union army. Harvey had but few educational advan- tages, such as he obtained being before he reached the age of fourteen, when he was compelled to quit school for work on the farm. He was thus em- ployed for two years, then drove a team in the country for three years, and in 1886 made his entry into the oil business. His first job in that line was as a pumper, which was followed by tool-dressing, and eventually Mr. Clark be- gan contracting on his own account. From that time on he has continued steadily in this, employment, and is so engaged at the present time. He has done much work for various firms and individuals, besides drilling several gas well for the city of Findlay. He has exhibited skill in his calling, has managed his business affairs with good judgment and now belongs to the class which in the common parlance is styled "well fixed." He is regarded in the community as a man who does his work well and discharges his duty towards those who entrust him with responsibility.
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In 1887 Mr. Clark united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William Baldwin, and this union has resulted in the birth of five children : Frederick, Edith, Ethel, Edward and Charles. Mr. Clark is not connected with any religious organization, but is a member of the order of Maccabees. During his adult life he has been connected with the Republican party, but confines himself to voting, as he is not a seeker for office.
GEORGE W. DE VORE.
The subject of this sketch, whose name is above presented, now a pros- perous farmer of Blanchard township, can look back over a long life, whose early beginnings gave little promise of future success. In fact his lot was that one which of all that befall human beings is perhaps the most to be dreaded-the being left and orphan of tender years to be thrust out upon the cold charities of the world, among strangers, with the consequent neglect and ill treatment which is almost sure to follow. Yet from such a fate Mr. De Vore struggled manfully up to a position of standing in his community, pos- sessed of a comfortable competence and, what is still better, the good will and esteem of all his neighbors. It is pleasant to talk or write about such men and no doubt a brief summary of his career will be pursued with interest.
In the early half of the nineteenth century there lived in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, a French family by the name of De Vore, who had arrived with the first settlers of that section. Among their children, born after the location in Tuscarawas, was a son called William, who after reaching maturity was married to Fannie Alford, a native of the adjoining county of Carroll. This couple lived but a few years after their marraige, and at their death left four helpless children, the youngest of which was only six months old. Of these three are now living and one of them is the subject of this sketch. One brother, supposed to be still living, has not been seen or heard from since the separation in childhood. George W. De Vore was born in Carroll county, July 4, 1840, and at the time his parents died was but seven years of age. He met the usual fate of orphans by being cast among strangers to be reared and his education was so badly neglected that he was compelled later in life to educate himself by reading with the assistance of his wife. After a life of bitter struggle and privations he at length found himself at the age of nineteen confronted with the problem of obtaining a means of livelihood. In 1859 he arrived in Hancock county, not only without money, but with a debt of eight dollars hanging over him, which to this inexperienced wan- (lerer at that time seemed as heavy as a mountain. But young DeVore was
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made of the stuff that is proof against hardship and which eventually never fails to rescue its possessor from the most trying environments. He set to work and though his tasks were arduous and but ill requitted he found steady labor, the true panacea for most of the ills of life. His wife's parents gave them forty acres of land in the wilds of Putnam county, which had cost them three hundred dollars. Mr. De Vore built on this, cleared and improved it and in time sold it for one thousand dollars. At a later period he bought one hundred and ninety acres of good land in Hancock county, and this estate, which is situated in Blanchard township, constitutes his present place of residence. In March, 1865, Mr. De Vore enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Ninety-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until honorably discharged at the close of the war. He has held several township offices and taken a modest part in public affairs of a local nature. His religious affiliations are with the United Brethren church and his fraternal connections with the Odd Fellows, Daughters of Rebecca and Lindsay Post No. 75, Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. De Vore was happy in his selection of a wife, his choice being Mary Jane Braze, to whom he was united July 1, 1860. This lady not only per- formed all her marital duties with unwearying affection but was helpful in enabling her husband to obtain a good English education. She was born June 20, 1840, of French parents, and passed away March I, 1901, with- out making an enemy during her long and blameless life. This union proved as fruitful as it was happy, the household being brightened by the following list of children : John W., born in 1861; James Isaac, born in 1864; George C., born in 1868; David A., 1871; Henry Raven, 1873; Lillie M., 1876; Samuel H., 1879; Mary E., 1881; and Jennie A., 1883. It remains only to be added that George W. De Vore is a man of integrity, lionest in all his dealings and a selfmade man in the best sense of those words.
JEFFERSON ROLLER.
