USA > Ohio > Hancock County > A centennial biographical history of Hancock County, Ohio > Part 61
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Of their family of twelve children five are still living, including Samuel B. Thomas, the subject of this sketch, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, July 9. 1822. At the age of twelve years he moved with his parents to Han- cock county, where he was brought up to do all kinds of farm work and re- mained at home until 1847. In that ycar he was married to Miss Elizabeth
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Struble, by whom he had three children: Mary A., Bradford and Alma, the latter deceased. In 1845 Mr. Thomas purchased the farm on which he now resides, consisting of eighty acres, which he has brought to a high state of cul- tivation and devotes to general farming. He has greatly improved the place in every respect, especially by the erection of substantial buildings, con- structed on the most modern plan and especially adapted to the duties for which they are designed. Everybody speaks of Samuel B. Thomas as a suc- cessful citizen who can be relied upon to meet every contract, whether it be in writing or not, and he conscientiously performs every duty to his fellow man both in public and in private life.
CHARLES S. JOHNSTON.
This gentleman is conspicuous in Marion township as the owner of a valuable dairy farm cansisting of one hundred and twenty acres, which is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. He keeps thirty cows of a superior Jersey breed, mostly registered, besides a lot of young stock. He deals extensively in cream and sells twenty gallons of this product per day.
His parents were David and Elizabeth (Griggs) Johnston, the former born in Fairfield county, Ohio, January 19, 1819, and the latter in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, August 14. 1823. They were married in Fairfield county, and in 1853 removed to Hancock county, where they located on the farm now owned by their son, H. H. Johnston, who also conducts an exten- sive dairy. The eighty acres originally purchased contained but few im- provements, but in the course of years this land was cleared and made valuable. Commodious buildings were erected and other changes made, which have brought the farm up to the highest standard characteristic of that section of Ohio. Mr. Johnston, both in his private and business life, enjoys the reputation of being a good, honest and trustworthy man, who not only preaches but practices the golden rule. He was a consistent member of the United Brethren church, in which he held the position of class-leader and also other offices of importance. His house had the reputation of being the "preachers' home," owing to the fact that Mr. Johnston so often and so hospitably entertained the gentlemen of the cloth. This worthy man died in 1883, but his widow still survives and is enjoying the evening of life surrounded by hosts of friends and children, who regard her with the utmost affection. The latter, four in number, are named as follows: Sam- uel, born in October, 1844; Mary A., born July 15, 1846, and is now de- ceased ; Charles S., born May 30, 1848; and H. H. The great-great-grand-
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mother of Mrs. Elizabeth Johnston was a Miss Huffman, of royal blood and an English princess, who during the uprising in Ireland fell in love with an Irish nobleman, but he being outside the royal family his wife was disin- herited and afterward fled with her husband to America, where their de- scendants became valiant soldiers in defense of American independence dur- ing the Revolutionary struggle.
Charles S. Johnston, the third of the children in order of birth and the subject of this sketch, grew up on the farm and became thoroughly familiar with all the details connected with agricultural pursuits. He has held a position of prominence and influence both in business and political circles, serving as justice of the peace and a member of the county executive Re- publican committee for a number of years. He is rather fond of politics and always takes an active interest in the political contests, both local and general. On October 20, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth, a daugh- ter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Miller) Connor, and the result of this union, which has been an ideally happy one, has been the birth of eight children : Winifred M., the eldest of these, is now a practicing physician in Findlay ; Effie and Jennie are dead; Edward and Fred are twins; D. M .; William M .; and Frank, deccased.
Mr. Johnston purchased the farm which he is now conducting in 1887. and has greatly improved it by the erection of the commodious residence and other valuable buildings especially adapted to the dairy business. In addition to being regarded as an up-to-date farmer and successful stock-raiser Mr. Jolinston ranks as one of the most popular citizens of his township.
CHARLES BEAMER.
