USA > Ohio > Richland County > A centennial biographical history of Richland county, Ohio > Part 35
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
Intimate with literary work and arduous in it and everything of interest and value to her native city, she was, on the death of Mrs. Perkins Bigelow, who was one of the charter members of the Memorial Library Association, elected to fill her place as a trustee. She was elected the treasurer and was a trustee continuously from her first election until her decease. She knew this work thoroughly, having acted at intervals as substitute librarian and given much of her time and attention to it. Though the youngest on the
335
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
board of trustees, her opinion had great weight in shaping the wise councils of that body, which has given the city an auxiliary of which every citizen is proud, and which undoubtedly is a source of more permanent benefit to the city than any one of its institutions, the public schools alone being excepted. In the words of her associates, "She came into the board of trustees in the grace of girlhood and has grown into the wider influence of a winsome womanhood. Amid innumerable demands upon her time and attention she has given most generously of her time and thought to the library. There was no display, but the strength of practical common sense united with a large sense of justice. There was a certain poise, the equilibrium of a clear- thinking mind, that made her a safe counselor. In her earnest character and conscientious work we have marked 'the high-featured beauty of plain de- votedness to duty.'" ,
Few women of her ability shrank more from the publicity of her work. Her public work, while engaging her whole heart, always cost her a great effort of the will. The explanation of this was found in her almost abject self-depreciation. As is usually the case, this is the truest index of superior talent and ability : "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted." She saw and heard so much that the whole world calls the best in art, literature and music, that her own feeble efforts seldom won her reasonable regard. Yet enthusiastic appreciation and a high regard for the efforts of others was her strongest characteristic and was the key to her sweet and lovable nature. Whether in the daily routine, the social function, auxiliary work of the church, literary club work or neighborly kindness, she showed always the kindly re- gard for the thought, intent and achievement of others that is the fruit of true culture and a pure soul, in accord with its environments, physical, mental and spiritual. Blessed with perfect health, even the mere joy of living was a daily ecstacy to her ; and it has always seemed an inscrutable providence of God to remove so early a life of such pure and wholesome influence. Though young and her life potential of much greater good, yet she left on her asso- ciates and town the indelible stamp of a perfectly symmetrical, sympathetic, cultured Christian character that is the richest of earthly rewards. "A personality so strong and well poised leaves an impress that years do not efface ;" and those who knew her best and felt her influence strongest laid on the smouldering altar of her quenched life the fragrant incense of a sincere love that is its own best measure.
336
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
BENJAMIN F. WHARTON.
Actively associated with the farming interests of Richland county, Mr. Wharton is the owner of a valuable tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres in Butler township. He has his place under a high state of cultivation, the fields being well tilled, while substantial buildings and all modern acces- sories add to the value and attractive appearance of the place. In his farming methods he is progressive, keeping the soil productive through the rotation of crops and thus annually garnering rich harvests.
Mr. Wharton is a native son of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Ash- land county, on the 28th of February, 1851. His father, John Wharton, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1781, and in his youth was inured to the work of the farmn. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Mary Holtz and later he came to the Buckeye state, locating in Ashland county, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he resided until about a year prior to his death, when he sold that property and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Weller township, Richland county, where he died twelve months later. His first wife passed away many years previously, and he afterward wedded Anna McMillan, who was born June 6, 1814, in Jefferson county, Ohio, and removed with her parents to Ashland county during her girlhood. She died March 26, 1900, in the eighty- sixth year of her age, having spent the last decade of her earthly pilgrimage among her children. In the family were ten children, of whom three are living, namely : Thomas, a resident farmer of Ashland county ; Hulbert J., who is living in Mansfield, Ohio; and Benjamin F. In the community where they resided the family were prominent and well known. The father gave his political support to the Democracy and was honored with a number of town- ship offices. He held membership in the Presbyterian church and his life was in harmony with his professions. In 1860 he was called to his final rest, his second wife surviving him for about forty years.