This gentleman is one of the prosperous farmers of Big Lick town- ship, where, in partnership with his brother Thomas, he owns and culivates two hundred and forty acres of valuable land. The founder of this family in Ohio was William Roller, who purchased about nine hundred acres of land in the early part of the nineteenth century. At his death this land, all of which he had retained and much more, was distributed equally among his children. William Roller rose to a position of prominence and influ- ence in his county, and for a number of years held the important office of
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associate judge. One of his children was Wilson Roller, who came to Han- cock county in 1834, was married to Mary Thomas in 1839, and located where their son Jefferson now resides. He became influential in local affairs, held several township offices and was regarded as a model citizen. He was born in 1817, and died in 1871, while his wife's death occurred in 1894, at the age of seventy-three years. Of their family of eight children five are living, namely : Nancy, Jane, Jefferson, Thomas and W. C.
Jefferson Roller was born December 6, 1848, on the farm which he now owns in Hancock county, Ohio. He was reared and educated in his native township and has never followed any other business excepting that of agri- culture. In this, however, he has achieved marked success, being regarded as one of the most progressive and enterprising farmers in this section of county. The esteem felt for him by his fellow citizens is indicated by the fact that they have repeatedly elected him to local offices. For seven years he held the office of township trustee and at the present time is township treasurer.
In 1872 Mr. Roller was united in marriage to Miss Letitia Roberts and this union, which has been a happy one in all respects, resulted in the birth of two children,-Lyman L. and Clyd W. Mrs. Roller died March 29, 1874, and in 1890 Mr. Roller took a second wife in the person of Miss Nellie Ault. By this marriage there have been six children : Alma, James, Dewey, Mary, Ruth and Florence. Mr. Roller is a member of the Order of Ben Hur, and takes an active interest both in the social and business affairs of the community in which he resides.
M. C. YOUNG.
Though a resident of Hancock county only fourteen years the above named gentleman is well established as one of the enterprising farmers of Big Lick township. The family from which he comes is of German origin, and its representatives have been people of such quiet worth as to deserve more than passing notice. George Young, a successful farmer of Stark county, Ohio, died at the age of eighty-eight years, leaving a son named Daniel. The latter, a native of Stark county, was also a farmer by occu- pation, and died in the place of his nativity when sixty-four years old. He married Mary Darr, who still survives, and whose children gave her a sur- prise party September 3, 1902, in honor of her eighty-third birthday. M. C. Young, one of the children of this venerable lady, was born in Stark county, Ohio, June 18, 1854, and lived there until the thirty-fourth year of
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his age. His training was that of a farmer's boy and his education such as is obtainable in the district schools. In 1888 he came to Hancock county, and after renting land for several years purchased the farm of fifty-eight acres in Big Lick township where he has resided since 1895. This place has been much improved by Mr. Young, and everything about the farm gives evidence of thrift and prosperity. He soon gained the esteem of his neigh- bors by his honorable dealings and has been honored by election to several of the important local offices. As a farmer he is progressive in his methods, up-to-date in improvements of all kinds and well informed concerning the de- tails of his business. The Youngs have always been noted for their peace- loving disposition, and its is said there has not been a law suit in the family for three generations. The brother of Mr. Young's mother gave his life to his country in the hour of need, and on both sides of the house the repre- sentatives of this worthy family have always proved patriotic citizens.
In 1876 Mr. Young married Miss Amanda E. Stands, born in Stark county, Ohio, May 9, 1856, concerning whose family relations a word or two will prove of interest. Her grandfather, Leonard Stands, was of Ger- man descent and followed the occupation of a cooper in the state of Penn- sylvania. His son, Henry Stands, who was born in Pennsylvania, learned the trade of a weaver, but became a farmer in the latter part of his life. He married Lydia Holin, of Stark county, who died at the age of seventy-five, while her husabnd's death occurred January 24, 1886, when he was seventy- four years old. Mr. and Mrs. Young have four children living: Sylvia O., Esta E., Nelson R. and Eva M. Emery A. and Mary A., died when quite small. There is no more pleasant household in Big Lick township than that of Mr. Young, nor any citizen of that community who enjoys or deserves more general esteem.
