USA > Ohio > Hardin County > A twentieth century history of Hardin County, Ohio : a narrative account of its historical progress its people and principal interests, Vol. II > Part 15
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Jacob W. Grappy spent his boyhood days from the time he was four until he was fifteen in Erie county, where he received a common school education and became familiar with the various kinds of farm work. He continued farming after coming to Ohio, for some years working for others and later engaging in agricultural pursuits on his own account. He now occupies a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres, situated between Dunkirk and Dola, a portion of which he has owned since 1897, the remainder he bought in 1907.
In 1884 Mr. Grappy married Miss Rose Hess, who was born in 1865, on the farm on which she resided until her death. She was a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Hess, who settled in Hardin county, on the farm where Mr. Grappy now resides, in 1860. The children of this union are as follows: Frank (deceased), Florence, Myrtle (deceased), Emma, Carl, Mabel, Lucile, Emmerson, Devere, and an infant deceased. Mrs. Grappy passed away on the 26th of October. 1909, respected and loved by all who knew her. She was a kind mother and a loving wife.
That Mr. Grappy enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens is shown by the fact that he has been given the preference for local offices, such as township trustee and school director. both of which he filled with credit to himself and the community.
ASHER HENRY DERR, a prominent and prosperous farmer of Taylor Creek township, Hardin county, Ohio, was born on the old Derr home- stead in Taylor Creek township, in the old house which stands in the
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rear of the present dwelling, October 24, 1862. Ile is a son of Levi and Mary E. (Duff) Derr, the former of whom now lives in Belle Center. Mrs. Derr died in 1902. They had children as follows: Asher H .; Martha A., wife of S. R. M.Neill, of Taylor Creek township ; Howard. a farmer of Buck township; Anna M., wife of Wilson Lowe. a farmer of Taylor Creek township; Ora J., deceased; Nettie, deceased; and one child that died in infancy. Levi Derr was born in Logan county, Ohio, April 23, 1838, son of Davis and Martha (Johnson) Derr. natives of Allegheny county. Pennsylvania. Davis Derr, who was born in 1803, moved to Logan county, Ohio, with his parents, in 1821. In 1855 they removed to Hardin county, settling in Taylor Creek town- ship. where Levi Derr was born. Levi Derr enlisted. August 20, 1864, in Company HI, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry. and served as gnard for prisoners on Johnson's Island until July 17. 1865. Returning home, he followed farming until a few years ago, when he retired and moved to Belle Center. Ile was married. January 29, 1862, to Mary E., daughter of John and Sarah Duff, who was born in Logan county October 28. 1841.
After receiving his education in the public schools, Asher H. Derr worked on the farm for his father. When twenty-five years old he married and located on the Lowe farm, where he remained two years. After spending two years on the Ross farm in Bnek township and two years on the Ritchie farm, he removed to Silver Creek, where he and his brother-in-law engaged in the grocery business. Two years later he sold out his interest and spent four years with his parents. In 1904 he settled on his present farm of eighty-two acres, where he carries on general farming and makes a specialty of stock raising. Ile has been very successful and is considered one of the enterprising, representative citizens of the township. Ile is a member of the United Presbyterian church of Silver Creek and is elder and treasurer of the church. Ile is a Republican and very active in his party's interests. lle is serving his third year as a member of the school board.
In 1888 Mr. Derr married Anna Maie Wilson, who was born April 14, 1867. in Kenton, daughter of John R. Wilson, who now lives on East Summit street, Kenton, retired from active life. Mrs. Derr was raised by Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Douglas, of Lynn township. Mr. Derr and his wife became the parents of the following children: Levi Boyd, who died at the age of two years ; Harry R., employed as a clerk in Silver Creek ; Walter W., Osear W. and Milo D., at home ; and an infant, deceased.
HARVEY A. JACOBS, a resident of Washington township, although not one of the older settlers is a progressive farmer and' has at heart any enterprise that will advance the interests of his county and community. He was born in Van Wert, Ohio, in 1850, a son of William and JJane Jacobs, the father born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Warren eonnty, Ohio. William Jacobs came to Ohio in 1822, and although by trade a tailor he later became identified with the agricultural interests of this county and was successful as a business man. His family num- bered eleven children, namely: Eliza J., Lovisa A., Samuel. Elizabeth.