A mention of the prominent farmers of Washington township would hardly be complete without noting the name of this representative of the agricultural interests, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and ninety acres. The family of which he is an honored representative is of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. He is the son of George and Elizabeth (Study) Beamer. George Beamer was born in the state of Maryland in 1791, and Elizabeth Study was born in Pennsylvania in 1809. They married in Penn- sylvania, where they lived for a number of years, and in 1848 located in Hancock county, Ohio. Mr. George Beamer had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and in compensation he received, besides his regular pay, a grant of land from the government. He located on a farm of eighty acres of virgin soil, upon which he built the usual log cabin, and endured all the hardships
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which were the lot of the hardy band of pioneers of that early day. George Beamer, like most of his neighbors, was a poor man, but he was not to be kept poor, for he was hard working, honest and trustworthy, qualities which coupled with a keen business judgment and foresight, made him successful in the securing of a competence. He was not a man who sought office, but de- lighted in the support of the principles of the Democratic party. His family consisted of twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity but two, and seven of this number survive at the present writing, whose names are as fol- lows: Eve, Mary A., Barbara, George, William, Charles and Addison. The father of this family died in 1868, his wife having lived a period of six years longer.
Charles Beamer was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, July 10, 1838, and as he was ten years old when his parents came to Hancock county, most of his education was received in Big Lick township. He has fitted himself by years of toil and varied experience for his vocation in life, that of a farmer, and has proved himself pre-eminently successful. When he became of age he went out in the world with a full determination to reach the climax before the evening of life overtook him. The evidences of forethought, energy and push are seen in his well kept farm, and in his handsome and convenient buildings. As he remarked to the writer himself "the whole state of Ohio was bequeathed to me at my majority that I might make a living in it." In 1862 when his country needed men true and loyal to defend the integrity of the Union and prevent its disruption, he patriotically responded to his country's call. As a member of Company G, One Hundred and Eight- eenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he battled for three years for the supremacy of "old glory." During that time he participated in the following battles : Mossy Creek, Nashville, Buzzards Roost, Franklin, Fort Fisher, and many minor engagements and skirmishes. During all that period he was faithful to his trust and was honorably discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1865, with a knowledge that he had done his duty to the country he so much loved. For four years following the war he resided at home, but in 1869 he purchased his father's property in Big Lick township, buying out the heirs. This property he has so remodeled and improved as to make it appear almost as another place. The property, it might be noted here, was formerly the home of Michael Roller.
Mr. Beamer is popular in the political arena, having served honorably and successfully as a trustee of his township, has been a member of the school board for long years, and is ever ready to take part in any enterprise that Jooks to the improvement of the citizens of his community. He was mar-
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ried in November of 1866, to Miss Lucinda, the daughter of Moses and Mary McAnelly. His children are as follows: Perry, Lewis, Corlin, Irene and Mary E. Mrs. Beamer is a native of the township in which she resides, having been there born in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Beamer stand high in the community where they have so long made their home, and no citizens of Big Lick township are more highly honored or respected.
ISAAC TEATSORTH.
Isaac Teatsorth is the descendant of James and Margaret Thompson Teatsorth, who were natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born September 4, 1802, the latter November 6, 1804. They married Sep- tember 14, 1826, and removed in early life to Harrison county, Ohio, where they remained a number of years, and where some of their children were born. In 1833 they removed to Findlay, Ohio, where they located, and James being an experienced miller, erected and operated a mill for the manufacture of various kinds of bread stuffs. In this business he prospered, his mill hav- ing been located where now stands the building in which the people belonging to the Church of God worship. In 1849, when the California fever was at its height, he made the journey to that country, where in a few years he amassed wealth enough to answer as a competence for the remainder of his days. He returned to Findlay and purchased a substantial home, where he lived out the remainder of his days, dying November 3, 1880. His wife lived until 1886, when on the 27th of September, she also died. In politics James Teat- sorth was a Democrat, and while he made no pretensions as a professor of religion, he was an upright man in his private life. His family numbered nine children, four of whom are living: Ganett, who was born in 1828; Isaac, the subject of this sketch, who was born on May 1, 1830; Abraham, born in 1832; and the youngest son, James, born in 1846.
Isaac, whose name heads this biography, is one of the well known and substantial men of his township, where for twenty-five years he has success- fully carried on milling. He was born in Harrison county, Ohio, and re- moved with his father to Findlay when only three years of age. He does not remember when he did not know something about a grist mill, being so intimately connected with his father from a very early period in his boyhood, and the latter, indeed, left him to attend to the running of the establishment much of the time. His education was received at Findlay in the common schools.
