USA > Ohio > Richland County > A centennial biographical history of Richland county, Ohio > Part 68
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
William Peterson remained at home until reaching manhood, and
41
650
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
secured a limited common-school education. On the 29th of April, 1842, he married Miss Esther H. Gladden, also a native of Monroe township and a daughter of Solomon and Rachel (Young) Gladden. Her father was born in Virginia November 9, 1791, and when five years old moved to Jefferson county, Ohio, with his parents, Joseph and Hannah (Munn) Gladden, the former of Scotch, the latter of Irish descent. In Jefferson county he attained to man's estate, and in 1814, with a wagon load of supplies and a team of oxen, he drove to Richland county, where he entered three quarter- sections of land, and erected thereon a bark hut. Returning to Jefferson county he was married in the fall of the same year, and in 1815 returned to his Richland county home with his bride. The remainder of his life was devoted to the improvement and cultivation of his land. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson became the parents of four children, namely : Raselas G., deceased ; Aaron E., who is represented on another page of this work; Ursula J., the wife of John Coulter, of Mansfield, who is in the railway mail service ; and Lester W., deceased, who was a popular hardware merchant of Perrys- ville and a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Peterson, her chil- dren and grandchildren were all educated in the same district school in Mon- roe township. She is a member of the Baptist church and a most estimable lady.
For six years after his marriage Mr. Peterson engaged in farming upon rented land, and then, in the fall of 1848, purchased his present val- uable farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres, upon which he has made many excellent improvements. Prospering in his farming operations, he has added to his landed possessions, tracts of thirty, twenty-seven and one hun- dred and sixty-five acres, and besides this property he owns a good brick business block in Perrysville. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never been an office-seeker, preferring to devote his entire attention to his business interests, in which he has been so remarkably successful.
JOHN APPLEGATE.
On the farm where he now resides on section 14. Monroe township, John Applegate was born February 10, 1843. His father, Joseph Apple- gate, was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and after arriving at years of maturity he was married to Miss Sophia Dunn. In 1820 he came to Ohio, making the journey by team, accompanied by his wife and two children. On their arrival in Richland county the father entered two hundred acres of land in Mifflin township, paying the usual government
651
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
price of a dollar and a quarter per acre, and on his land he erected a log cabin and then began the arduous task of clearing his fields. The sound of the ax was followed by the gleam of the shining plow, and as the years passed acre after acre was highly cultivated and returned a golden tribute for the care and labor bestowed upon them. On the old homestead the father resided until his death, which occurred in 1878, when he had attained the age of eighty-two years. The family circle was increased in Ohio until there were eleven children,-seven sons and four daughters,-of whom five are still living: James, a retired farmer now living in Chicago, Illinois ; Sarah J., the wife of John Marks, of Indiana; Lucy, the wife of William Rodman, of Monroe township, Richland county ; and John and Sylvanus, who live on the farm. The father was a member of the Swedenborgian church.
As soon as he was old enough to handle the plow John Applegate began work in the fields, assisting in all the work until the crops were harvested in the autumn, and pursued his studies in the district schools of the neigh+ borhood, conning the lessons which usually formed the curriculum of that day. As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he chose Miss Han- nah Winters, their marriage being celebrated February 10, 1868. Soon after their marriage they removed to Ashland county, where Mr. Applegate engaged in farming for eleven years. He then returned to the old home- stead, for his father had died one year previously, and he assumed the man- agement of the place. He has since resided on the old farm, and in addi- tion to this property of one hundred and eighty acres he owns eighty acres of land in Ashland county and is regarded as one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of his community.
