A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 2, Part 51

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago : A.W. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1248

USA > Ohio > Allen County > A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 2 > Part 51
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 2 > Part 51

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Christ Sparber, whose name opens this bio- . graphical sketch, was educated in his native land, learned the trade of weaver, served two years in the army in 1839-40, and in 1845 married Elizabeth Wollenhaupt. To this union were born ten children, of whom none are now living. In 1846 Mr. Sparber came to America and for twelve years made his home in Day- ton, Ohio, where he was employed in various sorts of labor. In 1859 he purchased the farm in Pleasant township, Van Wert county, on which he still has his home, but which was then an almost unbroken wilderness. Although not one of the earliest pioneers of the county. he was an early settler of his township, and underwent all the hardships and deprivations !

incident to pioneer life, through which, how- ever, he succeeded in clearing up one of the best farms in the township. This farm con- sists of eighty acres and is located about a mile and a half from the city of Van Wert, and here he is passing the quiet and happy days of his declining years. Mr. and Mrs. Sparber are members of the Lutheran church of Van Wert. in the work of which he takes a deep interest. In politics Mr. Sparber, although taking a deep interest in the affairs of his adopted country, is conservative in his views and votes as his conscience dictates, and not according to the platforms of any party.

B ENJAMIN F. SLATER, an artistic house and sign painter of Van Wert, Ohio, is a native of Stark county. in the same state, and was born July 5. 1837. John Slater, his father, was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, a son of Henry Slater, also a native of that state and of Irish descent. John Slater married, about 1825, Phebe Dull, of German extraction, was engaged in farming in his native state until he moved to Stark county, Ohio, where he continued to follow farming until 1838, when he came to Van Wert county and settled on a farm in Liberty township, on which he resided until his death, which occurred September 18. 1845-his mortal remains being interred in the Slater cemetery, Liberty township. In 1865 his widow removed to Van Wert city, where her days were ended August 11, 1883. To John and Phebe Slater were born the following large family of chil- dren: Joseph, of Van Wert: Mary ,A., de- ceased; Mrs. Nancy Rose, widow of O. W. Rose, a sketch of whom will be found on an- other page; Mrs. Sarah Balyeat, widow of Abraham, whose biography will also be found elsewhere; Mrs. Catherine Conn, widow of K. Conn, a biography of whom may also be found

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on another page; an infant, deceased; Han- nah, wife of Z. A. Smith, of Kansas; Judith, deceased; Benjamin F., whose name opens this sketch; Elizabeth, widow of G. W. Edson, to whose sketch the attention of the reader is invited; Jane, wife of H. McGaugh, of Will- shire, Van Wert county; Samuel, of Washing- ton, Ind, and John, of St. Louis, Mo. The parents of this family were sincere believers in Christian Spiritualism, and the father was a very industrious man, who made a host of friends.

Benjamin F. Slater was an infant of one year when brought by his parents to Van Wert county, and here he was reared on the home farm until sixteen years of age, when for two terms he taught school in Liberty township and in Mercer county; he then passed a year in Hartford academy, Licking county, Ohio, after which, for twenty-seven successive years, he taught school in the winter season in Van Wert, Mercer and Licking counties, Ohio, and followed painting during the summer seasons. In 1887 he abandoned school-teaching, and has since devoted his entire time and attention to painting.

In 1861 Mr. Slater enlisted for the war and was taken to Mansfield to be mustered into the service, but was rejected on account of dis- ability. April 21, of the same year (1861), he was united in marriage, in Liberty township, Van Wert county, with Miss Delilah Fortney, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, March 21, 1843. a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Fortney. To this marriage were born three children, viz: Victor V., deceased: Charles C., editor of the Mechanicsburg (Ohio, News, and Claudia Marie, who keeps house for her father and is also a stenographer of skill and experience, now in the employ of C. C. Glea- son's Sons, commission merchants. The mother of these children was called to the spirit land November 7, 1883. She was a member of the Lutheran church and her mortal remains now

rest in Woodland cemetery, at Van Wert. Mr. Slater is a sincere believer in Christian Spirit- ualism, and is a trance medium and clairvoy- ant. In politics he is a republican, and for the past ten years has been a member of the board of health of Van Wert. He has a fine resi- dence property on West Main street, and counts his friends by the score.

