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 35
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In 1879 he was married to Miss Mary R. Kinnear, a daughter of Frank and Mary Jane (Carruthers) Kinnear, natives of Ohio, and there were two children of this union. Mrs. Bradley died in February of 1883, and in 1884 Mr. Bradley wedded Mary Margaret, a daughter of John and Catherine (Fults) Flynn, the former from West Virginia and the latter from Hardin county, Ohio. Of the three children of this second union two are living. Mr. Bradley votes with the Republican party, and he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
JAMES H. RAY, an energetie, enterprising business man, is identified with the mercantile interests of llardin county as a provision dealer at Kenton, having a large and profitable trade. A son of John Ray, he was born, September 25, 1850, in Harrison county, Ohio, of Scoteh an- cestry. His grandfather, Jonathan Ray, was born it is thought in Scotland, and after coming to the United States settled first in Maryland. From there he moved to this state, and a few years later located as a pioneer in Adams county, Indiana, where he cleared a farm and resided until his death, at the venerable age of eighty-three years. Born in Maryland, John Ray came when a young man to Ohio, and lived for a while in Jefferson county. Migrating then to Harrison county, he was for ten years there employed in a mill. In 1851, aceompained by his family, he journeyed by team to Adams county, Indiana. Purchas-
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ing one hundred and sixty acres of wild land about eight miles south of Deeatur, he built a hewed log house in the opening that he made and began the improvement of a homestead. When he had cleared a large part of his original purchase he bought eighty acres of near-by land. Plaeing a large part of this under cultivation, he sold out at an advance, and invested in one hundred and sixty acres, which he immediately began to clear. The country roundabout him was in its primeval condition when he settled in Adams county, deer, wolves and wild turkeys being plentiful, while Fort Wayne, thirty-five miles away, was the nearest market. He used to team all of his surplus products to that point, starting as early as three o'clock in the morning, taking provisions with him, and camping in a feed yard located in what is now the business center of that city. Industrious and practical, he aecumlated a compet- eney, and spent his last years retired in Monroe, Indiana, passing away at the age of seventy-eight years. Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Mercy Smith, was born in Washington county, Ohio, and died at the age of sixty-five years.
One of a family of nine children. James H. Ray obtained his first knowledge of books in the pioneer schools of Adams eounty, Indiana, in the log cabin of pioneer days, when the seats were simply slabs with wooden pegs inserted for legs, and a board placed along one side of the eabin furnished the pupils a place on which to write. He assisted on the farm, remaining with his parents until attaining his majority. Be- ginning then his career as a independent farmer, he rented land for four years, and then bought a tract of timbered land, on which he built a log house, the first home which he ever owned. After elearing about twenty acres he sold at an advantage and rented his father-in-law's farm, which he managed successfully a number of years. In 1882 Mr. Ray in company with his brother-in-law bought one hundred and seventy- seven acres of land lying ten miles west of Kenton, in MeDonald town- ship. The following year the land was divided, and Mr. Ray lived for four years on his share of the estate. Going then to Van Wert county, he embarked in mereantile pursuits, continuing there for a while. Sell- ing out, he was similiarly employed at Jumbo, Hardin county, for seven years, after which he was engaged in general farming, owning a farm of one hundred and twenty aeres situated three miles east of Kenton. Since 1905 Mr. Ray has been prosperously engaged in the provision business at Kenton, his sons being associated with him.
In 1872 Mr. Ray married Martha Il. Gilpin, who was born in Adams county, Indiana, a daughter of Jonathan and Martha Gilpin. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ray, namely : Leonidas, who married Miss Desbaugh ; Leona A., Catherine; Otto; May; Ilomer and Edgar. Politically Mr. Ray is a Republican and also a stanch supporter of the principles of the Prohibition party. Religiously both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
EUGENE ROGERS .- No more worthy representative of the native born citizens of Kenton is entitled to memtion in a work of this eharacter than Eugene Rogers, a well known druggist, whose father. Dr. John
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A. Rogers, was one of the earliest settlers of this part of Hardin county and a pioneer physician and druggist.
The Rev. John Rogers, grandfather of Eugene, was born in Freder- ick county, Virginia, and there reared to agricultural pursuits. From childhood he showed a strong tendency to religious thought and feel- ing, and early in life was converted, and from that time was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. Emigrating to Ohio, he became one of the first settlers of Greene county. He subsequently moved
to Champaign county, locating near Mechanicsburg, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1848. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Herbert, was born and bred in Londonn connty, Virginia.
