USA > Ohio > Butler County > A history and biographical cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio, with illustrations and sketches of its representative men and pioneers. Vol. 2 > Part 19
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Michael Schellenbach was born in Lorraine, France, Angust 1, 1837. Hle is the son of Michael and Anna (Spad) Scheilenbach, and was educated in schools in France, coming with his parents to America in 1853, and directing his course to Hamilton. In 1858 he be- gan an apprenticeship to Long, Black & Alstetter, which lasted three years, and then worked as a journeyman for some eight or ten years. In 1872 the firm of Sehellen- bach & Brillmayer was formed in the grocery trade, at his present location. Business was begun in a modest way, but soon increased. The firm existed until the death of Mr. Brillmayer, in 1877, when Mr. Schellen- bach purchased from the heirs his partner's interest, and has since carried on the business alone. He deals in family groceries, fresh and salt meats, crockery, glass, and queensware, wines, liquors, and tobacco. He was married in 1864 to Miss Elizabeth Allstetter, and they me the parents of six children, of whom are living An- nie, Edward, Ferdinand, Robert, and Louis Alexander. They are members of St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church. He has served as township trustee for one term, and has been a member of the fire department for eighteen years.
Edward Scheurer was born in Cincinnati, July 15, 1844, and is the sou of John A. and Magdalena (Snider) Scheurer. The father was a native of Germany, coming to America in 1826, and settling in Cincinnati. He eame to Hamilton in 1852, afterward carrying on a mier- cantile business. He raised a family of four children to maturity, all being now alive. In business he was suc- cessful. He died in 1857, and his wife in 1870. Edward Scheurer was educated in the public schools in Cincinnati and Hamilton, graduating from the high school in this place in 1857. He was employed in various stores in Hamilton until 1861, and in May of that year enlisted in the Ninth Ohio Regiment, participating with it in the battle at Carnifex Ferry, and in all the conflicts and trials of that organization, including Chickamauga. He was placed on detached duty with the topographical engin- cers of the Army of the Cumberland, under command
of Captain W. C. Margedant, and remained there until his term of service had expired. He was mustered out at Camp Dennison, in May, 1864. He then resumed his former occupation as salesman with T. V. Howell and others. In 1871 Mr. Scheurer began in mercantile busi- ness for himself, and continued in it for some five years. In 1879 he entered the employment of Henry Frechtling & Sons, with whom he still remains. Mr. Scheurer was married, in 1872, to Miss Justine Eisle, and is the father of four children, two of whom are living-William E. and Leonora Mary. He is a member of St. John's Church and of the Grand Army of the Republic.
John Seward was born in Hamilton, May 16, 1847, being the son of George and Mary A. Seward. Hle was educated in the public schools of Hamilton, and completed his education in a commercial college in this place. When twenty years old he became assistant book- keeper for Owens, Lane & Dyer, continuing in that oc- cupation for ten years. He then became a member of the firm of Seward & Slonneger, in general insurance and real estate. They are doing an increasing and pros- perous business. Mr. Slonneger was married in October, 1871, to Miss Etta W., daughter of William N. aud Esther W. Hunter. Their children are Martin A. and Marietta. Mr. Seward is a Methodist, and is steward of his Church. Mrs. Seward is a Presbyterian.
Jacob Stahl was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 89, 1826, and is the oldest son of Henry and Margaret Stahl. He came with his parents to America in 1833, settling in Hamilton, where the boy attended the common schools. In company with Charles Hepp he made a trip to Grey- town, Nicaragua, in Central America, being in the em- ployment of Commodore Vanderbilt. He was interested in the Rossville Brewery, in the firm of Beck, Stahl & Keuninger, in 1855. He continued his connection with that brewery till about 1870, doing a successful business. In 1875 he organized the firm of Stahl & Stephans, ad- mitting John Boose in 1880, and now carrying on busi- ness under the firm name of Stahl & Boose. Mr. Stabl was married in 1855, to Miss Philopena Schalk, daughter of John Schalk. They are the parents of two daughters, Kate and Annic, the latter being the wife of Christian Benninghofen. They are members of the St. John's Lutheran Church. Mr. Stahl is a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Honor.