B UCKLEY A. ROSE, the leading dentist of Van Wert, Ohio, is a native of the Buckeye state, having been born in Washington, Guernsey coun- ty, September 2, 1826, a son of John and Lydia (Luellen) Rose. The father, John Rose, was born in Washington county, Pa., was there reared to manhood and served through- out the war of 1812, at the close of which he located in Washington, Guernsey county, Ohio, where he was engaged in the manufacture of fine hats until his death, in 1847. his widow surviving him until 1854. Their only child, Buckley A., our subject, at the age of eighteen began learning the stone-cutter's and mason's trade, becoming an expert. He laid the first stone in the foundation for the suspension bridge across the Ohio river at Wheeling, Va. (now West Virginia), and continued to work. on this structure until 1850, when he began a three years' course of study in dentistry under S. P. Hullihan, D. D. S., of Wheeling. Be- coming proficient, he located at Logan. Ohio. and practiced his profession until 1836, and then removed to Urbana, Ohio, where he occupied the same suite of dental parlors until 1888, at which period he came to Van Wert, where he has won a high reputation as a dentist and is still actively engaged in the practice of his art, making a specialty of bridge and crown work, which. it is well known, is the acme of, or superlative process in, the art of odontology.

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Dr. Rose was joined in the bonds of wed- lock June 30, 1862, in Champaign county, Ohio, to Miss Isabella L. Fielding, who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., April 9, 1842, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Whittaker) Fielding, To this marriage have been born two children-Harry F., a practical dentist of Wapakoneta, Auglaize county, Ohio, and Charles W., also a successful dentist, doing business in Paulding, Ohio.

Dr. Buckley A. Rose has always stood high in the estimation of his fellow-practitioners, and has been largely instrumental in advancing the material progress of the profession. He was one of the five to organize the Madriver Dental association of Springfield, Ohio, which, like its cogeners, is promotive of the science of dentistry. The doctor owns considerable real estate in Fostoria, Seneca county, Ohio, and his standing in Van Wert is indicative of the possession here of a comfortable share of this world's goods. In his political proclivities the doctor is a democrat, and in religion he and his wife give their adherence to the Presby- terian church, to the maintenance of which they liberally contribute.

EORGE W. SQUIBB, of Union township, Van Wert county, Ohio, son of William and Nancy (Hines) Squibb, was born in Morrow county, Ohio, August 9, 1843, and is a gentleman well and favorably known in this portion of Ohio, where a goodly portion of his life has been passed. His father was probably born in Pennsylvania, the date of his birth being De- cember 21, 1816. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Caleb Squibb, was of stanch old Pennsylvania Dutch stock, and one of the early pioneers of the old Quaker state. He afterward settled in Marion, now Morrow, county, Ohio, where our subject's father grew

to manhood on the home farm. The latter. William Squibb, there learned the trade of cooper, and in addition to this business owned and operated a small farm. In politics he was an old line whig, and a man who was uni- versally respected. Williamn was married August 18, 1842, to Miss Nancy Hines, daugh- ter of Adam and Elizabeth (Hickman) Hines. To this union two children were born-George W., subject of this sketch, and Charlotte, wife of Joseph Goss, of Fulton county, Ind. The wife was born in Ross county, Ohio, her father, Adam Hines, having been born in Pennsylvania, January 2, 1790. When a boy Adam Hines moved with his parents to Ken- tucky, and a few years later to Ross county, Ohio, being among its early settlers. His death occurred in Marion county, Ohio, in IS78, that of his wife having taken place in the year 1850.

Our subject, George W. Squibb, laid the foundation of his education in Morrow county, and after working on a farm for a short time, he responded to the call of his country, and in August, 1862, enlisted in company E, Capt. Samuel Coulter, Ninety-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years' service. He served first in the Kentucky campaign, then in the Mississippi river campaign, where he partici- pated in the battle of Chickasaw Swamp. where his regiment suffered defeat. After cap- turing Arkansas Post on the White river, they returned to Young's Point, in front of Vicks- burg, where they remained four weeks, the command in the meantime suffering greatly from sickness. After the blockade was run they were transferred to the opposite side of the river, below the city, where they fought the battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills and Black River, and May 22 took part in the charge on Vicksburg. They participated in the siege and remained there until the capitu- lation of the city, Then they were sent to the

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siege of Jackson, and after its surrender went to New Orleans. After an attack at Bayou Island they were sent by steamer to Texas, where they remained for several months, after- ward returning to Franklin, La. March 16 they started on the Shreveport campaign, marching continually until April 8, when they encountered the enemy at Sabine Cross Roads, where a battle was fought, in which our sub- ject was taken prisoner with 1, 100 others. He was imprisoned at Tyler, Tex., until October 23, when he was exchanged, taken to New Orleans and given a furlough. After a few days' visit with the folks at home he rejoined his command at the mouth of the White River, Ark., and from there went to New Orleans and Fort Morgan. There he took part in the Mobile campaign, besieged Spanish Fort, which soon capitulated. then charged Fort Blakeley, which they captured -- this being his last battle. He was mustered out of service July 7 at Mobile, and received honorable dis- charge at Columbus, July 29, 1865. For a time thereafter he worked as a farm hand, and was identified with the farming interests of Marion and Morrow counties until 1873, when he came to Hoaglin township, Van Wert county, where he purchased a farm of eighty- seven acres, which he proceeded to clear and improve. In 1891 he embarked in the grocery business, in Scott, in which he was quite suc- cessful. Two years later he sold his grocery business, since which time he has been engaged in looking after his property.

