USA > Ohio > Coshocton County > Centennial history of Coshocton County, Ohio, Vol. I > Part 30
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Unto Mr. and Mrs. McFarland have been born fifteen children: Alver- ton, deceased; Mary E., the wife of Frank Geese, of Lafayette township; Nettie Ann, the wife of P. Gaskill, of this county; Sigle R., who is living
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in Canton, Ohio; Charles C., at home; Geneva M., the wife of Lewis Miller, of Fresno; Clara B., the wife of William Harbolt, of Linton township; Min- nie P., Bertha G. and Timothy E., all yet at home; Clarence, deceased; Laura M. and Ifelen G., who are also with their parents; Grace, deceased; and one who died in infancy. The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church and contribute to its support. Mr. McFarland votes with the repub- lican party and has filled the office of school director, but does not seek pub- lic notoriety, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business inter- ests, which are now bringing to him substantial success, so that he is today numbered among the prosperons farmers of the county.
RALPH S. PHILLIPS.
Ralph S. Phillips, who is a well-to-do farmer and stock-raiser, owning two hundred and eighty acres of land in his home place and seventy acres in another tract, was until recent years actively identified with the educational life of this section of the state. He is now numbered among the substantial agriculturists of Franklin and Virginia townships. Mr. Phillips was born November 21, 1853, in Lafayette township, a son of Simeon and Phoebe (Shaw) Phillips, the former a native of New York, and the latter of New Jersey, coming to Coshocton county with their respective parents at an early day.
Ralph S. Phillips was reared on the homestead farm and acquired his education in the district schools and in the public schools of West Lafay- ette. In the fall of 1876, having completed his own education and fitted himself for teaching, he became a member of the profession, being thus em- ployed for two years in the schools of Crawford county, Illinois. It was soon after his arrival in Crawford county that he was married to Miss Louisa Baker, their marriage being celebrated on Christmas day of 1876. She is a daughter of Edward and Sarah (Paddock) Baker, who were former residents of Coshocton county. Following his marriage Mr. Phillips re- mained in Crawford county for two years, or until 1878, when he returned once more to his native county and was employed in the West Lafayette schools for one year. Subsequently he taught in Lafayette, Franklin and Virginia townships, teaching almost continuously until 1904. He was con- sidered one of the progressive and up-to-date educators of this section of the state, always giving entire satisfaction in the various districts in which he was employed.
It was in the fall of 1879 that Mr. Phillips took up his abode upon his present farm, this being located near Conesville, and while he still gave his attention to teaching during the winter months he followed general farming during the spring and summer seasons. His home place comprises two hun- dred and eighty aeres of land in Franklin township, and he also owns a tract of seventy acres near West Lafayette. Both farms are well improved and well stocked and return to him a gratifying annual income. As above
R. S. PHILLIPS AND FAMILY.
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stated. Mr. Phillips abandoned the profession of teaching in 1904. and in the fall of the same year was appointed carrier on the first rural mail route out of Conesville. He continued in the position until January. 1907. when he resigned and has since given his entire time and attention to his farming interests.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips has been blessed with the follow- ing children : William H .; John E .; Clyde: Be -- ie, the wife of Jesse Holds- worth; and Anna L. They also lost one child in infancy.
Mr. Phillips is a republican in his political views, giving stalwart sup- port to the party. He has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill a num- ber of publie offices, having served for three terms as township trustee and he was also land appraiser for Franklin township in 1900. He has also served for several years as a member of the Conesville district school board and was instrumental in securing for the distriet its fine, modern brick school building. ITis religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Ile is well known in all publie and politieal cireles and has often represented his party as a delegate to conventions. Ile is a public-spirited citizen and has always taken a deep and active interest in schools in order that his own and other children might receive an eduea- tion suited to the demands of the time and that they might start out in life well equipped for the eager. strenuous life of this exacting age. He is also known for his honor and integrity. for in his relations with his fellowmen, and in his treatment of his neighbor he has never lost sight of the principle of the Golden Rule.
