USA > Ohio > Allen County > A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 2 > Part 29
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 2 > Part 29
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
Mr. Lawrence is a prominent member of the Pythian fraternity, in the local lodge of which he has held all the chairs. Beside hav- ing been appointed special deputy of the grand chancellor of the state, he also belongs to the grand lodge and takes an active part in the deliberations of the same.
FERT AGLER, a most worthy citizen of Van Wert was born in Mercer county, Ohio, June 10, 1838. He is a son of J. and Mary (Putnam) Agler, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of whom was born in 18-, and the latter in 1813, and were married in 1833. J. Agler was reared on a farm in his native state and followed that honorable and most useful occu- pation until his death. Soon after his mar- riage he removed to Ohio and bought a farm in Mercer county, where he remained one year, and then removed to Liberty township, Van Wert county, where he remained the rest of his life, dying in 1868. He was a most industrious and honorable citizen, and was liberal in the use of his money, freely con- tributing to the aid of religious and other worthy enterprises to the extent of his ability. at the same time being unusually successful in his calling. Politically he was a democrat and religiously a member of the United Breth- ren church.
He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Timothy, Harmon, Wert. Morris, Sarah, Andrew, Charlotte and Putnam.
471
OF VAN WERT COUNTY.
Of these Harmon, Sarah and Putnam are was born July 20, 1864, and died March 18, dead. The rest are married and heads of 1867. Delles E. was born in 1869 and is at the present time a member of the firm of Longsworth & Agler, photographers of Van Wert, and one of the finest artists in the city, and is married to Mollie Huffman, of Saint Mary's. Mention has already been made of the excellently artistic work executed by these gentlemen. families of their own. Timothy married Eliza- beth Brewer of Van Wert, and she died in 1893. Morris married Mollie Sinder, and is living in Marshall, Ind. ; Andrew married Nancy Acum of Mercer county, and after her death married Sarah Putnam, they are living in Van 'Wert county; Charlotte married Daniel Whit- more of Van Wert, and they are living in Van Wert county. The mother of these children still lives on the old farm in Van Wert county, is a highly respected woman, and a member of the United Brethren church.
Wert Agler, the subject of this sketch, was born in Mercer county and was reared on his father's farm, coming to Van Wert county with his father. Continuing to follow farming until the war, he then enlisted, September 10, 1861, in company A, Forty-sixth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, in which he served one year and six months, and participated in several battles and skirmishes, the principal battle being that at Pittsburg Landing, in which he had a narrow escape, being shot in the hand while loading his gun and slightly wounded. At Corinth he was taken sick, but went on with his regiment to Memphis, Tenn., where, on January 1, 1863, he was discharged. Returning to his home he resumed farming on his father's farm, and April 16, 1863, he was married to Anna Krick. Not long afterward he purchased a farm and began life in earnest on his own account and met with most gratify- ing success. In March, 1893, he moved into the city of Van Wert, purchased a beautiful cottage, and is now living retired. Politically he is a democrat and religiously a member of the United Brethren church -- freely donates to the cause of religion and also that of education. as well as to all public enterprises of merit. He and wife are the parents of two children: Morris Monroe and Delles E. Morris Monroe
Anna Krick, wife of the subject, was born July 22, 1842, in Ashland county, Ohio, and lived with her parents until her marriage. She is a woman of great worth and a member of the United Brethren church. Her father. Phillip Krick, was born in Pennsylvania, in June, 1792, and at an early age learned the cooper trade, afterward learning the carpenter trade, at which for the greater part of his life he worked. and was unusually successful, be- ing a man of industry and skill at his trade. When he became old he returned to the cooper trade, which he followed for some years. He married Susan Cumler of Pennsylvania, re- moved to Ohio and located in Ashland county. In 1846 he removed with his family to Adams county, Ind., where he remained for twelve years, returning to Ohio in 1858, and settling on a farm in Van Wert csunty, working at farming, as well as at his trade, until his death. which occurred in 1872. Politically he was a democrat and religiously a member of the Presbyterian church. He and his wife were the parents of fifteen children, as follows: John, William, Mary, Samuel, Eliza, Mar- garet, Jacob, Philip, Emanuel, Elijah and Elias (twins), Henry and Lydia (twins), Catherine and Anna. Of these fifteen children William. Mary, Samuel, Emanuel, Henry, John, Philip and Catherine are dead, the rest are married and heads of families of their own. The mother of these children died in 1868, a good, highly esteemed woman, and a member of the Presbyterian church.
