A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 2, Part 8

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 8
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 2 > Part 8

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).

N. Y., September 3, 1803, and, with his brother and sisters, was given a fair common- school education, which qualified him to teach the district school. It was while engaged in teaching he became acquainted with Miss Har- riet Brown, who was at that time a pupil in his school, the acquaintance ripening into at- tachment destined to be life long, and which resulted in their marriage, February 10, 1828. After his marriage he continued to reside near the place of his birth, following in turn the occupations of teacher, farmer and lumberman, until the year 1837, when with his wife and three children, he joined the little colony then about to try the many vicissitudes of emigra- tion to this then unsettled region. Entering 160 acres of land. where Pott's Corners are now, he devoted his time for the next two years to clearing and improving a farm. Hav- ing been elected county recorder, he removed to Van Wert in the autumn of 1839, purchas- ing a log tavern near the northeast corner of Main and Jefferson streets, afterward replaced by him with a two-story frame building, known for many years as the American House. Being quite popular with the new settlers, official honors rather crowded upon him, as he at one time held the office of county recorder, asso- ciate judge, and justice of the peace, being appointed judge to fill a vacancy, so he did not continue long in that office, but held the other two for many years, and in the numer- ous pettifogged cases that came up to his court, 'Squire Gleason's rulings were rarely known to be set aside. After remaining in this diversified employment some fifteen years, he leased his hotel property to John W. Conn, and his term of office as county recorder having expired, he formed a partnership with Thos. R. Kear, and erected the first steam saw-mill built in the county, on the ground where W. A. Clark's flouring-mill is now located. After operating this mill about a year he sold out to his partner,

taking a lease of the property for three years as a part of the consideration and at the expir- ation of the lease, with his brother Stephen as a partner, he built what is now the Gleason Lumber Co.'s mill, of which he afterward be- came sole owner, operating it with little help except that of his four sons, for a number of years, its products contributing largely toward the improvement of the town and surrounding county. In the meantime, having sold the hotel property and become possessed of several farms in embryo in the near vicinity of Van Wert, he gradually withdrew from the lumber business (which thereafter was conducted by his two youngest sons) and devoted his entire time to improving his farms, and looking after other real estate interests. During the Cen- tennial year Mr. and Mrs. Gleason visited the Philadelphia World's fair, after which they made a tour of the scenes of thier childhood in Connecticut and New York, a journey long anticipated and greatly enjoyed, they, as a matter of course, finding but few still living in the old neighborhoods whom they had known in earlier years, yet this visit was something to recall and live over again until the end of life.

It was with much satisfaction that he saw nearly all of his children settle around the old home (his eldest daughter having removed to Michigan), and all were often together enjoy- ing happy reunions under the parental roof. He was father of nine children, two of whom (a boy and a girl) died in infancy, seven grow- ing to man's and woman's estate as follows: Mrs. Marietta L. Strother, of Algodon, Mich. ; Julius A., Andrew J., Abram B. and Francis J., and Mrs. Julia A. Carper; and Ella .1. Carper, of Van Wert city, who died April 4, 1876.

In politics Mr. Gleason was always a demo- crat, but he drew the line when disunion threatened, casting his vote for Stephen . Douglass for president, and when the Civil war

238

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

came, gave his two elder sons to uphold the stars and stripes. His religious convictions were broad and liberal, and although never affiliating with any church, he was a strong be- liever in the final salvation of the whole human race, or, in other words, was a Universalist, losing no opportunity to attend the preaching of that doctrine and to contribute of his means thereto. His favorite mottoes were, "Love thy neighbor as thyself" and, "Keep thyself unspotted from the world." With this simple creed for his guidance he was content to trust his future in the care of Him who doeth all things well. The approach of the grim reaper was gradual but sure for several years, paralytic symptoms affecting his walk and speech being first noticeable, yet his mental faculties were impaired but slightly up to his death, which occurred February 2, 1883, he having entered upon his eightieth year. He was surrounded by all of his family in his last hours and was followed to his chosen resting place in beauti- ful Woodland by many surviving and loving friends, who will long revere the name of Joseph Gleason.