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Sarah C., Harvey A., Edith M., Susan, Thomas K., John W. and one who died in infancy. William Jacobs died in the year of 1891, and his wife Jane died in 1905.
Harvey A. Jacobs was reared and educated in Allen county, Ohio, where during a number of years he was engaged in the manufacture of humber, but in 1906 he sold his business there to come to Hardin county, here purchasing his present homestead farm of eighty acres in Washing- ton township. Hle has since greatly improved this farm, and he is numbered prominently among Washington township's progressive busi- ness men. Ile has been twice married, wedding first Miss Rachel Moore, who was born in the mother country of England in 1856, and she died in the year of 1883. Their marriage took place in 1871, and three children were born to them: William W., Agnes G. and Rex C. For his second wife Mr. Jacobs married Miss Melita Williams, from Allen county, Ohio, in 1892. and they also have had three children : French A. Harry D. and Frank HI. Jacobs. Mrs. Jacobs is the daughter of William D. and Docia A. (Shadley) Williams, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother of West Virginia. Both are deceased, the mother dying in February, 1905, and the father in January, 1907.
HON. WILLIAM P. HENDERSON, judge of the court of common pleas of the Tenth District of the state of Ohio, was born Angust 24, 1867. at Delaware, Ohio, of Seoteh-Irish ancestry both on his father and his mother's side; his father was the Rev. Isaiah R. Henderson, one of the pioneer settlers of that part of the state, whose life work was in the ministry as a clergyman of the Central Ohio Conference of the Metho- dist Episcopal church ; his mother's maiden name was Frances A. Price, who was born and lived prior to her marriage in Dutchess county, New York. His mother died in 1904, but his father is still living at Colum- bus, Ohio.
Judge Henderson received his early education in the public schools, and he graduated from the high school at Findlay, Ohio, in 1884. He entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in the follow- ing fall, and was graduated from that institution in June. 1888. In the meantime, in the course of his labors as a Methodist minister, his father had been assigned to Kenton, Ohio, and had taken up his resi- dence there with his family. Before his gradnation from college Judge Henderson had begun the study of law in the office of the late Colonel L. M. Strong at Kenton, and he continued his studies under the same tuition and was admitted to the bar in October. 1889. Immediately npon his admission to the bar. a partnership was formed with Colonel Strong, which continned until 1893, when Colonel Strong retired from active practice, on aceount of declining health and his new work and responsibility as a member of congress .. Thenceforward Judge IIen- derson practiced his profession in Kenton alone. In November, 1908, he was elected to the common pleas bench and assumed his new duties January 1, 1909; he is still serving on the bench, earning and enjoying in a high degree the respect of the bar and the confidence of the community.
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On February 25. 1890. Judge Henderson was married to Olive R. Sagebiel, a daughter of Herman and Ruth Sagebiel, of Kenton. Two children who still survive were born of this marriage, Berkeley W. and Dorcas Mary. Judge Henderson's tastes have been scholarly and his reading and information, both in his profession and in the fields of general literature, are wide and varied. He won success and prominence as a lawyer. being known not only for his ability in his profession, but as a man of strict integrity and high ideals .; while as a writer he is vigorous. forcible and precise, with a wide command of the English tongue and as a public speaker he has long been in frequent demand.
True to early training he is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church at Kenton ; in polities he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM GUCKES. a substantial and representative farmer of Blanchard township, where he owns and operates a productive farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres on the turn pike, was born in Erie county. Pennsylvania, July 11. 1856. He is a son of Jacob and Mar- guerite Guekes, both natives of Germany, who emigrated to this country before they were married, locating in Erie county. There they were married, and they became the parents of the following children : John. Jacob. Christian. William. Margaret, Kate and Mary. William and Margaret, the latter now deceased, were the only two who removed to Hardin county.
William Guckes was reared and edneated in his native state and county and took up the occupation of farming. He resided in Erie county. Pennsylvania, until 1876, and then removed to Hardin county. where he now resides. He is a prosperous and intelligent farmer. with a well-tilled farm. on which he uses modern machinery. Mr. Guckes stands well in the community, and takes a commendable interest in local public affairs. He is a member of the Masonic order and takes an active interest in the cause of the fraternity; he has taken the high degree of Royal Arch Mason, and contemplates further advancement in the order.
