A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 1, Part 68

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago : A.W. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1310

USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 1 > Part 68
USA > Ohio > Allen County > A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 1 > Part 68

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The parents of this large family were well known and highly respected people of Richland county, and for moral worth and the upbuild- ing of the community, none stood higher. They were both active members of the Baptist

church from early life and reared their large family under the influence of the church of their choice, and they all followed in later years their early teaching. Mr. and Mrs. Balycat lived to an extended longevity, and died respectively at the ages of eighty-nine years and eighty years. Mr. Balyeat was a whig in politics and took an active part in the same, although not an office seeker; he was one of the liberal contributors to all public enterprises, and none took a deeper interest in matters educational than he and his - most worthy companion.

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BRAHAM BALYEAT, deceased, late a popular citizen of Van Wert county, and third son of Jonas and Catherine Balyeat, was born August 22, 1823, in the connty of Richland. He was reared to manhood in his native county, attended the country schools and the Granville academy. and in 1846 became a resident of Van Wert county, locating in the township of Harrison, where he purchased eighty acres of land. To his original purchase he inade additions from time to time until he became the possessor of over 400 acres, a part of which he afterward divided among his children, retaining for him- self a farm of 240 acres which was his home until the time of his death.

Mr. Balyeat was one of the daring spirits who went overland, in 1850, to the gold fields of California, where for two years he sought a fortune in the mines, meeting with only fair success in the venture. Returning to Van Wert county, he resumed the pursuit of agricul- ture, which he followed with most encouraging results until his death; he also taught school for a number of years, and his success in educational work is attested by the fact of his having been employed for many successive terms in the same locality.

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33-34

MRS. SARAH BALYEAT.

OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

On the 13th of May, 1852, Mr. Balyeat and Sarah Slater, who was born November 26, 1829, in Pennsylvania, entered into the marriage relation, a union that resulted in the birth of the following children: Oscar A., attorney of Van Wert; Mariette, deceased; Leonidas, who lives on the home place; John S., of Kansas; Stephen, traveling salesman; Frank, of Pleasant township; Sherinan, busi- ness man of Van Wert, member of the mercan- tile firm of J. F. Sidle & Co .; Charles, sales- man in the clothing store of H. Davies, of Van Wert, and Orah, wife of J. A. McCoy. In the above children have been re-produced the many noble traits of their parents, and their lives reflect credit on a family noted so long for its many virtues.

In many respects Abraham Balyeat was much more than an ordinary man, honorable and upright in all his dealings, and as a neigh- bor and citizen none stood higher in the esti- mation of the public than he. From his youth he endeavored to shape his life accord- ing to the principles of morality, which insure good citizenship, and his example should encourage every aspiring youth to feel that whatever the future has in store, perseverance, with a conscientious regard for truth, will inevit- ably win a just reward. His life never de- viated from the rigid rule of honor that ought to govern every true man; in religion he was a Baptist.

Mr. Balyeat was elected to the office of county commissioner and served for three years, and was also for three years a director of the county infirmary, and was further honored by being elected treasurer of Van Wert county, which office he was not per- mitted to assume, owing to his death, which occurred six weeks before the time for taking charge of the same. He died suddenly on July 25, 1881. He also served his country during the late Rebellion as second lieutenant in

company i of the One Hundred and Thirty- ninth Ohio volunteer infantry.

Since the death of Mr. Balyeat, his widow has managed the estate, which she divided among the children in :893. She is a woman of most excellent judgment and a devout mem- ber of the Baptist church, and her home at this time is in the city of Van Wert.

0 SCAR ADDISON BALYEAT, attor- ney at law and ex-mayor of Van Wert, is the son of Abraham and Sarah Balyeat and was born in the county of Van Wert April 30, 1853. His early school experience embraced the studies per- taining to the educational course prescribed by the common schools, and at the age of nineteen he began teaching. His success in educational work is fairly evinced by his fre- quent employment as instructor in the same locality, and for a period of eleven years he had charge of schools in his own and neighbor- ing townships. In March, 1882, Mr. Balyeat became asssitant in the Patrons' warehouse in Van Wert, and six months later was promoted superintendent of the same, discharging the duties of the latter position most efficiently for one year. In October, 1883, he was chosen deputy clerk of the Van Wert courts, in which capacity he continued over six years, or until the spring of 1890.