Harriet Brown, mother of the writer, and eldest daughter of John and Elsie (Fish) Brown, was born February 26, 1811, at East Windsor, Conn., her family afterward moving to On- tario county, N. Y., and from thence to Lorain county, Ohio, where her parents resided until their death. While residing in New York she was united in marriage to Joseph Gleason, and afterward, with him and their three small chil- dren, emigrated to this county to help build a home in the almost unbroken wilderness. Al- though many privations and dangers had to be endured, yet she never flinched from her duty, and was in later years rewarded by seeing the wilderness bud and blossom as the rose, and the virgin forests give way to fertile and fruit- ful farms. So great was the transformation that it was difficult to realize that but a score

of years had passed since she had nightly gathered her little ones about her to quiet their fears amid the howling of wolves in the sur- rounding forests. Mrs. Gleason never affilia- ted in membership with any church, and with her family was Universalist in belief, and found her highest good in maintaining an upright character and striving to impart it to her chil- dren and grandchildren, who "rise up and

call her blessed." She survived her husband a little over five years, her death occurring July 26, 1888, at the family residence on West Main street, Van Wert, whence her mortal re- mains were borne by tender hands to be laid beside her loved companion in Woodland cemetery.

Sarah, eldest sister of Joseph Gleason, mar- ried William Pomeroy, with whom she re- moved to Canada, and when mother of five children, died. Her husband being unable to care for the children properly wrote an appeal- ing letter to the Van Wert relatives in their behalf, which resulted in Stephen and Joseph Gleason undertaking to bring the orphans here to find homes, which was successfully accom- plished. and they all lived to become useful citi- zens, viz: Francis C. Pomeroy, Mrs. John W. Clark, Carlos Pomeroy, Mrs. John T. Bowers and Mrs. Sarah J. Brittson, all of whom are now deceased. Their father fol- lowed them to Van Wert after a few years, and lived with his eldest son near Middlebury, up to the time of his death.

Phoebe N., second sister, became the wife of Matson Warren, and with him settled first in Lorain county, and afterward in Lake coun- ty, Ohio, whence with their family of seven children they removed to Van Wert county in the 'fifties, living first in the Gleason settle- inent, thence removing to Willshire, in and near which town they continued to reside until both parents were summoned to the better land. For a number of years previous to his

239

OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

death, Mr. Warren was totally blind. Mrs. Warren survived her husband some eight or ten years and lived to be the last surviving member of her father's family, her death oc- curring in December, 1894, at about the age of ninety years. Being a woman of great memory, to her A. J. Gleason is indebted for much of the family history here recorded, there being very few records existing in posses- sion of Grandfather Gleason's descendants. Her children were, John B. Warren, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, the late Mrs. Abigail Langdon, of Liberty township, Van Wert county, Abram M. Warren, of Cleveland, Mrs. Minerva Lang- don of Liberty township, Mrs. Elmira Richards of Van Wert city, Hiram Warren (deceased), and Job A. Warren, of Pleasant township.

Clarissa, third sister, began teaching at an early age and was one of the pioneers of that profession in Van Wert county, numbering among her pupils many who are among the best known residents. She became the wife of John Edson, to whom she bore one daugh- ter. In the year 1873 she was bereaved by the loss of both husband and daughter, who were stricken down by the destroyer within but a few weeks of each other. She after- ward made her home in Van Wert, becoming an active promoter of Spiritualism, in which doctrine she sought consolation for her double bereavement. Her death occurred November 24, 1893, at the age of eighty years.

Mary, fourth sister, married Jacob Thorn, now of Chicago, Ill., making her home at Delphos, Van Wert and Dixon at different periods, but while residing at the latter place fell a victim to consumption. August 3, 1856, aged thirty-nine years. No children were born by her.

Eliza, fifth sister, was wedded to Matthew Flagg and resided near her mother's homestead in Pleasant township until about 1858, when, being compelled to leave home by her hus-

band's abnse, she, with her children (two sons and a daughter), made her home in Van Wert until her death, which occurred June 23, 1867, at the age of forty-eight years. Henry J. Flagg, her eldest son, is now residing at Xenia, Ohio, while Mrs. Albina Long, the daughter, and Joseph C. Flagg, the youngest son, reside in Whitley county, Ind. Benja- min H. Gleason, youdgest brother of the writer's father, being a mere boy when the family came to Van Wert county, grew to manhood and cared for his widowed inother until her death, after which he married a Miss Potts, and in a few years removed to Green- ville, Mich., where he resided until 1890, when he parted from his wife, coming to Van Wert county, where he made his home with his sister, Mrs. Edson,'up to the time of his death, which occurred December 19, 1891. aged sixty-eight. He left no children.