In 1886 Mr. Guckes married Minnie Kirehofer, of Hardin county. and to them were born four children. only two of whom survive: they are: Charles R. and James M. Jacob and Emil died in infancy. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Dunkirk.
CHASE L. WILSON, a leading and progressive farmer of Blanchard township, was born in Jackson township. Hardin county, Ohio, May 12. 1869. Ile is a son of Alva and Lovy (White) Wilson, both natives of Hancock county, Ohio. In 1865 they located in Hardin county, where Mr. Wilson bought one hundred and sixty acres of land. By dint of hard work he brought this land to its present fertility and high state of cultivation. He offered his services to his country in the Civil war and was enrolled a member of a company in the One Hundred and Eigh- tiethi Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served with credit for three years and was honorably discharged. Mr. Wilson died in February, 1902. and his wife died in 1889. Ile was an active member of the Grand
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Army of the Republic. Mr. Wilson and his wife had children as fol- lows: William H., Wallace W. and Chase L., besides one who died in childhood.
Chase L. Wilson was reared and educated in his native county, and chose the calling of a farmer, in which line he has met with gratifying sneress. Before buying his present farm he owned one hundred and eighty acres in the same township, forty of which he now owns, besides one hundred and twenty acres where he now lives, which he purchased in 1904. His farm is about a mile and a half south of Dunkirk, on the turnpike, and presents the appearance of a model farm, with well constructed and substantial buildings. He has modern conveniences and owns a beautiful home. He is universally respected and esteemed and is considered a representative, useful citizen.
Mr. Wilson married first Eva MeRee, to whom four children were born, namely : Leona, Zola, Blanch and Isabella (deceased). Mr. Wil- son married. on November 25, 1904, Blanche O'Rourk, and to them has been born one child, Josephine.
JESSE SNODGRASS, M. D .- Prominent among the highly respected and best known physicians of Kenton is Jesse Snodgrass, M. D., who has been here successfully employed in the practice of his profession for upwards of forty years, being. with but one exception, the longest established physician of this section of Hardin county. An Ohioan by birth and breeding, he was born, June 7, 1841, at New Concord, Mus- kingum county, being the oldest of the family of five children born to David and Cathrine (Phillips) Snodgrass. His father, a native of Pennsylvania, migrated to Ohio in early life, settling first in Muskingum county, later moving to Hardin county, where he worked at farming and shoemaking.
But five years of age when his parents located in Kenton, Jesse Snodgrass was here edneated primarily, completing the course of study in the common and high schools. In 1860 he began the study of medicine, attending lectures at the Starling Medical College. In 1862, inspired by patriotic zeal, he enlisted as a private in Company H. Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for thirteen months, when, on account of physical disability, he was honorably discharged. Being, in Angust, 1863, made assistant surgeon of the Eighth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. he served in that capacity until the close of the conflict, being discharged in July. 1865. In the autumn of that year he entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, at New York City, and in 1867 was there graduated with the degree of M. D. Dr. Snodgrass immediately settled as a practitioner in Kenton, until 1871 being in partnership with Dr. W. H. Phillips. Ile subsequently practiced alone until 1908, when he admitted to partnership his son, W. C. Snodgrass, M. D. For many years the Doctor has enjoyed a large and Incrative general practice in this place, his natural talents, skill and varied experience classing him among the more successful physicians of the city.
Dr. Snodgrass has been twice married. He married first, June 10, 1869, Emily Coggshall, who died December 4, 1877, leaving one son, W.
Jesse Snodgrass In IS
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C. Snodgrass, M. D. The Doctor married, second, February 25, 1885, Lillian Dunn, and they are the parents of two children, IIelen and Catherine.
Dr. Snodgrass is a member of numerous societies, including the Hardin County, the Northwestern Ohio, the Ohio State and the American Medical Societies. Fraternally he is prominent in the Masonic order, belonging to the lodge, chapter, and commandery; is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; of the Loyal Legion; and of the Grand Army of the Republic. In polities he is a stanch Republican, but has never been an office seeker, his time and energies having been devoted to the duties of his profession.
