A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 1, Part 72

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 72
USA > Ohio > Allen County > A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 1 > Part 72

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: Jenny, Lucina and William. The second wif of Mr. Brittson bore the maiden name of Saral J. Pomeroy and became the mother of nine children-Enos, Walter, Eliza, Bert, Willis. Lizzie, Frank, Chauncey and Charles. The second Mrs. Brittson died, and for his third wife Mr. Brittson married Mrs. Mary Mi. Hillard, who bore him three children-James. Catherine and Bessie. MIr. Brittson was first a Lutheran, but later became a Methodist, in which faith he died March 23, 1891. In poli- tics he was a democrat.

Benjamin Brittson was born March 12. 1850, on his father's farm in Harrison town- ship, Van Wert county, Ohio, received a good common-school education, and was reared to farming and also learned the carpenter's trade February 18, 1877, he was united in wedlock with Eliza E. Capper, daughter of Stephen and Ellen (Stewart) Capper-the former born June 1, 1818, and the latter February 15, 1821. Stephen Capper, in 18441, settled on the farm now occupied by our subject, the place containing 160 acres in the woods. Ilis wife was a daughter of Mahlon Stewart, who was born in Maryland, of Scotch descent, and settled in Ohio in 1822. Mr. and Mrs. Cap- per were the parents of seven children, viz: Elizabeth, David (killed in the battle at Dal- ton, Ga.), Mablon, James, Thomas, Welling- ton and Eliza E. After marriage, Mr. Britt- son settled on the Capper homestead, and here he has since lived. To his union with Miss Capper were born three children-Charles. Hattie and an infant that died unnamed. Mrs. Eliza E. Brittson died April 7, 1883, and March 23. 1884. Mr. Brittson married Mir Alice L. Harr, daughter of John H. Hint. whose biography is to be found on another page, and to this union have been born 130

OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

of the Hiawatha tribe, No. 116, 1. O. R. M .. of Convoy, and is recognized throughout the communtity as an upright, straightforward gentleman and citizen.

OSEPH BRODNIX. - Among the old and well known citizens of Van Wort county, Ohio, deserving mention withi its representative citizens, the name of Joseph Brodnix, of Van Wert, is worthy of extended notice. He was born in Bucks county, Pa., August 3, 1827, son of Thomas and Anna (Boyd) Brodnix. Thomas Brodnix. also a native of the aforesaid county and state, was born February 2, 1799, and his father, also named Thomas, was born in 1758, in France. Thomas Brodnix, Sr., received a military education in his native country, and when a young man came to America in time to take part in the Revolutionary war, at the close of which he settled in Bucks county, Pa .. where he followed the farmer's vocation. Hc also served in the war of 1812. He married Sarah Barrico, who bore him five children: Sarah, Nancy, William, Thomas, and Hannah, all deceased. The father of the above-named children died in 1836 and the mother in 1839.

Thomas Brodnix, Jr., the date of whose birth is given in the preceding paragraph, was born and reared to manhood in Bucks county, Pa., and was there educated in a Quaker school, his parents having been birthright members of the Society of Friends. While still young he learned carpet-weaving, and followed the same for some years in the city of Philadelphia, and about 1832 engaged in boating on the Dela- ware river for two or three years. He then followed carpet-weaving in Dayton, Ohio, and about 1840 came to Van Wert county, locat- ing in York township, where he made his home till 1865, moving at that time to Defiance, where his death occurred February 1, 1892. '

Thomas Brodnix, Jr., was twice married; the first time, to Anna Boyd, by whom he had six children: Joseph, subject of this biography: Sarah, widow of A. M. Corgan, resident of Defiance, Ohio; John, a resident of Napoleon, Ohio: Anna, wife of Jaines Boyd, of Paulding county; Isabella, and Edward H., deceased. Mr. Brodnix's second marriage was with Janett Bronson, who is also deceased.