NDREW JACKSON GLEASON, son of Joseph Gleason, was born in Man- chester township, Ontario county. N. Y., November 27, 1836. The following year his parents removed to Ohio, stopping for a few weeks in Lorain county, with the mother's parents-Mr. and Mrs. John Brown-while his father and uncle, Stephen Gleason, proceeded via Lake Erie and the Maumee river to the wilds of Van Wert county, to select lands for themselves and widowed mother. As an amusing incident of the jour- ney it is related that when the time came to part with her relatives in Lorain, Mrs. Giea- son remarked, upon getting into the wagon, that she was sure that she was . forgetting something," but could not think what it was until some one asked where the baby was, when it was learned that the subject. had been left in the house asleep and unnoticed, and nearly got left in the confusion.

240

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

In the fall of 1839 his father removed from his clearing to Van Wert, then consisting only of some half-dozen rude cabins, surrounded by the printeval forest, in which wild animals of all kinds roamed at will, furnishing sport and the main supply of meat for the citizens almost at their doors. Among his earliest and most vivid recollections are the howling of wolves after night-fall, from their haunts less than one-quarter of a mile from our courthouse, while bear, deer and smaller animals could be frequently found by the hunter where now are situated some Van Wert's most beautiful homes. At the age of four he was sent to the village school, which he attended regularly, as did most boys, until arriving at the age of sixteen, or thereabouts, when his father. having need of his services in the saw-mill, his school days came to a close, and his subsequent studies were prosecuted at home during winter even- ings. Being passionately fond of music, after acquiring a limited knowledge of the art, he in 1859 attended the Normal Musical institute at Chicago for a term, and in 1860, the institute being then conducted by three eminent teach- ers -- Dr. Lowell Mason, Wm. B. Bradbury and Geo. F. Root-he remained under their instruction a still longer period. Returning to Van Wert he organized classes in vocal music, and was engaged in teaching, when in the spring of 1861, the first gun was fired on Fort Sumter.

Realizing that the battles of the Union must be fought mainly by the young men of the north, and also recognizing the truth of his illustrious namesake's sentiment-"the Union, it must and shall be preserved "-he at once lent his influence and aid to the cause, and after the departure of one company of three months' volunteers he assisted in organ- izing a reserve company, of which he was elected second lieutenant, and assisted in drill- ing the company during the summer. After

the return of the three months' troops he en- listed, September 7, 1861, and helped to recruit the first three years' company organized in Van Wert, which was assigned to the Fifteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, and became company H of that organization. Being defeated as a candidate for second lieutenant, he took his place as a private in the ranks, serving in that capacity until detailed at headquarters, Second division, army of the Ohio, then at Munford- ville, Ky., as stenographer to the medical di- rector. Upon approaching the battle field at Pittsburg Landing, feeling that his company needed his services (and his duties at head- quarters being practically at an end) he fell in as the company passed, and picking up an Enfield rifle and accouterments on the battle ground, he took part in the second day's bat- tle, until the rebel host was sent flying toward Corinth. Remaining with his company there- after during the siege and capture of that rebel stronghold, and the subsequent march of Buell's army to Stevenson, Ala. ; he was pro- moted from private to second sergeant of the company, and soon after detailed with a re- cruiting detachment of the regiment which left for Ohio, just previous to Bragg's raid into Kentucky, which caused the withdrawal of the army of the Ohio to Louisville. Remaining in Ohio until after the middle of October, he was the first of the detail to report to the regiment, which he did with fifteen recruits, all armed and equipped, who were then at Saloma, Ky., the army then being en route for Nashville. Tenn. Having during his absence been pro- moted to first sergeant of the company, he at once assumed the duties of that position, and as such participated in the battles of Stone River, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga. In the last bloody conflict he was twice hit by rebel bullets, the first, however, being so nearly spent it did not disable; the last was during the closing engagement of the first day,