J. H. BENNER.
In 1845, shortly after his marriage to Caroline Fenstermaker, Israel Benner came into Hancock county for the purpose of seeking a permanent home. Though possessed of little of this world's goods he was master of a useful trade, was of an industrious disposition and as work was then plenti- ful in his line he soon began to make material headway. Israel's handi- craft was that of a carpenter, and as there was considerable building in pro- gress at that time in Hancock county he was never at a loss for steady em- ployment. Land was also cheap at that period of the county's history, and Israel Benner had little difficulty in securing possession of eighty acres in
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Union township, on which he built the regulation log cabin and set up housekeeping after the matter of fact style peculiar to pioneers. As his sons grew up they assisted in the work, so that in course of time the original eighty had been increased to one hundred and twenty acres of land, and the Benners were in independent circumstances. The farm, of course, was greatly improved by cultivation, fencing and building, and eventually be- came quite a cosy as well as valuable home. By the fact that he held sev- eral offices in the township, including that of trustee, it is evident that Israel Benner stood well with his neighbors and was a man of consequence in the community. In early life he had been admitted into the Evangelical church, but later joined the United Brethren, and his daily life was in keeping with the tenets of Christianinty, which teach honesty of purpose and integrity of conduct. Israel Benner's wife died September 10, 1873, but it was not until twenty years later that he himself was claimed by the "grim reaper," to whom all, sooner or later, must yield. This worthy couple had nine chil- dren, of whom eight are still living, and seven of these are residents of Han- cock county.
J. H. Benner, one of the eldest sons, was born on his father's farm in Hancock county, Ohio, in 1850, and as he grew up learned to handle the tools used in the carpenter's trade. He proved an apt pupil, and after com- pleting his apprenticeship engaged regularly in all kinds of work embraced in the ocupation of a journeyman carpenter. He prospered, as did his father before him, and eventually was able to make some real estate inves- ments on his own account. His first purchase was in 1872, when he became owner of eighty acres of land in Union township, which he improved con- siderably during the next twelve years and in 1884 disposed of by sale. Being "footloose" for the time Mr. Benner concluded to travel and see some- thing of the great western country of which he had heard so much. Cer- tain influences drew him to the state of Kansas and, being pleased with the outlook, he invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land with a view of making his permanent home in that section. This was in 1885, and during the following twelve years Mr. Benner industriously cultivated his farm in Kansas, where agricultural conditions differed considerably from those with which he had been familiar in Ohio. He became popular while residing among the Kansans and was honored by his neighbors with elections as justice of the peace and clerk of the school board. After giving Kansas a fair trial, how- ever, Mr. Benner concluded that he liked Ohio better, and so in 1897 we find him again eastward bound on his way to the place of his nativity. After returning to his old home he purchased the one hundred and sixty acres of
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land in Union township which constitutes his present homestead and which he devotes to general farming and stock raising. He ranks well both as a farmer and business man, while all admit that in his line there is no better mechanic in the county than J. H. Benner.
In 1870 he married Mary P., daughter of John C. and Elizabeth Smith, and the result of this union was an only son, whose birth occurred in 1871. This son, whose name is William S. Benner, grew to be an industrious and worthy man and is associated with his father in cultivating the home farm. In 1890 he married Miss Mary Jackall, by whom he has had six children, and of these there are five living. The family are members of the Methodist Protestant church, in which the father holds the position of trustee.
W. C. WEBSTER.
The above named, who is one of the busy men of Hancock county, is owner and proprietor of a saw mill situated on the Sandusky road about three miles east of the city of Findlay, in Marion township. This mill was built by Mathew Giles Gillespie. It was burned in 1896, but was rebuilt in the same year. Mr. Webster manufactures common native lumber. His mill is of the modern variety, and has a capacity of 10,000 feet per day. The engine which he uses for power is a machine of forty-five horse-power strength. Mr. Webster is a native of Franklin county, Ohio, where he was born June 30, 1854. He passed the period of adolesence in his home county, receiving a good education in the common schools, where he was an apt and a progressive pupil, which fact accounts in part, at least, for his superior business qualities. He has kept himself in touch with the public affairs of his time and has held some of the township offices, having been clerk for a number of years between 1875 and 1900. The married life of Mr. Web- ster dates from October, 1886, at which time he was joined in wedlock to Miss Clara L., the daughter of H. C. and A. E. Cook, of Franklin county, Ohio. The union, which has been one of great felicity, has been blessed with five children, four of whom are now living: Abbie C., Edward C., Lucy M., and Cloyce C., the latter deceased. The mother of this family, Mrs. Clara L. Webster, was born in Franklin county, in 1854. The subject of this sketch is the son of Edward and Cornelia (Taylor) Webster. His father was a farmer, but died in early life, when his wife married Mathew Gillespie, a mechanic of ability. He followed milling extensively, at which he was an adept. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are looked upon as among the best citizens of Hancock county and are the center of a large circle of friends.