John L. Smith was born in this county, January 1, 1842. His parents are John L. Smith, born in Germany, March 9, 1811, and Lena Smith, also born in Germany, November 17, 1818. They came to this connty in 1823. John L. Smith, the younger, is married to Wilhelmina Sipp, daughter of William Sipp and Katharine Rarr. They have six children. Wilhelmina Louise was born April 7, 1866; John William, May 26, 1868; Jacch C., March 24, 1870; John George, September 4. 1871; An- nie K. Lizzie, September 3, 1874; and Vokline. Deceni- ber 25, 1878.
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HAMILTON.
George C. Smith was born in Indianapolis, October 4, 1852. He is the younger son of John and Mary E. Smith. He was a pupil in the public schools in that city, and after reaching the proper age was engaged in clerking for some three years. In 1869 he entered the employment of the Junction Railroad, in which he con- tinned some three years. In January, 1873, he came to Hamilton as cashier in the freight office. In April, 1881, he was promoted to be freight agent of the Cin- cinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad, at Hamilton. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an active and esteemed citizen. Since the construction of the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad he is the fifth to occupy the position of freight agent.
Joseph C. Symmes was born in Fairfield Township, February 23, 18-40, being the son of Celadon Symmes and Catherine (Blackburn) Symines. He was educated in the common schools in Fairfield, and brought up to farming. In 1863, he was married to Martha Smith, daughter of Nathaniel Smith, of Hamilton County. They are the parents of one daughter and one son. They are Hattie S., born May 12, 1870, and Eugene P., born May 2, 1879. After his marriage Mr. Symmes continued "to reside on the home place, conducting it till 1880, when he came to Hamilton, where he has since resided. He engaged in the grain and commission business at the Two-Mile bridge. doing an extensive business, shipping to Cincinnati ten thousand bushels in July last. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
James Stead was born in West Yorkshire, England, June 22, 1827, being the oldest child of Ephraim and Rachel Stead. He had limited educational opportunities in his youth, and when seventeen began an apprentice- ship of seven years at the trade of dyer, with his uncle. Upon completing his trade, he assumed the management. of his unele's business. He held this position until he came to America, in 1852, locating in Philadelphia as a journeyman, and also acting as foreman, until coming to hamilton, in 1866. He entered the employment of Shuler & Benninghofen, and remained with them until June, 1882, as foreman in the dye-works. He then re- tired from business.
Mr. Stead was married, in April, 1855, to Miss Lydia Hoyle. They were the parents of six chiklren, three of whom are living-Mary A., Sidney, and James Henry. Sidney occupies the position vacated by his father, and James Henry is a machinist by trade. Mr. Stead attends the Presbyterian Church. In 1879 he made a trip to England and the Continent, visiting his old home. He was absent three months.
Christian K. Slonneger was born in Milford Town- ship, Butler County, December 23, 1838. He is the oldest son of Jacob and Elizabeth King. Jacob Slon- neger was born in the canton of Berne, in Switzerland, May 22, 1813, and emigrated to America in June, 1824, first living in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He
came ont to Butler County in August, 1825, and was married to Miss Elizabeth King in 1837. They had cleven children, six boys and five girls, of whom two hoys and one girl are dead. Mrs. Slonneger died in Sep- tember, 1858. He was married to Lydia Shindler in 1862, and had five children by her, three boys and two girls, one of the latter being dead. Mr. Slonneger re- mained in Milford Township the greater part of his life. He visited Europe in 1860, and was gone a year. Hc was a member of the Mcononite Church. His death occurred in June, 1879.
Christian K. Slonneger received rather a limited educa- tion in his youth, but self-study has improved him. He was brought up to farming till of age, when he became a clerk in a grocery store, and began for himself in 1867. He continued that for some time, but about 1874 he he- gan the insurance business iu Hamilton, which he con- tinued till entering into partnership with Mr. Seward, in 1878. Mr. Slonneger was married in 1875, to Miss Enima Mitchell, daughter of Theodore Mitcheli, formerly of Preble County. They are the parents of two daug !- ters, Dora Bertha and Helen. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and of the Odd Fellows.
Meyer Strauss was born April 18, 1836, at Unter Riedenberg, the county seat of Brückenau, in the King- dom of Bavaria. He is the son of Philip and JJetta Strauss, who are now both dead. He received a connnon school education, and emigrated to America in the year 1851. He was.in the clothing business in Yellow Springs, Greene County, Ohio, in 1860 and 1861, and moved to Ripley, Brown Conuty, in 1862. He stayed till 1864, then going to Cincinnati. There he carried on business on the south-west corner of Fifth and Main, and also No. 20 West Fifth Street. He was there when the gov- ernment condemned it, needing the space for public buildings, and moved to Hamilton in 1874. He is a member of the Masonic order, B'nai B'rith, Knights of Honor, and Knights aud Ladies of Honor. He is an Israelite. Ile was married on the 3d of October, 1861, in the city of Philadelphia, to Elisa Klapfer.