Mr. Applegate is numbered among the veterans of the Civil war, for in response to his country's call for aid he enlisted, on the 15th of October, 1861, as a private in Company E, Sixty-fourth Ohio Infantry. He was mustered in at Mansfield for three months, and on the expiration of his term he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment for three years, serving until the close of the war. He participated in the engagements of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and the siege of Knoxville. About that time his second term of service expired and he was granted a thirty-day furlough. He then visited his family, and when the month had passed rejoined his regiment at Cleveland, Tennessee, and participated in the battles of Rocky Face Ridge, Adairsville, Kingston, Georgia, and Dal- las, being wounded in the last named by a minie ball in the right leg. After some days spent in the field hospital he was transferred to the hospital at
652
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
Chattanooga and thence to the Nashville hospital, where he was confined for three months. He was then placed on convalescent duty until the siege of Atlanta, when he joined his regiment, then engaged in the pursuit of Hood. Later he was in the battles of Franklin, Spring Hill and Nashville, Tennes- see, receiving an honorable discharge at Columbus, on the 6th of January, 1866. Wherever duty called Mr. Applegate was found, whether upon the picket line, on the tented field or in the midst of a hotly contested engage- ment.
When the war was over he gladly returned to his home and family and has since been identified with agricultural pursuits in Richland county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Applegate have been born three children: William S. and George W., twins, and Harriet, at home. Mr. Applegate is a valued mem- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic, also belongs to Monroe Grange and holds membership relations in the Lutheran church. His life has been characterized by fidelity to duty, and as a citizen he is as true to his coun- try in times of peace as when he followed the stars and stripes through the south.
ELZA SHEETS.
Elza Sheets is one of the prosperous farmers of Richland county, now being in charge of the Kling farm. He was born in Ashland county, Ohio, January 28, 1856, and is a son of Samuel and Emaline (McCready) Sheets. His grandparents, Joseph and Nancy Sheets, came to the Buckeye state from Virginia after their marriage and took up their abode in Ashland county, where the grandfather purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Upon that place the city of Ashland has since been built. He was success- ful in his business affairs and his energetic prosecution of his farm work brought to him a very desirable competence. He became one of the influ- ential residents of Ashland county and was an active member of the Pres- byterian church, in which for many years he held office. All who knew him respected him for his sterling worth. His honesty was proverbial and he bore an unassailable reputation. The father of our subject was born in Ashland county in 1828, and was there reared and married, after which he began farming on his father's land. About 1867 he removed to Richland county, purchasing the old Patrie farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Mifflin township. There he made his home for ten years, when he sold that property and removed to Cleveland, where he lived retired for four years. Then he returned to Richland county and bought forty-five acres
653
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
of the old Lambright farm in Monroe township, having since that time made it his place of residence. In his political views he has long been a Repub- lican and is a member of the Presbyterian church. He married Miss Ema- line McCready, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio. about 1835, a daugli- ter of John and Sarah (Carter) McCready, who came to Ohio from Penn- sylvania and were among the early settlers of Ashland county. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheets were born four children, all of whom are yet living, namely : Elza; John, at home; Loren S., who is engaged in the flour and feed busi- ness in Cleveland, Ohio; and James, who is a partner of his brother Loren.
Elza Sheets, whose name forms the caption of this review, spent his childhood days with his parents, and to the common-school system of his native county he is indebted for the educational privileges which he received. On attaining his majority he came to Richland county, where for three years he was employed as a farm hand. In 1879 he was united in mar- riage to Miss Alice Kling, daughter of Ephraim and Lucinda Kling, and soon afterward he took charge of the Kling farm, which he has since suc- cessfully managed and operated. His business methods are progressive and commendable and in all his dealings he is strictly honorable. He is a mem- ber of the Lutheran church and in his political affiliations is a Republican. He belongs to Pomona Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, and enjoys the high esteem of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
HENRY H. KAYLOR.