241

OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

while he was in charge of his company, when he was severely wounded, the ball passing through the muscles of the right shoulder (in front and rear, crossing the arm-pit), and com- pelling him to go to the rear. During the next day's battle he remained most of the day with other wounded on the field (the hospital having been rendered untenable about nine A. M. by rebel artillery), making his way to Ross- ville that evening, and to Chattanooga next day, proceeding by wagon train to Bridgeport, Ala., (fifty miles), where his brother, Lieut. J. A. Gleason, was stationed with a pontoon train. His brother. having heard of his being wounded, had just started for Chattanooga by another road, and a messenger failing to over- take him, Sergt. Gleason and a wounded com- rade, who had accompanied him from the battle field, were cared for by Lieut. Gleason's brother officers, until his return. Being taken to Nashville, he remained in the hospital there a few days, when, with his comrade, he was furloughed and at once left for home. Before the expiration of his furlough he received a recruiting commission, as second lieutenant, conditioned upon his securing twenty recruits. Owing to the fact, however, that the first lieutenant of his company (who was also wounded in the same battle) was also working for a commission as captain. the ser- geant was unable to get over sixteen to his credit, by the following March, when his com- pany, having veteranized, with a few excep- tions, and, having enjoyed the thirty-day fur- lough allowed, was returning to the front when he resigned his recruiting commission, re- enlisted as a veteran, and hastened to over- take his command, then en route for Chatta- nooga, Tenn., which he succeeded in doing at Nashville, just as they were ready to leave the city. Taking his accustomed place at the head of his company as first sergeant, although still feeble from the effects of his

wound and a severe cough contracted while in the hospital, he marched through with the regiment, arriving at Chattanooga in bet- ter condition than when he started. He was promoted to sergeant-major of the regiment soon after, serving in that capacity during the bloody battles of the Atlanta campaign, among which may be mentioned Resaca, Pickett's Mills, Kenesaw mountain and Atlanta this regiment being in Willich's First brigade, Wood's Third division, Fourth army corps, under Howard and Stanley, until Atlanta was besieged when he was commissioned second lieutenant, and assigned to company A. He was with that company during the siege, the subsequent flank movement to Jonesboro re- sulting in Atlanta's capture, the return move- ment to Tennessee under Gen. Thomas, and the battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., at the latter engageinent being left in com- mand of the company by the death of Lieut. Hanson, the commander, who was killed in the first charge on Overton's Hill the second day. He continued in command of the com- pany during the pursuit of Hood's scattered legions into Alabama, and until the arrival of the Fourth army corps at Huntsville, where a winter camp was established. Here he re- ceived a commission as first lieutenant, and was appointed adjutant of the regiment, par- ticipating in the subsequent advance into east Tennessee, by Gen. Stanley, the rendezvous at Nashville after the surrender of Lee and Johnston, and the expedition to Texas in July, 1865. He was tendered a commission as captain while at San Antonio, but declined further promotion, being well suited with the office he then held, and, realizing that the regiment would soon be mustered out. pre- ferred to see junior officers promoted to the vacant captaincies, to being advanced merely for the honors attached to the title. After a service of about four months in Texas his reg-

242

BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY

iment was mustered out at San Antonio, No- vember 21, 1865, and ordered to Columbus, Ohio, for final discharge, which place was reached December 25, Christmas day. The enlisted men were discharged almost at once, the officers remaining a few days to close their accounts with the government. so that he did not arrive at his home in Van Wert until the last day of the year. In was a happy New Year, indeed, to be reunited with friends in his boyhood's home, after more than four and a quarter years' service and exposure to the hardships and dangers incident to army life, and to be once more free, seemed like the dawn of a new life-the past four years more like a horrible night-mare than reality-the present rather a bright dream than the truth, although eagerly anticipated for months.

After a brief rest and reunion with his peo- płe; he packed his grip and betook himself to Chesterfield, Fulton county, Ohio, where, on the 28th of February, 1866, he was umted in marriage with Miss Adeline Disbrow, a lady whose acquaintance he had formed before the war, while her people were residing in Van Wert county, and with whom he had corresponded, but had not seen for nearly seven years. Re- turning to Van Wert soon after, with his bride, he purchased a lot and built the house on North Shannon street, in which he has ever since resided. Mr. Gleason embarked in busi- ness with his brother soon after locating in Van Wert, (at first with a partner) in the man- ufacture of wagon and carriage wood stock, which has since been conducted by the firm of J. A. Gleason & Brother, with a fair degree of success, their product being favorably known to the trade not only of our own coun- try but foreign countries as well, while the money they have expended for raw material and labor has helped to improve farms and build up the city of Van Wert to its present proportions.