In April, 1890, Mr. Balyeat was elected, on the republican ticket, mayor of Van Wert. defeating his competitor by the largest major- ity ever received by a candidate for that office in the city, and so ably did he discharge his official functions that, at the ensuing election, he was re-elected to the same position, which he filled most acceptably to all concerned for a period of four years. On leaving the mayor- alty, Mr. Balyeat began the study of law in the office of H. G. Richie, of Van Wert, and

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

is now giving his entire attention to the legal profession, in which he has already made commendable progress. He has always taken an active interest in politics and is one of the republican leaders in Van Wert county. He is a shrewd politician, and the success of his party in several hotly contested campaigns has been largely due to his advice and skillful man- agement, and at this time he holds the re- sponsible position of chairman of the county central committee.

Personally Mr. Balyeat is quite popular and he has been solicitous to do everything within his power to promote the best interests of the place of his residence; he is regarded as a useful citizen and esteemed as a clever, ge- nial gentleman. Fraternally he belongs to the K. of P., in which he has held high official position; he is also prominently identified with the I. O. R. M.

Mr. Balyeat was married November 16, 1882, to Lottie E. Redrup, daughter of James and Ann (Phelps) Redrup, of Richland county, Ohio. Mrs. Balyeat was born in the county of Richland, August 20, 1862, is the mother of three children-Ira G., Eva, and Forest S .- and is prominent in society work, both in the church and lodge.

OSES BALYEAT, a representative citizen of La Grange, Ind., and the ninthi child of Jonas Balyeat, was born November 27, 1831, in Rich- land county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was reared upon his father's farm, and re- ceived his education in the common schools, remaining under the parental roof until his majority. Then he began life on his own ac- count as a farmer, having chosen that as his life-calling. He married, in July, 1852, Miss Eliza Hershey, daughter of Benjamin and

Mary (Harnly) Hershey, both of German ex- traction.

Mr. Balyeat soon after his marriage re- moved to Ashland county, Ohio, remaining there until the spring of 1865, when he located in Van Wert county. Late in the fall of the same year he removed to Elkhart county, Ind., purchasing land near Middlebury and there be resided until the spring of 1870, when he sold his land and located near LaGrange, where be followed agricultural life until 1887. Then he sold his farm and removed to LaGrange, where for the past six years he has been court bailiff and janitor of the court house.

Early in life Mr. Balyeat identified himself with the Baptists, and ever since then bas been a leading member of his church, that is for more than fifty years, His wife was also a meniber of the saine church for many years, having joined in 1858. Mr. Balyeat cast his first presidential vote, and last democratic vote, for Franklin Pierce, in 1852, having since that time been a consistent and strong repub- lican. He also voted for Jonn Sherman in his first race for congress. Thus it may almost be said that he has been a life-long republican. Mr. and Mrs. Balyeat became the parents of six daughters, viz: Lydia R., wife of Sam- uel B. Smith; Hulda H., deceased wife of D. D. D. Free; Catherine. G., wife of William Wert; Mary, wife of J. W. Pownall: Lida: and Grace M., wife of J. L. Wallace. The mother of these children died June 27, 1892. aged sixty years. Mr. Balyeat is a good citi- zen, and a charitable, kind-hearted man, and has the respect and good will of all that know him.

Jonathan Balyeat, son of Jonas Balyeat. was born in Richland county, Chio, m 1823. and was reared to manhood on the home farm. His education was obtained in the schools of the day, and by private reading and study. Upon attaining his majority he made the wise

OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

choice of agriculture as his life work, and while yet a young man, married Miss Margaret Gates, of Richland county, to which marriage there were born eight children, as follows: Alcesta, John W., Catherine, Marion, Anna, Walter A., Edmond A. and Frank. Mr. Balyeat re- moved to Van Wert county in 1848, thus be- coming one of the early pioneers of that county. There be resided until 1865, when he removed to Elkhart county, Ind., where he has lived ever since, and where he has long been known as one of the leading citizens of his township and county. In politics he has always been a republican and in religion a Baptist, being looked upon by his fellow- churchmen as a pillar in the church.