Mrs. A. M. Seudder was born in Trenton, New Jer- sey, May 27, 1833, and was the daughter of Elias and Ann S. Drake. They came to Ohio in 1836, settling at Springdale, Hamilton County. She received a public school education, and later in life, by self-study and reading, has improved herself much. Her parents came to Liberty Township in 1850, where her father spent the best of his days on a farm, which is still in his family. He had two daughters and three sons, all living at pres- ent. He died in 1867. She remained at home until ber marriage in 1862 to Daniel C. Scudder, a native of Liberty Township. He was the son of Stephen Send- der, one of the pioneer- of Butler County, and was born April 2, 1833. He was a farmer by occupation, but in later years was a shipper and buyer of live stock. They i are the parents of one daughter and one son, Lutie
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Opal, born October 16, 1867, and Kenneth Lester, born April 10, 1870. Mr. Sendder was a successful business man. His death occurred December 26, 1872, in Min- nesota, whither he had gone for the benefit of his health. In June, 1873, Mrs. Scudder removed to Hamilton, locating on Seventh Street, where she still resides.
Valentine Seifert was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 4, 1823, being the younger son of Michael and Elizabeth Seifert, coming with his parents to America in 1828. He located in Cincinnati, where he attended school for a brief space of time. His opportunities, however, were limited. When he was sixteen he began an apprentice- ship of seven years at the baker's trade, in all its various branches. He then worked as a journeyman in the New England Bakery, on Fifth Street, Cincinnati, acting as foreman for three years, and being in Oxford for one year.
Hc came to Hamilton about 1852, beginning the baking business. After eight years he went to Lee, Fayette County, Indiana, becoming a partner in a paper- . mill for three years. Owing to some misadventures, he was obliged to work for others, and was employed in Connersville, Indiana, some three years, his family re- siding in Hamilton. Ile entered the employment of Carr & Brown about 1879, and remained with them un- til 1881, when he purchased the business, and has since conducted it. He employs six hands, and has doubled the business since taking charge.
Mr. Seifert was married July 7, 1844, to Mary Do- villa, and they have been the parents of fourteen chil- dren, nine daughters and five sons. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Albert II. Thompson was born in Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana, November 11, 1856, and is the adopted son of C. B. and Mary A. Thompson. C. B. Thompson was born in Warren County, Ohio, and settled in Hamil- ton at an early day, where he conducted a farm near Jones's Station. Soon after coming to Hamilton he be- gan the livery business, carrying that on for the remain- der of his life. In 1871 Albert H. Thompson took an interest in the concern, and on March 2, 1877, the entire business passed into his hands. When five years old Albert H. Thompson came to Hamilton, entering the family of C. B. Thompson, and was educated in the public and select schools. He was a pupil at Beck's Commercial College, where he completed his education, upon which he began his active duties in the livery sta- ble. Since the death of C. B. Thompson he has con- ducted the business in a most successful manner, and is a prominent young business man. He is a member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Mr. C. B. Thompson was an active Democrat in politics, and a millwright by trade. This occupation he followed be- fore beginning the livery business, which he bought of Spear & Stout in 1859. His father was Benjamin Thompson.
Marcellus Thomas, late sheriff of Butler County, was born August 1, 1841, in Fairfield Township, Butler County, being the second son of Squire L. aud Lorain (Eurat) Thomas, natives of the same place, though of New Jersey parentage. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Thomas came from that State to Ohio, settling in Fair- field Township as early as 1802, where he engaged in farming. Squire L. Thomas was employed all his life in farming and stock-raising. His death took place in 1863, at the age of fifty, while his widow survived him eight years, dying in 1871, at the age of fifty-eight. Marcellus Thomas from boyhood was engaged in the du- ties incident to farm work. He remained at home as- sisting. his father until he reached his majority in 1863, the year of his father's death. He is now engaged in farm- ing independently, though leasing lands in Fairfield for that purpose, carrying it on till 1871.