Benjamin F. Wharton spent his boyhood days on the old homestead, the mother caring for her children and keeping the family together after the father's death. In his early youth he attended the common schools, and at the age of sixteen began operating the home farm, continuing its supervision for many years. He was married in 1876, to Miss Sarah J. Ward, a native of Richland county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob Ward, who emigrated westward from Pennsylvania, taking up his abode in the Buckeye state. He is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wharton began their domestic life on the old homestead, which continued to be their place of residence until 1883, when
337
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
they purchased a small farm south of Olivesburg, in Weller township. There he remained for eleven months, when he sold that property and purchased his present home place, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Butler township. In 1894 he erected a commodious and pleasant country residence, and his farm is one of the best improved in the county, giving indication of the supervision of a careful and painstaking owner.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wharton has been blessed with seven children, of whom six are living, namely: Hattie, at home; May, the wife of Andrew Glenn, a farmer of Butler township; and Etta, Maud, Edna and Madge, who are still at their parental home. When it comes time to designate his political belief and indicate his preference of candidates for office, Mr. Wharton deposits his ballot for the men and measures of the Democracy. Socially he is connected with Shenandoah Tent, No. 445, K. O. T. M., and is one of the highly esteemed men of the county, faithful to duty in all life's relations, whether of a public or private nature.
HENRY O. PITTENGER.
This gentleman, who is one of the most progressive and successful agri- culturists of Richland county, is the owner of a valuable farm on section 19. Weller township, and his management of the estate is marked by the scientific knowledge and skill which characterize the modern farmer. A native of this county, he was born in Franklin township. November 29, 1839, and through- out his active business life has been prominently identified with its agricultural and industrial interests.
Isaac Pittenger, the father of our subject, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, November 9, 1807, a son of Abraham and Susanna ( Osborn) Pittenger. The grandfather was born in Virginia, of English parentage, and some years after his marriage moved to Harrison county, Ohio, where he bought a quarter- section of land, making it his home throughout the remainder of his life. He was quite an active member of the Methodist church, and his home became headquarters for Methodism in his community, it being often used, indeed, as a meeting-house. He died at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years.
On the old homestead in Harrison county, Isaac Pittenger grew to man- hood, and on the 12th of June, 1832, married Miss Harriet Myers, by whom he had five children. Those still living are John M., a farmer of Jackson township, this county : Mary A., the wife of Charles Johnson, of Stark county, Ohio; and Henry O., of this sketch. The year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pittenger came to Richland county, and he purchased eighty acres of land
338
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
in Franklin township, upon which he erected a log cabin. There the family made their home while he carried on the work of improving his farm. After residing there for eighteen years he sold the place and bought one hundred and four acres in Weller township, where our subject now resides. In 1865 he disposed of that place, and after one year's residence on Big Hill he bought eighty-four acres in the northeastern corner of Madison township, where he lived until his death, which occurred February 14, 1880. For fifty years he was an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and although rather a conservative and unassuming man, he was held in high regard by all who knew him. He was very decided in his views and was an ardent supporter of the Republican party.
Mrs. Harriet Pittenger, the mother of our subject, was born in what is now West Virginia, May 6, 1814, a daughter of George and Catherine (Starkey) Myers, both natives of Virginia. Her paternal grandfather, George Myers, Sr., at an early day came to America with his parents and one brother, the family locating in the Old Dominion, Virginia. George Myers, Jr., who was a farmer by occupation, came to Ohio in 1815, and after a short residence in Licking county moved to Clinton county. His first wife died when Mrs. Pittenger was only eight years old, and he then broke up housekeeping, his daughter finding a home with a neighbor for four years. The following year was spent with an uncle in Licking county, and at the end of that time he went to live with an aunt in Harrison county, who had been visiting in Licking county and persuaded the young girl to return home with her. Mrs. Pittenger remained with her until her marriage. In early life she engaged extensively in spinning and weaving, and with her loom materially assisted her husband in getting a start in life. Her father married for his second wife Amelia Squires, and later moved to Indiana, where his last days were passed.
