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 2
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General Robinson served as clerk of the Ohio House of Representa- tives in 1855-6, and after his return from the war he received the appointment of assessor of internal revenue, of which office he continued the incumbent for several years. Ile was for some time chairman of the Republican State Central Committee and later was chairman of the Republican State Exeentive Committee. Hle filled the position of railroad commissioner for Ohio from January, 1880, to February of the following year. In 1880 there came to General Robinson well merited recognition of his party loyalty and zeal and of his distinctive ability, in that he was elected to represent the old Ninth District of Ohio in congress. This district comprised the counties of Hardin, Union, Morrow, Marion, Knox and Delaware. His first term in congress remarkably demonstrated the wisdom of his choiee for this important office. In 1882 he was chosen as his own successor. He had the dis- tinetion of being the only man from Hardin county ever elected to sit
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in congress. The official records of Ohio show that General Robinson also gave effective service as secretary of state, to which position he was twice elected. Concerning his public service, the following perti- nent statement has been made: "He discharged all these trusts with rare fidelity and ability and demonstrated his fitness for even a higher station. His congressional career was of great value to his constituents and his Virginia military land bill won for him a national reputation. He was at all times a zealous champion of the farm and was ever loyal in pro- tecting the interests of the old soldiers of the rebellion." He affiliated with the Episcopal church.
On the 28th of June, 1848, was solemnized the marriage of General Robinson to Miss Helen M. Spaulding of Marion, Ohio, who died in 1853, leaving one son, William S., who is now deceased. In the year 1855, November 8, General Robinson married Miss Hester A. Carlin, daughter of Honorable Parlee Carlin, of Findlay, Ohio, and she died September 8, 1907, in Kenton, where the two children, Parlee C. and Jane S. reside.
Measured by its beneficence, its recitude, its productiveness and its unconscious altruism, the life of General Robinson counted for much, and he stood as an honored member of the striking group of men whose influence in the social and economical life of the nation was of the most effective order. It is easy to attribute the elements of greatness to any man who has been in the least conspienous in public affairs, but in the perspective of years each presentment assumes its true value and an unequivocal verdict may be rendered. The fair fame of General Robinson, the most distinguished figure in the history of Hardin county, rests on the firm basis of work accomplished and honors worthily won. In studying his elear-ent, sane, distinct character, interpretation follows fact in a straight line of derivation and his character was a positive expression of a strong and loyal nature. When he was consigned to the life eternal on the 14th of January, 1892, the people of his home city and county manifested a deep sense of personal bereavement and un- bidden came the general and generous tributes of love, respect and honor. On the occasion of his funeral there were called to Kenton more distinguished men than were ever before drawn within its portals. After the religious services were concluded, the Honorable William McKinley, who was then governor of the state and who later became president of the United States, paid a short but earnest tribute to the dead soldier and citizen whose loss was thus deplored. Besides the governor, many other prominent men of the state were present at the funeral. The words of Governor Mckinley are most consistently perpetuated in this record : "My Friends: I am here to join the friends and neighbors of General Robinson in paying my tribute of respect and affection to the memory of the deceased. I wish I had fitting words to command, but called at this trying moment, I can only say what the heart suggests. I knew him well. For four years he was my colleague in the National House of Representatives, and in those years I came to love, respect anu honor him. He was a manly man, generous and open-hearted, a true friend and an honorable opponent. It is not Kenton and Hardin county only that are mourning around his bier. I feel his death a
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personal bereavement, the loss of a true friend. The state, too, has suffered, he was an able and worthy publie servant, a kind and indulgent husband and parent, pleasant and accommodating neighbor; he was an honored citizen of the state, one who served it faithfully and conspicuous- ly in war and peace."
The following memorial, prepared by a special committee, consist- ing of the secretary of state, the lieutenant governor and attorney gener- al of Ohio, was prepared shortly after his death and should be reproducea in this memoir of his life.