HOWARD M. HOOK.
Howard M. Hook, who follows farming in Keene township, was born in Bethlehem township, Coshocton county, Ohio. July 4. 1855, his parents being Isaac and Kissie (Skillman) Hook, who were also natives of Bethlehem township. The father passed away in this eounty at the age of seventy- four years but the mother, who is now in her eightieth year. still survives and makes her home with her children. Unto this worthy couple were born eight children, namely: Newton N., a resident of Coshocton; Etha, the wife of Harrison Courtwright, of Coshocton, Ohio; Howard MI., of this review ; Susan, deceased; Jane, the wife of Frank West. of this county; Minney, the wife of George Webb, of Coshoeton, Ohio; Mildred, the wife of Ira Hoglen. of Indiana: and George.
Howard M. Hook acquired a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-four years. when he was married. Subsequently he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for twelve years and then purchased a tract of land of forty aeres, on which he made his home for three years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and bought some property in Coshoeton, where he also resided for three years. He then onee more rented a farm, which he
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successfully cultivated for three years, when he purchased his present place, comprising thirty-one acres of well improved and valuable land in Keene township. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with a well merited measure of success by reason of his unremitting industry and dili- gence and is a well known and respected resident of the community.
Mr. Hook was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary C. Bible, a daughter of Philip R. Bible, who is mentioned on another page of this work. Their two children were as follows: Wilbert, who is now deceased; and Frank, living in Jackson township.
In his political views Mr. Hook is a republican and has served as school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. Having resided here throughout his entire life, or for more than a half century, his interests are thoroughly identified with those of Coshocton county and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement instituted to advance the general welfare.
LAAKIN E. BLUCK.
Few men of Lakin E. Bluck's age have won the degree of success which he today enjoys. He is now the owner of two hundred and thirty-five acres of rich and valuable land situated in Oxford township, and is numbered among the young and enterprising farmers and stock-raisers of this section of the state. He was born in Coshocton county, August 6, 1867, the only child of Edwin and Mary C. (Whiteside) Bluck.
The father was born in England, January 24, 1843, and came with his parents to America when a little lad of ten years, the family home being es- tablished in Coshocton county where the father followed farming. He was also a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Newark, with which he served until the close of hostilities. His marriage to Miss White- side was celebrated in 1866 soon after his return from the war. She was born in Coshocton county March 3, 1847, and became the mother of only one child, Lakin E., whose name introduces this review. The parents are both now deceased. The father died October 9, 1907, and the mother passed away November 26, 1900. They were numbered among the worthy pioneers of this section of the state and their loss was deeply felt by many friends and neighbors as well as by the members of their own immediate household.
Lakin E. Bluek acquired his education in the common schools, wherein he mastered the branches of learning that well fitted him for the arduous and responsible duties of life. He spent his youth and early manhood in much the usual manner of farmers, and remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage, which occurred in 1892, the lady of his choice being Miss Lizzie A. Smith, who was born in Coshocton county, June 25, 1870, one of a family of eight children, born of the marriage of Thomas
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and Elizabeth (Everal) Smith, natives of this county. The father still sur- vives and makes his home in this eounty. The mother died October 23, 1891.
Following his marriage Mr. Bluck took up his abode upon a farm and has carried on agricultural pursuits to the present time. He is now the owner of two hundred and thirty-five acres of rich and well improved land situated in Oxford township, and in addition to raising the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of raising stock, both branches of his business proving a profitable source of revenue to him.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bluck has been blessed with two sons: Rus- sell M., who was born February 18, 1893, and who at the death of his grand- father inherited one hundred and thirty-three and a third acres of land in Lafayette township; and Walter L., who was born on Christmas day of 1902. and is now a little lad of six years. Mr. Bluck gives his political support to the men and measures of the democratie party. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church. He belongs to that class of representa- tive young men who rapidly discern opportunities of improvement and who are rapidly forging to the front. He always adheres to honorable methods in his dealings with his fellowmen and is therefore highly esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact.