Among the native sons of Richland county is Henry Harman Kaylor, whose birth occurred in Mifflin township February 25. 1870, his parents being Frederick and Rachel (Masden) Kaylor. The Kaylor family is of German lineage and was founded in America by the great-grandfather of our subject, who crossed the Atlantic and located in Pennsylvania. Fred- erick Kaylor, the grandfather, was born in Germany and during his early boyhood was brought to the new world. He was reared in the Keystone state and after his marriage began farming there on his own account. In the '3os he came to Richland county, Ohio, settling in Monroe township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, just east of the farm upon which Henry H. Kaylor now resides. There he cleared and developed the fields, continuing to improve the place until his death. As his financial resources increased he added to his property until within its boundaries were comprised three hundred and seventy-two acres. He thus
654
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
became well-to-do, his property being very valuable. He was recognized as one of the influential men of the neighborhood, and his sound judgment proved an important factor in the conduct of public affairs. In politics he was a Democrat, and was an active member of the church. He died in 1881, respected by all who knew him.
Frederick Kaylor, Jr., the father of our subject, was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and after his marriage resided for one year in the old log cabin built by his father on coming to Richland county. He then removed to the Henry Blust farm in Mifflin township, which was at that time owned by Frederick Kaylor, and there he resided for twelve years, when he purchased the present Kaylor farm, which also was the property of his father. Throughout his remaining days he lived upon this place, and the well tilled fields indicated that his was a life of active labor. He was a man small of stature, but was unusually strong and robust, and pros- ecuted his work with diligence. He, too, was a stanch Democrat, and was a member of Mount Zion Lutheran church. He also belonged to Lucas Lodge, I. O. O. F. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in the country's service, but his father forced him to return home. He was a man of sterling character, whose many excellent qualities commanded the respect of all with whom he came in contact. He died February 3, 1881, and the community mourned the loss of one of its valued citizens. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rachel Masden, was born in Monroe township, Richland county, September 22, 1845. Her parents, William and Sarah (Enyard) Masden, came to Richland county about 1840, and located on the farm now owned by Washington Smith. He, however, was a miller by trade, and for several years operated the mill at Lucas. The Democracy received his unswerving allegiance and he was honored with a number of positions of public trust and responsibility. He held various township offices and for many years was a justice of the peace. Mr. and Mrs. Kaylor became the parents of four children : Effie M., the wife of William Rum- mell, of Salem, Oregon; Henry H., of this review; and two who are now deceased.
Henry Harman Kaylor spent his boyhood days with his parents, and in the common schools near his home gained his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in the high school of Lucas. He was only eleven years of age at the time of his father's death. His mother man- aged the farm until he was old enough to relieve her of its duties and labors, since which time he has been in control of the work upon the place. He is recognized as one of the representative and progressive young farmers of
655
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
the community. His fields are highly cultivated and the place indicates his careful management and supervision. Mr. Kaylor is a stanch Democrat, and is a member of the Lutheran church. He also belongs to the Mohawk Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, and in social and business circles is highly esteemed for the possession of those qualities which in every land and in every clime command respect.
FRANK A. ABBOTT.
There is, in the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable com- petence and a solid career of the business or professional man fighting the every-day battle of life, but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter; but for a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of the man, who, without other means than a clear head, a strong arm, and a true heart, conquers adversity, and toiling on through the work-a day years of a long career finds that he has won not only wealth but also something far greater and higher,-the deserved respect and esteem of those with whom his years of active life placed him in contact.
Stich a man, and one of the leading citizens of Shelby. Ohio. is Frank: A. Abbott, who was born in Spencer, Medina county, Ohio, March 8, 1857, his parents being Arby Jennings and Martha M. (Thorp) Abbott. The Abbott family is one well known in America, for the name figures con- spicuously on the pages of her history in connection with important events. The subject of this review is descended from one of three brothers who came from England in 1648, settling in Massachusetts, and of the same family the celebrated George Abbott was a representative. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Daniel and Sally Bellows Abbott, who removed from the Empire state to Ohio in the year 1833. The father was a farmer and blacksmith, but he was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring in February, 1837. In his family were ten chil- dren, namely : Daniel, who was born November 3, 1805, and died February I, 1836; Charlotte, born November 2, 1807, and died September 1. 1836; Leverette, who was born July 15, 1809, and died February 8, 1878; Eliza A., who was born April 20, 1811; Sally, who was born August 5. 1813; Abigail, born March 27, 1815: Charles, born March 8, 1817; Arby Jennings, born November 10, 1819; Elvira, who was born August 10, 1821, and died at the age of ten years, ten months and twenty days; and Sidney, who was born March 8, 1825.