For his early education Henry O. Pittenger is indebted to the common schools near his boyhood home, but was attending the Hayesville Academy at the outbreak of the Civil war. He laid aside his text-books to enter the service of his country, enlisting August 13, 1862, in Company D, One Hun- dred and Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In September the regiment started for the front and remained in the service for thirty-three months, being on detached duty most of the time. Mr. Pittenger was discharged at Camp Dennison, May 31, 1865, and returned to his home. He assisted his father in carrying on the farm for about three years, and also operated a sawmill, in which he owned a half interest.
On the 23d of March, 1871, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Pitt-
339
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
enger and Miss Sarah M. Morgan, a native of Weller township, this county, and a daughter of Simon Morgan, a wealthy land-owner of that locality, who died in 1855. By this union were born three children, two of whom survive : Isaac Morgan, who was graduated at the Mansfield high school and is now engaged in teaching in the public schools of this county; Tracey Elsworth, who was graduated at Sharp's Business College at Mansfield and is now at home.
After his marriage Mr. Pittenger purchased one hundred and four acres of land in Weller township, where he now resides, and began his career here as a farmer. His success has been rapid, and he is now the owner of over eight hundred acres of fine farming land. He has always given considerable attention to stock, and to that branch of his business he attributes the greater part of his success, it having proved quite profitable. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man, of known reliability, and is to-day numbered among the leading and representative citizens of his community. He is an honored member of Jacob Ward Post, G. A. R., and is a stanch supporter of the Re- publican party, while in religious belief he is a Methodist.
GIDEON E. HOOVER.
Gideon E. Hoover was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of March, 1847. The family is of German descent and was established in America by Jacob Hoover, the grandfather of our subject, who was born in Germany and with his parents came to the new world during his early boyhood, the family locating in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. There he was reared to manhood and for many years followed farming. In early life he also became a minister of the Brethren of Christ church and until called to the home beyond he devoted much of his time to gospel work, carrying the glad tidings of joy to his fellow men.
Henry Hoover, the father of our subject, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1820, and upon a farm and in a Christian home he was reared. Owing to his father's ministerial duties much of the work of the farm devolved upon him when he was yet very young, and his education was therefore necessarily limited. He attended school only three weeks, but through experience and observation he became a man of good general knowl- edge. After attaining his majority he married Lydia Byers, who was born' in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1821. Her father, Andrew Byers, was one of the well known farmers of that county and was also a blacksmith by trade. He entered upon his business career with only half an
340
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
acre of land, yet at his death was a wealthy man. At the time of his mar- riage Henry Hoover purchased a farm in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and began its development. In 1850 he emigrated to Ohio and purchased in Mifflin township, Richland county, the old homestead, upon which his son Jacob now resides. It comprises at the present time one hundred and seventy- one acres, but at the time of the father's purchase was only one hundred and twenty acres in extent. Mr.Hoover prospered in his undertakings and adding to his property from time to time he became one of the leading land-owners of his township, his possessions aggregating between four and five hundred acres. He was a member of the German Baptist church and one whose daily life was in harmony with his Christian profession. He was straightforward in all his dealings and his honesty was above question. He passed away March 5, 1884, and his wife died March 24, 1880, at the age of sixty-four years, ten months and ten days. This worthy couple were the parents of ten children, of whom six are living: Lydia, the wife of John Lantz, who car- ries on agricultural pursuits in Madison township, Richland county ; Benja- min, who is a farmer of Mifflin township and also a minister of the German Baptist church; Gideon E .; Andrew, a resident farmer of Mifflin township; Mary M., who is the widow of Joseph C. Zook and resides in the same town- ship; and Jacob, who occupies the old homestead farm. Catherine married Christian Brenner, a farmer of Wayne county, Ohio, and she is now deceased.
On the farm Gideon E. was reared, his boyhood days being passed amid the scenes of rural life. He worked in the fields from the time of early planting in the spring until crops were harvested in the autumn, and in the winter season pursued his education in the district schools. He gave his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority. after which his father gave him twenty dollars per month. He was thus employed for one year, and on the expiration of that period he was married and located upon his present farm, a tract of seventy-one acres which belonged to his father. He operated the place on the shares for five years, during which. time he made enough to purchase the farm by paying one-half down, the remainder to be paid in five years. About 1880 he bought fifty acres of his brother Jacob, adjoining his farm, and in 1895 he purchased another tract of forty-four acres. A month later his residence was destroyed by fire. This loss, added to the debt he had contracted, would have proved a source of great discouragement to many men, but the resolute spirit of Mr. Hoover enabled him to take up his work with renewed energy. He has since built a handsome residence and to-day he has one of the best improved farms in his township, supplied with all modern accessories and conveniences.