"James S. Robinson, a major general of the Union army, an ex- congressman of the United States and former railroad commissioner and secretary of state of Ohio, departed this life, ripe with age and honor, on Thursday, January 14th, 1892. In behalf of the great state which he served so faithfully in peace and war, we join with his family and countrymen in expressions of affection and condolence. Heroic almost to the sacrifice of his life in battle, wise in the councils of the nation, rugged and honest in the executive service of his state, he has closed a typical career of American manhood and patriotism. He will long be revered and remembered as a striking figure among the great spirits who have made Ohio first in peace and war and who have given to the country its greatest eminence and proudest characters. His name may well be recorded among Ohio's heroic dead. Of the age, and contemporaneous in defense of his country with Grant, Garfield, Sherman and Sheridan, he won honorable distinction in the field; while his public service was characterized by that fidelity to duty which has immortal- ized Giddings, Wade, Chase and Stanton. Strong in military and public life, he was stronger in those essentials of character that distinguished real manhood in family and personal relations. Honest, blunt, cordial and warm-hearted, those who knew him best loved him most, and with them we join in tributes to his memory."
JOSEPH ICHLER was born February 12, 1844, in Cincinnati, Ohio where he lived until he was fifteen years old. He is the son of David and Margaretta (Barton) Ichler, the former born August 14, 1814, at Carlsrue, Baden, and the latter near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1813. When about sixteen years old David Ichler, then an orphan, ran away from home, and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned the trade of shoemaker, later setting up in the shoe business for himself. He was married March 29, 1839, to Margaret Barton who had been left an orphan in Pennsylvania when quite young, and who had been brought to Cleves, Ohio, by a family named Leeper. To this union were born two children, Catherine, December 14, 1839, and Joseph, February 12, 1844.
David Ichler conducted a shoe store until his death August 12, 1856, which was caused by brain fever. He is buried in Spring Grove ceme- tery at Cincinnati, Ohio. On March 7, 1859, Mrs. Ichler and son Joseph came to Kenton, leaving the daughter Catherine teaching in the public schools of Cincinnati, she having begun teaching at the early age of sixteen. Later Catherine lehler joined the family, and was married
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February 23, 1860, to John Ries of Kenton by whom she had six chil- dren : Florence M., Alice W., David I., John J., George Henry and Milton C. Catherine Ichler Ries died June 27, 1875.
On coming to Kenton, Joseph Ichler went to high school for some months, and then learned the harness maker's trade with Goodin and Barnett. He started in the harness business for himself January 1. 1864, leaving it in charge of Mr. John Dean when he enlisted in the army. He served in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisting March, 1864. At the elose of the war he entered into a partnership with Arthur Dean in the harness business which lasted nine years. Ile was married September 30, 1866, to Annette Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Earnest Christian and Barbara (Pound) Baker in Kenton. Earnest C. Baker was the son of John Nicholas and Margaret (Elwert) Baker and was born in Gross Biebrow, Germany, October 15, 1810. Barbara Pound was born April 27, 1815, and was married to Earnest Baker at Hagerstown, Maryland, November 15, 1833. To them were born eight children as follows: Infant born and died 1834; Daniel, October 15, 1835; Martha, November 1, 1838; John, March 8, 1840; Susan, May 28, 1844; George, April 23, 1846; Annette Elizabeth. Angust 1, 1848; and Sarah, June 1, 1851. About 1847 Mr. and Mrs. Baker moved from Maryland to Kenton settling on a farm about two miles east of town. Mrs. Baker died November 14, 1854, and some years later Mr. Baker married Mrs. Dorothy Poelsing, a native of Germany. On Jannary 15, 1862, Earnest Baker was killed in the old flouring mill that stood where Robinson and Gage's Planing Mill now stands, and on August 8, 1867, at the very same place and in the very same way his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Daniel Baker, was killed. Daniel Baker died March 4, 1866, leaving three small children. Martha
Baker died April 16, 1899.
To Joseph and Annette E. Ichler were born the following children : May M., Minnie B., Ruah D., George David and Warren. May M. taught school for some years but is now the general delivery clerk in the Kenton postoffice. Minnie also taught school in the country schools and in Kenton, and then worked in the postoffice some years. She was married June 5, 1901, to Willis C. Kohler, the present postmaster of Kenton. Ruah was married January 28, 1892, to John W. Stevenson and to them have been born six children, five of whom are living: Frances Annette, Agnes Esther, Frank Joseph, Willis Warren and Ruby. Frank Joseph died January 31, 1902. For some years Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson lived on a farm near Kenton, and then moved to West Mansfield, Ohio. where he conducted a hardware store. Later he bought a store in Rich- wood, Ohio, and continued in the hardware business until 1907 when he bought a large farm in Delaware county where the family now live. Warren Ichler is a draughtsman and mechanic and is at present em- ployed in Bloomington, Illinois. George David Ichler died April 6. 1880. Mr. and Mrs. lehler also brought up a nephew, John II. Baker, son of Daniel and Sarah J. Baker.