For several years prior to this, Mr. Thomas had taken an active part in political affairs, and had gained promi- nence and popularity as a politician and political worker. In that year he was appointed deputy sheriff, which he creditably filled for two successive terms, till 1876. In 1875 lic was nominated by the Democrats for sheriff, and was elected, and again in 1877, serving with credit to himself and satisfaction to the county for four years. He retired from office in 1880, leaving a record of effi- cieney as an officer and integrity as a man, and was well liked by the people.
In 1878 Mr. Thomas bought a farm in Fairfield Township, though his residence has been in Hamilton since 1872. In the Fall of 1879 he, in company with four others, engaged in the ice business, under the name of the " Miami Ice Company." Mr. Thomas was made general manager of the enterprise, and condnoted the business of the company. They constructed a poud of nine acres about three miles from Hamilton, near the canal, from which it is filled. Four buildings are also erceted with a capacity of ten thousand tons. Their ice is wholesaled at Cincinnati, to which it is shipped exchi- sively by canal.
Upon the organization of the fifth ward in Hamilton, Mr. Thomas was elected a member of the school board. Although the ward was Republican, Mr. Thomas's popu- larity won him the election over his Republican oppo- nent. He was for several years a member of the Deni- ocratie Central Committee of this county, and rendered valuable service in sustaining the supremacy of his party. He has frequently been sent as a delegate to State Dem- ocratie conventions.
Mr. Thomas was married December 22, 1864, to Miss Ellen F. Sheley, danghter of Roderick R. and Sidney Sheley, of Fairfield Township. Mrs. Thomas was born and raised on the farm now owned by her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have two children living. The oldest, Marcellus B., was born August 8, 1871, and the young- est, William F., was born on the 14th of February, 1874.
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He has been a prominent Odd Fellow since April, 1872. He has also been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen since 1875, a Knight of Honor since 1878, and a member of the Royal Areanum since 1880.
Henry Tabler was born in Hamilton, Butler County, February 20, 1841. He is the son of Henry and Mary A. (von Benken) Tabler. Henry Tabler, Sen., was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1800, and came to America in 1836, making his residence in Hamilton. He raised a family of three children to maturity, of whom Henry and Catherine, the wife of Charles Beek, Jr., are sur- vivors. The father died in 1872. He was an active member of the Catholic Church.
Henry Tabler, Jr., was educated in the parochial schools in Hamilton, and also later in life was in a com- mercial College at Cincinnati for one year. When he was fourteen he began an apprenticeship at carriage painting, at which he worked until 1870, in various cities. In 1870 he began in the dry goods and tailoring business at Cincinnati, continuing in it till 1874, when he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Charles Beck, Jr., till 1877, when the interest of the latter was purha sed by his father. The firm is now Beck & Tabler. They are extensive dealers in boots and shoes, and also have a good run of custom work.
Mr. Tabler was married in 1866, to Miss Josephine Tieben. They have had eight children, of whom seven are living, three daughters and four sons. They are Eliz- abeth, Charles H., Herman A., Eleanora, George T., Albert J., and Adeline J. They are members of the Catholic Church.
Mr. Tabler enlisted April 17, 1861, being one of those that responded to the first call of seventy-five thousand inen, in the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He went to Washington, participated in numerous skirmishes, and also in the first battle of Bull Run. He served out his term of enlistment, and with his regiment was mustered o it at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Tabler is an esteemed, I.rosperons, and respected citizen. Mrs. Tabler is a dangh- ter of H. A. Ticben, a well-known manufacturer of Cov- ington, Kentucky, where she was born, in 1848.
William Tweedale was born in Scotland, April 27, 1832, being the only son of John Tweedale and Cath- erine St. Clair. He attended the schools in Scotland, but when twelve commenced an apprenticeship of four years at the trade of millwright. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1848, the family first locating in Norwich, Connecticut, and being there one year. He came to Hamilton in 1849, where John Tweedale entered the employment of Beckett, Martin & Rigdon. He was a paper-maker by trade. and reared a family of three children to maturity. Catherine is the wife of Adam Laurie, and Elizabeth was the wife of Thomas Borch, a' resident in Cincinnati. John Tweedale died about 1872, but his wife, Mrs. Catherine Tweedale, is living, in her ninety-first year, beirg vigorous in mind and body.