He was united in marriage, April 19, 1866, to Abigail Rogers, daughter of William H. and Mary (Curtis) Rogers. To them four children have been born, as follows: Mary, wife of J. C. Sells, of Scott: Della M., wife of J. P. Glover, of Van Wert; Deborah, wife of John H. Hyman, of Scott: and an infant who died unnamed. The wife was born in Morrow county, December 10, 1844, her father being

a native of Pennsylvania, and a prominent farmer of Morrow county.

Mr. Squibb is quite conservative in politics, taking no great active interest, but supporting the national democratic platform. He is a prominent member of Vance post, G. A. R., of Scott, and is also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. Mrs. Squibb is a member of the Evangelical church, to which both Mr. and Mrs. Squibb contribute liberally. Upon the death of their infant son they adopted and reared a nameless orphan, to whom they gave the name of Harley M. Mr. Squibb is recog- nized as a successful fariner and an honorable business man, who stands among the foremost in the community.

RS. MAGDALENA STEMPFLEY, widow of the late Nicholas Stemp- fley, is a native of Switzerland, born in the city of Berne, in the year 1828. Her father, John Schoeyer, also a na- tive of Switzerland, where he was born in the year of 1800, and where he spent his youth and early manhood, was united in marriage, in 1826, to Christina Stempfley -- daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Schiller) Stemipfley. Four children resulted from this union -- Mag- dalena, Christian, of New Philadelphia, and Rosanna, wife of Peter Tschenbern, also of New Philadelphia. In 1847, having in the meantime brought his family to America, Mr. Schoeyer located in Tuscarawas county, where he spent the remaining years of his life, dying in 1875. His wife was born in Switzerland in 1798, was a life-long member of the Reform church, lived a useful life, and died, in the Christian faith, in 1848.

Mrs. Magdalena Stempfley, the subject of this sketch, attended the schools of her native country, in her youth, and in 1847 was brought by her parents to the United States, and on

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the 16th day of January, 1855, became the wife of Nicholas Stempfley. He was born November 16, 1826, in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, and the names of his parents were Benedict and Magdalena (Craig) Stemp- fley. After attending school for some time in his native land, Mr. Stempfley there learned the trade of sawyer, and about the year 1847 came to the United States, stopping in Tusca- rawas county, where, for some time, he found employment as a farm laborer. Later he pur- chased a farm upon which he lived until 1865, when he disposed of the same and invested his means in a tract of woodland, in Van Wert county, to which he soon afterward moved his family. The task of clearing this land was by no means an easy one, but by dint of constant labor he succeeded in removing the forest growth, and lived to see his place one of the best cultivated and valuable farms in Pleasant township. Mr. Stempfley was a self-made man, and began the battle of life with no cap- ital save his own strong arm and a determina- tion to succeed. Politically he was a demo- crat, worshiped with the Reform church, and in his death, which occurred on the 29th of November, 1889, the community lost one of its most valued citizens.

The following are the names of the children of Nicholas and Magdalena Stempfley: Mary E., wife of Peter Hoverman; Caroline, wife of Martin Lindermuth; Emma A., wife of George Roder; Tilda; Christena, wife of Eugene Lewis; Victoria T. M., wife of Charles Ger- hiser; Seymour, deceased; and James N. Mrs. Stempfley has for years been interested in the success of the Reform church, to which she belongs, and her life in the community has wielded a potent influence for good upon all with whom she has come in contact; she has done well her part in the rearing of her family, and has been rewarded by the words of her children as they rise up to call her blessed.