Dr. John A. Rogers was born in February, 1820, in Greene county, Ohio, and as a boy, being a diligent pupil, made the best of his oppor- tunity to acquire an education in the pioneer schools of his times. He afterwards turned his attention to the study of medicine, in 1842 attend- ing lectures at the Ohio Medical Institute in Cincinnati. In May, 1843, Dr. Rogers, with all of his earthly effects packed in his saddle-bags, started on horseback for Kenton. Hardin county was then a compar- ative wilderness, the few scattering settlers living in log cabins. Other settlers, however, were constantly making their appearance, and the location seeming favorable he conchided to take up his residence here and start in business. Forming a partnership, in 1845, with Dr. J. F. Ankeny, these enterprising physicians purchased a stock of drugs and opened the first drug store in Kenton, it being located in a small frame building on the east side of the square. The drugs, which were bonght in New York, came via river, canal and lake to Sandusky, thence by rail to Republic, Seneca county, the nearest railroad station, from there being brought by team to this place. At the end of four years the partnership was dissolved and the goods sold to George Sweeney, who in turn sold out to Charles Ashton. In 1856 Dr. Rogers bought a half interest in the business, and a short time later bought out Mr. Ashton's entire interest, becoming sole proprietor of the establishment. Retiring then from the active practice of medicine, the Doctor devoted his whole time to the drug business, which is now carried on by his son, Eugene Rogers. He passed away in 1909, in the ninetieth year of his age. He was a member of Latham Lodge No. 154, F. & A. M., and served a number of years as a member of the Board of Education.
Dr. Rogers was twice married. He married first, in 1843, Clarissa Knight, of Miami county, Ohio. She died in 1848, leaving two children, namely : Engene, the subject of this brief sketch; and Kate, wife of Thomas Cantwell. The Doctor married for his second wife Ann Eliza- beth King, who survives him. Three daughters were born of this union, namely : Mary, Margaret and Clara.
After completing the course of study in the city schools, Eugene Rogers began assisting his father in the drug store, at an early age mas- tering the science of pharmacy. On May 10, 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, went with his regi- ment to Virginia, and was soon appointed assistant hospital steward, a positon that he retained until the expiration of his term of enlistment,
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when he was honorably discharged from the service. Soon after his return home he became associated with his father in the drug business, to which he subsequently succeeded, and is now carrying on an extensive and lucrative trade, being one of the leading druggists in this part of the county.
Mr. Rogers married, in 1903, Mozelle Walker, who was born in Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of General Moses and Mary L. Walker. Fra- ternally Mr. Rogers belongs to Latham Lodge, No. 154, F. & A. M., to Lima Chapter, R. & S. M .; and to Cantwell Post, No. 97, G. A. R.
W. DELANO COMBS, a popular and highly esteemed resident of Ken- ton, is one of the leading representatives of the dental profession of that part of Hardin county. No professional calling it is safe to say so aptly illustrates the swift advance of science in this age as that of den- tistry, which, until a comparatively recent date, had scarce been elevated to a distinct and separate science, but was left largely in the hands of those unskilled in this particular branch of surgery. Dr. Combs was born, November 6, 1879, in Guernsey county, Ohio, which was likewise the birthplace of his father, James Combs. William Combs, the Doctor's grandfather, was a native of Union county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits. A pioneer settler of Guernsey county, Ohio, he cleared and improved a farm from the raw land, and there followed farming many years, but is now living retired from active business in Cambridge, the county-seat. The maiden name of his wife was Delilah Kimball. The son of a farmer, James Combs continued to follow the free and independent occupation of his youth for many seasons. Retiring then from farming he is now, in company with his son John M. carrying on a substantial drug business in Byesville, Guernsey county, having a large and remunerative patronage. He mar- ried Allie MeCulley, who was born in Guernsey county, a daughter of William and Sarah McCulley, and they reared five children, namely : W. Delano, Harry, John Kate and Pearl.
After leaving the district school. W. Delano Combs completed the course of study at the Kirkersville High School, and was subsequently graduated from the Antrim Normal School. Turning his attention then to the study of dentistry he became proficient in his knowledge of the science and in 1902, successfully passed the examination of the State Board in Columbus. Dr. Combs immediately commenced the practice of his profession in Kenton, and has met with eminent success as a dentist.