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FRANCIS M. LEWIS.
The gentleman above mentioned is a representative of that class, not infrequently met with in the Ohio Valley, who literally cut his way to pros- perity with an ax. In other words he is one who started in the world with- out other capital than his health and strength, but by dint of many hard blows and unswerving perseverance eventually established for himself a comforta- ble home and accumulated a handsome property. It is self-made men of this kind, unpretentious and unassuming, who constitute the real strength of every community. They are the yeomanry who have done the hard work which converted the western wilderness into a terrestrial paradise, and on them the state and nation always rely in their hour of trial. The Lewis fam- ily has been long resident in Hancock county and its members have ever been esteemed as among the most worthy citizens. George W. and Elizabeth (Roe) Lewis left their native state of Pennsylvania and made their way in 1854 to Hancock county, of which they become permanent residents .. George was an industrious man, saving of his means and steady of habit, and in the course of time established a comfortable home for himself and family. He enjoyed the good will of his neighbors and was one of the loyal citizens of Hancock county until his death, which occurred October 17, 1896, his wife still surviving at a venerable age and enjoying increased esteem in the social circle to which she belongs. Of their sixteen children there are seven still living and four of these are residents of Hancock county. Among the latter is Francis M. Lewis, the subject of this sketch, who was born in Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania, November 5, 1849. He had few school advant- ages in youth, owing to the necessity of working to assist his parents, and later to make his own living. For a number of years he "worked out," as the phrase goes, by the day or month, but being sober, prudent and economical he managed to save his wages until they amounted to a sum large enough to enable him to make an investment on his own account. In 1878, therefore, he purchased his present farm of ninety acres in Big Lick township, which he proceeded to cultivate with energy, and by good management has converted it into a fine property. He devotes his place to what is called general farm- ing, that is, he raises the standard crops and sufficient stock to supply his own wants besides a small surplus for the market. September 27, 1874, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Mary M., daughter of James and Rachel Cole, and his home life with this good woman was always pleasant and happy. From time to time their household was brightened by the advent of offspring until ten children surrounded the hearthstone. These, with the names and
ce M. Lavis
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dates of birth, are thus recorded in the family register: Raymond W., Au- gust 23, 1875; Lida R., December 6, 1876; Lulie D., November 13, 1878, now deceased; Pliebe J., August 2, 1880; James R., January 2, 1882; Marion E., November 8, 1884; Frosa O., November 22, 1886; Jolin B., December 17, 1887; Lemuel J., May 29, 1889; Ralph M., September 20, 1892. The mother of this interesting family was born in Delaware, May 20, 1851, and after a useful life as wife and mother passed peacefully to her final rest of June 18, 1894. Mr. Lewis has served his township in the offices of trustee, supervisor and school director and discharged his duties with such conscien- tious integrity as to gain the general esteem of his constituents. He is a con- sistent member of the United Brethren church and is a sample of that practical Christianity which carries the best precepts of religion into the affairs of every day life. In other words he treats others as he would have them treat him, and this, after all, is the real substance of "the law and the prophets." As a man and citizen true to himself and others in all the relations of life, no one in Hancock county stands better than Francis M. Lewis.
JOHN BRENNER.
The agricultural element of Hancock county cannot be surpassed for their high character as loyal citizens, and one of the worthiest of their num- ber is John Brenner, who resides in Cass township, where he owns and cul- tivates a farm of two hundred and eighty-seven acres. His birth occurred in Washington township, October 12, 1846. His father, who wrote his name both as Mathews and Matthias Brenner, and his mother, Caroline Mauser, were natives of Germany, who emigrated to this country in 1838. Mathews or Matthias Brenner was born February 7, 18II, and his wife four years later. In early life in his own country he learned the blacksmith trade, at which he worked with much success in the country of his adoption. He lived in various places, but finally settled in Stark county, Ohio, where he remained up to 1843, in. which year he settled in Washington township, purchasing thirty acres of land, twenty acres of which he cleared. As .he prospered he added to the original purchase, and at his death was in posses- sion of a farm of eighty acres, which he had brought to a very high state of cultivation and on which he had many handsome improvements. Mathews Brenner was a skilled mechanic, and a man of sound principles and a de- vout member of the Lutheran church, to which he gave a most liberal sup- port. He was possessed of more than average intelligence and, though pur- stiing an exacting occupation in early life, had become master of several
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