J ACOB BALYEAT, second son of Jonas and Catherine Balyeat, was born in Richland connty, Ohio, April 30, IS21, and there remained until his twenty- third year, assisting his father on the farm and attending such schools as the county afforded, in the meantime leaving the parental fireside; he went to the city of Mansfield, where he re- mained two months, and while there learned the shoemaker's trade. He married, in May, 1844, Frances Thomas, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Thomas. Subsequently about 1847, Mr. Balyeat moved his family to Van Wert county, settling in Pleasant township, where he opened a farmn.

which the present generation has no adequate conception. With an energy born of a deter- mination to succeed, he prosecuted his labors vigorously and in due season saw the reward of his persistent toil in a beautiful country home, where he is passing the declining years of a long and useful life. Mr. Balyeat's integrity has never been questioned, and his high sense of honor and fair treatment of his fellow-men have for years been proverbial in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Balycat, have a family consisting of the following children : Jonas; Philip: Amanda Ellen, wife of S. M. Gilliland; Melvin; Michael T .; Mary L., wife of Greenberry Sommerset; Anna, wife of Samuel Gilliland; Frances, who married J. J. Vorp; Luman, and Viola deceased. The parents of Mrs. Balyeat, Michael and Elizabeth Thomas, had twelve children namely; Mrs. Sarah Balyeat, deceased: Jonathan; Eliza- beth, deceased; Philip; Michael; George, de- ceased; Nancy; George; John; Katie, deceased; Mary; and Isaac, deceased. Both of above parents died in Ashland county.

Mr. Balyeat is a republican and owns 178 acres of land in Ridge township, where he lo- cated in 1861.

J. BALYEAT, of Pleasant township. Van Wert county, was born in Ash- land county, Ohio, in 1851, a son ci David and Sarah (Thomas, Balyeat, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of Jonas Balyeat, whose genealogy is to be found with that of the Balyeat family. in ad- jacent parts of this volume.

Mr. and Mrs. Balyeat knew not what it was to eat the bread of idleness, and the first few years in their new home were fraught with David Balyeat, eldest son of Jonas, was reared a frontier farmer and was educated in the schools of Richland county, Ohio. In 1841 he married Sarah Thomas, and to this nmon were born the following children: Lavina. who died in infancy; Elizabeth, wife of N. S. hardships and privations, before which many people of less determination would have shrunk appalled. Mr. Balyeat states that he was ob- liged to go a long distance in order to obtain breadstuffs, beside encountering many other difficulties incident to life in a new country of : Allen, of Oregon; Reuben, of Oklahoma; S.

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

J., subject of this sketch; Alfred l., on the home farm; Emma, deceased wife of Mr. Langthon Wiseman, of Van Wert county, Ohio; Clinton and Addison, both deceased. After marriage David Balyeat lived for ten years on a farm he had purchased in Ashland county, and was esteemed a higlily useful citi- zeni as well as successful farmer; in 1852 he sold his place and came to Van Wert county and purchased a farm in Pleasant township (on which his son, Alfred I., still makes his home), on which he lived and labored until his death, which occurred November 9, 1891, be- ing followed to the grave by his estimable wife February 17, 1894. In politics Mr. Balyeat was a vigorous republican, by which party he was elected to nearly all the local offices within its gift, and he was ever faithful and upright in the performance of every duty. In religion, both Mr. and Mrs. Balyeat were members of Baptist church, and their lives were consistent with their professions. Mr. Balyeat was one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of his time and had the confidence and esteemn of all who knew him, and his work tells the story of a well-spent life.

S. J. Balyeat, like his ancestors, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and began his school studies in a log school-house, and continuing his lessons until they were terminated in the modern frame that replaced the old log struc- ture. His marriage took place, in 18,8, to Mary Leslie, daughter of George and Nancy {Henderson) Leslie, and born in Van Wert county, in 1857; here she became a successful and popular school-teacher for four years pre- vious to her marriage. To this union have been born five children, viz: Carl, who died in infancy; Vernon, Clyde, Georgia Glee and Doyt. Mr. and Mrs. Balyeat are both devout members of the Baptist church, in which Mr. Balyeat is more than ordinarily interested, and in politics Mr. Balyeat is a stanch republican.

In 1882 Mr. Balyeat purchased his present home in Pleasant township, where he is a prominent and successful farmer and where he and family are regarded as among the best and most useful and respected residents of the county.