For some years Joseph Ichler and family lived in Kenton but in April, 1874, they moved to the farm in Buck township where they now
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reside. On account of failing health Margaret Ichler went to live with her son in 1882 and died January 22, 1883, at his home. She is buried in Wolf Creek cemetery. Mr. Ichler was a railway mail clerk for some time during the administration of President Cleveland, but at the close of his term of service took up the occupation of farming, particularly the raising of fine fruits. He served for many years as a member of the board of education of Buck township and also was township trustee. At present he is one of the trustees of Grove cemetery. In polities he is an old school Democrat. For many years the family have been con- nected with the Wolf Creek Methodist Episcopal church.
WILLIS C. KONLER was born May 28, 1867, in Kenton, Ohio. He is the son of Jacob and Mary ( Rufty) Kohler, the former born in Berne, Switzerland, March 16, 1824, and the latter in Ar Berg, Switzerland, March 31, 1825. At an early age Jacob Kohler was left an orphan, and when twenty years old he set out for America locating first in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he worked in a flouring mill. He came to Kenton in a few years later where he ever afterwards lived. He was married April 15, 1855, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Mary Rufty, and they immediately afterward returned to Kenton taking up their residence in a small house where the East school building now stands. To them were born six sons: Frederick, John, Adolph, Henry, Willis C. and Edward.
Willis C. Kohler was educated in the public schools of Kenton both in English and German, leaving school at the age of seventeen to work in George Merriman's grocery. With but a short interval out of the grocery he continued his work there until appointed a clerk in the post- office under A. M. Rice, February 28, 1890. When city free delivery was established, January 1, 1891, he became one of the first letter carriers and continued in this position fifteen years. Hle resigned March, 1906, to become postmaster of the city, having been appointed by President Roosevelt, April 13, 1906, and took the office June 1, 1906, and is serving his second term in this capacity, having been reappointed by President Taft, March 25, 1910. Mr. Kohler has been quite snecessful in having many reforms in the service inaugurated in the local office, chief of which are the eight hour schedule for clerks and the improvements in the rural service. Since taking charge of the office he has succeeded in getting two new clerks, and two additional letter carriers and a new rural carrier.
Mr. Kohler was married April 26, 1893, to Miss Alice R. Watt of Findlay, Ohio, daughter of James and Mercy L. (Stackhouse) Watt, and to them were born two children: James Watt, March 11, 1894, and a daughter February 12, 1896. James Watt Kohler died August 4, 1894, and the daughter February 12, 1896. Mrs. Kohler died January 6, 1899, in Findlay, Ohio, while on a visit to her old home and is buried in Grove cemetery.
On June 5, 1901, Mr. Kohler was married to Minnie B. Ichler, daughter of Joseph Ichler, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume and Annette Ichler. Previous to her marriage Mrs. Kohler taught school in Buek township, beginning at the age of fifteen, and in the Grammar department of the Kenton schools for some years. On Janu-
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ary 28, 1895, she was appointed a clerk in the Kenton postoffice by A. G. Ahlefeld, then city postmaster, and continued in that capacity till her marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Kohler are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Kenton, and Mr. Kohler is a member of the official board of that organization. He is a member of Latham Lodge F. & A. M. and is a thirty-second degree Mason. Although not actively engaged in farm- ing he owns a fine farm just south of the city on Taylor creek, and is interested in all agricultural matters. In politics he is a Republican.
JOHN WESLEY THEW .- Farmers of the present day carry on their work in a scientific manner, endeavoring to realize the maximum of profit from their land. Among the prominent and snecessful farmers of Hardin county, Ohio, is John Wesley Thew, owner and operator of a farm in Dudley township. Mr. Thew was born May 23, 1848, in Mar- ion county, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Hayward) Thew, the former horn in Lincolnshire, England, June 10, 1815. Ilenry Thew was a son of Richard, who settled in Richland county, Ohio, in 1825; his wife's maiden name was Bothernly. Ile left home for New Orleans, and was never again heard from. An uncle of Henry, William Thew, took charge of the family, and he died in 1883. at the age of ninety-two.