Joseph Brodnix, the leading events of whose life are herewith set forth, was thirteen years old when his parents came to Van Wert county, but previous to that time he worked at carpet- weaving, with his father. in the city of Dayton. He remainad under the parental roof until reaching manhood's estate, and about 1848 accepted a clerkship in a general store, in which capacity he continued four years, and for two years was engaged as salesman in a dry- goods house. His next employment was in a hotel at Saint Mary's, where he remained for a short time and then taught school. for less than one year, in the town of Mendon, Mercer county.

Returning to Van Wert county, Mr. Brod- nix, on the 3rd day of July, 1851, was united in marriage to Lydia A. Cook, daughter of Daniel Cook, of Virginia, and immediately thereafter engaged in agricultural pursuits in Pleasant township, renting land for three years, and then purchased a farin consisting of 160 acres in the township of Pleasant; he sold this place in 1864, then bought 160 acres in Liberty township, eighty acres of he gave to his son, B. B. He followed the farmer's vocation with fair success, until 1865, at which time he dis- posed of his place and moved to the city of Van Wert, where for some time he engaged in the boot and shoe trade. Severing his con- nection with the mercantile business, Mr. Brodnix next turned his attention to house- painting and later engaged in house-decorating and paper hanging, which he suil follows. In

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

the various enterprises in which he has been engaged, he has been successful and now has a comfortable competency, including a residence in the city and a good farm, also owning, in partnership with his brother, 102 acres of land in the county of Defiance.

By his first marriage, alluded to in the pre- ceding paragraph. Mr. Brodnix became the father of eight children, whose names, in order of birth, are as follows: Anna, Emma, Ella, Julia, Frank, Ida, Perry and Bennie, all de- ceased but the last named. Mrs. Brodnix was born in Richland county, Ohio, and departed this life July 17, 1892. On the second day of February, 1893, Mr. Brodnix married his present wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Shanor, widow of the late Dr. Shanor of Allegheny, Pa.

Mr. Brodnix is a member of the I. O. O. F., a republican in politics, and with his wife belongs to the Presbyterian church. In all the essentials of true manhood, and good citizen- ship, he is not wanting, and during his long residence in Van Wert he has won a warm and abiding place in the affections of the people; he is kindhearted, his integrity has never been questioned, and throughout a long and useful life, he has kept on the best of termins with his fellow-men.

Bennie B. Brodnix is the only living child of Joseph and Lydia Brodnix. Mr. Brodnix was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, April 16, 1872, and passed his youthful years in the city of Van Wert, in the schools of which he ac- quired a good English education. On the 22d of November, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Leona V., daughter of Franklin and Mary J. (Weber) Yant, and immediately there- after began farming his present place, consist- ing of eighty acres of fine land in Liberty town- ship. Mr. Brodnix has made many substantial improvements on this place, developing its natural resources, erecting buildings, etc .. and has the satisfaction of knowing that under his

successful management it has been made one of the finest farms of its size in Liberty. B. B. Brodnix is republican in politics, and also a member of North Liberty Methodist church.

Mrs. Brodnix's father, Franklin Yant, was born in Stark county, Ohio, December 28, IS31, and her mother first saw the light of day in the county of Columbiana on the 30th day of August, 1835. They were married in Mercer county, Ohio, thence moved to the county of Van Wert, settling in Liberty town- ship; he served in the late war in company K. Eighty-eighth Ohio infantry, was a republican in politics, a member of the Methodist church, in which he held the office of trustee and stew- ard, and died March 27, 1894. His father, Philip Yant, a native of Pennsylvania, married Nancy Nicholas, and in an early day immi- grated to Stark county, "Ohio, thence. later. became a resident of Van Wert county, being among its well known pioneers.

B ENJAMIN BROWN, one of the most substantial and experienced of the farmers of Willshire township. Van Wert county, was born in Morros county, Ohio, December 24, 1835. was fairly well educated and has always ben prominent as an agriculturist. Payne T. Brown, father of our subject, was born near Steubenville. N. Y., in 1802, and when he attained his major- ity came to Ohio, in company with his mother. his father having previously died in the Empire

state. Payne T. and his mother located in Richland county, where Payne T. was mar- ried to Elizabeth Vanator. The young couple then entered eighty acres of land in what is now Morrow county, and also purchased eighty additional acres, thus making a good form. In later life they removed to Van Werte pr and purchased in Whillshice township the 2 .... 1 of 230 acres on which our subject now resides.

OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

and where Payne T. died in August, 1872, interesting family have been born and reared. leaving a widow and the following children: Mary; Mrs. Sarah A. Stane; Thomas, de- ceased; Benjamin, our subject; Emeline ; Henry; Susan, deceased. and Thomas. The mother of these children now makes her home on the old homestead, which, when settled, was six miles away from the nearest neighbor.

The farm was then entirely new, but Mr. Brown has converted it into one of the finest pieces of property in the county, and has improved it with a modern brick dwelling and other sub- stantial buildings. His cattle are full-blooded short-horns, and his other stock is equally as choice, and he is one of the most progressive, as well as one of the wealthiest farmers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are consistent members of the Disciples' church, and in pol- itics Mr. Brown is a strong prohibitionist. The social standing of the family is of course with the best in the county.

Benjamin Brown was married, September 15, 1859, to Lucinda Majors, daughter of Joshua and Harriet (Julick) Majors, who were very early settlers in Adams county, Ind .- the former being a famous hunter and fisher- man, who paid for his Adams county farm with deer-skins. He eventually moved to Henry county, Mo., where he died in 1890, and where his widow still resides. Just five ROF. ELLSWORTH BROWN, prin- cipal of the high school of Ohio City, and son of Benjamin and Lucinda Brown, was born near Willshire, Van Wert county, Ohio, June 4. 1866. The father was born in what is now Morrow county, then a part of the county of Richland. December 25, 1837, being the son of Payne T Brown, a native of New York, who immigrated to Ohio about 1830, settling in Richland county. Payne T. Brown was of Scotch descent. a re- publican in politics, and for many years an active member of the Christian church. He married Elizabeth Vanator, and reared the following children: Henry; Benjamin: Mary Emeline, wife of Henry Trimby: Sarah, widow of George Dettmer; Martin; Payne T. : Susan, and Thomas. The mother of these children is still living, at a ripe old age: the father de- parted this life in 18;2. years after marriage Benjamin Brown enlisted, September 15, 1864, in company D, Forty- first Ohio volunteer infantry, was detailed as a post gnard in the army of Gen. George H. Thomas, saw much active duty in the cam- paigns in Kentucky, Tennessee and in Ala- bama, and was honorably discharged June 15, 1865. The family born to Mr. and Mrs. Ben- jamin Brown was comprised of the following accomplished sons and daughters: Rosa, de- ceased wife of Alfred Ayers; George W., who lives in Athens, Tenn. ; Benjamin, who was an operator for seven years for the Chicago & Erie Railway company, never made a mistake of one cent in his accounts, and saved the money necessary to defray the expenses of his . of Thomas Stone ; George W., Rebecca, widew education, and will soon graduate from Beth- any college, W. Va .; Ellsworth, principal of the Ohio City schools and a member of the county board of teachers' examiners; Mand. who has secured her license and began teach- Benjamin Brown, father of the subject. was reared a farmer, and in 1850 married Lucinda Major, daughter of Joshua and Hart'et (Gulick) Major, a mion blessed with the birth of the following children: Rosa, deceased wat of A. A. Ayres; George W., a farmer, residing ing in the summer of 1895 : Harry and Nellie- the last two mentioned being also prepared for the vocation of teaching. On the day of their marriage Benjamin Brown and wife settled on the present farm of 230 acres, and here their

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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

in Tennessee; Benjamin, professor of elocution and oratory at Bethany college, Va. : Ellsworth, the subject of this sketch; Inez, a teacher in Willshire and Maud, who is also engaged in school work. Benjamin Brown and wife are well known residents near the town of Will- shire, where they are highly respected. Mr. Brown served in the late war, in the Forty- second Ohio infantry, until the close of the same, his period of enlistment having extended from 1863 to the latter part of 1865. In poli- tics he was originally a republican, but of late years has been a supporter of the prohibition party. He and wife are members of the Christian church.