1
656
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
Arby Jennings Abbott, the father of our subject, was born in Lebanon, Madison county, New York, November 10, 1819, and in 1833, when four- teen years of age, he came with his parents to Ohio. In 1846 he was united in marriage to Miss Martha M. Thorp, of New York. Their eld- est son was born in May, 1853, and died September 1, 1879. Mr. Abbott was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a man of the high- est respectability.
Frank A. Abbott, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire life in Ohio. The year 1875 witnessed his arrival in Shelby, where he has made his home for a quarter of a century. With his brother, William L., he engaged in the drug business, the partnership continuing until his brother's death in 1879. Mr. Abbott was then alone in business for two years, when he sold his store to J. Frank Rhooks and turned his attention to the hardwood lumber business, to which he has since given his energies. At the present time he is also dealing in carriages and is interested in the patent- right business, under the firm name of Bevans & Abbott, his partner being Dr. Bevans. He has maintained a lively interest in the advancement of the industrial and commercial interests of the city of his adoption and has con- tributed largely to its progress and substantial upbuilding. In all business transactions he is reliable, energetic and determined, and these qualities have insured him a gratifying success.
In 1884 occurred the marriage of Mr. Abbott to Miss Amy Myers, a daughter of Professor John and Lydia (Hurksler) Myers. Their union has been blessed with three children: William Jennings, born August 2, 1885, and Martha and Myers, twins, born in September, 1886. While Mr. Abbott has not been an aspirant for political honors, he has twice been elected to serve as township treasurer, being chosen for the position on the Repub- lican ticket. A man of genial and social nature and one who is most appre- ciative of the amenities which go to make up the sum of human happiness, he has identified himself with the Knights of Pythias. He attends the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, and as one of the public-spirited men of the town he withholds his support from no interest or movement calculated to prove of general good.
LEWIS C. MENGERT.
Upon a farm in Washington township, Richland county, and in a log cabin, the subject of this sketch, Lewis C. Mengert, was born, on the 27th of August, 1858. His parents, William and Sophia (Griebling) Mengert,
657
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
were of German nativity. His father was born in Oberbieber, Kingdom of Prussia, June 18, 1818, and in Freilinger, province of Nassau, the mother of our subject was born January 2, 1813. They were married in Germany, and in the fatherland seven children were born unto them. Five of the children died there, and in 1853 the parents and two children, a son and daughter, set sail for the United States. Finding their way to Richland county, they set- tled in Washington township, where the father began farming on rented lands. Some five or six years after coming to this country the daughter, who bore the name of Henrietta, died. The son grew to manhood, and at this writing resides in Knox county, Ohio. Two sons were born in the family of this worthy couple in this country. They are Frederick Mengert, a resi- dent of Ashland county, Ohio, and Lewis C. Mengert, whose name forms the caption of this article.
As already stated, the parents first located in Washington township. There they resided until 1861 or 1862, when the father purchased eighty acres of school land, and thither removed. Here the subject of this mention was reared to farm labors. In 1883 the parents removed to the town of Butler, where the father still resides, but in the same year of the removal to Butler the mother passed away in death. Both of the parents were of the Evangelical Reformed church faith. The father has been a life-long Democrat, and served some three or four years as a trustee of Worthington township.