At the age of fifteen Ilenry Thew removed to the southern part of Ohio, where he learned the trade of shoemaker. He returned to Marion later, and in 1848 engaged in the shoe business in that place. Later he moved to the western part of Marion county, trading merehan- dise for three hundred and nine acres of land, then covered entirely by timber. Here he carried on farming and worked at his trade until a short time before his death, when he moved to Larue and retired. His demise occurred JJune 2. 1885. Ile was active in church work and was one of the first members of the old Montgomery log church ( Methodist Episcopal), which he helped build. Though a Republican in his views he was not active in political affairs. Ilis wife, who was born in 1820 and died at the age of fifty-two years, was a daughter of Isaac Hayward. and was born in England. She came with her parents to the United States as a girl, and they settled in Marion county, near Larue. Henry Thew and his wife had seven children, of whom five survive, namely : Mary A., wife of A. Cutting, of Kenton; Emma L., wife of C. W. Robinson, of Forest, Ohio; John W .: Eliza, wife of David Ward, of Hepburn ; and Rob E., of Loraine.
Until twenty-two years of age John W. Thew lived with his parents. and when old enough began to help with the work of the farm. Ile received a good edneation in the public schools, and after reaching man- hood bought some land, where he carried on farming until his marriage. Ile remained on the home farm five years and located in Dudley town- ship, Hardin county, in 1883, bought his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he has made many improvements, and has erected a handsome modern residence. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of stock-raising and dairying. He has now prae- tically retired from active life, and is enjoying a well earned rest.
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Mr. Thew is a faithful member of the Methodist church of Hepburn. He is an active Republican, held the office of township trustee one term and is now serving as committeeman. At present he is executor of the William Thew estate, now in course of settlement.
In 1873 Mr. Thew married Mattie Stewart, who was born in West Virginia, January 18, 1852, danghter of Joseph and Sarah (De Lau- rence) Stewart, the former, born in 1818, a farmer, died at the age of seventy-two years: the latter died in 1858. Mr. Stewart's father, David Stewart, was a native of Scotland who came to America as a young man and married Barbara Golden. The great-grandmother of Mrs. Thew was a sister to former President McKinley's mother. Joseph Stewart and his wife had several other children besides Mrs. Thew, and those living are one sister and one brother: William, a farmer at Forest, Ohio, and Sarah, wife of J. Wilson, a farmer of Michigan.
To John W. Thew and his wife children have been born as follows: Willis E., born July 26. 1875, married Milly Spracklin, and they have one child. Leroy ; Milly Spracklin died and Willis married for his second wife a Miss Dell Van Arsdale; Lula Dell, born November 20, 1877, mar- ried Roy Verdon, of Marion county, and they have one child, Martha Evanda : Henry C., born May 31, 1879, married Laura Borth, and lives in Lima, Ohio, where he is a jeweler. They have two children, Harold C., and Mary Martha. Bertha E., born Jannary 7. 1883, married F. Berhangh, a farmer of Marion county, and they have one child Enrotis Wesley. Richard T., born December 14, 1887. Mr. Thew and his wife are both earnest members of the Methodist church. Ile belongs to the Knights of Pythias and she to the Pythian Sisters of Hepburn. They have a host of friends, and their home is the frequent scene of pleasant gatherings.
JOHN DILLE, a successful farmer of Hale township, Hardin county. was born April 28, 1864. on the old Dille homestead, and is a son of William and Mary (Curl) Dille. William Dille, who was also born on the homestead, was a son of Cyrus Dille, who came from Pennsylvania and settled in Hale township in 1843. He took up a farm of six hundred acres in what is now within the corporation of Mount Vietory. The place was then a forest but he eleared a small space where he erected a log cabin without roof or door, planted pumpkins, corn and beans, and returned to Pennsylvania for his family. Upon his return to the Ohio home he found the Indians had gathered his erop and stored it in his cabin. He never had any trouble with the Indians, being always friend- ly with them. giving and receiving favors. Cyrus Dille was a Whig but became a Republican upon the inception of that party. He married Susan Blair and there were nine children in their family. Mrs. Dille died in 1889, at the age of eighty-two, but her husband died in 1849, at the age of fifty-five.
