Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th, Part 104

Author: Lytle, James Robert, 1841- [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 926

USA > Ohio > Delaware County > Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th > Part 104

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

ILLIAM L. PEET, who has lived retired from active pursuits, in his pleasant home at Richwood. since 1880. still owns his farm of 170 acres, a part of the old l'eet home- stead, which is situated in Thompson Town- ship. Mr. Peet was born in Delaware County, Ohio, July 8, 1856, and is a son of William J. and .Anna ( Welch) Peet.

Mr. Peet is a member of one of the old- est families of New England. Ilis ancestor, John Peet, crossed the Atlantic, from Duffield parish, Derbyshire, England, in the good ship "Hopewell," in 1635. Ile died in 1678, aged 81 years. John Peet (2d) married Mary Morehouse in 1696 and they had three daugh-

ters and three sons, one of the latter being David Peet, who was born June 30, 1698. He was married to Mary Titherton, October 11. 1719. One of his sons, Samuel Peet, known as a hermit, devoted his life to the study of astronomical science. He married Sarah Wild- man. It was probably his brother, Lemuel Peet, who was the great-grandfather of Wil- liam L. Peet. He died in an old age at the home of his son, Alba Peet, in Berlin Town- ship. Delaware County.

Alba Peet. grandfather of William L., was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, and from there came to Franklin County, Ohio, accompanied by his father and his own family. This was about 1830, and he settled on a farm within two miles of Worthington, his near neighbor being Ossian Gardner, with whom he later became interested in the manu- facture of brick. For 15 years they did an extensive business for the time, and their product was used in the construction of many of the buildings in the heart of the present city of Columbus. Alba Peet resided near Worthington for about 20 years, when he sold his farm there and bought one situated in Ber- lin Township, four miles east of Delaware. There were 200 acres in this tract, very little of which had yet been cleared. Mr. Peet sold that farm 10 years later, after which he re- sided at Delaware, where he died in 1879. aged 84 years. He was a man of sterling character, strong in his convictions of right. Politically, he was an okl-time Democrat. He was married ( first) to Ilarriet Orton and four of their five children reached manhood, namely: William J .: Or ha (born in 1824, (lied in 1905), who married David Cronkel- ton, and left two children-Herman ( de- ceased ) and Helen M., who is the widow of Dr. Calvin Welch, of Delaware; and Frank- lin and Judd, both of whom are deceased. Alba Peet and wife were among the early members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in this section, and were most worthy people in every particular.

William J. Peet was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, and was twelve years old when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. Hle

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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY

remained at home until he was 21 years old. when he visited a section then seemingly on the western border of civilization-Wisconsin and Minnesota. After living there for eight years, he returned to Delaware, where he was married ( first ) to Pamela Halley. They had one daughter, Ida. who married a Mr. Thurs- ton and is since deceased.

Just prior to the Civil War, William J. Peet moved to Thompson Township and bought a farm to which he continued to add until he owned 221 acres. There he lived until he removed to Richwood, where he re- sided for a number of years before his death. In politics he was a Democrat and he took an important part in his township's affairs and served in the offices of trustee and treasurer. He was married ( secondly) to AAnna Welch. who was a daughter of Hiram Welch and they had three children, two of whom survive- Lester G., residing at Richwood, and William L. William J. Peet married for his third wife, Mrs. Melissa Evans, who still survives, at the age of 90 years.

William L. Peet continued to reside on the old homestead in Thompson Township until 1888, when he moved to Richwood. Ile mar- ried Lida Marriott, who is a daughter of J. P. Marriott, of Richwood, and they have two children: Harry E. born in 1881, and re- siding in Chicago, and Judd M., born in 1885. who is residing at home. Mrs. Peet is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which Mr. Peet gives liberal support. He was reared politically in the principles of the Democratic party and still votes for its candi- dates, but is never an active participant in political campaigns.