In September, 1905, Dr. Combs married Iva N. Rice, who was born near Kenton, a daughter of A. M. and Naney (Derr) Rice, and they have one child, Dorothy Combs. The Doctor is a member of the State Dental Association, and is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to Latham Lodge, No. 154, A. F. & A. M .: to Seioto Chapter, No. 119. R. A. M .; to Kenton Council, No. 65, R. & S. M .; to Kenton Commandery. No. 58, K. T .; to Scioto Camp, No. 11206, M. W. A .; to Kenton Lodge. No. 157, B. P. O. E .; and to Pythian Lodge, No. 101. K. of P.
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JOHN H. STRONG a progressive and prosperous agriculturist of Kenton, is distinguished not only for his personal worth, but for the substantial and honored ancestry from which he is descended. A native of Kenton, he has here spent his years busily employed in the independent oceupation upon which the wealth and prosperity of our great nation so largely depends. His father, the late Hon. Luther Martin Strong, noted as a soldier, statesman and learned jurist, was born on a farm near Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, June 23, 1838. He was a son of Jesse Strong and a grandson of Louis and Mary (Hill) Strong, of Maryland. A native of Maryland, Jesse Strong was born, February 12, 1801, near Frederick. At the age of thirteen years he came with an older brother to Knox county, this state. Ohio was then a vast wilderness, from which the wild beasts of the forest had not yet fled, but, with the dusky savage, were everywhere in evidence. Returning to his native state in 1827. he remained there three years, in the mean- time taking unto himself a wife. In 1830 he came back to Ohio and settled with his bride in Seneca county. Buying a tract of wild land near Tiffin, he cleared and improved a good farm, upon which he resided until his death, March 19, 1876. Ile married a Maryland girl, Sarah A. Myers, who died on the home farm near Tiffin in November, 1868. Fourteen children were born of their union, and cleven of them grew to mature life, as follows: Margaret; Mary; Thomas and William, twins; Barbara; Luther; John; Wesley; Ira and Irena, twins; and Alva.
Luther Martin Strong received his elementary education in the pioneer schools of Seneca county, which he attended usually in the winter seasons only, his assistance being needed on the farm during seed time and harvest. At the age of nineteen he began teaching the winter terms of school, the remainder of the year attending the academy at Republic. Upon the breaking ont of the Civil war he left the academy to raise Company G, of the Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infan- try, of which he was made captain. Going south, his regiment, with abont fifteen hundred other troops, became the nucleus of the Cumber- land Army. Captain Strong remained at the front with his command during the trying scenes that soon followed, participating in its many engagements, among which were the battles at Shiloh, Lawrenceburg, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge. At the battle of Chickamauga his regiment was on the left with General Thomas, and during a part of the engagement the command of its men fell upon Captain Strong, and he received special mention for coolness and bravery from both his brigade and division commanders. After
the battle of Missionary Ridge, he was promoted to the rank of major, and in that capacity took part in the various engagements of the Atlanta campaign, including those at Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Pickett's Mill, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, and Jonesboro. Soon after the latter engagement, Major Strong beeame the senior offieer of the regiment, and was commissioned lieutenant colonel. He subsequently commanded the regiment in pursuit of Hood, and in the battles of Columbia, Frank- lin and Nashville. In the charge at Piekett's Mill he was wounded in the shoulder, but did not relinquish his command. In the battle that
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occurred May 27, 1864, one of the hardest fought of that campaign, one half of the members of the Forty-ninth regiment were killed or wounded, while fifteen hundred of the division were either killed or wounded. In the battle of Nashville. December 17, 1864. Colonel Strong was wounded by a minie ball in the left arm. At the close of the war, Colonel Strong began the study of law, and on January 3, 1867, was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio. He immediately began the practice of his profession at Kenton, where he met with eminent success, winning a large clientage. Ile became very prominent in public affairs, and served with distinction in various official capac- ities. In 1879 he was elected to the state senate, and was re-elected in 1881. In 1883 he was made judge of the court of common pleas. In 1892 he represented the Eighth Ohio district in congress, and in 1894 was re-elected to the same position. He died on the 26th of April. 1903. honored and respected throughout the county and state.