After the death of his father William Dille remained on the home- stead with his mother until his marriage. In 1860 he moved to the farm now occupied by his son, and lived in a log cabin until the present home
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was built. He farmed one hundred aeres which he inherited from his father, and here he lived until his death in 1872. at the age of fifty-two. He married Mary Curl and they had eleven children. She was a daugh- ter of Elihu and Margaret (Reams) Curl of Mount Victory. They were pioneers of this county, and in 1850 Elihu Curl owned a hotel at Mount Victory. He was a carpenter by trade. Mrs. William Dille died in 1894, aged sixty-five years. Three of her children are living: John of this sketch; Ross, a farmer of Huntsville, Ohio; and Elizabeth, wife of J. McGinnis.
John Dille received his education in the public schools, and then worked for his father on the farm until the time of his marriage. He then began farming the old homestead, where he has since continued with splendid success. He is an enterprising, wide-awake farmer, who makes the most of his opportunities. Politically he is a Republican and actively interested in public affairs, now holding the office of township trustee. In 1886 he married Della, daughter of F. W. and Rose (Reynold) Summers, retired farmers of Hale township. Mrs. Dille was born April 28, 1867. The following children have been born to John Dille and wife: William, born in 1887; Amy Lanora, in 1888. living at home; Myrtle R., born in 1891; Mary Rose, in 1894; and JJohn Erwin, in 1902. William, who lives with his father and assists in carrying on the home farm, married Flora, daughter of George and Mary (Harple) Battles, and they have one child, Oren.
IRVIN H. HARVEY, a successful farmer and a member of a family that is well known in Hardin county, was born on the homestead in Dudley township. September 23. 1862, and is a son of Alonzo and Rachel (Ballinger) Harvey. Alonzo Harvey was a native of Vermont. born in August, 1819, in Woodbury, and when a young man he engaged in teaching school. He moved to Ohio and there taught during the winters and worked on a farm during the summers until his marriage, July 7. 1844, when he settled in North Greenfield. Logan county. Six years later he removed to a farm near West Mansfield and for ten years was engaged in brick making as well as farming. In 1859 Mr. Harvey located in Mount Vietory. where he lived a year while he was clearing his farm, and in 1860 he settled on his land. He became a successful farmer, and in 1879 retired from his farm and moved to Kenton. where he and his son opened a general store. Two years later the father sold his interest and retired from active life. Mr. Harvey was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church and an active worker for its interests. For many years he was engaged in selling family Bibles. and in this connection became well known in Hardin county. He was a Republican and served some time as a justice of the peace, two terms in Logan county and two terms in Dudley township. Hardin county.
The wife of Alonzo Harvey was born September 15, 1823. in Logan county, Ohio, daughter of Caleb and Mary (Branson) Ballinger, who came to Ohio from Virginia. Mrs. Ballinger died September 21. 1905. Caleb Ballinger was a local preacher of the Methodist church in Logan county, Ohio. Mr. Harvey and his wife had six children, namely :
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Irvin H .; W. N., a carpenter of Rushsylvania, Ohio; and Mary, widow of G. L. Thompson, of Mount Victory, Ohio, who has six children, five sons and one daughter. Isaac N., J. O. and T. M. were the three oldest of the children.
Irvin H. Harvey received his education in the public schools and spent his childhood on a farm. After completing his education he worked some time on a farm for a neighbor, and when his father pur- chased a half-interest in a store at Kenton he worked there as elerk five years. He sold his interest in the store and seeured for the same one hundred and sixty acres of land in Indiana, which he later sold and then spent four years on a farm in Dudley township, after which he located on his present farm in Hale township. Mr. Harvey carries on general
farming and raises some stock. Ile is enterprising and ambitions, and in his dealings with his fellows has proven himself to be a man of high character and sterling honesty. Politically he is a Republican, takes an active interest in public affairs and served three years as assessor of Hale township. He is a devout member of the Christian church, as is also his wife.
On December 25, 1887, Mr. Harvey married Emma Curl, who was born November 19, 1866, daughter of Aaron and Rachel ( Harpel) Curl. Mr. Curl is a prominent farmer of Hale township. Mr. Harvey and his wife have children as follows: Charles, born October 29, 1888; Ottie R., born March 22, 1891: Blanch M., born September 22, 1900; and Katie Agnes, born March 1. 1902. All are at home. Mr. Harvey is a life-long resident of the county, where he is well known and highly respected.
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