He was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of Henry and Maria Folk,
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on May 30, 1856. To the union were born Elida, April 3, 1857; Charles, deceased, born August 30, 1858; Emma E., August 21, 1860; Sophia W., deceased, born November 9, 1862, Henry L., deceased, born July 4, 1865 ; George W., August 27, 1873; Clyde R., deceased, born February 19, 1875. Our subject removed from Findlay in 1874, and located in Hardin county, Ohio, where for the next two years he engaged in milling. On June 25, 1876, he purchased his present home and mill property. He man- ufactures all kinds of flour and feed, the mill having a capacity of one hun- dred barrels per day. In 1901 the city of Findlay purchased his dam privileges, since which time he has retired from active business. Mr. Teat- sorth has four oil wells on his place, and his own home is lighted and warmed from his own wells. Mrs. Teatsorth is a lady of many gentle traits of character, and was born in Perry county, Ohio, April 3, 1833. Her father, Henry Folk, died July 28, 1878, having lived to the advanced age of seventy- five years. Her mother, Maria Folk, died June 17, 1842, at a very early age. Her grandfather, Nicholas Folk, was one of the early settlers of his section of the state, having entered his one hundred and sixty acres in 1831.
ISAAC M. GREENE.
Isaac M. Greene is the son of a veteran in more ways than one. His father was one of the first settlers of Hancock county and one of those who sacrificed time, prospects and life for their country upon the field of battle. On the maternal side Isaac is descended from the Hollenbacks of Fairfield county, where both his parents were born. John Greene, the father, was a farmer and sawyer who spent the best years of his manhood in leveling the forest and making the wilderness a fit place for civilization. When the struggle between the north and the south was on, he entered the One Hun- dred and Eighteenth Ohio Regiment of Volunteer Infantry for three years of active service. He lost his right arm in battle, and though small attention was paid to it at the time, he never fully recovered from the shock and in 1877 died from the effects of his wound. His wife Catherine is still alive. Seven of his nine children are living, four in Hancock county.
Isaac M. Greene has always lived in this county. He was born August 10, 1852, and got his education at home and in the district school. He very early went to farming, and has always been a hard worker and an honest man. He is thoroughly progressive and is now busily engaged in improving a new farm of eighty acres bought in 1902. On February 18, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Percy Handshy, a daughter of
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Sebastian and Sarah Handshy, early settlers of this county. She was one of nine children, of whom five are living. Mrs. Greene was born in this county in 1850. She has made for her husband a very happy home. Once has a shadow come into their wedded life. On February 19, 1900, the angel of death hovered near and bore away the nineteen year old son Ira. Two sons only remain to them; they are: Hiram L., born February 5, 1876; and Marion O., born May 29, 1883. Ira A. was born on January 26, 1881, Mr. Greene belongs to the "Christian Union."
GEORGE M. GOODMAN.
This gentleman is one of the younger agriculturists of Hancock county, but has by his superior ability in the farming line and by consistent and earnest effort established for himself a reputation in that class not surpassed by many of the older farmers of the county. He resides in Marion township, and conducts an estate of six hundred acres of very valuable farming land. He was born in the township and on the present farm on the 24th of Novem- ber, 1872. He is a man of superior education and intelligence, having had the advantages of both the lower and the higher grades of the Findlay public schools, and to this was added a course in the best business college in this section. He selected the vocation of a farmer from choice rather than from necessity. He is a young man of very great promise, and a bright future greets his progressive steps.
In matters of religious faith Mr. Goodman is an active supporter of the Methodist church, and is found ready at all times to give his support and influence to any enterprise that promises to advance the educational and re- ligious life of the community. To preside over his home he selected Miss Bertha Hayes, the date of the marriage being October 19, 1900. She is a young lady of many graces of character, accomplished in manner, and of the very best breeding. She is the daughter of John C. and Calixta Hayes, and was born and reared in Hancock county.