Hon. Luther M. Strong married. February 13. 1865, Mary Milliman, who was born in Tompkins county. New York. December 26, 1837. a daughter of Hiram Milliman, and grand-daughter of Joseph Milliman, a life-long resident of New York. Hiram Milliman was born in eastern New York, and after attaining manhood bought a tract of wild land in Tompkins county. Building a cabin of round logs. he and his bride there began housekeeping. living in it until after the birth of their children. Ile cleared a large part of the land. set out fruit trees, and in course of time erected a substantial set of frame buildings. Selling out in 1853, he came with his family to Ohio, locating in Seneca county, where he bought land, and began the improvement of a farm. His career. however, was ent short by the grim harvester. death, in the following year, 1854. when he was but fifty-three years of age. Hiram Milliman married Sally Dyer, who was born at White Creek. New York. a daughter of Amherst Dyer. She was a descendant in the seventh generation from William and Mary (Suffield) Dyer, who emigrated to the United States in 1660. settling in Maryland. The line continued through Samuel and Ann ( Hutchinson) Dyer; Edward and Mary (Greene) Dyer; Samuel and Tabitha (Niles) Dyer; Edward and Eliza- beth (Fish) Dyer ; Amherst Dyer ; and Sally Dyer. Mary Greene, who married Edward Dyer, the third in line of descent from William Dyer. the emigrant, was a daughter of William and Mary (Sayles) Greene, a granddaughter of John and Ann ( Almy) Greene, and a great grand- daughter of John and Joan (Tattersal) Greene. Mary Sayles, who married William Greene, was a daughter of John and Mary (Williams) Sayles and a grand-daughter of Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Is- land. Amherst Dyer, grandfather of Mrs. Luther M. Strong, was born in Rhode Island. and served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. being under the command of Captain Thomas Clark. Colonel Charles Dyer. Captain James Parker. Colonel Cook. Captain Peter Wright. Captain Carlisle, Colonel Elliot. and under Captain Parker in Colonel Johnson's regiment, and under Captain Samnel Dyer. IIe also served on board a privateer. and was twiee captured. The first time he was held a prisoner seven months. three months of the time being kept in irons on
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board a ship, after which he was taken to the West Indies. The second time he was more kindly treated. Sometime after the Revolution he settled in White Creek, Washington county, New York, and there spent the remainder of his long life, passing away in 1840, in the eighty- first year of his age.
Mr. and Mrs. Luther M. Strong reared three children, namely : Milton, Sally and John H. Milton is a florist at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He married Jessie Hotelling and they have two children, Milton and Mary. Sally married Charles B. Fink, of Kenton, and they have one son, Fred Fink. John H. Strong adopted agriculture as his vocation, and now operates a magnificent farm of two hundred and fifty acres, a part of which lies within the corporate limits of Kenton. He carries on general farming and stock-raising with much snecess, and, with his widowed mother, occupies the old homestead.
THEODORE SCHINDEWOLF is worthy of special mention among the active and respected business men of Kenton, Hardin county, widely and favorably known as one of the leading furniture dealers and under- takers of this part of Ohio. A German by birth and breeding, he was born, September 14, 1840, in Helmarshausen, Kur Hessen, where his father, Ferdinand Schindewolf. spent his entire life. The latter was a hotel keeper by occupation, as a host being very popular with his patrons, and his death in about middle life was a cause of regret to the traveling public. He married Julia Rees, a life-long resident of Helmarshansen. She survived him many years, after his death conduct- ing the hotel successfully and satisfactorily as long as she was able, when she relegated its management to her son George, who still owns and
operates the house. She died in 1885, in her native town, leaving seven children, namely: Hermina, Eliza, Philip, William, Henry, Theodore and George. The sons, with the exception of George, emigrated to the United States and are numbered among the valned, law-abiding citizens.