472
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
0 ELLES E. AGLER, a member of the firm of Longsworth & Agler, photographers of Van Wert, Ohio, was born in Liberty township, Van Wert county, February 6, 1869, and is a son of Wert Agler, whose biography is on page 471.
Mr. Agler was reared to manhood on a farm, enjoyed the advantages of the common schools of his youth, and also attended the Rockford schools for a period of two years. In the month of September, 1889, he entered a photographic studio in Van Wert, where he remained until he became proficient in the art of photography, and then, in 1890, went to Saint Mary's, and there opened a studio of his own, on which he followed the profession he had chosen until his studio was burned out in April, 1893, when he returned to Van Wert, where he became engaged as operator for J. E. Smith, remaining thus engaged until No- vember of that year. He then succeeded J. I. Ream and organized the firm of Longsworth & Agler, which is now so widely known throughout the country for its excellent work in the special art to which they devote their at- tention. Their studio is finely equipped for high-grade work in photography and is visited by many hundreds who desire the finest results of that art, which, to quote a favorite expres- sion of photographers, "secures the shadow ere the substance perishes."
Shortly after leaving Saint Mary's, he was married June 15, 1893, to Miss Mollie Huffman, who was born in Beaver Dam, Allen county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Lewis and Annie (Stewart) Huffman, both of whoin are natives of Ohio. To this marriage there have been born two children, viz: Lucile E. and Robert Wert. Mr. Agler is a member of the I. O. O. F., and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are people highly regarded by the com- munity in which they live.
LI ALBRIGHT, brother of William Albright, whose biography appears on page 7, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in April, 1838. Such educa- tional training as he obtained was acquired, during the winter seasons, in a little log school- house, and in his youth he turned his attention to mechanical pursuits, becoming proficient at blacksmithing, carpentering, cabinet-making and tanning. With the rest of his father's family he came to Van Wert county in 1859. and purchased a farm in Pleasant township. where he has since resided, giving the greater part of his attention to tilling the soil, in which he has met with well merited success. In addition to agriculture he was for some time engaged as an auctioneer, in which capacity he visited nearly every part of Van Wert and ad- joining counties; in 1880 he purchased the farm where he now lives and is classed with the progressive and substantial citizens of Pleasant township. In December, 1860, his marriage was solemnized with Lucy Gleason, daughter of Stephen and Amanda (Fletcher) Gleason. The following children were born to this marriage: Florence, wife of Howard Kreider; Cora, wife of George Augemine and Sherman. The mother of these children was born August 3, 1834, in New York, and when a child was brought by her parents to Van Wert county. Her death occurred. December 6, 1864, and June 14, 1866, Mr. Albright mar- ried Mary E. Riedenbach, daughter of John N. and Catherine (Scear) Riedenbach, natives of Germany, but for a number of years residents of the county of Van Wert. Mrs. Albright was a native of Holmes county, Ohio, and died February 22, 1882, being the mother of the following children: George W., Charles W. (deceased), Harry, Alfred, Leonard (de- ceased), Adeline and Katie. Mr. Albright then married his present wife, Ella M. Border, daughter of Nathaniel and Katie ( Taylor, Bor-
478
OF VAN WERT COUNTY.
der, natives respectively of Virginia and Penn- sylvania. Five children are the results of the third marriage, viz .: Bertha, Mercy L. Icy, Mattie and Eli. Mr. Albright is a democrat in his political belief, fraternally he is a mem- ber of the Masonic order, with which he has been identified for thirty-four years, and is a leading citizen of the community in which he resides.
.......