341
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
On the 27th of February, 1869, he married Miss Mary J. Lutz, a daugh- ter of John P. Lutz, a well known farmer of Mifflin township. They now have four children : William, a carpenter and pattern-maker of Mansfield, Ohio; Samuel, who is a bookkeeper for the American Biscuit Company, of Mansfield; and Anna and George, at home. Mr. Hoover gives his political support to the Republican party and was made its candidate for the position of trustee but withdrew his nomination before the election. He belongs to Madison Grange, No. 63, of the Patrons of Husbandry, and has served as a lecturer and chaplain of the lodge. He also holds membership in the Lu- theran church and for the past five years he has served as one of its deacons, contributing liberally to its support and doing all in his power to advance its interests. In his business dealings Mr. Hoover has, on all occasions, proven strictly honest, and wherever he is known his word is as good as his bond. Strictly temperate, though never allied with any temperance movement or society, he has by means of his own will power continued throughout his life an abstainer from the use of both tobacco and liquor in any form; nor has he ever paid for tobacco or liquor for any one's use, for what he would not do for himself he would not do for others. A splendid example to young men and old alike has been his course as to the use of tobacco and liquors, both of which are so ruinous to both health and morals.
AUGUST FRED WITT.
Among the leading industries of the thriving city of Mansfield is the Mansfield Plating Company, which has been consolidated with the Ohio Brass' Works and which now furnishes employment to no less than two hundred and fifty men. Its various departments are in charge of competent, up-to-date mechanics, the plating department being under the direct management of Mr. E. F. Cook. In this branch of the business all kinds of plating, including gold, silver, nickel, brass, copper and zinc, is done, and a force of sixteen men are constantly at work. The shipment from the factory goes to all parts of the world. Mr. Witt has been connected with this establishment for sev- enteen years and for the past twelve years, since 1888, has been foreman.
He is a native of Germany, born in 1865. In his early childhood he was brought to America, reared and educated in Greenfield, Massachusetts, and there learned his trade. From Greenfield he came west to Ohio, locating first in Cleveland, where he was employed for a short time, whence he came to Mansfield. He was married, in Mansfield, to Miss Alice Prosser, a daugh- ter of Kempley Prosser, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio at an early
342
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
clay. The fruits of their union are three children,-Mary, Minnie and Charles. Mr. Witt resides with his family in a pleasant home of his own on Bowman street.
In his political principles he harmonizes with the Republican party and is also active in local affairs. Fraternally he is a Forester and religiously a Congregationalist, identified with Memorial church, of Mansfield, of which he is a trustee.
JAMES W. LEPPO.
James W. Leppo, who lives at No. 35 Second street, Shelby, Ohio, and who is a retired carpenter and builder, was born in Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, June 4, 1834. He was formerly a member of the firm of Bushey & Leppo, well known for their responsibility and excellent work.
The father of the subject of this sketch was John Leppo, Jr., who was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, in March, 1810, he being a son of John Leppo, who was born in France, while his parents were temporarily sojourning in that country. John Leppo was born either in 1779 or 1780, and came to the United States late in the eighteenth century, participating later in the war of 1812, and being present at Fort McHenry. He married an English lady named Mary Pheasant, by whom he had nine children,-six sons and three daughters, of whom one son, William, the youngest of the family, is still living in Springfield township.