Mr. Gleason is one of the safe and conserv- ative business men of the city of Van Wert, as well as one of the most enterprising and benev- olent men of the city. He is a liberal con- tributor to all public enterprises, having as- sisted in organizing the Van Wert Hedge Co .. with a capital of $40,000, and has been twice chosen president of the company, which is composed mostly of leading farmers of Van Wert county. He cheerfully encourages that which seems to be for the benefit of the city and the county as well; was one of the early trustees and for two years manager of the beautiful Woodland cemetery, his term ending by limitation in the spring of 1895. In mat- ters educational he is ever a strong promoter, ever ready to encourage the young toward se- curing a good education. Politically, while his early teachings were democratic, he has been since the war a stanch republican, ever ready to assert his principles and to assist in carrying out the wishes of the people. He re- ligiously believes in the ultimate salvation of the whole human race, although not being classed as a member by any church; yet, feel- ing that an upright, blameless life is essential to earthly happiness, and to prepare us for the greater life to come, he willingly encourages all religious denominations in attaining this end, without regard to creed. Socially he is a member and past grand of Van Wert lodge, No. 251, I. O. O. F., a past patriarch of Ma- rion encampment, No. 61, was a charter mem- ber of Canton Van Wert, patriarchs militant, member of Pearl Rebekah lodge, No. 53. I. O. O. F., is commander of William C. Scott , post, N. 100, G. A. R., having been chosen representative to tlie Louisville encampment in 1895. from district No. 35, beside represent- ing his post in the departinent encampments at Steubenville, Canton and Sandusky. He is also present M. W. of Van Wert lodge, No. | 47, A. O. U. W., which body he has also at

243

OF VAN WERT COUNTY.

different times represented in the meetings of the grand lodge.

Dorothea Adeline Disbrow, wife of A. J. Gleason, was born January 17, 1841, in La- Grange township, Lorain county, Ohio, being second daughter of Orville Disbrow, and Fan- nie M. Buck, his wife, both of whom were born in Delaware county, N. Y., the latter now residing in Chesterfield township, Fulton county, Ohio, where her husband died in 1874. About the year 1853 Mr. Disbrow removed to Hardin county, Ohio, whence, after residing a year, he removed to Van Wert county, pur- chasing the farm now owned by John Roberts in Liberty township, on the Van Wert and Willshire road, where the family resided until 1859, when they removed to Fulton county, the present home. Mrs. Gleason received the average education afforded by country schools in those days, and, at the close of the war, married her soldier lover and came to Van Wert again to reside. Before her marriage she was baptised and became a member of the Desciples' church. She was a past noble grand of Pearl lodge No. 53. Daughters of Rebekah, I. O. O. F., and delegate to state assembly D. of R., also past president of Wm. C. Scott corps, No. 18, W. R. C., being twice elected as presiding officer by the corps, and was very useful and active in both socie- ties, until forced by ill health to give up her charitable work, which will long keep her Inemory green among those who were asso- ciated with her, while it never in the least caused her to forget her duty to her family. In February, 1892, while caring for her afflicted eldest daughter she herself was stricken with a fatal malady, which baffled the best medical skill procurable, and she steadily declined in health until March 15, 1893, when she peace- fully expired, surrounded by her loved ones, aged fifty-two years and two months. Her re- mains were followed to Woodland by both so-

cieties of which she was a member, and by niany other sorrowing &friends and relatives, in whose hearts will long be left an aching void.

To Mr. and Mrs. Gleason, in their modest home, were born seven children, of whom the third, fourth and sixth died in early childhood. Mariette, the eldest, born November 25, 1866, was a graduate of the Union schools in 1885, and afterward taught with marked success un- til a rule was adopted by the board of educa- tion barring relatives of its members from posi- tions as teachers (her uncle being a member of the board). She was then elected a teacher in the Rushford, Minn., schools, where she taught one year, after which declining health caused her to abandon the vocation of teaching as that of book-keeping, in which she engaged for a time. After bravely resisting the steady ap- proach of the destroyer for many months, dur- ing which she bore her sufferings with great patience and christian fortitude, and after her beloved mother had preceded her only a few weeks, she departed this life for the better land April 30, 1894, and was placed beside her mother in the family lot at Woodland. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Van Wert for a number of years, and dearly beloved by all who knew her. Fannie M., second daughter, was born Febru- ary 9, 1868, and received her education in the public schools of Van Wert, and resides with her father on North Shannon street. being a inember of the First Methodist Episcopal church, Epworth league, and a past noble grand of Pearl lodge D. of R. Lilian M., wife of D. W. Armentrout, was born August 23, 1874, educated in public schools, married, December 27, 1891, and is the mother of two children, Ruth and Dorothea, she resides in Van Wert, her husband being a fireman on the C., J. & M. R. R. Nellie P., youngest daugh- ter, was born November 29, 1882, and is now being educated in public schools.

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.

A portrait and biographical record of Allen and Van Wert counties, Ohio, v. 2, Part 8

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