JOHN J. CROFT.
John J. Croft was born on the farm in Mill Creek township, Coshocton county, which is still his home, his natal day being April 18, 1841. His parents, John and Catharine (Conrad) Croft, natives of Germany and West- moreland county, Pennsylvania, respectively, are deceased. When eleven years of age the father accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States and, after residing in Philadelphia for a short time, came to Coshocton county, Ohio, in the early '30 .-. Unto John Croft and his wife were born sixteen children, namely: John J., of this review; Solomon, a resident of Mill Creek township; Leonard, living in Holmes county, Ohio; Catharine, the wife of Francis Bender. of Mill Creek township; Christina. the wife of William Farver, of Holmes county, Ohio: Henry, also residing in Mill Creek township; and ten who have passed away.
John J. Croft acquired a common-school education and remained un- der the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He then purchased a farm and later bought the old homestead place of one hundred and thir- ten acres, in the cultivation of which he has since been successfully engaged. At one time, however, he was also identified with the hardware business as a member of the firm of Brown & Croft at New Bedford. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with a gratifying and well merited meas- ure of prosperity, the fields annually yielding golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon them.
On the 16th of April, 1872, Mr. Croft was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ann Brown, whose birth occurred in this county in 1848, her parents
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being Henry and Rebecca (Snyder) Brown, who are now deceased. Mrs. Croft was one of a family of eight children and by her marriage has become' the mother of five, as follows: Milton H. and Percy, both living in Mill Creek township; Claudius O., a resident of Baltic, Ohio; Victor F., of Kansas City; Alto Rebecca, the wife of G. D. Whittaker, of Kansas City. Our subject and his wife also have eight grandchildren.
In his political views Mr. Croft is a democrat and has held several town- ship offices, ever discharging his public duties in a creditable and satisfac- tory manner. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Reformed church and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the county in which they have spent their entire lives.
THOMAS T. SMITH.
Thomas T. Smith, who is residing on his valuable farm of three hun- dred aeres in Oxford township, was born in Gloucestershire, England, De- cember 18, 1831, his parents being George and Elizabeth (Tudor) Smith, also natives of that country. The father was born in 1810, and after attain- ing mature years followed the machinist's trade in England until 1844, when he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York. There he boarded a steamboat for AAlbany, thence went by way of the Erie canal to Buffalo, New York, across Lake Erie to Cleveland and down the Ohio canal to Evansburg, Coshocton county, Ohio. He purchased a large tract of land in Oxford town- ship, in the cultivation of which he was successfully engaged until called to his final rest in 1873. His wife, whose birth had occurred in 1806, passed away in 1880. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, namely : Thomas T., of this review; William, of Oxford township; Elizabeth, de- ceased; George, residing in Illinois; Harriet, who has also passed away ; Hannah, the wife of David Wood, of Beach City, Ohio; and Joseph E., of Oxford township.
Thomas T. Smith attended the schools of his native land, and was thir- teen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He remained at home until the time of his marriage and then began the operation of a rented farm. Subsequently he and a brother purchased a tract of land and later, buying his brother's interest, he became the owner of three hundred acres of rich and productive farming property in Oxford township, which is still in his possession. The place is now being farmed by his son and sons-in-law and returns to him a gratifying annual income. He has met with success in his undertakings and in former years gave considerable attention to the raising of stock, principally sheep.