D EXTER N. DALTON, one of the highly esteemed citizens of Delaware Township, Delaware County, Ohio, who is carrying on general farming on an 82-acre tract, was born No- vember 3. 1835, in Bainbridge. Chenango County, New York, and is a son of Isaac and Eliza ( Miller) Dalton.

Isaac Dalton, who was also a native of New York, came to Ohio about 1845, and re- mained for a year or two in Delaware County. subsequently removing to Illinois, where he and his wife spent most of their lives. They had these children: Eveline and Adeline, the former of whom is deceased: Dexter N. ; Mar- garet, who is deceased ; James, who was born in Ohio; Mrs. Lorette Perry, who resides at Momence, Illinois ; and Mary.

Dexter N. Dalton was nine or ten years of age when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. and made the trip further West with them, but subsequently. when 15 years old, re- turned to Delaware County, where he lived until 22 years old, being engaged in farm work. He then again went West, where he farmed until 1863, in which year he enlisted in Company D. One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served about one year, being ill most of the time. After receiving an honorable discharge, Mr. Dalton went to Onarga, Illinois, where he made his home until 1902, in that year pur- chasing his present farm of 82 acres, where he carries on general farming. Mr. Dalton is also the owner of a fine tract of 134 acres in Oxford Township, which is being cultivated by his son, William D., as a general farm.

Mr. Dalton was married (first) to Ella M. Libhart, who was born in Michigan, and was the daughter of P. T. B. Libhart. Mrs. Dalton died in 1879, aged 28 years, having been the mother of eight children, of whom seven grew to maturity, as follows: Francis H., who assists his father on the home farm: Fred I., who lives in Illinois; Fannie J., who married Christian Thompson, a resident of Minnesota ; William D., of Oxford Township : Fletcher L., who lives in Montana ; Floyd A., who also resides in Montana; and Ferdinand O., who is deceased. Charles A., died in in- fancy. Mr. Dalton was married, secondly, to Sarah J. Johnson. Mrs. Dalton is a member of the Congregational faith, but for convenience attends the Methodist Episcopal Church with her husband. He is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic Post at Onarga, Illi- nois.

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K IMBALL SEDGWICK, secretary and manager of the Sunbury Co-operative Creamery Company, at Sunbury, Ohio, was born in this place, July 17. 1862, and is a son of William S. and Irene ( Kimball ) Sedgwick.

The father of Mr. Sedgwick was formerly a minister in the Baptist Church and became State superintendent of Sunday schools for that body for the State of Kentucky. He was born May 24. 1836. was reared at Duncan Falls, Ohio, and died in Kentucky. Septem- ber 20. 1866. He was married to Irene Kim- ball. September 25. 1861. She contracted a second marriage, with the late George Arm- strong, who died January 29, 1886. Of the first marriage there were two children-Kim- hall and George. The latter was accidentally killed on the railroad, when 16 years old. Of the second marriage there was one son- Charles O., who resides with his mother in Sunbury, and who, since 1894. has been assist- ant cashier of the Farmers' Bank, of this place.

Kimball Sedgwick obtained his education in the schools of Sunbury and took a business course in a commercial college at Cleveland. Ohio. When 16 years of age he became a clerk in a dry goods store at Sunbury and when 22 years old he conducted a dry goods and grocery business, in which he continued to be interested for 15 years.

Mr. Sedgwick was married in February. 1884. to Sarah Louise Brown, who was born in Lake County, Ohio, and who is a daughter of Watson H. and Sarah ( Armstrong ) Brown. They have three children, namely: George. Elizabeth and Roland. In politics he is a Re- publican. He is a Mason and a member of the Eastern Star.

On the death of Joseph Kimball (his uncle ), who was prominently identified with the Sunbury Co-operative Creamery Company. Mr. Sedgwick sold out his mercantile interests and became secretary and manager of this concern which has been organized since Janu- ary 28, 1892. by the farmers and citizens of this vicinity. For II years, the late Joseph H. Kimball was secretary and manager, and the late Otis 11. Kimball, formerly president of

the Farmers' Bank, was treasurer for 12 years.