Alfred I. Balyeat, the third son born to David and Sarah Balyeat, was born February 18, 1854, was educated in the county schools and at Ada, Ohio, and for two years was hin- self a school-teacher. In 1879 he married Sivella M. Snyder, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, November 19, 1858, a daughter of Fred and Margaret (Myres) Snyder, and this union was blessed with two children, Den- nis and Gertrude. Fred Snyder, the father of Mrs. Balyeat, was a native of Pennsylvania, and in 1865 brought his family to Van Wert county and settled in Harrison township, where he still resides. His daughter Sivella was reared in strict accordance with the Baptist faith, and was married to Mr. Balyeat in her twenty-second year. This lady died February 9, 1888, deeply mourned by her family and friends, and in 1891 Mr. Balyeat married Saralı Smith, daughter of Peter and Catherine (Stucker) Smith, and this union has resulted in the birth of one child-Viola May. The mother of the babe was born in Van Wert county, January 1, 1864, her parents being natives of Holmes county, Ohio, but early settlers of Van Wert county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Balyeat are members of the Baptist church, in which they take a deep interest and for which they do much active work. In politics Mr. Balyeat is a strong republican and works hard for its suc- cess. He is a member of grange No. 399, and has all his life been identified with agricultural interests, and all his life also has been passed an the old homestead, with the exception of three years following his marriage. His social standing is unsurpassed by any other resident of his township.

AARON BALYEAT.

34-40

OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

A ARON BALYEAT, of Van Wert, son of Jonas Balyeat, was born March 15, 1827, in Richland county, Ohio, and grew to man's estate amid the active duties of farm life. He attended the common schools until sufficiently advanced in his studies to teach, when he entered the edu- cational field and acted the role of instructor for a period of twenty years. In 1850, Mr. Balyeat became a resident of the county of Van Wert, locating in Harrison township, where he cleared and improved a farm and en- gaged in the pursuit of agriculture with suc- cess and financial profit-adding to his original place until he became the possessor of 160 acres of fine land. Subsequently he exchanged the farm for real estate in the township of Pleasant, and from time to time purchased other land, owning at one time in the county of Van Wert over 230 acres, the greater part of which, through his industry and successful management, became highly improved. Mr. Balyeat dealt largely in real estate both in Ohio and the west, principally in Nebraska, to which latter state he intended at one time to remove, but was prevented from so doing by reason of the death of his wife. He then pur- chased property in Van Wert, and for some years has been an honored resident of the city, though still giving considerable attention to his farming interests in Paulding aud Van Wert counties.

Mr. Balyeat's first marriage was solemnized October 11, 1849, with Miss Martha LaRne, who was born in Richland county December 29, 1827; the following children resulted fron the union: Lambert W., of Van Wert; Lu- cretia E., deceased; Orlando B., residing in Nebraska; Clarence S., of Toledo: Mary J., wife of J. Greenamier, of Nebraska; Eliza J., wife of Marion Allen, of Pleasant township, and Marquis, deceased. Mrs. Balyeat de- parted this life on the 5th day of July, 1864,

and in April of the following year, Mr. Bal- yeat wedded Miss Priscilla Brubaker, of Ash- land county, Ohio, daughter of Augustus and Susan Brubaker-a union blessed with six children, whose births occurred in the follow- ing order: Edgar C., private in the regular army; Stella J., wife of J. Steiner; Bertha G., Effie E., Charles O. and Susan P. The mother of these children died January 2, 1886. Mr. Balyeat married his present wife, Mrs. Amelia Wells, on the roth day of April, 1891.

Mr. Balyeat has been prominent in the public affairs of Van Wert and is at this time a member of the city council, in which body he is instrumental in promoting many ineas- ures for the city's interest; he has also served as trustee of the township, and while so offi- ciating discharged his functions in a highly satisfactory and capables manner. Like the majority of the family, he subscribes to the Baptist creed, and for a period of forty-five years has been deacon of the church to which he belongs: politically he espouses the cause of the republican party. In every relation of life Mr. Balyeat is recognized as possessing a. strong sense of truth and justice and he has discharged every duty of citizenship with en- ergy and fidelity of irreproachable character, and, actuated by a sincere desire to make the world better, he stands to-day among the most respectable citizens of the city and county of Van Wert.

J SOHN E. BARNARD, chief clerk and cashier at the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago freight depot in Van Wert. Ohio, is a native of the Buckeye stato and was born in Canaan, Wayne county. All- gust 15, 1846, a son of John W. and Mary M. (Notestine) Barnard. The father, John W. Barnard, was born in Lancaster, Pa., January 26, 1813, a son of Samson Barnard, who was

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

also a native of Pennsylvania and by trade a cooper. Samson Barnard passed his life in Pennsylvannia until 1850, when he moved near Wooster, Ohio, where for a year he con- tinued to follow lis trade, and then lived in retirement until his death, which occurred, in 1875. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and the father of eighteen children, of whom five still survive. In politics he was a strong abolitionist, and was actively con- nected with the underground railroad.