The grandparents of the subject of this sketch came to Ohio in 1832. The father of our subject, in 1833, married Mary Ann Heller, the marriage taking place near Hagerstown, Maryland, and they soon afterward removed to Ohio, making the journey, as was customary in those days, by means of a team, their conveyance being a one-horse carryall. Their route was over the national turnpike to Jack Town, and thence to Mount Vernon. The grandfather was a farmer by occupation, and upon reaching Ohio settled on a quarter-section of land, which had been somewhat improved, and which lay about one-half a mile south of Spring Mills, upon which he lived till his death, which occurred in the early part of 1860, he being then eighty-four years of age. He was one of the successful men of his day, beginning life in a most humble manner and accumulating considerable property, owning at the time of his death somewhat more than one entire section of land.
The father of the subject was an excellent boot and shoe maker, having followed this trade in Maryland, learning it when a young man near Hagers- town, that state, but after settling in Ohio he devoted most of his time to
343
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
farming. After managing his father's farm five years he settled in 1838 or 1839 on a one-hundred-and-sixty-acre farm adjoining, which he purchased at nine dollars per acre. At length he became the owner, by successive purchases, of an entire section of land, and it is within the recollection of the subject of this sketch that his father carried eggs to market in Mansfield, seven miles distant, and sold them for three cents a dozen, and butter, which he sold for five cents per pound, taking pay in sugar and in calico, paying for the latter thirty-seven and a half cents per yard.
The father and mother of our subject were the parents of nine children, -five sons and four daughters,-as follows: James W., the subject of this sketch ; Sarah, the wife of George Bowman; she died leaving three children; John and Mary, twins, who died in childhood; Margaret, the wife of Reuben Hess, living on the old farm upon which her father settled; Orpha, who died when twelve years of age ; a son and daughter, both of whom died in infancy ; and Thomas H., who died in Mansfield, in 1890, at the age of forty years, leaving four children. The mother of these nine children died in 1884. at the age of seventy-two years, and the parents as well as the grandparents of the subject are resting in the cemetery at Spring Mills.
James W. Leppo was reared to farm life from boyhood up, obtaining his education in the log schoolhouse so common in those days, the one he attended being constructed of round logs, with puncheon floor, desks and seats, and being 28x32 feet in dimensions. In its construction but few nails were used, the roof boards being pegged on, and the hinges of the door being of wood. The "iron age" had not then much more than dawned in this new country. Mr. Leppo attended this primitive school but three months each winter for a few years, but he improved his time and opportunities so well that he obtained a good practical education which has served him well for all practical purposes throughout his life. His favorite study was mathematics, in which he became unusually proficient, but he was also a good reader and excelled in pen- manship.
Remaining at home with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, he was married August 31, 1859, to Catherine Hawk, of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, who was then twenty years of age. She is a daughter of Will- iam Hawk and his wife, whose maiden name was Miller. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Leppo have two daughters : Mary S., the widow of Michael Rice, now living at home and working in the Lion Laundry; and Lillie L., also living at home. She is a young woman of great intelligence and unusually strong common sense and fine musical taste and talent.
Mr. Leppo is a Democrat in politics, but, with the exception of having
1
344
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
served under Mr. Bloom as assistant postmaster, he has so far escaped official position and responsibility. He is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Re- formed church. In March, 1865, Mr. Leppo retired from his farm and located in Shelby, then erecting his present house at No. 35 Second street, where he has lived for the past twenty-five years. While a retired gentleman, he yet goes out occasionally to his farm, which contains one hundred acres, lying four and a half miles southeast of Shelby, and adjoins the farm upon which he was reared. The lands formerly owned by the grandfather and also owned by the father still remain in the family, and are highly prized by them. Mr. Leppo and Mr. Bushey were contractors and builders for twenty-five years, the firm name having been Bushey & Leppo. Mr. Leppo has always been a man of strong frame and great endurance and energy, and has done much hard work during his life-time. His earlier years were spent in chopping and logging, and later he spent fully thirty-five years working at the car- penter's trade. But of recent years he merely keeps his fine garden in good order, cuts his own fire wood, and keeps his own horse, driving to his farm as occasion seems to require. From long habit he is still an industrious man, work keeping both body and mind in a healthy and happy state. He is well known for many miles around his own town, and is highly regarded by all that know him, as an honest, industrious and excellent citizen and neighbor.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.