This enterprise has proved profitable from the start. Milk to the amount of 2,298 pounds was received May 2, 1892, with 22 patrons. A steady growth has followed and in the month of July. 1907, the amount of milk re- ceived was 1,927,106 pounds and the amount of butter produced was 110,000 pounds, with 1.034 patrons. In 1907 the vast sum of $223,- 000 was paid out to farmers. In 1901 the creamery commenced establishing skimming stations and they now have them at Cheshire. Condit. Centervillage. Eden and Marino, embracing territory of about 15 miles radius. Their products are shipped to lead- ing points, and they have no second quality. The officers of the company are: L. James Wilson, president : William D. Miller, vice- president : C. O. Armstrong, treasurer, and Kimball Sedgwick, secretary and manager. The board of directors is made up of the fol- lowing leading citizens: James Cockrell. Jas- per Boyd. John Landin, Edwin .Phillips, Samuel Rosecrans, L. James Wilson and Wil- liam D. Miller, the most of whom have been in office since the establishment of the busi- ness. During the year 1906-07, there has been erected a modern, fire-proof plant, built ac- cording to sanitary principles, that is not ex- celled in any way by any other in the coun- try. The plant has cost about $30,000, and the location covers three and a half acres. The business is conducted with farmers on a strictly co-operative plan. It is one of the most prosperous industries of Delaware County.

HARLES C. MILLER. In naming the progressive men of Delaware County, Ohio, mention shoukl be made of the late Charles C. Miller. a leading agriculturist and business man, in whose death Delaware Township lost one of its most highly esteemed citizens. Mr. Miller was born in Delaware Township. Dela- ware County, Ohio. November 8. 1852, and

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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY

was a son of Henry and Angeline ( Brower ) Miller.

Henry Miller, who was a mason by trade. carried on that occupation for many years in connection with farming in Delaware Town- ship, where his death occurred. He married Angeline Brower, and they had three children, two of whom grew to maturity: Sarah, who is the widow of Enos Houser. of Berlin Town- ship; and Charles C.

Charles C. Miller received his education in the common schools, supplemented by a course at business college, after leaving which he returned to the home farm, and there spent the remainder of his lite. The tract, which origin- ally consisted of 300 acres, now comprises 167 acres, and was operated by Mr. Miller's widow until 1903, who erected a fine barn in 1899. the house having been built by Mr. Miller. He carried on general farming and raised cattle. sheep and hogs, and in addition thereto was engaged in the hardware business at Delaware from 1889 until his death, which occurred De- cember 20, 1892. Although popular in his community, a leading Democrat, and often urged to accept public office. Mr. Miller would never consent to do so. Fraternally he was connected with Lenape Lodge, No. 29. Knights of Pythias of Delaware. He was a member of the Reformed Church, of which he was a dea- con for many years.

On August 10, 1876. Mr. Miller was mar- ried to Anna H. Jennings, who is the daugh- ter of Sylvester Thrap Jennings. Sylvester T. Jennings was born October 6, 1811, and died March 2. 1862. Hle was married (first) to Charity Scott, who was born December 2. 1814. and died February 21, 1850. (); the children of this marriage two are living : Mrs. Mary E. Williamson, of Kilbourn, Ohio; and Edward. who resides at Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. Jennings was married ( secondly ) to . Ange- line ( Carr ) Smart, who was born January 1. 1810, and who died January 5. 1870. There were four children born to this union, three of whom grew to maturity, namely : Martha. born July 7. 1857, who married Gideon Lig- gett ( deceased ), and lives at Delaware : Anna H .. and Robert Elmer, who is now deceased.