Mr. Goodman is the son of Lawrence and Barbara ( Mack) Goodman. The Goodmans are of German descent, the father having been a native of the fatherland, while the mother was born in Fairfield county, Ohio. Lawrence Goodman was a child of eight years when he crossed the ocean with his par- ents. They located in Marion township, where his father Joseph purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land and engaged in agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life. The Goodmans have always been sup- porters of the Lutheran church. The father of our subject was reared with
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such advantages of education as could be procured in that early day. He was a first class business man and a practical and successful farmer. When he arrived at maturity, he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Marion town- ship, and at intervals added to this original farm, until he became the owner of nine hundred acres. This was accomplished by hard personal labor on the farm rather than by any of the arts known to business. He combined with a cool head and fine judgment as to the future development of the country a splendid physical constitution. In connection with the accumulation of real estate in the country he early saw the advantage of investing in city real estate, and thus accumulated considerable property in Findlay. He died at the comparatively early age of fifty-six years in May, 1901. He had married twice, two children having come to him during his first marriage, and four by his second. The mother of our subject was his first wife.
A. H. SMITH
Well known in Hancock county, Mr. Smith is a worthy representative of its farming interests, and is a man whose sterling traits of character have made him popular with his business or social connections. He resides in Cass township on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which he devotes to general produce. He was born in Big Lick township October 1, 1852, and is the son of George W. and Mary (Hoyt) Smith, both of whom are natives of New York state. His father is of Scotch parentage. This couple came to Hancock county, in 1844, and located in Big Lick township, purchas- ing a farm of two hundred acres, most of which was in its primitive wild state. During his residence in the county George W. Smith made a reputa- tion for honest dealing, and filled in his time several of the township offices with credit. He was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was an active worker, having been for many years a member of the governing board of that organization. Politically he favored the policies of the Republican party. His birth occurred in 1821, and he died in Hancock county in 1893; his wife, Mary, was born in 1819 and survived him, dying at the age of seventy-five. Their family numbered : Mary A., Aurilla, Amelia, A. H., M. C., Elmer J., Arabelle, and Myrtie.
A. H. Smith, who forms the subject of this review, received his early training and education in the township schools of Big Lick township, and with the exception of eight years spent in Findlay in handling agricultural implements his life has been devoted entirely to agricultural pursuits. He purchased his present farm in 1886, on which he has since resided. He
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farms largely on the intensive plan, using a rotation of crops to enrich his fields, and is a lover of good stock, of which he has a large number on his farm. On December 1, 1873, he was united in marriage to Maggie A., daughter of Eli and Susanna Nead, and born on the farm where she now re- sides. To this union there was no issue. The circle of friends of which Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the center is extensive, and the regard in which they are held in their community is uniform.
GEORGE W. ELSEA.
One of the leading farmers and influential citizens of Marion township, Hancock county, for a long period of years, was this gentleman, George W. Elsea, now deceased. He resided on a farm in Marion township containing one hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable land, and during his life time devoted his entire attention to its cultivation. The date of his birth was May 17, 1842, the place being Eagle township in this county. Here he was reared and educated, and here he also began active life as a farmer. His parents were Moses and Mary A. Elsea, both of whom were natives of Pick- away county, Ohio, and subsequently removed to Hancock county. They in their time were among the substantial and practical people of the country, and reared a family of useful and respected children, who continue to honor the name.
When George W. came to maturity he adopted the calling of his people before him, and removed to the farm on which his widow now resides, in 1868. During the time of his residence there, he made vast improvements, erecting many modern buildings, and in other respects improved the farm, making it one of the most desirable rural homes in the county. He was a most practical farmer, and in his public relations was a loyal citizen and in his private relations a true and loving husband and father. He was greatly devoted to the church, having very early in life connected himself with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. During his life it was his delight to devote his talents to the cause of the Master in his lay position. He served for a long period of years as Sunday-school superintendent, and for much of his life was the main stay of the local church.
In 1863 he married Miss Mary A., the daughter of Jacob and Susannalı Altman. This lady was born on the 5th of October, 1842, and belonged to one of the old and most respected families of Hancock county, whose history will be read elsewhere in this volume. She bore our subject five children, as follows: William S., born December 13, 1868, married Carry Essex, and to
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this union have been born, Clarence, Edith, Philip and Leonard; Lemuel G., April 2, 1871, married Jennie Shuck, and they have one child, Eva; Mary N., May 27, 1874; Amanda J., April 12, 1878, married Mr. R. B. Hempy ; and Lawrence A., August 6, 1880. Mrs. Elsea resides upon the old home farnı, and continues to merit the love and esteem of her children and neighbors.