Mr. Smith has been twice married. On the 22d of September, 1857, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Everall, whose birth occurred in Oxford township, September 5, 1835, and who passed away on the 23d of October, 1891. Her father, John Everall, a native of England, crossed the Atlantic to the United States and took up his abode in Oxford township, Coshocton county, in
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1830. By his first wife our subject had the following children, namely : Lawrence W., of New Comerstown, Ohio; Mary A., deceased; Laura V., the wife of Samuel Hufford, of Oxford township; Harriet E., who is the wife of James H. Norris and resides in Adams township; John T., living in Adams township; Martha Ann, the wife of Lakin Bluck, of Lafayette township; George W. W., who makes his home in Seattle, Washington; and Lottie Maude, the wife of Frank Wise, of New Comerstown, Ohio. On the 23d of October, 1896, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Mrs. Eveline Coots, the widow of Charles Coots. She was born in Bedford county. Pennsylvania, December 5, 1831, her parents being Thomas and Elizabeth (Blair) Grow- den. the former a native of England and the latter of Bedford county, Penn- sylvania. Thomas Growden was nineteen years of age when he came to America, and both he and his wife passed away in Bedford county, Penn- sylvania.
In his political views Mr. Smith is a democrat and has taken an active interest in the local work of the party, having served as township trustee for three terme, also as road supervisor and in a number of school offices. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church, and he is widely and favorably known as a substantial and worthy citizen of this county, where he has now made his home for almost two- thirds of a century.
MRS. MARY HACKENBRACHT.
Mrs. Mary Hackenbracht was born in Lafayette township, Coshocton county, Ohio, August 24. 1845, her parents being Simeon and Phoebe (Shaw) Phillips. Her father, a native of New Jersey, who was born March 13, 1798, came west at a very early day, locating in Roscoe, Coshocton county, Ohio, where he followed blacksmithing. His brother was one of the first settler- in Roscoe and was a cabinetmaker by trade. Coming to Lafayette township. Simeon Phillips purchased ninety-eight acres of land, which is now in possession of Mrs. Hackenbracht. It was covered with brush and is believed to have been a camping ground for the Indians, as hundreds of arrowheads were found on the place. The father of our subject was a success- ful man and a prominent citizen of his community, holding various town- ship offices. His death occurred when he had attained the age of sixty-one years. He was twice married, his first union being with Sarah IIart, by whom he had two children, both of whom are deceased. For his second wife he chose Miss Phoebe Shaw, whose birth occurred in Sussex county, New Jer- sey, and who was eleven years of age when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Coshocton county. She passed away in May, 1891, when sixty-five years of age. Unto Simeon and Phoebe (Shaw) Phillips were born nine children, three of whom still survive: Mrs. Mary Hackenbracht ; Ralph, residing in Conesville, Ohio; and James, of Converse, Indiana.
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On the 27th of December, 1876, Mary Phillips became the wife of George Hackenbracht, whose birth occurred on Stone Creek, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, August 24, 1849. By this union there were seven children, namely : Frank W., who is a telegraph operator for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company; Henry and Sarah, both at home; Lillian, the wife of Grant Woodmansee, of Converse, Indiana; Ralph, a telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; Oscar, deceased; and Clyde, at home. All of the children have received a good education in the West Lafayette high school and four have teacher's certificates, the two eldest having taught school.
For nine years following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hackenbracht lived on a farm which they owned north of New Comerstown in Tuscarawas county. Since 1891, however, Mrs. Hackenbracht has made her home on her finely improved farm of one hundred and ten acres in Lafayette town- ship, which she has successfully managed. She and her children are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and enjoy the hospitality of the best homes of the community in which they reside.
GEORGE W. MOHLER.
Perhaps no man has done more for the intellectual development of Coshocton county than George W. Mohler, who throughout a long period was identified with the teacher's profession. Mr. Mohler was born April 6, 1841, at West Carlisle, Coshocton county, a son of Peter and Rosanna (Fred- erick) Mohler, who came to the Buckeye state from Maryland, the family home being established in Zanesville. The year 1839 witnessed their arrival in Ohio, and they came to Coshocton county in 1848. The father here en- gaged in farming.
George W. Mohler was reared on the home farm and was early trained to the duties of the agriculturist, assisting his father in the fields from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. He began his education in the schools of Zanesville, where he studied two years, prior to the removal of the family to Coshocton county, after which he attended the country schools for a few years and subsequently spent one year in Spring Mountain Academy.