Receiving excellent educational advantages in the Fatherland, Theo- dore Schindewolf attended school regularly until the Easter Sunday preceding the fourteenth anniversary of his birth, when he was con- firmed. Ambitious then to come to America. he embarked on board a sailing vessel and after an ocean voyage of fifty-seven days landed in New York city. Starting immediately for Ohio, he came by way of the Hudson river to Albany, thence by rail to Kenton. This was in the time of the old state banks, and he soon found to his sorrow that of the small sum of seven dollars that constituted his entire capital five dollars were worthless. Nothing daunted, however, he soon apprenticed him- self to a fellow countryman, Peter Dorn, with whom he served three years at the cabinet maker's trade, receiving for his labors in addition to his board twenty-five dollars the first year, fifty dollars the second and one hundred dollars the last year. Completing his apprenticeship, Mr. Schindewolf worked as a journeyman in Cincinnati three years, after which he was for a time in a steam mill and still house in Kenton. Enlisting in 1864 in Company G. One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for ninety days, he joined his regiment in Virginia,
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and participated in the battles at Antietam. Shepherdsville, Maryland Heights and in others of less importance. Being honorably discharged in September, 1864, he returned to Kenton, and with two of his brothers bought the James White mill and distillery. Selling out his interest in two years, he removed to Ada, where he was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business until 1874, when he sold out, and the following eight months was engaged in the hardware business in Kenton. Dis- posing of his hardware stock Mr. Schindewolf bought the furniture and undertaking business of his former employer. Peter Dorn, and in com- pany with Edward Sorgen carried on a good business until 1878. The partnership being then dissolved, Mr. Schindewolf opened his present establishment on Columbus street, and has here built up an extensive and Inerative business, having a fine stock of furniture of all kinds and all of the equipments of a modern, np-to-date undertaking establishment.
Mr. Schindewolf married, in 1864, Barbara Pfeiffer, who was born in Pleasant township, Hardin county. Ohio. Her father. John Pfeiffer.
was born and reared in Henkelhoff. Germany. In 1835, accompanied by his family, he emigrated to Ohio, becoming a pioneer of Pleasant town- ship, where he bought a tract of timbered land. on which he built from round logs the humble cabin in which Mrs. Schindewolf first opened her eyes to the light of this world. Mr. Pfeiffer was a man of strong mental and physical vigor, industrions and enterprising. He bought other land. in the course of time becoming the owner of six hundred acres. divided into different farms. all equipped with good buildings. He married Eve Elsesser, a native also of Henkelhoff, and of their nine children six grew to years of maturity, as follows: Lizzie, Barbara, Maggie, John, Louis, and Henry. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schindewolf, namely: George, who died at the age of eighteen years ; John, who was horn in 1868. married Mary Ekerus, and died in 1902, leaving one child. Theodore: Minnie, wife of Hamilton Hoke, who has two children. Virginia and Marion ; and Frank, who is associated in business with his father.
Religionsly Mr. and Mrs. Schindewolf are members of the Evan- gelical church. Strongly opposed to slavery, Mr. Schindewolf joined the Republican party soon after attaining citizenship, and has ever been loyal to its principles. Being elected town treasurer in 1881. he served two terms, and was elected county treasurer in 1894 and re-elected to the same office in 1896. his popularity being shown when he ran far ahead of his ticket. Fraternally he belongs to Cantwell Post. No. 97. G. A. R., and to Latham Lodge, No. 154. F. & A. M.
JOHN C. BALES, a well known business man of Kenton, Hardin county, is intimately associated with the growth of its mercantile and agricultural interests, being actively engaged in the provision business. and in addition owning and superintending the management of a fine farm. A son of Burel Bales he was born, July 10. 1863. in Kenton. coming from Virginian ancestry. His grandfather. George Bales, was born in Virginia, and there spent the earlier years of his life. Deciding to follow the march of civilization westward. he came to Ohio. journey-
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ing a part of the way on the Ohio river and the remainder with teams. Locating in Hardin county, he followed his trade of a mechanic, being largely employed in making ox yokes. He died at the age of three score and ten years. The maiden name of his wife was Lucy Carter.
Born in Virginia, Burel Bales was but a youth when he came with his parents to Ohio. Until his marriage he was variously employed, and being industrious and economical accumulated a small sum of money. Settling then permanently in Kenton, he rented land near by, and was here a resident until his death, August 17, 1904. IIe married Catherine Tucker, who was born near Lafayette, Allen county, Ohio, April 9, 1836, and is now living in Kenton. Her father, Lemuel Tucker, was born in Virginia, and at an early age was left an orphan. Coming to Ohio, he lived first in Champaign county and then in Allen county. In 1848 he located in Hardin county, and for twelve years was a resident of Buck township. Moving then to Paulding county, he bought land and was there engaged in tilling the soil the remainder of his days. His wife, whose maiden name was Maria Walton, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, and died at the age of eighty-eight years in Paulding county. To Burel and Catherine (Tucker) Bales six children were born, including John C., David S .. William E., and Isabelle S. Asher, second oldest, died when young and Jesse, the youngest, died in infancy.
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