John W. Barnard was reared in Lancaster, Pa., until twenty-three years of age, there learned coopering and carpentering, and, in 1836, came to Ohio and located at Seville, Medina connty, followed coopering a year or two, and then worked at carpentering for fif- teen years; he next purchased a farm in Canaan, on which he lived until 1865, when he removed to an adjoining township. For some years he was a general merchant at Burbank, Wayne county, Ohio, where he bought and shipped grain to a large extent. His marriage took place in Wayne county, in 1835. to Mary M. Notcstine, a native of Pennsylvania, by which union he became the father of six children, viz: Elizabeth and Eliza, deceased; Amanda, wife of George W. Naftzger, of Glendale, Mich .; Martha, wife of Isaac N. Tally, of Oriole, Fla .; John E., the subject of this sketch, and Simeon, deceased. The father in politics was first a whig, but on the formation of the republican party enlisted under its banner. He died in 1878, a member of the United Breth- ern church; his wife died in 1848. a member of the Lutheran church.

John E. Barnard was reared in Wayne county, Ohio, and remained with his father until 1867, the year of his marriage, but, before speaking in full of that event. it is well that his business career should be mentioned and a history should be given of his extensive and somewhat brilliant railroad experience. In

1868 he went to Dayton, Ohio, and attendel the commercial college one year; the following winter he taught school in Wayne county, and! in the spring of 1869. went to Brookville, Ohio. and for three years officiated as book-keeper for a distilling firm and at the same time had charge of the Dayton & Western and Dayton & Union railroad office at that point. In the. spring of 1872 he went to Union city, Ind., as agent for the Dayton & Union road, filled the position one month and then accepted a similar position with the Big Four, in the same city; in June, 1872, he went to Greenville, Ohio, as chief clerk for the Dayton & Union and Pan- handle, remained until September of the same year, and then went to Dodson Junction, where he purchased an elevator, and where he was also appointed joint agent for the Dayton & Union and the Dayton & Western roads; he remained there until March 1, 1875, when he was appointed agent for the Big Four at Sid- ney, Ohio, and there he remained until Oc- tober, 1881, when he was given the agency of the Big Four, at Litchfield, Ill., which posi- tion he filled until June 1, 1884, when he re- tired and went to Georgia, and engaged in mining in the gold fields of Lumpkin county. In the fall of 1885 he returned to Dodson Junction, Ohio, and in company with Jobu Hiller, carried on the grain business until Jan- uary 1, 1886, when he accepted an offer of the position of agent and operator for the Cincin- nati, Jackson & Mackinaw company at Ansonia. Ohio, and filled the place until February 15. 1886, when he was transferred to the agency at Van Wert, which he held until Decembe! 1, 1888, when he went to Saint Paul. Mint .. and acted as contracting agent for the Inter- State Despatch Fast Freight line until Oct .. ber 1, 1889, when he returned to Van Wer: and engaged as book-keeper for the Oil Well Supply company, with which he continue! until July 1, 1893. when he accepted a post-

OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

tion as book-keeper in the wholesale fruit house establishment of C. C. Gleason's Sons, and remained with them until January 1, 1894. when he withdrew and passed his time in travel, etc., until September 3, 1894, when he entered upon the duties of his present responsible po- sition of chief clerk and cashier of the freight department of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad at Van Wert.

November 28, 1867, Mr. Barnard was united in wedlock at Canaan, Wayne county, Ohio, with Miss Emma Parmenter, who was born in Carey, Hancock county, Ohio, March 23, 1846, a daughter of Alfred and Sarah (Stratton) Parmenter. and this union has been made happier by the birth of seven children, viz: A. Bertha, living with her parents; John A., a telegraph operator at Memphis, Tenn. ; Mary A. : Charles and Eleanor A., at hoine, and two children that died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Barnard are members of the Presby- terian church, of which he was elected an elder February 10, 1895; he stands high in the Masonic fraternity, having attained the thirty- second degree, being active in the chapter council and commandery, and is worshipful master of Van Wert lodge, No. 218. Socially, the standing of the family is among the best of Van Wert's citizens.

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A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 1, Part 68

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Chicago : A.W. Bowen Number of Pages: 1310

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago : A.W. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1310