Joshua Major, father of Mrs. Benjamin Brown, settled in Adams county, Ind., when a young man, and lived there until 1874, when he emigrated to Henry county, Mo., where his death occurred in 1886; his wife, Harriet Gulick, daughter of John Gulick, was born in Romney, Va .. and became the mother of the following children: John E., Lucinda, Melissa, Charles, Mrs. Eliza Kilmer, Mrs. Belle Curtis, Daton, Henry, Davis W. and Mrs. Emma Alfter.

The immediate subject of this sketch laid the foundation of his literary education in the common schools of Willshire township, and at- tended two years at the Van Wert high school. and at the early age of sixteen began teaching, his first term being in district No. 4. Willshire township. Subsequently, he taught in Pleas- ant township and Ohio City, three years in the latter place, and then, actuated by a laudable desire to increase his literary knowledge, en- tered the Western Ohio Normal school, from which he was graduated at the end of two years. On completing his course, Prof. Brown was chosen a member of the faculty of the aforesaid institution, but continued in that capacity for only a limited period, resigning in 1889, in order to engage in educational work

in the south. He accepted a professorship ti an academy at Oak Grove, Ga., and taught successfully for less than a year, and then r .- signed to accept the superintendency of the public schools of Flovilla, Ga., which position he retained for four consecutive terms.

On the 7th day of August, 1890, Prof. Brown entered into the marriage relation with Miss Calla Hoffman, daughter of Christian and Margaret Hoffman. (For sketch of Mrs. Brown's parents, see biography of Christian Hoffman.) Mrs. Brown was born December 26, 1868, in Van Wert county, attended the country schools, and later graduated from the Western Ohio normal at Middlepoint, Chio. completing her course in IS91, after her mar- riage. Mrs. Brown taught in the Ohio City schools before her marriage and for two years was assistant to her husband in the high school in Flovilla. Prof. Brown and Mrs. Brown have three children-Minnie Lea. Fawn and Allen De Witt. Mr. Brown was elected superintendent of the Ohio City schools in September, 1892, and has discharged the duties of this position in a capable and most satisfactory manner ever since. In August, 1894, he was appointed member of the county board of school examiners for three years, an! since that time has done much toward supply- ing the schools of the county with a superior class of teachers. He is an enthusiast in his profession, keeps fully abreast of the times, and has before him a most promising fature. He is a member of the Methodist church, in which he holds the office of trustee, and in politics is a republican.

D ARTIN BROWN, of the firm of Brown & Barrick, Van Wert, Ohne. is the eighth child of Payne T. and Elizabeth Vanator Brown. Payn . T. Brown was born in the state of New York

HENRY BUTLER.

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OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

Upon reaching his majority he followed the tide of emigration and came west, settling in Morrow county, Ohio. Here he entered a tract of eighty acres of land, made a clearing, and sowed and reaped, and by frugality ac- quired a competency and reared his family. In politics he was an old-line whig, and died, honored and respected, in October, 1872. Ilis widow is a native of Ohio, a daughter of James Vanator, one of the early pioneers of Morrow county, and still resides upon the old homestead, loved and respected by all who know her, at the advanced age of eighty- seven years. To the umon of this worthy couple were born twelve children, as follows: Mary; Sarah A. , wife of Thomas Stone; Henry, deceased; Benjamin; Emeline, wife of Henry Trimby; Rebecca, widow of George Doltmer; George W .; Martin; Payne; Susannah; Marion, deceased, and Thomas, deceased.

Martin Brown the subject of this biogra- phy, was born on his father's farm in Morrow county, Ohio, June 19, 1344. He received such education as could be obtained in a dis- trict school in the early pioneer days. While still in his teens, he left the paternal roof and sought a change in Van Wert county. Here he worked for a time on a farm owned by his father, near Willshire. On reaching his ma- jority, he was employed as clerk for some years in Willshire. and later he located near Rock- ford, on a farm.