Mrs. Miller was born and reared about one mile from where she now resides. She attended the common schools and High School. and after graduating from the latter taught school for a short time. She and her hus- band had three children, one of whom sur- vives-Elmer C., born January 19, 1885. who carries on the home farm, being engaged in general farming. Mrs. Miller and her son are members of the Presbyterian Church.

HE UNION HANDLE AND MAN- UFACTURING COMPANY, which is the largest business concern in the village of Ashley, was established July 1, 1905, and gives employment to 40 men. They manufacture iarm and garden tool handles, wagon stock, wood spe- cialties, and bending materials, and ship their goods to all parts of the United States and Canada: some of their goods go to foreign countries, also. Plans have recently been completed for a 40-foot addition to the pres- ent building and machinery purchased for the manufacturing of wood "D" scoop and spade handles, this addition to be completed and in operation within Go days.

H. D. Hale, who is manager of the Union llandle and Manufacturing Company, was born October 19, 1865. in Arcadia, Hancock County, Ohio, and is a son of Thomas J. and Mary ( Miller ) Hlale. This branch of the Ilale family, who originally came from the East. are an old and well known family in Hancock County, and are blood relation to Senator Hale, and also to Nathan Ilale.

Mr. Ilale was reared and grew to manhood on a farm in Hancock County, and when about 23 years old engaged in a general saw-mill business at Arcadia. He continued in this business with much success for a period of seven years, when he was burned out, subse- quently removing to Mt. Vernon, where he was again engaged in the same business for about one and a half years. Ile then went to Center- burg and for a time dealt in lumber and wagon materials; thence to Columbus, Ohio, where

CHARLES KOHLER

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he continued to deal in lumber for five years. after which he sold out and came to AAshley. At one time he was engaged for three years as wood-handle buyer for the Geneva Tool Com- pany, and was also interested in plants at Cir- cleville, and Marysville, as well as operating a factory in Delaware where the Mckenzie Lumber Plant is now located. Upon locating in Ashley in 1905. Mr. Hale established his prosent business, the Union Handle and Man- ufacturing Company, which is the most exten- sive business concern in this community.

Mr. Hale was united in marriage. March. 1888; to Emma Wells, of which union there were born four children-Flossie M., Ethel L. Paul E., and Fred W. Politically, Mr. Hale is a Republican and has held various township offices. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Bucyrus, and of the Knights of Pythias of Arcadia.

HARLES KOHLER, a veteran of the Civil War and a well known farmer of Oxford Township. now living in retirement in the village of Ashley, was born November 29. 1832. in York County, Pennsylvania. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth ( Morningdoy- ler ) Kohler, who were the parents of 12 chil- dren.

Henry Kohler was also a native of York County, Pennsylvania, and never resided in Ohio. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and during his early days was a weaver by trade. He also operated a shad fishery for about twenty years, and owned a farm, which his son Charles operated.

Charles Kohler was reared on his father's farm in York County, Pennsylvania, and re- ceived his education in the township schools. He remained at home until 24 years of age. when he came to Oxford Township. Delaware County, and resided with his brother-in-law. John MeCurdy, until his marriage, when he purchased a tract of 50 acres in Oxford Town- ship, and started to housekeeping in a log house on that place. lle subsequently increased his

farm to no acres, and later bought 50 more acres, which he gave to a daughter. lle has since added 40 acres to the home farm on which his son now resides, and continued liv- ing there until 1900 when he came to Ashley and purchased a home. He made all of the improvements on the farm and partly cleared it. Mr. Kohler was a carpenter by trade and during his early days devoted much of his time to that work. In September, 1862, Mr. Kohler enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry. in Ashley, and was mustered in at Delaware and served for three years, until the close of the war. He served in the Central Arms under General George H. Thomas, and was in all of the battles of the Army of the Cum- berland, and afterwards was with General Sherman's forces on the march to the sea. . \t the close of the war he remained at Wash- ington for three weeks, and participated in the Grand Review. He was discharged and mus- tered out at Columbus.