Is EONIDAS BALYEAT .- Among the leading and representative citizens of Harrison township, Van Wert coun- ty, few are more conspicuous or de- servedly popular than Leonidas Balyeat, farmer and stock grower, who has not only made a success of life, but is a descendant of one of the leading pioneer families of the county. Mr. Balyeat was born on his father's farm in Harrison township, on February II, 1856. He received the usual education com- mon to youths of his time and surroundings, to which he has since added by study, obser- vation and experience. Following in the foot- steps of his worthy father he became a farmer, and to the prosecution of his chosen life work he has brought more than the usual amount of intelligence, skill and application, and to this is due, to a great degree, his success. He owns and cultivates 130 acres of the old home- stead in Harrison township, raising a diversity of crops, and paying considerable attention to stock-raising. In politics he is a republican, though in the election of minor officials, al- ways votes for the man of ability and fitness regardless of politics. He served for one year as assessor of Pleasant township, discharging the duties of that office with credit to him- self and satisfaction to all concerned. In his views and ideas Mr. Balyeat is progressive and liberal. He is a warm advocate of good roads and schools, and in fact of every movement
having for its aim the advancement and im- provment of his community and county. He has inherited the sturdy characteristics of his ancestors, and for these and his many other qualities of both head and heart he is univers- ally popular among his neighbors and fellow- citizens.
Mr. Balyeat married Sarah J. LaRue, a daughter of Joseph LaRue (see sketch of H. F. LaRue, on page 427). While they have no children of their own; Mr. and Mrs. Balyeat have an adopted daughter, Cora, whom they are rearing as their own child. Both Mr. and Mrs. Balyeat are members of the Baptist . church, of which he is also a clerk. The reader is here referred to the sketch of the Balyeat family, page 29, of this volume.
EREMIAH J. ALSPACH, a rising and promising agriculturist of Union town- ship, Van Wert county, was born in Perry county, Ohio, February 22, 1852, a son of Jesse and Eva (Long) Alspach. The father, Jesse Alspach, was also a native of Perry county, and was born in ISI8, and was a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Runkle) Alspach, further mention of whom is made in this sketch. Jesse Alpach was reared on his father's farin, and about the year 1846 married Eva Long, doughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Siebolt; Lang, who were of German parentage. Mrs. Eva Alspach was born in Perry county in 18 19, and bore to her husband, Jesse, five children, viz : Benjamin, a farmer of Perry county; Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Bopc, of Perry county ; Jeremiah J., our subject, Allen, editor of the Thornville News, and Oliver O., of Van Wert, whose biography in full will be found on another page. The father of this family died in Thorn township, Perry county, in 1863, but the mother survived until May 22, 1874, when she, too, was called to rest with her husband,
£
474
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
in the faith of the Lutheran church. Jesse Alspach had been an active democrat in poli- tics, but his wider reputation rested on his ability as a farmer.
Jeremiah J. Alspach was thoroughly trained to the hard work of the farm and also received a good common-school education. About the year 1875 he married Miss Mary Packer, daugh- ter of William and Elizabeth (Neel) Packer, and born in Perry county, February 26, 1852. William Packer was born in Pennsylvania in ISIS, was a son of John and Elizabeth (Prutz- man) Packer, and was captain in the state militia of Ohio. About 1816 he came to Ohio and located in Jacksontown, Licking county, but a few months later bought a farm in Perry county. About 1848 he married Elizabeth Neel, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Zart- man) Neel, and who was born in Perry county in 1816, and to this union were born six chil- dren, viz : Marion, deceased; Mary, wife of our subject; Charles, a farmer of Perry county; Sarah and William H., deceased, and Esther, of Perry county. William Packer died on his farm, in Perry county, in September, 1893, an attendant of, but not a member of, the Lutheran church. Mrs. Mary Alspach is ade- vout member of this church, of which also her husband is a prominent member. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Alspach the following children have been born, viz : A., deceased infant boy; William O., born July 10, 1878; Carrie E., who died in infancy; Homer R., born January 8, 1883; Bessie, born February 26, 1884, died August 29, 1884; Mary Loulla, born March 1, 1887. In 1887 Mr. Alspach sold his farm in Perry county and came to Van Wert county and bought his present home, of which about sixty acres were cleared. This farm he has placed under a fine state of culti- vation and a few better farmers are to be found in the county. In politics Mr. Alspach is a democrat, but is in no sense an office seeker
although he has served for three years as town- ship trustee, and has given entire satisfaction. He is an honest, honorable and public-spirited citizen, and well deserves the high esteem in which he is held.
ALEB I. BURRELL, a successful farmer of Van Wert county, Ohio, is son of Thomas and Margaret (Hickey) Burrell, and was born Feb- ruary 21, 1861. His parents are both natives of Licking county, Ohio, and respectively of English and Irish descent. Thomas Burrell was a farmer in Licking county until 1864, at which time he removed his family to Madison county, where he purchased 400 acres of land in what is known as " Darby Plains. " land then conceded by many to be the best in Ohio. Mr. Burrell has been one of the most successful farmers and stock raisers in Ohio, and he and his wife still reside in Madison county-he at the age of seventy-two, she at the age of sixty- eight. Mr. Burrell is not a member of any church, but his wife is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal congregation. In politics lie is a democrat of the old tpye.