In the country schools, the Butler village school and the Mansfield Normal school Lewis C. Mengert received a fair education. At the age of seventeen he began teaching in the country schools, and was thus engaged in teaching for seven years. For six years thereafter he taught in the Butler schools, and was the principal in charge of the schools. As a teacher he established for himself an excellent reputation. In 1883 Mr. Mengert began the study of law in the law office of Donnell & Marriott, of Mansfield. In December, 1886, he was admitted to the bar, and locating in Butler, began his career in the legal profession. His practice has been general, and in his profession Mr. Mengert has already gained an enviable reputation. He remained at Butler until 1892, when he came to Mansfield. Until 1897 he was a member of the law firm of Bell. Brinkerhoff & Mengert, but since 1897 he has been a member of the well-known law firm of Douglass & Mengert.
In politics Mr. Mengert has been an active worker in behalf of the Demo- cratic party. In the years 1898 and 1900 he was the chairman of the Rich- land county Democratic executive committee.
In 1883 he was united in marriage with Miss Clara V. Gongwer. This union has been. blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Portia, Gladys,
658
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
Karl and Paul. Mr. and Mrs. Mengert and children are members of St. Luke's Lutheran congregation, and fraternally he holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and Independent Order of Foresters.
ALBERT W. HUMBERT.
The farm upon which Albert W. Humbert resides has long been in possession of the family and there his birth occurred on the 28th of Sep- tember, 1863, his parents being William and Margaret (Wolf) Humbert. The father, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1821 and while yet a boy came with his parents to Ohio, the family settling in what is now Ashland county, but was then a part of Richland county. There he secured employment with Andy Proudfoot, a butcher and farmer, working on the farm and assisting in the butcher shop whenever he was needed there. That he rendered faithful service to his employer is indicated by the fact that, he remained with Mr. Proudfoot until his marriage. Miss Margaret Wolf became his wife and they then located on her father's farm, where they resided for three years, when Mr. Humbert purchased a farm north of Loudon in Cass township, Richland county. . He was also a shoemaker by trade and followed that business during the winter season when the work of the farm was practically over. He would occasionally work at it in the morning and evening, but during the summer months the most of his atten- tion was given to the development of the fields, in which work he was assisted by his sons. He was indeed a very industrious and energetic man and his success was attributable entirely to his own efforts. After living upon his farm for some years he sold that property and purchased the land upon which our subject now resides, there spending his remaining days, his death occur- ring in 1889, when he was in the sixty-ninth year of his age. In early life he was a member of the Methodist church, but in latter years was not identified with any religious denomination. His career, however. was per- meated by Christian principles and the golden rule was exemplified in his daily conduct so that he commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew him. In politics he was a stanch Democrat.
As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey he chose Miss Margaret Wolf, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1821, and during her girlhood came to Ohio with her parents, the family locating in Ashland county, where her father purchased a farm. His death occurred soon afterward and he thus left to the care of his widow their family of children, seven of whom were daughters. There was also an incumbrance upon the land and the
659
CENTENNIAL BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
mother made great efforts to meet her obligations and supply her family. Her daughters were forced to work in the fields and in her girlhood Mrs. Humbert, the mother of our subject, spent many days on a harrow or per- formed other such tasks as were suited to her age and strength. She died December 12, 1899. at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, having reared a family of eight children who were a credit to her in many ways. Most of the number are still living, as follows: Levi, an agriculturist of Bloom- ing Grove township; John, a farmer of Fulton county, Ohio; Mary, wife of William Adams, a farmer of Plymouth township. Richland county : Melissa, wife of Samuel Kissler, who is operating a tract of land in Madison town- ship; William, a farmer of Williams county, Ohio; and A. W., of this review.
Mr. Humbert, whose name introduces this review, was trained to habits of industry and honesty upon the old homestead and acquired his educa- tion in the common schools, but his privileges were somewhat meager as he was obliged to assist in the work of the farm. Observation and read- ing, however, combined with experience in the practical affairs of life, have greatly supplemented his knowledge.
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.