JOHN W. ZELLER.
Twenty-five years continuous service as superintendent of schools of the city of Findlay is evidence quite sufficient to mark Professor Zeller as a prom- inent figure in the educational interests of the great state of Ohio. During all of that period he has been prominently connected with every movement that had for its object the forwarding of educational interests, not only in his own state, but in the country at large. He is now and has been for years in close touch with the master minds in the educational fields of our country, and is a man who has done a very large amount of personal work in securing the excellent and unsurpassed school system with which the citizens of Find- lay are favored.
We do not desire to present the life history of Professor Zeller here as presenting any points which are particularly remarkable. It, however, will not be without its value, as it may teach some youth the fact that only per- sistent effort is necessary to advance himself in the educational field. Pro- fessor Zeller was born in Union township, Hancock county, January 22, 1849. The period of boyhood was passed on the farm, on which he engaged in its activities, there building the physical frame and laying the foundation of that health which has always attended him subsequently. He attended the country school of his district during the winter time until he was seven- teen years of age. At that period he felt qualified to enter the active duties of the school room as a teacher, and for the next six years he was found in the school room in the winter and during the summer in the activities of the farm, and in further enriching his mind for the profession of teaching. He later entered the Ohio State Normal University, at Ada, and in 1874 com- pleted the course, being a member of the first graduating class of that insti- tution. His first work in the profession after graduation was undertaken in Grant, Logan county, Ohio, where he organized the public schools of the village and was superintendent for two years. Not satisfied with his equip- ment, Professor Zeller, entered Mount Union College, where he com- pleted the philosophical course, and was given the degree of Ph. B. In
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passing it is worthy of note to remark here that this college in 1885 conferred on him the degree of Ph. M .; in 1891 he began a political science course at Ann Arbor for the degree of Ph. D., but not being able to complete that course since their rules required a year's residence at the school, Professor Zeller finished the course at Findlay College, and received from this institu- tion in 1892 the degree of Ph. D. After receiving his degree from Mount Union College in 1876, Professor Zeller prosecuted his studies still further at the Ohio Normal University, where he took up the study of languages, also acting as a tutor in the university.
It was in the summer of 1877 that the first election of Professor Zeller as superintendent of the public schools of Findlay occurred. He entered upon the work with enthusiasm, and it was but a very brief period until the public schools of Findlay began to be noted over the state as being peculiarly excel- lent, and this reputation has since clung to the school. When Professor Zeller took charge of the Findlay schools, the population of Findlay was only a little over four thousand inhabitants, and there was a corps of sixteen teachers, with fifteen schools, all contained in three buildings. To-day there are eighty-two teachers connected with the schools, fourteen buildings and seventy-four rooms exclusive of the magnificent high school building, which has a faculty of eight teachers. All of these buildings are of the most substantial nature, being built of brick, and furnished with every kind of apparatus that is neces- sary for the conduct of a modern up-to-date school. The value of the three buildings when Professor Zeller took charge was but $45,000. The figures which cover the valuation to-day are $300,000. All this advance has been made under the efficient administration of Professor Zeller. During these years the city has grown from a village of four thousand inhabitants to a city of twenty thousand, and the number of school children has increased from eight hundred to about four thousand. The one thing, however, which among others is probably the greatest monument to the labor and zeal of Pro- fessor Zeller is the superb high school building finished in 1901, at a cost of about $65,000. This building is one of the best in the United States, being equipped with every convenience and necessity from a sanitary standpoint, and stands as a monument to the public spirit of the citizens of Findlay. It contains besides all the modern conveniences for the health and comfort of the three hundred and fifty high school pupils a handsome auditorium with a seating capacity of one thousand, which is not only used by the pupils for assembly purposes, but brings an annual income of $600 a year as a place for the holding of public entertainments. This money is set aside for replenish- ing the high school library and for the decoration of the rooms. The heating
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