Caleb I. Burrell is the fourth of seven children. He spent the days of his youth at home and in attending the schools of his neigh- borhood. At the age of twenty he entered the National Normal university at Lebanon, Ohio, taking a general course and remaining two years. Returning home, he spent his time on the farm until his marriage, November 29. 1883, to Maggie L. Gamblin, a daughter of James and Jennie (Lochey) Gamblin, natives of England and Canada, respectively, and at that time residents of London, Madison county, Ohio. Mr. Gamblin still lives in London, and follows the trade of mason and contractor, and there Mrs. Gamblin is also living. Maggie L.
475
OF VAN WERT COUNTY.
Gamblin attended the schools of London until her graduation therefrom in 1881.
In February, 1887, Mr. and Mrs. Burrell removed to Van Wert county, Mr. Burrell having a short time previously purchased a tract of eighty acres of timber land in Hoaglin township, upon which he still lives. He added thereto eighty-two acres adjoining. This land he has improved and made of it a model farm, and has now a most comfortable country home, having in 1892 erected a very neat and cozy residence, one of the best in the township. On September 20, 1895. Mrs. Burrell died of con- sumption, a most highly accomplished and cultivated lady, a member of the Presbyterian church and a true christian woman. She lies buried in Woodland cemetery at Van Wert. Mr. Burrell is a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a democrat, and his friends, in 1895, within a few days of the meet- ing of the county convention, announced his name as a candidate for sheriff; but owing to the fact that there were several candidates for the nomination and to the shortness of the time, he was defeated, but stood second on the list of names as to votes. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Burrell-Lee, aged eleven, and Jennie, aged eight.
ILLIAM BURRIS, one of the success- ful farmers of Liberty township, Van Wert county, Ohio, is a son of Hugh Burris, who came with his father from Ireland and located in Beaver county, Pa., and there married Margaret Nickelson, a daughter of William Nickelson, who also came from Ireland. Hugh and Margaret Burris re- sided in Beaver county, Pa., for a few years after marriage, and then came to Ohio and bought eighty acres of land in the wilderness of Guernsey county, on which they resided until his death. He also entered other lands,
and at the time of his death owned tracts of land as follows: Eighty acres, twenty acres and 100 acres in the home place, and 100 acres, sixty acres, 100 acres, eighty acres, sixty acres and 160 acres elsewhere in Guernsey county. The mother was a strict member of the United Presbyterian church, and the father, although not an active politician, was in his proclivities a Jacksonian democrat.
William Burris, the subject of this sketch, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, December 15, 1828, and was educated in one of the prim- itive log school-houses of those pioneer days in his native county. Being reared on his father's spacious and fertile farm, he was well inured to toil and prepared for the cares and duties of matrimonial life, which was initiated by his marriage to Mary L. Watt, and con- summated by the birth of the following chil- dren: John A., William (who died young), Barbara A., Margaret J., Mary I., Cora M. and Sarah E. The marriage took place in Guernsey county, January 1, 1867, and im- mediately thereafter the newly wedded pair came to Van Wert county and took possession of his parents' elegant farm of 218 acres in Lib- erty township. This farmi is probably one of the most carefully cultivated, and best attended to in every respect, of any of similar size in Liberty township, and its improvements unpar- alleled, or, to say the least, unexcelled. Mr. Burris and his wife have seen Liberty town- ship change, since their long residence here, from a desolate wilderness of a dense forest growth to a land of blooming fields, orchards and gardens, that delight the eye and bring the profit to the industrious farmer that places him and family far beyond the reach of gnawing want and worrying care, as far as this world's goods are concerned, and Mr. Burris and fam- ily have been among the foremost in effectu- ating this happy result. The brother of Mrs. Burris, William N. Watt, has also been a
476
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
potent factor in raising Liberty township to its present elevated plane, and the attention of the reader is called to his biography, which will be found on another page.
EORGE LEWIS, a successful farmer of Pleasant township, Van Wert county, son of James E. and Nancy (Bone) Lewis, was born in Butler county, Ohio, November 29, 1842. The father was born in New York in 1812, of good Welsh stock, received a limited common-school edu- cation, and was reared on a farm.