William Tweedale entered the employment of John I. Martin, as millwright, in the construction of Beckett & Laurie's mill. This relation lasted until 1871, when he entered into partnership with Mr. Skinner, as J. C. Skinner & Co. Mr. Tweedale was married, in 1861, to Miss Mary, daughter of Adam Laurie. They are parents of three children, of whom but one son survives, Walter S., who is employed in the paper mill. They are mem- bers of the United Presbyterian Church, and are highly respected in the community.
John C. Weaver, county surveyor, was born in Butler County, December 9, 1838. He is the son of William and Elizabeth (Clark) Weaver, and was educated in the common schools, in Madison Township. Until he reached the age of twenty-two he followed farming, teaching school, and clerking. About 1860 he entered an en- gineer's office, in Cincinnati, for one year, and then, re- turning to his father's house, engaged in the profession of surveying. He was assistant to Mason S. Hamilton for three years, and in the Fall of 1873 was elected county surveyor, a position he has since filled with ability. He was elected city surveyor in the Spring of 1877. Mr. Weaver was married, January 21, 1875, to Miss Belle Hart. They are the parents of two daughters, Rossie H. and Lou Ettie. Mr. Weaver is a member of the Methodist Church. He is a self-made man, popular and esteemed.
Israel Williams, lawyer, and for many years a premi- inent citizen of Hamilton, was born August 24, 1827, in Montgomery County, Ohio. He was the oldest in a fan- ily of nine children, whose parents were William and Mary (Marker) Williams. His father was a native of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and was of. Welsh ex- traction. William Williams moved to Ohio in 1816, and settled with his parents in Montgomery County. Here about 1825 he married Mary Marker, daughter of George and Margaret Marker, who were natives of Middletown Valley, Frederick County, Maryland, and were of Ger- man parentage. Israel Williams was educated primarily in the common schools of Champaign County, where his parents removed in 1830, and then at the Ohio Confer- ence High School, at Springfield. Afterwards he at- tended Granville College, now Dennison University, and finally was graduated from Farmers' College, at College Hill, Ohio, in 1853. He paid his way through school and college by teaching.
After graduating at college he became a student in the law office of Gunckel & Strong, at Dayton. He was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School in 1855. Upon the completion of his course of study he received an invitation from Miller & Brown, prominent lawyers of Hamilton, who had also an office in Washington City, to go to the latter place and aid them in the transaction of their business. He accepted this offer, went to Wash- ington, and remained there during the Summer months, but spending the Winter at Des Moines, Iowa. In the
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Spring of 1856 he became a partner in the firm. of Mil- ler & Brown, in Hamilton. He shortly afterwards pur- chased the interests of his two partners, and since that date he has practiced alone. Iu the beginning of his labors in Hamilton a large portion was the collection of debts, and afterwards he became largely interested in real estate matters. He has occupied the same office for twenty-five years.
Mr. Williams was a Democrat previous to the war, but with the firing on Fort Sumter his party adhesion was changed, and he gave a hearty support to the gov- ernment of Mr. Lincoln. To strengthen the Union cause he purchased, in conjunction with Mr. Egry, the Tele- graph, the Democratic organ of this county, on the 24th of October, 1861, and shortly afterwards merged it into the Intelligencer, the Republican jourual, which they had also bought. During their management the paper gave no uncertain sound. It upheld the Union and the pros- ecution of the war, and denounced traitors without minc- ing its words. On the 12th of March, 1863, Mr. Will- iams disposed of his interest in this enterprise to Captain John C. Lewis and retired. But at this time, and before and after, he was rendering the government great aid as the secretary of the Citizens' Military Committee of But- ler County, an advisory body instituted very early in the war. Noah C. MeFarland was chairman, and the other members were Judge Hume, Major Millikin, and Henry Beardsley. It was their duty to aid the State and national administrations with all their power, and they did so. They discovered that the opponents of the war were instituting a secret order hostile to further pro- ceedings against the South, and transmitted the intelli- gence of the organizations to Governors Brough of Ohio, and Morton of Indiana. They watched the public pulse, recommended officers for promotion, helped to raise money, looked after those who bad been left behind without support, and acted as a focus around which citi- zens could gather. The services of the committee were . entirely gratuitous.
Mr. Williams was married January 9, 1860, to Miss Maggie Wakefield, a native of Butler County, and a daughter of John and Mary Wakefield, who were early settlers of this county. They have four children : Mary, Stella, Nina, and John Wakefield. During his long res- idence in this city Mr. Williams has carued the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. An ardent Republi- can, he has never sought office.
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