In the year 1875 he settled in Van Wert and established himself in the livery business, which he carried on successfully until 1881. In 1883 he located in Willshire. where he es- tablished and conducted a general store for a considerable time, when he disposed of his business, and engaged in the agricultural im- plement trade until 1892. In this year he established his present livery business. Mr. Brown has been three times married. His first wife was Miss Frank Work, who died in 1873.

Two children were born of this union, and both died in infancy. His second marriage occurred, in 1877, with Miss Maud Grahamn. She died in 1882. For his third wife Mr. Brown espoused Miss Hattie Parks. To this marriage have been born the following family: Carl, Maude, Ora, one who died in infancy and Coil. In his political views Mr. Brown is a republican. He is also a member in good standing of Van Wert lodge, No. 218, F. and A. M.

Gruss ENRY BUTLER, one of the most enterprising citizens of Van Wert, Ohio, is a native of England, was born February 12, 1839, near New- ark, Nottinghamshire, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Kirk) Butler, both natives of the same shire, where they were married. John Butler, from 1845 until his death, was a dealer at Manchester in grain, flour, produce, etc., and was a well educated gentleman. He was a Methodist in his religion and in politics was a liberal, and took great interest in all public affairs. They were the parents of nine children. named as follows: John: George, deceased; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Edwin, Elizabeth, William, Thomas and two that died young.

Henry Butler was but ten years of age when he left his native land in company with an uncle, William Clayworth, and July 3. 18.49, landed in New York, but shortly after- ward came to Ohio, and until October resided in Zanesville, when the two came to Van Wert and remained together until our subject reached the age of eighteen years. although during this interval our subject had passed a year or two with a cousin in Huntington county, Ind. On his final settlement in Van Wert. Henry Butler was employed in railroadling until the breaking ont of the late Civil war, when

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

he enlisted, April 17, 1861, in company E, Fif- teenth Ohio volunteer infantry, for three months, and after the expiration of his teri returned to Van Wert and engaged in handling coop- erage until 1863, when he enlisted in company K, Eighty-eighth Ohio volunteers, under Capt. W. T. Davis, for the term of three years, or during the war. He was assigned to guard duty at Camp Chasc, where he remained until his honorable discharge in August, 1865, and again returned to Van Wert, where he became connected with Senator Meredith in the manu- facture of staves and heading, though in a short time J. S. Brumback bought out the interest of Mr. Meredith, and the firm became H. Butler & Co., and from August, 1865, until 1869, there was an interchange of several partners. In the last-named year the business was closed at Van Wert, and in 1890 Mr. Butler trasferred the factory to Celina, Mercer county, Ohio, where, in partnership with .A. L. Doran, he turns out from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 staves per annum and heading in proportionate quantities. Mr. Butler owns much valuable real estate in the city of Van Wert, and also property in Ohio City, which town was laid out by himself and J. S. Brum- back, the banker, and Lester Patterson.

Mr. Butler is a republican in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has served his fellow-citizens of Van Wert as councilman for two years, was one of the water-works trustees, and has been a member of the park commissioners since the organization of the board; he was also ap- pointed city treasurer in January, 1895. He was one of the promoters of the Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw railroad, and with J. S. Brumback, J. M. C. Marble and Lester Pat- terson, took the contract for building the first ten miles of the road, of which he became the president in 1879. and retained the position three years. Mr. Butler is also secretary at

Van Wert for the Manitou Beach association. on Devil's Lake, Mich.