When eighteen years of age, James E. Lewis left his home in New York, and came west to Cincinnati, where he learned the trade of saddletree maker. After serving his appren- ticeship he went to Butler county, Ohio, where he worked at his trade until 1853, when he moved to Dayton, Ohio, and after two years' residence in that city he returned to his old home in Butler county. Some years later he moved to Clinton county, and in 1870 came to Van Wert county, and purchased a farm in York township. He then gave up his trade and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in October, 1890. About the year of 1830 he was united in marriage to Nancy Bone, daughter of Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Murphy) Bone, of the state of Delaware. To their union the following children were born: Emeline, de- ceased; Thomas, who died in childhood; Sarah, the deceased wife of James Gregor, of Spring- dale, Ohio; George, the subject of this men- tion; John W., deceased; James, also de- ceased; Ford, of Celina, Ohio; Elizabeth, de- ceased; Liberty W., deceased; Walter, of Van Wert; Anna, wife of William A. Ayers, of Kansas. The wife and mother of these chil- dren was born in Butler county, Ohio, about 1813, and grew to womanhood in the country
home of her parents. She was never a meni- ber of any church, though her works show her christian faith. Her death occurred August 18, 1890. James E. Lewis was a stanch sup- porter of the republican party and always took a deep interest in its success.
George Lewis, son of the above and sub- ject of this mention, laid the foundation for his education in the common-schools of Butler county, and then attended the city schools of Dayton. He left school in his eighteenth year to respond to his country's call and enlisted in company B, under Capt. Stone, Thirty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, and was with the first Union regiment sent into Kentucky. He par- ticipated in some of the most trying campaigns and bloodiest battles of the war, fighting at Mill Springs, Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River. Liberty Gap and Chickamauga, where he was wounded September 20, 1863. by a ball pass- ing through his left hand. He was sent to hospital No. 14, at Nashville, Tenn., where he remained until the following February, when he was transferred to the hospital at Louis- ville, Ky., and a short time after he rejoined his command at Burnt Hickory, Ga. He later participated in the battles of Kenesaw Moun- tain and Peach Tree Creek; his term of serv- ice having then expired, he was mustered out of service and sent home with an honorable discharge August 20, 1864. having fearlessly and faithfully performed his duty as a soldier. He then began farming on a rented farm in Clinton county, on which he remained five years. In 1870 he came to Van Wert county, and rented a farm in Pleasant township, which he cultivated until 1879, when he purchased his present home. In 1872 he was united in marriage to Maria Devoe, daughter of Ephriam and Susan (Smith) Devoe, of Greene county. To this union two children have been born- Susan and Edward.
Mr. Lewis espouses the cause of the repub-
GEORGE LEWIS.
417- 418
479
OF VAN WERT COUNTY.
lican party and is ever ready to support the principles he advocates. He has been hon- ored by his chosen party with the office of justice of the peace, which office he now holds. He is an earnest and enthusiastic worker in the grange, in which he stands deservedly high. He is overseer of Ohio State grange, and Van Wert county owes much of its success in agricultural prosperity to his efforts. For eight consecutive years he was president of the Van Wert county agricultural society, and for four years has been an honored member of the state board of agriculture. His farm of forty acres of valuable land, in Pleasant township, a few miles from Van Wert, has the marks of thorough cultivation and careful management. He is essentially a self-made man and owes his success wholly to his own efforts. He is a successful farmer, a useful, public-spirited citi- zen, and has won his way to the esteem of all who know him. Mrs. Maria Lewis his amia- ble wife, was born in 1851, in Greene county, her father dying soon after her birth; and later her mother married Charles Stiles, with whom she lived until his death in 1893, and is now a resident of Greene county, Ohio.
0 ARIUS O. COOPER, son of Jesse K. Cooper, was born August 3, 1852, in Fairfield county, Ohio. He came to Van Wert county with his parents at the age of ten years. He was reared upon the homestead, and received his education in the common schools of Pleasant township.
He remained upon the homestead until his marriage, in 1876, when he settled upon his present farm of 160 acres, received from his father. When he moved upon this farm, there were but twenty-five acres cleared. He now has 100 cleared, and under an excellent state of cultivation. The farm has decidedly fine im- provements, and may be called one of the 21
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.