WILLIAM M. BECKMAN .- To William M. Beekman belongs the credit of giving to Kenton and Hardin county the first permanent daily news- paper, for the paper he established can scarcely be said to belong to Kenton alone. He also founded the Konton Graphic-News, a weekly sheet that immediately found favor with the people and enjoyed a large cir- eulation. No citizen of the county did more for the printing business both before and after he consolidated the Daily News with the Kenton Republican than he did.
Mr. Beekman was born in Tiffin, Ohio, May 21, 1860, and at a very early age eame to Kenton where the rest of his life was spent. He gradu- ated from the public schools of this city, in 1878, and shortly afterwards was called to a place in the office of the Hardin County Republican, then owned by A. W. Miller .. Mr. Beekman always said his taking up the printing pusiness was due to an accident, but he faithfully performed every duty that came to his hand then and always. Mr. Miller was ill and away from the office much of the time and the illness resulted in his death February 17, 1880, when Mr. Beckman was made manager of the plant. Later, when George W. Rutledge bought out the Republican, Mr. Beekman resigned his position for a time and taught school at Bate- son school in Cessna township. He also worked for David Fisher in the Democrat office, but his real newspaper work began with the founding of the Daily News. He owned and operated a job printing office in a room on the west side of the square upstairs, which he purchased from Robert MeCurdy in 1883, and which he afterwards moved to the room over Held's tin store. But with the establishment of his printing office in the Paulneci room on West Franklin street in 1889 the real work of his life began.
A Kenton company had founded a little paper ealled "The Common People," which Mr. Beekman printed for them on his press, but it was not a financial success and was allowed to die ont. When this was dis- eontinned Mr. Beekman and Harry Edsell founded the Kenton Daily Nous, which was a non-partisan paper, and which started off at once with a large subscription list. This was in 1890. and late in the same year the Kenton Graphic-News was founded by the same publishers. Some years later the plant was visited by a disastrous fire, but the enter- prising publishers quickly recovered from this blow. In 1896 Mr. Edsell retired from the business to go west. and the same year Mr.
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Beckman purchased the Hardin County Republican plant, which was then running two papers." The Hardin County Republican," a weekly and the "Kenton Daily Republican." He moved the stock and equip- ment to the "News-Republican" office, and there consolidated the two dailies under the name of "The News-Republican," under which it is still issued. He continued both weekly papers, one Republican in politics and the other non-partisan.
The newspapers soon outgrew their quarters, and in 1903, the pres- ent commodious structure at the corner of Main and Ohio streets was put up for a permanent home for the business. Just as moving from the old quarters had begun, a fire almost completely destroyed the new building. entailing a great loss upon the company. The following spring the building was completed. and from it the various publications have since been issued by the Kenton Republican Company. which was incorporated in 1903. For some years Mr. George E. Crane had owned a share of the stock, but in 1903 he disposed of his interests to Mr. F. B. Wilson, and later Mr. Wilson purchased another one-fourth share. making him half owner of the plant. In 1907. on account of failing health. Mr. Beckman retired from the business which he had built up and had so ably conducted for many years.
Though of a modest retiring disposition. Mr. Beckman was a shrewd business man and an able editor. He entered the newspaper field when bitter personalities were the order of the day, but though made the target for personal abuse many times, he never stooped to reply to any of the unfair attacks. He held his papers above petty spite and mean personalities, often against the advice of his best friends, but in time people came to see that he had adopted the wisest course. He kept himself clear from all warring factions, and gave to his patrons a clean. well edited family newspaper that still enjoys the confidence of the public. Almost from youth he was in delicate health, yet he possessed an unlimited capacity for hard work, and was ever of a hopeful dispo- sition. If his body could have kept pace with his ever alert, brilliant mind. there is no doubt that his achievements would have been greater, but as it was he built up one of Kenton's most flourishing enterprises in spite of ill health. He was always optimistic, cheery and busy. never allowing his personal feelings to appear in his actions and words. His life was one long struggle with disease. yet with all he accom- plished more than many men in vigorous health.