In February, 1864, however, he put aside all business and personal con- siderations and offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Company I, Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he served under Generals Thomas and Sherman until mustered out October 3, 1865. Return- ing home with a most creditable military record and successfully passing the examination necessary to secure to him a teacher's certificate, he then engaged in teaching, being thus employed in Coshocton county for thirty-two years, beginning in 1865. It will thus be seen that he has been an important fac- tor in the educational and moral development of this county and in his work of instruction he met with desirable success. Since 1897, however, Mr.
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Mohler has engaged in farming and is also a road contractor, doing much for the improvement of the highways in his section of the county.
On the 16th of September, 1869, Mr. Mohler led to the marriage altar Miss Clara 1. Belzer, a daughter of Christian F. and Olive F. Belzer, of Canal Lewisville. Their marriage has been blessed with two sons and nine daughters. The sons are Horace P. and George W., Jr. The daughters are: Edna C. and Maud F., who are engaged in teaching in the Coshocton schools; Gladys V., Madge F. and Lillian B .; all under the parental roof ; Minnie G., who became the wife of David Markley and died in 1900; Rose D., who died in infancy; Blanche E., now the wife of William Struble, of Coshocton ; and Eugenia, the wife of Howard B. Shrigley, of Canton, Ohio.
Mr. Mohler's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the democratic party. He was the only man in his regiment who voted for General Morgan when he ran against General Cox for governor of Ohio in 1885, the regiment being then in Texas. He also wrote his own ticket in 1864, having no ticket given him at that time. One of his comrades also voted with him then in the presidential elec- tion, there being ninety-seven votes cast for General McClelland, at Pulaski, Tennessee, where they were then located. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Richard Lanning Post, G. A. R. Such in brief is the life history of George W. Mohler. In whatever relation of life we find him-in the government service, in profes- s'onal circles, in business or in social relations-he is always the same honor- able and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.
JOHN PORTEUS.
John Porteus is one of the wealthy landowners of Coshocton county, his possessions comprising five hundred and sixty-four acres of rich and valu- able land, a part of which comprises the old homestead property. Mr. Porteus possesses the enterprise so characteristic of the Irish race, for his birth occurred in County Sligo, Ireland, March 17, 1849. His parents, Wil- liam and Jane Porteus, settled in Coshocton county in 1849 during the in- fancy of the son John. The father became an extensive landowner and died October 3, 1883, while the mother survived for a few years and passed away April 9, 1893.
John Porteus was reared to the pursuits of the home farm early becom- ing trained to the habits of industry, thrift and economy, and in his later manhood these qualities have predominated and he has become a prosperous man He acquired a fair education in the district schools near his father's home but in later years he has greatly added to his fund of knowledge through the reading of good literature, as well as through experience and observation. Farming has constituted his life work and as he has prospered from year to year he has increased his landed holdings until he is now the
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owner of five hundred and sixty-four acres situated in Tuscarawas, Jackson and Franklin townships. This land is all improved and tillable. Mr. Porteus gives his time and attention to general farming and stock-raising and through the study he has made of the soil, adaptation and rotation of crops has became a successful man, his labors being rewarded with excellent results.
Mr. Porteus is a democrat in his political views and while he keeps well informed on the current events of the day and the progress that is being made along political lines he has never been active as an office seeker. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant church. He is public-spirited, giv- ing his aid and cooperation to every movement which tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community.
The estimable wife of Mr. Portens bore the maiden name of Miss Susan F. Irwin, their marriage being celebrated March 21, 1877. Her parents were John and Fanny (Martin) Irwin, the former a prominent grain and real- estate dealer of Detroit, Michigan. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Porteus has been blessed with two sons and a daughter: Irwin, Fanny and Leslie, all under the parental roof. The beautiful country home of the family is made more attractive through the hospitality that reigns therein, while the mem- bers of the household enjoy the good will and friendship of a host of warm and admiring friends.
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