Devil's Lake is a body of the purest water. five miles in length by two in breadth. It has an average depth of twenty-five feet; its greatest depth is about ninety feet. At Manitou Beach the increase in depth is very gradual, so that -and more especially as the bottom of the lake here is of clear white sand --- the Beach is a favorite bathing place. Even children may bathe with safety, and boat to their hearts content. The water of the jake is supplied. not by surface drainage, but by a number of springs, some of them very large, in the bot- tom of the lake. There is an outlet but no inlet. It is, in fact, a genuine " spring lake " of such pure and clear water. that the fisher- man sees the white sand gleaming fifteen feet below his canoe, as it rises and falls with the waves. The lake abounds in fish, such as black bass, perch and pickerel; and in both spring and fall is frequented by large numbers of wild ducks. Wild geese also are to be found on it in season; and quail and pheasants are common in the surrounding country.

MANITOU BEACH is at the southwestern end of Devil's Lake, at the point where the main line of the Cincinnati, Jackson & Mack- inaw railroad touches the lake, and lies bt- tween the railroad and the famous grove a Manitou Beach. Its obvious advantages food to its being selected as the site for a summer village in 1887. In 1888 sufficient land for the purposes was obtained and this new vi- lage was laid out carefully. No special . fort has been made to sell the lots, the syn lie tte preferring to wait, for a short time, the effet of the growing popularity of Devil's Lake. In June of 1889 the village containel but three houses and now about forty, of which twenty-five are taseful cottages, built by this . whom the local reputation of Devil's Lake at once attracted when the most desirable part

OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

it became easily accessible. The streets of the town, already graded, are sixty-six and 100 feet in width, and are lined with shade trees. The land rolls slightly, affording easy, natural drainage, and a number of charming sites for cottages. The railway depot, telegraph and express offices are within casy walk of all the cottages. Of this delightful village, as has been intimated, Mr. Butler is the founder, A. L. Doran, of Celina, holding a half interest.

A. J. Brown, the subject. of this sketch. Mr. Butler was first married, March 1, 1866, at Van Wert, to Elizabeth Fouty, a na- tive of Marion county, Ohio, and a daughter of Isaac and Grace Fouty, and the fruits of this union were two children-Edwin V. and Emma M. Mrs. Butler was called to her heavenly home in March, 1SS2. For his sec- ond mate Mr. Butler chose Mrs. Eva M. Clark, daughter of Dr. William Smith. Mr. Butler is a Mason of the thirty-second degree and socially he is the center of an extended circle of acquaintances. In 1872 he made a trip to England on a visit to his old home, but soon returned morc favorably impressed with his home in the new world than ever before. was born in Medina county. Ohio, and during his earlier life worked at general labor of vari- ous kinds. He was a patriot when the war of the Rebellion broke out. and calisted, October > 15, 1861, in company G, Ninth Michigan vol- unter infantry. His fate was to see much hard fighting, and to suffer wounds at the hands of the enemy several different times. He fought in the battle of Pittsburg Landing. April 3-7, 1862; of Murfreesboro, Tenn., July 13, 1862; Lavergne, Tem .. December 27, 1862; Stone River, December 29-31, 1862: Chickamauga, September 17-20, 1863; Mis- sionary Ridge, November 25, 1863; Rocky Faced Ridge, May 8, 1864: Resaca, May 14. 1864; Dallas, Ga., May 27. 1864; Chattahoo- chee river, July 5-6, 1864: siege of Atlanta, J. BROWN, a prominent citizen of Van Weit, and an ex-soldier of the Union army, was born June 8, 1845. He is a son of John Brown, who was born in 1810, near Wheeling, Va. (now W. Va.), and at an early age learned the black- smith trade, at which he worked for several years. He was a soldier in the war with Mexico. In 1830 he was married to Miss July 22, and August 25, 1864, and Jonesboro. Ga., September 1, 1864. At Pittsburg Land- ing he was wounded by a musket ball, which he still carries in his body, and on August 25. before Atlanta, he was wounded in the thigh. On July 26, 1864. he was wounded in the breast, and ou August 13 he was sent to the hospital, where he remained seven months. He was discharged at Jackson, Mich., Decom- Jerusha Symcox, of Ohio. In this same ; ber 19. 1865, and is now receiving a pension year he settled in Medina county, Ohio, where p of $to per month.

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A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 1, Part 72

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