Mr. Kohler was married December 20. 1866, to Phoebe Whipple, a daughter of Noah and Margaret ( Elliott ) Whipple, and a sister of F. E. Whipple. Mrs. Kohler was born in Peru Township, Morrow County, now Dela- ware, and attended the old log school houses of Brown and Peru Townships. She recalls the building of the Big Four Railroad through here and saw the first train go through. The farmers volunteered assistance in its construc- tion, and she often carried dinner to her father when he worked on it. Mr. and Mrs. Kohler had two children-Louie Gertrude and Frank Noah. The former was born February 10. 1868, married Frank P. Barton and lived on a farm adjoining that of her father. She died June 21, 1898, leaving one son, Charles Fred- erick Barton. The son, Frank Noah, was born October 22, 1870. and has always lived on the home place. Ile married Maude Raines and has four children-Thelma Lucille. Harry Wallace, Merle Marie and Ruth Esther.

Politically, Mr. Kohler is a Republican. and has served as constable and supervisor. He was formerly a member of Coomer Post. G. A. R., of Ashley.

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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY

HE FARMERS SAVINGS BANK COMPANY, of AAshley, was estab- lished in business February 9, 1905, with a capital stock of $25,000. Mr. F. E. Whipple being the first presi- dent of that institution and Mr. B. A. Durkee, cashier. serving as such until January 1. 1907, when the following officers were elected : W. Slack, president ; T. J. Cole, vice-president ; F. E. Whipple, cashier : and J. F. Riley, assistant cashier. The directors of the bank are all well known business men, as follows: W. Slack, T. J. Cole, J. F. Wilt, H. Blair, Isaac Clark, B. F. McMaster, and R. D. Mc- Gonigle.

The Farmers Savings Bank Company erected a fine two-story brick building, the second floor being occupied by the Masonic Lodge, the main Hoor consisting of three store rooms and the bank.

6 EORGE ARMSTRONG, who was born at Sunbury. Ohio, May 26, 1843. died at Ellsworth, Kansas, January 29. 1880.

The late George Armstrong was educated in the Sunbury schools and Dela- ware University. On April 16, 1861, he en- listed for service in the Civil War, entering Company C, Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volun- teer Infantry. This regiment was connected with the Army of the Cumberland, and Mr. Armstrong served as a faithful soldier, being promoted from the ranks to be corporal of his company, until he was honorably discharged. in August, 1865. After the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic, he became identified with it. He was a member of the Baptist Church and served on its Board of Deacons. In politics he was a Republican. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity.

The parents of the late George Armstrong were Charles and Elizabeth ( Slocum) Arm- strong. They were born in Pennsylvania and came to Delaware County, Ohio, and Charles Armstrong bought a farm near Sunbury. on which he died in 1870. His wife died in (

1897. at the home of her granddaughter. Mrs. Kimball Sedgwick. in Sunbury. For two termis he served as treasurer of Delaware County. Of his HI children, his son George was the fourth in order of birth.

George Armstrong was married ( first ) April 3. 1867. to Emily Kimball, who died .April 27, 1875. Two children of that mar- riage survive-Burt D., residing at Delaware. Ohio; and Mabel, who married V. E. Bre- voort. Mr. Brevoort is engaged in business at Columbus. Mr. Armstrong was married ( secondly) May 24. 1876, to Mrs. Irene ( Kimball) Sedgwick. A son, Charles O. Armstrong, is assistant cashier of the Sunbury Farmer's Bank. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Marion County, Ohio. September 21, 1843, and is a daughter of Elias and Irene A. ( Ticknor ) Kimball, natives of Lebanon, New Hampshire, who came to Marion County, Ohio, in 1839. Elias Kimball was a merchant, and in 1844 he engaged in a general mercan- tile business at Sunbury, which he continued until 1864. At that time he practically re- tired, but resumed business activity in 1872, when he became one of the organizers of the Sunbury Bank, of which he was the first president, remaining such until his death, De- cember 23, 1872.