HEBE STEWART, widow of Sam -. uel P. Stewart, and daughter of John and Nancy (Spence) Boyd, was born in Hancock county, Ohio, on the pres- ent site of the city of Findlay, in the 1827. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, near old Lancaster, in 1799, the son of David Boyd, who was a descendant of a well-known Scotch- Irish family of eminent respectability, which settled in the Keystone state at a very early period of its history. David Boyd married Phebe Clark and became the father of four children, two sons and two daughters. John, the eldest, received a good education in his native state, early learned the blacksmith trade, and in 1826 was united in marriage with Nancy Spence; above mentioned. This marriage was blessed with the birth of three children: Phebe, whose nanie introduces this sketch; William, a resident of Kansas, and Joseph, of Lawrence county, Ohio. The mother was born in 1794, grew to womanhood on the country home of her parents, was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died in 1830. Subsequently Mr. Boyd married Mary Fogle- song, of Richland county, Ohio, who bore him eight children, whose names are as follows: Ruth, deceased; Mrs. Matilda J. Wilkins, de- ceased: David J., deceased: Mrs. Mary F. Wright; Mrs. Hartiet A. Hughes; Sarah F: Emma, and James E., who lives in Michigan. The mother was born in Richland county. Ohio, in 1814, and is still living.

In 1826 Mr. Boyd brought his young wife to Hancock county, Ohio, where he purchased a forty-acre tract of land, which he subse- quently improved, and to which, from time to time, he inade additions, in the meantime working at his trade. About 1830 he moved to Richland county, thence several years later to Michigan, in which state he spent the re- mainder of his life, dying in April, 1881. In religion he was a member of the Adventist

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church, and politically was first a democrat and later, on account of his intense opposition to slavery, became a republican, remaining a member of that party from its formation until his death. He is remembered as quite a suc- cessful business man and upright and honor- able citizen, highly esteemed by all with whom he came in contact.

Phebe, eldest daughter of John Boyd, re- ceived a fair English education in the common schools, and in her twenty-third year was mar- ried, in Richland county, Ohio, to Samuel P. Stewart. Five children were born of this union: Perry E., who died in infancy; George W., an artist of Montpelier, Ind. ; William L., deceased; Edward E., killed in a railroad acci- dent in March, 1890, and John L., who lives on the old home place.

Samuel P. Stewart was a native of Ohio, born in the county of Richland September 9, 1825, the son of Samuel and Hannah (Perry) Stewart. In early life he learned the carpen- ter's trade, and after his marriage worked at the same very successfully for a period of seven years, or until his removal to the county of Van Wert. in 1857. On coming to this county he located on a farm which he had pre- viously purchased, and which, through his un- tiring industry, was cleared and brought to a successful state of cultivation. At intervals he worked at his trade in the neighborhood, and in May, 1864, entered the army, as a member of company I, Twenty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, for the 100-day service. He was sent to the army of the Potomac, and did guard duty until August 19, 1864, at which time his death occurred. Mr. Stewart was highly respected in the community where he resided, was a strict member of the Baptist church, and contributed liberally of his means toward the advancement of all moral and re- ligious movements. Politically he was a re- publican, but, while an earnest supporter of

his party, never sought nor desired official preferment at the hands of his fellow-citizens.

John L. Stewart, who resides on the home place in Pleasant township, was born October 14, 1862, and received his education in the country schools of Van Wert county. Like many. other sons of Ohio, his early life was passed amid the uneventful scenes of the farm, and he grew to manhood possessed of a rugged vitality and sterling honesty, factors necessary to successful citizenship. Early deprived of the father's care, he assumed the management of the farm, in which he displayed wise fore- thought, and soon became one of the intelli- gent and progressive agriculturists of the town- ship. He has given his whole attention to farming, believes in the nobility of his calling, and belongs to that large and intelligent class of people who, in a quiet way, have done so much toward developing and building up our great western country. Mr. Stewart and Mar- garet E. Callendine, daughter of George and Samantha (Bodkin) Callendine, of Van Wert county, were united in marriage in the year 1889, and to them have been born the follow- ing children: Adessa, Verda, Royal P. and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are members of the Baptist church, and take an active part in the work of their home congregation.

a HARLES F. STEWART, the popular liveryman of the city of Van Wert. was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, March 28, 1855, and is a son of Eb- . zon and Elizabeth (Capper) Stewart, the former of whom was a native of Carroll county, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming, and where he was married. On coming to Van Wert county he located in Harrison township. where he entered 160 acres of land, which he cultivated and made his home until 1869. when his wife was taken away. His home be-

HENRY RUMBLE.

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ing thus broken up he removed, in 1871, to Ridge township and bought 470 acres, where he resided until his death. The children born to these parents were sixteen in number. of whom thirteen were named. Edward, Mary (deceased), Ellen, Jane (deceased), David, Mahlon (deceased), John (deceased), Charles F., Alonzo (deceased), Amanda (deceased), Milton, Newton, Emma and two twins, un- named. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics Mr. Stewart was a republican; he held the office of township assessor and trustee, was an or- ganizer of grange No. 72. and died worth at least $20.000.