For several years Mr. Beckman spent the winters in El Paso, Texas. with his family, finding the altitude and bracing climate just suited to his needs, but as he improved in health year by year he thought to carry out a long cherished plan of tourng Europe with his mother and sisters. ITis health was so much improved that he had made plans to re-enter the business world, hut before doing this a sojourn abroad lasting nearly a year was planned. beginning with a winter in Naples On December 8. 1909, the family sailed for Naples, arriving there on the day before Christmas. The climate proved too harsh for Mr. Beckman. and in January they started back to America. The entire journey brought much suffering to him, but he reached El Paso Feb-
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ruary 8, and was taken at once to a hospital for treatment. The hard winter and progress of the disease while traveling were too much for his delicate frame, and his brave spirit took its flight two days after reaching El Paso-February 10, 1910. Ilis body was brought to his old home and buried beside that of his wife in Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Beckman, who was Miss Jennie Coe, was married to him in October, 1887, and died in Kenton, February 28, 1889. Nearly fifty years Wil- liam Beekman lived and worked in Kenton, a short life after all, but he left an enduring monument in the papers which he founded and the memory of a life well spent.
IRA N. KELLY is numbered among the successful and progressive agriculturists of Washington township, and he is also a member of a fam- ily who were among the earliest pioneers of Ohio, his great-grandfather on the paternal side, Joseph Kelly, having come to this state from Lancas- ter, Pennsylvania, in 1795. Andrew S. Kelly, the father of Ira, born in Pickaway county, Ohio, moved to Hancock county of this state in 1853 and to Hardin county'in 1872. He served his country three years as a Civil war soldier, as a private with Company F, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea. He served faithfully and well as a soldier, and after his honorable discharge at the close of the war he returned to peaceful citizenship and to the work of the farm. His death occurred in the year of 1907, and his wife passed away in 1891. She was in her maidenhood Susannah Yates, and was born in Hancock county, Ohio, in 1836. Nine children were born of their marriage union, namely: George E., superintendent of schools at Krydersville, Ohio; Estella, Mrs. Patterson; Sadie, Mrs. Kenode ; William H. and Samuel M., both druggists in Wellston, this state; Joseph A., of Ada; Mark B., a cigar dealer at that place; and June, deceased, and one who died in infancy.
Ira N. Kelly, one of the sons in the above family and now one of the representative farmers of Washington township, has since 1901 owned a splendidly improved estate of seventy-six acres but which in January, 1910, he sold and bought in Trumbull county. He was born in Haneock county, Ohio, in 1857, but he was reared and educated in the city of Ada, attending the university there, but previously he had taught school. He continued his educational labors after leaving the university, teaching for twenty years in Hardin county. In 1890 he was made the deputy recorder for Ilardin county, serving in that office until 1893, and in 1900 he was appointed to that office and served for one and a half years. He has also filled various township positions, was formerly a justice of the peace and has also been a township clerk. His name is thus prominently recorded on the pages of the history of Hardin county, and he has proved a true and valued citizen.
In 1879 Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Margaret E., a daughter of Samuel and Rachel Carey, and although their marriage union has been without issue they have an adopted son and daughter, the former being Carl F. Carey and the latter Fredea Willike. Mrs. Kelly was born in Liberty township of Hardin county in 1861. Both she and her husband
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are members of the Methodist Protestant church, active in its work and upbuilding, and Mr. Kelly has served his religious home as a class leader, trustee and as a Sunday school superintendent. He is also prominently identified with the fraternal order of Odd Fellows at Dunkirk, both he and his wife being also connected with its auxiliary, the Rebekahs, and Mr. Kelly is a past noble grand of the order.
ALONZO LYNCH, a retired business man now living in Kenton, Ohio, was until a few years ago extensively interested in buying and selling stock. Mr. Lynch was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, July 4, 1828, a son of George and Hannah (Brown) Lynch, the former a native of Pennsylvania. George Lynch moved from Pennsylvania and located at Zanesville, Ohio, bringing with him the first furnace ever brought to that part of the state. In the spring of 1833 he and his wife settled in Blanchard township, Hardin county, where they purchased eighty acres of land in the timber. Mr. Lynch began clearing his land and erected a small log hut for the family to live in. He was an industrious and enterprising farmer and met with fair success, meeting and overcoming the obstacles incident to pioneer life at that time.
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