ILLIAM ZIEGLER, a member of the board of trustees of Troy Township. is a leading citizen of this section and resides on his valuable farm of 114 acres, which he has under an excellent state of cultivation. Ile was born in Delaware Township. Dela- ware County, Ohio, March 30, 1861, and is a son of Frederick and Sarah ( Biber ) Ziegler.

Frederick Ziegler was also born in Dela- ware County and still survives, being a resi- dent of Berlin Township. His father, Reuben Ziegler, was born in Berks County, Pennsyl- vania, and came to Delaware County and Township, at a very early day. Frederick Ziegler married Sarah Biber and they had seven children, namely : William; Anna, who

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married Clay Walker, residing in Missouri ; Frederick, who resides at Marshall, Arkansas ; Alice, residing in Berlin Township; Luther, a resident of the State of Missouri: Edward, residing in Troy Township, and John, who resides in Delaware County. Aiter many years of residence in Delaware County, Fred- erick Ziegler went to Missouri, but in the spring of 1907, he settled in Berlin Town- ship. He is a Democrat. For many years he has been a worthy member of the Lutheran Church.

William Ziegler was reared in Delaware Township and there attended the public schools. He has always found his chief in- terest in farming and has been very success- ful in his agricultural operations. In 1902 he came to Troy Township, having resided for some years previously in Marlborough Town- ship. Since settling here he has become iden- tified with the public affairs of the township to such a degree that he was elected a mem- ber of the Board of Trustees and is making a useful official.

Mr. Ziegler married Attie Schneck, who is a daughter of Thomas Schneck, of Troy Township, and they have had the following children : Clyde C., Karl. Otto, Harry, Lowell. Clara B. and Florence. Mr. Ziegler, with his family. belongs to the Lutheran Church at Delaware. In politics, he is a Dem- oerat.

ELLINGTON SLACK, president of the Farmers' Savings Bank Com- pany of Ashley, was born on the old home farm which he now owns, September 22, 1854. He is a son of Seth and Sarah ( Dodd) Slack, and a grandson of Ralph and Margaret (Riley) Slack.

Ralph Slack, the grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania. February 17. 1777. and about 1895 moved west to Franklin County. Ohio. Some time after he located in Berkshire Town- ship. Delaware County, and about 1815 came to Oxford Township, and obtained from the

State a tract of land which now forms the southeast part of the village of Ashley. This he later sold off in small parcels. He lived here until his death in 1855. He married Margaret Riley, who was born in Virginia in 1783, and was brought to Ohio by her par- ents in 1800. She died in Ashley, September 1, 1846.

Seth Slack, father of Wellington, was born on the old home place in Oxford Town- ship. June 6, 1819, and died December 25, 1880. He lived on his father's farm until 1854, when he moved to the farm which the subject of this sketch now owns, and in 1868 erected the first brick house built in this vi- einity. He was a prosperous and successful man. He married Sarah Dodd, who was born in Milton. Delaware, Angust 7, 1822, and is a daughter of Thomas and Eunice ( Lane) Dodd. She now makes her home with her son, Wellington. She is the mother of the fol- lowing children: Albert L., of Greencamp, Marion County ; Thomas C., who lives in Rus- sylvania, Logan County, Ohio: Margaret (Hyatt), who died in 1900 in Fowa: Charles O., who lives south of Ashley; Maney, wife of Monroe Marsh, who lives in North Okla- homa; Wellington, subject of this article : Elizabeth, who married T. W. Lee, of Ox- ford Township; and Eunice, who died in 1887 unmarried. Seth Slack was a Republican in politics and served as township trustee for some years.

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Century history of Delaware County, Ohio and representative citizens 20th, Part 104

Author: Lytle, James Robert, 1841- [from old catalog] ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 926

Author: Lytle, James Robert, 1841- [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 926