Charles F. Stewart was reared and edu- cated in Ridge township, and at the age of twenty-one years hired out for two years as a farm laborer; he then married and engaged in farming on the old homestead until ISSo, when he bought ninety-five acres in Harrison township, but at the end of a year sold out and purchased seventy-eight acres in Ridge town- ship, on which he lived until 1865, and then, in 1866, returned to the old home farm; shortly afterward he again bought a farm of small dimensions in Ridge township, on which he made his home until 1892, when he moved to Washington township, Paulding county, and purchased a farm on which he resided until 1894, when he came to Van Wert city, in the month of September, and bought his present livery stock and barn on North Market street, which he has successfully conducted to the present time.

The marriage of Mr. Stewart took place in Ridge township, Van Wert county, May 22, 1877, to Miss Julia B. Hill, who was born in the same township May 11, 1824, a daughter of Harrison Hill, the result of this union being two children-Homer F. and Viola Pearl. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics he is a re-

publican. He is the owner of eighty-four acres of good land in Paulding county, and his livery and feed barn in Van Wert, which is the most popular establishment of the kind in the city.

ENRY RUMBLE, a retired farmer and now residing in the city of Van Wert, Ohio, was born in Fayette county, Pa., April 3, 1825, a son of Jacob and Susanna (Gans) Rumble, an old- settled family of that state. Jacob Rumble, also a native of Fayette county, Pa., was born January 1, 1795, and was a son of Henry Rumble, who was born in the same county and was a son of Jacob, who came from Ger- many in the earlier part of the century, bring- ing his wife, and founded the family in the county spoken of. Henry Rumble, grand- father of our subject, married early in life and moved to Virginia, where he farmed until 1825. when he returned to Fayette county, Pa .. where he followed charcoal burning until his death, which occurred in 1855; his widow foi- lowing him about the year 1858. Their five children were named Jacob (father of our sub- ject), Godfrey, David, Rosanna and Catherine. They were Protestants in religion and in poli- tics the father was a democrat. Jacob Rum- ble grew to manhood on the home farm, and at twenty-one years of age married Susanna Gans, began farming on his own account, and followed the calling until his death in 1833. The children born to Jacob and Susanna were six in number and were named Elizabeth. Henry (our subject), Catherine, Alexander, Bathsheba and Anna. The mother of this family died in Fayette county, Pa .. January 1, 1868, a member of the Protestant church. of which her husband had also been a mem- ber; politically he was a democrat.

Henry Rumble, whose name introduces this

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biography, was reared to manhood on the home farm in his native county, and was there first married, November 14, 1849, to Pauline Leech, who was born in West Virginia, March 16, 1831. a daughter of Jessie Leech, and this union was blessed with five children, viz: B. W., a merchant of Ironton, Ohio; Anna, wife of P. F. Remagen, of Hoaglin township, Van Wert county; A. C., a civil engineer of Cali- fornia; Susie, wife of C. H. Hymen, of Hoag- lin township, and James W. of the same town- ship. The mother of this family died Febru- ary 1, 1875, and her remains were interred in the Smithfield cemetery, Fayette county, Pa. At his first marriage Mr. Rumble located on a farm in his native county, on which he resided until 1875, when he came to Ohio and bought 120 acres of land in Hoaglin township, Van Wert county, to which he afterward added eighty acres, making 200 acres, which he still owns and which he retrieved from the forest and made to "bloom like the rose." He there married, January 31, 1884, Maria Seal- scott, who was born in Hocking county, Ohio, May 8, 1841, a daughter of L. W. and Sarah (Hoffman) Snyder and widow of Henry Seal- scott, who was a native of Ohio also, and to whom she bore four children, viz: Charles, deceased; Sarah, wife of A. Schickedantdz, of Union township, Van Wert county; William, of Hoaglin township, and Benjamin F., de- ceased. Henry Sealscott was a farmer of Mercer county, Ohio, was a Lutheran in re- ligion, and in politics was a democrat; he died February 1, 1875, the owner of sixty acres of good farm land, well improved. Mr. Rum- ble was a man of much prominence in Hoaglin township and served his fellow-citizens as county commissioner three years, as justice of the peace six years, and as trustee two terms. With his wife he resided on the farm until March, 1895, when they came to the city of Van Wert and purchased a fine residence on

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A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 2, Part 51

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Chicago : A.W. Bowen Number of Pages: 1248

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago : A.W. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1248